Crafted in collaboration with the legendary flatpicker Tony Rice, the Santa Cruz Tony Rice model is a testament to the art of acoustic guitar making. This guitar captures the essence of pre-war dreadnoughts, not as a replica, but as a modern reinterpretation that honors the spirit of those iconic instruments. With its precise note separation, resonant bass, and soaring highs, this model is engineered for musicians seeking a rich, balanced sound perfect for flatpicking and beyond.

The Santa Cruz Tony Rice features a gorgeous Sitka Spruce top paired with lush Indian Rosewood back and sides, a combination that delivers a sonic experience both powerful and nuanced. Designed with the direct input of Tony Rice himself, this guitar melds tradition and innovation, providing a unique voice that stands out in any musical setting. Whether you’re strumming or picking, the dynamic range and clarity of this instrument offer an unparalleled platform for your musical expression.

Key Features:

• Collaborative design with Tony Rice
• Sitka Spruce top
• Indian Rosewood back and sides
• Superior note separation and tonal balance
• Ideal for flatpicking and versatile playing styles

Product specs

FAQs

What makes the Santa Cruz Tony Rice guitar unique compared to other dreadnoughts?

The Santa Cruz Tony Rice is distinguished by its exceptional craftsmanship and high-quality materials, including a spruce top and rosewood back and sides, providing a rich, resonant tone. Its design is inspired by the legendary guitarist Tony Rice, offering a classic sound ideal for bluegrass and flatpicking.

Is the Santa Cruz Tony Rice suitable for fingerstyle playing?

While primarily designed for flatpicking and bluegrass, the Santa Cruz Tony Rice's responsive tonewoods and balanced sound make it versatile enough for fingerstyle playing, though it truly shines in genres requiring strong projection and clarity.

What type of strings does the Santa Cruz Tony Rice guitar use?

The Santa Cruz Tony Rice is designed for steel strings, which contribute to its bright, powerful sound. Players often choose medium-gauge strings to enhance the guitar's projection and tonal depth.

Does the Santa Cruz Tony Rice come with a pickup system?

No, the Santa Cruz Tony Rice does not come with a built-in pickup system, as it is designed to deliver optimal acoustic performance. Players seeking amplification can consider installing an external pickup or using a microphone.

How does the Santa Cruz Tony Rice's body shape affect its sound?

The dreadnought body shape of the Santa Cruz Tony Rice provides a bold and powerful sound with excellent projection, making it ideal for ensemble playing and genres like bluegrass where volume and clarity are essential.