Founded in 1976 by luthier Richard Hoover in Santa Cruz, California, the Santa Cruz Guitar Company is a boutique manufacturer of handcrafted steel-string acoustic guitars. Hoover, who learned his craft from Bruce McGuire and Jim Patterson in the late 1960s, started the company alongside investors Bruce Ross and William Davis, later buying out Ross in 1989. The small workshop produces roughly 500 to 700 guitars per year with a team of about 22 luthiers, positioning itself firmly in the high-end acoustic market.

Santa Cruz is best known for its dreadnought and OM-style acoustics, with signature models for bluegrass legend Tony Rice and country artist Brad Paisley. The Tony Rice Model, introduced as a standard offering in 1981, is based on Rice's own Martin D-28 and remains one of the most iconic flattop guitars in bluegrass. Other well-known models include the D, the H, the FTC, the 1929 Series, and the Firefly. Beyond standard steel-string guitars, the company also builds acoustic bass guitars, baritone guitars, and ukuleles. Players associated with the brand include Elvis Costello, Ben Harper, Robert Plant, Don Edwards, and Lloyd Cole.

The company is recognized for its emphasis on tonewoods and environmental responsibility, using both reclaimed and responsibly harvested wood. Each guitar offers extensive customization options including choice of tonewoods such as cocobolo, ziricote, and Brazilian rosewood, as well as custom neck profiles, inlays, and voicing. Santa Cruz guitars are widely regarded as some of the finest steel-string acoustics available, prized for their resonance and complexity of overtones.

Santa Cruz has 39 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Steel-string Acoustic Guitars, Strings, and Acoustic-Electric Guitars. Their gear is featured by 15 artists, with the strongest followings in Rock, Folk, World, & Country, and Pop. Notable users include Eric Clapton, Eric Skye, and Brad Paisley. Most Santa Cruz products sit firmly in the high-end, boutique range.