Santa Cruz Vintage Jumbo

This is a used SCGC VJ that I aquired through a complex trade. It has a vintage sunburst glos finish on a mahogany body. No electronics, 14 fret, slope shouldered body much like a Gibson J45. Nice Waverly butterbean style tuners. I think this is a beautiful guitar for "what it is", i.e., a vintage style guitar modeled after the Gibsons from 60 years ago.

I picked this guitar up and played it at a bluegrass festival and knew within two minutes that I had to have it. Big booming bass and remarkable balance for a bigger guitar. Perhaps the nicest sounding acoustic I have owned...and I have owned some nice ones.

Everything is quite well built and designed, although this should be expected on a guitar of this price. There is a bit of laquer checking as this is an older SCGC, however this adds to the vintage effect. The action is medium which probably helps account for the remarkable loudness of this guitar. I may eventually lower it as I play mainly fingerstyle.

Very solidly built. I have no concern about the durability. It is very light though, despite being a Jumbo.

I have called SCGC several times and surprisingly the phone is often answered by Richard Hoover, the owner. He is very friendly and helpful, answering all questions I had. That's pretty cool in my book.

I have been playing for 35 years and have owned a number of fine guitars. I also own a Larrivee Pete Anderson model which I love. I have also owned and played Martins and Taylors. I generally have loved all the guitars that I have owned, otherwise I wouldn't have aquired them in the first place. I have kept the same wife for damn near 20 years so I figure that guitars are my secret lovers and I can still "play the field" here without too much guilt, although admittedly I do drive my wife crazy with my guitar lust. The thing I love most about this SCGC VJ is, without question, the booming sound. I also think it is a very beautiful guitar if you like the "vintage look" of an older Gibson with a nice sunburst (which I do!).