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.

Condition:

This guitar shows no signs of play wear. NEAR MINT condition.

• 0000/Grand Orchestra
• Solid Bear Claw German Spruce Top
• Adirondack Spruce Bracing with Hide Glue
• Solid Walnut Back and Sides
• Ivoroid Binding
• Cowboy Rope Purfling
• Gloss Body Finish
• Mahogany Neck
• Ebony Fingerboard
• 2mm MOP Dot Fingerboard Inlays
• Ebony Headstock Veneer with Mother of Pearl Logo
• V with Volute Neck Carve
• Satin Neck Finish
• Ebony Belly Bridge
• Nickel Waverly Tuners with Ebony Buttons
• Faux Tortoiseshell Pickguard
• Bone Nut
• Bone Saddle
• 1.75” Nut Width
• 25.375” Scale Length
• K&K Pure Mini Pickup System
• Ameritage Hardshell Case