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Description

Discover the essence of blues with the Santa Cruz Otis Taylor Chicago, a steel-string acoustic guitar crafted to embody the soulful storytelling of its namesake. This collaboration between Santa Cruz Guitar Company and renowned blues musician Otis Taylor offers a distinctive blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern playability. Designed for musicians who appreciate the nuanced soundscape of blues, this guitar delivers a rich tonal palette with a focus on midrange clarity and resonance.

The signature bracing pattern is a standout feature, allowing the guitar to produce a powerful, balanced sound that projects well in any performance setting. Crafted with a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, the Otis Taylor Chicago offers an incredible dynamic range, responding beautifully whether you play with gentle fingerpicking or aggressive strumming. The mahogany neck provides a comfortable grip and smooth playability, ensuring ease of movement across the fretboard.

Beyond its musical capabilities, this guitar boasts exquisite craftsmanship, with attention to detail evident in its meticulously inlaid rosette and elegant binding. It's not just an instrument; it's a piece of art that invites you to explore new musical narratives.

Key Features:

  • Solid spruce top for enhanced sound projection
  • Mahogany back and sides for a warm, rich tone
  • Signature bracing pattern for balanced sound
  • Mahogany neck for smooth playability
  • Inlaid rosette and elegant binding for aesthetic appeal
  • Designed in collaboration with blues musician Otis Taylor

Product specs

Brand Santa Cruz
Model Otis Taylor Chicago
Made In United States
Categories Concert Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape Concert
Fretboard Material Ebony
Number of Frets 14
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What is the tonal characteristic of the Santa Cruz Otis Taylor Chicago guitar?

The Santa Cruz Otis Taylor Chicago guitar offers a warm and balanced tone, thanks to its mahogany back and sides paired with a spruce top. This combination provides rich bass, clear mids, and articulate trebles, making it suitable for a variety of musical styles.

Is the Santa Cruz Otis Taylor Chicago suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the concert body shape and the ebony fretboard of the Santa Cruz Otis Taylor Chicago make it well-suited for fingerstyle playing, offering a comfortable playing experience and clear note articulation.

Does the Santa Cruz Otis Taylor Chicago come with a built-in pickup?

No, the Santa Cruz Otis Taylor Chicago does not come with a built-in pickup, making it ideal for players who prefer pure acoustic sound or those who plan to use external microphones for amplification.

What materials are used for the Santa Cruz Otis Taylor Chicago's construction?

The Santa Cruz Otis Taylor Chicago is constructed with a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and an ebony fretboard, providing a combination of durability and a rich, resonant sound.

How many frets does the Santa Cruz Otis Taylor Chicago have?

The Santa Cruz Otis Taylor Chicago features 14 frets, which is typical for concert-style acoustic guitars, allowing for a range of playability up the neck.

Peghead Nation

Peghead Nation

Santa Cruz Otis Taylor Chicago Demo from Peghead Nation

Video thumbnail for Santa Cruz Otis Taylor Chicago Demo from Peghead Nation by Peghead Nation

Santa Cruz Otis Taylor Chicago Demo from Peghead Nation

Peghead Nation

Peghead Nation

Video thumbnail for Santa Cruz Otis Taylor Chicago Guitar by Heartbreaker Guitars

Santa Cruz Otis Taylor Chicago Guitar

Heartbreaker Guitars

Heartbreaker Guitars

Reviews

Critic Reviews

Otis Taylor Chicago Model Review | Santa Cruz Guitar Company

santacruzguitar.com

The Santa Cruz Otis Taylor Chicago model is a solid offering with an all-mahogany body, sharing lineage with the 1929 series. It delivers a bluesy growl and versatile voice, versatile in fingerstyle and flatpicking formats. However, its limited fretting up to the 14th fret might not appeal to all players. While the guitar pays homage to Otis Taylor’s style, its niche design may not suit everyone. Overall, it shines for specific blues enthusiasts but may not be a universal crowd-pleaser.

Santa Cruz Otis Taylor Signature Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Santa Cruz Otis Taylor Chicago impresses with its breathtaking craftsmanship and resonant voice. This small-bodied guitar is a powerhouse, offering a rich, warm tone that stands out in standard and drop tunings. The clean design, with minimal ornamentation, reflects a blend of tradition and modern elegance. The custom-dyed Italian spruce top and Madagascar rosewood sides provide a striking aesthetic. However, its unique design choice of stopping the frets at the 14th position might not suit those needing more range. At an MSRP of $6905, it's a premium choice for those seeking a compact guitar with a big sound.

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