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Santa Cruz fretboard radius
Hi all,
I just got a Santa Cruz OM from 2003 in the mail. Unfortunately it will have to go back due to a required neck reset, but I have to say - DANG is this thing comfy! I can narrow this down to a few factors: 1. There are low tension strings on it (Heritage Newtone 12s) which make fretting really easy 2. the fingerboard radius, which is quite rounded compared to my Froggy Bottom. It seems also even rounder than my Goodall. This guitar is really easy to fret and barre. I guess this is partially due to the lower tension strings, but I think it's also the smaller radius on the curve. Does anyone know the standard radius used on Santa Cruz OMs in the early 2000s? According to what I could find online, the standard seems to be 14". 3. The neck profile is really nice. I always thought that V shaped necks weren't for me, but this is really nice. It's quite shallow, but it fits my hand just right. I also really like how the edges are rounded over so there isn't an abrupt transition to the fretboard - really nice for wrapping thumb around to fret bass notes. 4. The guitar just seems friendly - It's smaller than my other guitars, but more than that all the edges are nicely rounded and soft. It really is a joy to hold. Back to the fretboard radius: I am in the process of custom ordering a Froggy Bottom model K and have specified a wider 1 13/16" neck with a 16" fingerboard radius. Micheal Millard cautioned me away from going all the way to 14", but if I think back at the guitar necks that I have found most comfortable, they have been Santa Cruz and Bourgeois. If my internet research is correct, both of these have 14" radii. Can anyone confirm that? Thanks to all, Brian |
#2
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What is the nut width and string spacing on that Santa Cruz? I guess I'm asking, have you played a 14" radius neck of the same width and string spacing as the guitar you are having built?
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#3
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Quote:
Thanks, Tommy |
#4
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Yes, SCGC uses a 14” radius. I’ve had this conversation with them.
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#5
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....the Santa Cruz necks are the biggest reason that I tend to favor their guitars...I have had at least a half dozen different overall neck profiles on the 8 SC guitars I have owned but I have really liked all of them....must be that fretboard radius...
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#6
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IMO, Santa Cruz guitars just play easy. I recently joked with another member that I could play my two Santa Cruz dreads blindfolded with 2 broken fingers and I’d still sound good. All kidding aside, yes the necks are perfect, but it’s the sum of the parts. The light builds, the responsiveness, the super forgiving playability, and rich harmonics just make SC guitars a joy to own and play. I love them!
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Merrill | Martin | Collings | Gibson For Sale: 2023 Collings D2H 1 3/4 Nut, Adi Bracing, NTB -- $4250 shipped |
#7
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If I were getting a custom guitar made, I’d make/borrow/buy a radius guage and check the guitars I really like. Maybe your luthier has one you can borrow?
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More than a few Santa Cruz’s, a few Sexauers, a Patterson, a Larrivee, a Cumpiano, and a Klepper!! |
#8
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Thanks to all for the feedback! Brian |
#9
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You might find this interesting, if not something you would rely on:
https://www.thaliacapos.com/pages/fr...tar-make-model |
#10
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Quote:
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#11
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Quote:
Tommy |
#12
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Only reason I don’t own a froggy is the 20 ‘ radius , just can’t play it .
Collings has a great 14-18 compound radius, love bourgeois and Santa Cruz at 14. To me 14 is the perfect compromise , right in between martin and Gibson |
#13
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I am always hesitant to consider Santa Cruz because of neck set problems. I know they have corrected it now, but years ago, they had MAJOR problems with guitars needing neck resets in their first year
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mcw |
#14
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Make a gauge yourself:
http://pickguardian.com/wp-content/u...ius-Gauges.pdf There are other DIY templates similar this on the internet. |
#15
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Odd - Santa Cruz has always stood behind their guitars unfailingly, and I’ve never heard of a problem with one not getting corrected - but I have that same hesitation with Martin -
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More than a few Santa Cruz’s, a few Sexauers, a Patterson, a Larrivee, a Cumpiano, and a Klepper!! |