Product: Santa Cruz OM-42
Price Paid: N/A
Submitted
05/27/2006
at
09:31am
by
AllThumbs
Features
:
10
2005 Santa Cruz OM-42. Brazillian rosewood sides/ back, Adirondack top. What can I say - this guitar's features are the dream of 98% of all guitarists. The Braz sides and Adi top are rated "AAAA" and it looks like "6A" material - beyond outstanding. Everything else first class. Typical 24.4" scale length. This guitar uses the SC 18-to-1 tuners. They are OK but I prefer the Waverly feel. Also I wish the string spacing a the bridge was 2-1/4" versus 2-3/16". I'm getting use to the string spacing and OK with a pick. The neck profile I love (gentle V). The include TKL guitar case was a disappointment as well. Santa Cruz is now offering a better case (for additional money) as an option. I am 100% delighted in the guitar though.
Sound
:
9
Talk about warm sound - this guitar has more than it's share. May not be appropriate for all situations but I like. When new (7 months ago) the low E string seemed slightly muted and the upper two unwound strings a bit harsh. Since that time the low E is becoming more pronounced. The harshness of the upper strings is better as well. It may take a few more years for the Adi top to mature. This guitar can get loud as well but have to watch the unwound strings as they get screechy at double forte while the unwounds are fine. The sound have many years of maturity ahead before being optimal. Santa Cruz did a great job of tuning the top. They were looking ahead to when the top break in. I giving the rating of 9 as the sound may not be for all and it has I way to go before being optimal. I am really happy with it.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
Setup was great. If it was not the dealer said bring it back and they would adjust it for my tastes. Fit and finish outstanding. Santa Cruz can build a great looking guitar.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
Everything is first class on this model. With proper care the guitar should last a long, long time.
Customer Support
:
9
I'm giving this section an 9 rating as I have E-mailed Santa Cruz on occasions and never got a reply. People have stated that the telephone is best way to contact Santa Cruz and they bend over backward to satisfy you. I think Santa Cruz will be there for me if I need a warranty issue resolved. I'm not worried about that.
Overall Rating
:
10
I can not look at a new shigh end Martin guitar with a straight face. Martin wants way to much money for a guitar that is just assembled. Santa Cruz on the other hand takes time to tune the top before assembly. I believe this results is way less variation of sound between models. Nope, no more new Martins for me... The Santa Cruz's are built the way Martin should be making them. A comparable model bought from Martin would cost $4000.00 (and up) more. So the SC was a no brainer for me.
