Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $4,900
High-end/Boutique
$200
$601+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
Discover the exquisite craftsmanship of the Santa Cruz OM Pre-War, a steel-string acoustic guitar that beautifully marries vintage allure with modern precision. Inspired by the golden era of guitar building, this instrument is a testament to the rich heritage of the pre-WWII era, featuring advanced X-bracing that delivers an unrivaled resonance and clarity. The Santa Cruz OM Pre-War is designed for musicians who crave a warm, articulate sound with a touch of historical charm.
Handcrafted by skilled luthiers, this guitar boasts a carefully selected combination of tonewoods that enhance its sonic depth and sustain. The OM body shape ensures a balanced tonal output, making it perfect for fingerstyle playing or strumming. Its sleek neck design offers comfortable playability, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly across the fretboard.
Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Santa Cruz OM Pre-War stands as an exceptional choice for guitarists seeking both aesthetic beauty and superb sound quality. Let this remarkable instrument be your companion on your musical journey, and experience the harmonious blend of past and present.
Key Features:
- Advanced X-bracing for enhanced resonance
- Handcrafted with select tonewoods
- Balanced OM body shape
- Ideal for fingerstyle and strumming
- Comfortable neck design for easy playability
Product specs
| Brand | Santa Cruz |
| Model | OM Pre-War |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | OM and Auditorium Acoustic Guitars |
| Active Preamp | No |
| Back Material | Rosewood |
| Body Shape | Orchestra |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup | None |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Sides Material | Rosewood |
| String Type | Steel |
| Top Material | Spruce |
FAQs
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What type of sound can I expect from the Santa Cruz OM Pre-War guitar?
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The Santa Cruz OM Pre-War offers a balanced tonal profile with rich, warm lows from the rosewood back and sides, and clear, articulate highs from the spruce top. It's well-suited for fingerstyle and flatpicking, providing a versatile sound ideal for various genres.
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Is the Santa Cruz OM Pre-War suitable for live performances?
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The Santa Cruz OM Pre-War does not come with a built-in pickup, so for live performances, an external microphone or pickup system would be necessary to amplify its sound effectively.
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How does the Santa Cruz OM Pre-War compare to other OM-style guitars?
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The Santa Cruz OM Pre-War is known for its exceptional craftsmanship and vintage-inspired tone, making it stand out among OM-style guitars. Its combination of spruce and rosewood provides a classic sound with modern playability, appealing to both collectors and professional musicians.
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What is the neck profile like on the Santa Cruz OM Pre-War?
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The Santa Cruz OM Pre-War features a comfortable neck profile that facilitates smooth playability, making it suitable for both fingerstyle and strumming techniques. The ebony fretboard adds to the smooth playing experience.
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Is the Santa Cruz OM Pre-War guitar suitable for beginners?
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While the Santa Cruz OM Pre-War offers exceptional sound and build quality, its premium craftsmanship and price point may be more suitable for experienced players or collectors rather than beginners.
Videos
Carter Vintage Backstage
Santa Cruz OM Pre-War Sunburst, Fiddleback Mahogany & Adirondack Spruce | Carl Miner
Reviews
PROS
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Spot-on intonation and playability enhance performance
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Full, rich tone with strong bass and beautiful mids and trebles
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Excellent note and string distinctiveness
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Large sound projection despite OM body size
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Comparable to a mint condition vintage model at a fraction of the price
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Hand-made craftsmanship based on a 1929 pre-war Martin design
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Open, resonant, and clear sound quality
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Perfect for small venues without amplification
CONS
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Santa Cruz OM Pre-War.
Setup and maintenance
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Swapping bridge pins to mammoth ivory and using Santa Cruz low tension strings significantly improved tone and playability.
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Cleaning the guitar and allowing it to acclimate in the home environment can improve sound over time.
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Sponge humidifiers (D'Addario) paired with a small Bluetooth hygrometer are recommended for humidity control in arid environments, avoiding mold and mineral dust issues.
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Mods and upgrades
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Switching from plastic to bone bridge pins is a recommended, cost-effective modification to enhance sound quality.
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User experience
Comparisons
Value and pricing
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Purchasing used boutique models like Collings or Bourgeois can provide significant savings, as they're often priced around $3,000 to $5,000.
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Use cases and applications
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Users who flatpick and fingerpick with natural nails find the OM size and longer scale length beneficial for a balanced tone and dynamic range.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
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