Santa Cruz

“SCGC’s OM Grand is a bigger, lusher, louder sister to their extremely popular OM model.  In comparison, the OM Grand embodies the same elegance, only in increased quantity of volume, projection and bass.”  – From the Santa Cruz Website.

Much like the somewhat obscure Martin “M” or 0000 models upon which it is based, the Santa Cruz OM Grand is a study in soundboard behavior.  The impetus for the development of the Martin 0000 model was a trend of converting Martin’s somewhat obscure mid-size arched top F models to flat tops in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Taking note of some of these conversions, Martin released the M-38 and X-38 in 1977 and then released the M-36 (the only 0000 currently in production) the following year.  This new “M” body design was essentially a super OM—making the Santa Cruz “OM Grand” designation quite apt—as it retained the OM-like depth of the F-body archtop guitar as well as the larger soundboard template.  The larger surface area of the 0000 soundboard (which is actually wider at the lower bout than a dreadnought) yields enhanced bass response; and, when paired with the more shallow depth of the typical OM, one is met with a voice that is both broad and immediate.  Subsequently, contrary to common assumptions that deeper bodies translate to more bass response, the OM Grand and the Martin 0000/M guitars readily demonstrate that enhanced bass response is actually a result of a larger vibrating membrane (i.e., increased soundboard surface area). 

Surprisingly, the 0000 design remains relatively obscure compared to OMs or dreadnoughts, but those who are lucky enough to have played a 0000 will tell you that the experience is incomparable!  Indeed, we have witnessed many a customer fall under the spell of these enlarged OMs.  Needless to say, we were very excited when Santa Cruz began to produce the OM Grand!  Their signature approach to voicing—an approach that emulates the power, clarity, and drier punch of a great vintage guitar—seemed ideal for such a design.   Our suspicions were confirmed when we received our first OM Grand.  Simply put, it was an incredible guitar!  It had all the breadth, warmth, and quick response one could hope for in a 0000, but with the enhanced presence that only Santa Cruz could deliver.   

Having ordered and sold many OM Grands over the years, we must emphasize that this particular OM grand is a rare specimen. Featuring highly flamed maple back and sides and a flamed maple neck, this OMG is certainly a departure from what we have typically ordered (and from what we typically see represented by dealers elsewhere). Though it is clearly a stunningly beautiful guitar to behold, this unusual Maple OM Grand is endowed an even more stunning voice. When dealing with maple guitars in general, we often anticipate a vocal timbre that is characterized by a distinct evenness that is both punchy and also somewhat dry and unadorned.  In light of these tonal qualities, maple guitars can be quite desirable for amplified live applications, as well as use in recording.  Yet, from the very first strum, one immediately detects something truly special in the voice of this guitar.  Not only is there an explosive degree of power; but, behind the initial attack, there exists a depth and dimension that simply flat-out belies the shallow body of the OMG.  Against this spaciousness, notes readily leap to life with an exhilarating confidence and clarity that could only be described as a bell-like presence.  This powerful and articulate (but direct!) voice could very easily find its place in any application—for example supporting a singer or as a vehicle for strong rhythm parts—but it is most definitely a fingerstyle player’s delight!  Needless to say, this is not your typical OM Grand; and, while we avoid playing favorites around here, we can easily state that this maple OMG is one of the most impressive iterations of this model that we’ve had the pleasure of representing.   

Condition:

Overall, this OM Grand is in fabulous condition.  The most significant wear of note is a nearly imperceptible finish dimple, measuring approximately 3mm in diameter, at the butt of the guitar on the treble side towards the back edge. Other than this, the guitar has been modified with a Waverly ebony strap button. EXCEPTIONALLY FINE  Condition

• 14-Fret 0000 Body
• German Spruce Top
• Adirondack Spruce Scalloped X-Bracing with Hide Glue
• Flamed Maple Back and Sides
• Grained Ivoroid Body Binding
• Black and White Fiber Herringbone Top Purfling
• 3-Ply Back Purfling
• Bound Black and White Fiber Zig-Zag Backstrip
• High-Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer Body Finish
• Flamed Maple Neck
• Modified V Neck Contour
• Ebony Fingerboard
• Ivoroid “Santa Cruz Guitar Company” Script Headstock Logo
• Abalone 42-Style Snowflake Fingerboard Inlay
• Dovetail Neck Joint
• Square Headstock with Diamond Volute
• Ebony Headstock Veneer
• High Gloss Nitrocellulose Neck Finish
• Ebony Belly Bridge with Drop-in Saddle
• Bone Nut and Saddle
• Beveled Faux Tortoiseshell Pickguard
• Gold Waverly Tuning Machines
• 25 1/2” Scale Length
• 1 3/4” Nut Width
• 2 3/16” String Spacing at the Bridge
• Original Ameritage Arched Top Hard Case