NGD -- Santa Cruz German/EIR OM

[brencat]

With proceeds from the recent sales of two dreads, I decided to take one more crack at an OM sized guitar and purchased this SCGC OM in German/EIR before the holidays. Except for the German top and multiple B/W/B/W/B top purfling in place of herringbone, the specs are standard (i.e. 1 ¾ nut, 2 3/16" string spacing, rounded mod-v neck, standard bracing & glue).

To be honest, I was reluctant to do a NGD given my lousy 1 for 5 track record with OMs over the past 4+ years (I'm mostly a dread guy). But after spending some time with this one, I think she’s a keeper.

Actually, it’s way better than that. This is just a phenomenal piece -- Mastergrade woods, fit and finish perfect, playability sublime. Vintage voiced with a nice deep bass that blooms into a rumble, endless chime and sustain, and a German top with so much character you think you’re hearing 3 guitars playing. The tone is full bodied and lush. This guitar is easily 2 or 3 notches better than the Collings OMs I’ve owned and played to date, and totally outclasses the Martin OM-28 Authentic I used to own for the same money.

Incredible.

Have a listen to Robinson playing it below (starts ~ 50 secs in, and ends ~ the 2:40 mark if you want to skip the talking). And as good as it sounds here, it’s even better in person. I've also added some additional SoundCloud recordings on page 2 of this thread.

Enjoy the photos too...

[min7b5]

Sweet

[BrunoBlack]

That's great Brendan. They make a nice pair. Looks like you found what you were looking for -- and then some.

[Kerbie]

Beautiful... congratulations! I think EIR/German makes for a very sweet, rich sound. I hope this one proves to be a keeper for you.

[jolli]

Beautiful! Congrats......

[SKYHIGH]

Congrats!!! beautiful!

[rumble]

Your OM sounds XX- large with very nice chime

[MikeInBethesda]

Awesome, congrats Brendan!

[Treenewt]

Brendan, that is a sweet guitar! I hope it sticks with you! I played my first SCGC OM (Sitka, EIR) this week and was very impressed, and I think yours is even better, spec wise. Congrats!

[caperrob]

What an absolutely stellar guitar!!! Congratulations!!

I would like to hear you playing it though. Cheers!!

[Methos1979]

Wow! That does sound awesome!! Congrats. I've said over and over that SCGC makes just incredible guitars. Big props coming from a guy experienced with Collings and Authentics.

[baimo]

Congratulations. I find Santa Cruz guitars to be most special. I owned a 000 12 fretter that looked very similar to yours with the exception of the 000 being a Slothead.
They are lightweight and finished beautifully..The dark EIR on your OM looks amazing. I am jealous and hope this one is a keeper. Enjoy it for many years.

[jdinco]

Holy Moly ! That's a stunner. Hope it works out for you. Congrats on a fine guitar.

[slopeshoulder]

Very nice indeedy! Congrats on fine guitar.

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Use it in good health, B.