Santa Cruz DH

Purchased new in '08, this Dread model has a sitka top, herringbone trim and mahogany back and sides. Open tuners referred to as S/C's generation 2, I believe they are Grover, but are to high standards.
The DH series differs from the Standard D which has a tapered bracing system and the D/PW which has scalloped forward shifted bracing. With the DH the bracing is double tapered with an extra scoop at the bass end. In that sense I suppose its almost a compromise between the two other options.The sitka top has even medium spaced grain and the mahagany grain looks almost computer reproduced, the grain is so even and straight with a medium stain. Gorgous geet.

Aged top tier woods are a SCGC standard and it certainly reflects in the volume. By far the loudest guitar I've played. The strings are very balanced, great note separation and no compromise of bass as a result of the creative bracing design. This guitar is versatile and can certainly cut through a group play with its volume and strong mids.It also responds well to a light touch as Herringbone trim encourages a more responsive top.

The action was setup to med high at my request and it came to me that way. In the year I've had it has been stable and held its setup specs despite the fact I live in an extreme climate. In fact the light S/C build holds up better than my L series Larrivee which is a heavy built, heavily braced guitar. The slight V neck is super fast. I've had no issues with any of the build features whatsoever and it plays out at least a few times a month.

Like the Nitro finish a lot, while Poly might be tougher, Nitro can easily be repaired. I put a couple of finish chips in but found them easy to repair as the new Nitro blended perfectly and buffed out nicely.
I use it without a backup and have never broken an EJ17 string.
Just got keep an eye on it when I play out as I've heard some envious comments and detected a few longing stares.

Has a lifetime warranty as a new purchase. My only contact with the company was a phone call to get instructions on repairing the finich chip. The fellow on the phone laid out step by step procedures, cracked a few jokes and then introduced himself as Richard Hoover, the owner and president of the company. How cool is that! The SCGC forum has a thread where questions can be posted and to which Richard provides a timely response. I truly believe this company takes care of its customers better than most.

I will be soon be placing an order for a second S/C...likely their VA model. I am so smitten by the DH that I wont consider another builder for a reasonably priced custom. The fact you see so few of these for resale says something about owner satisfaction.