Doc Watson, who owns the prototype of the Vintage Artist, said, "This is the Dreadnought I've been looking for all my life." In 1991, Richard Hoover collaborated with vintage experts to identify the most desirable qualities of the iconic Pre-War D-18. Maestro Watson's contributions to the concept were born of an appreciation of the clarity of Mahogany's tone and his requirements for playability. At the time, Doc had put as many hours into Rockabilly on a Les Paul as he had on the Dreadnought. His lack of preoccupation with a particular vintage model played perfectly with SCGC's philosophy to 'combine, not copy.' After Doc's test pilot duties on the prototype, he offered this thoughtful testimonial: "Son, what do I have to do to keep this guitar?"
Richard Hoover at Santa Cruz presents this instrument as the tonal equal and technical superior to the most respected Pre-War guitars. To achieve the characteristic EQ and tone of the legendary Doc Watson, aka 'the Vintage Artist,' this instrument features an advanced, scalloped X-bracing for powerful bass, complimented by the clear tone and definition of master grade Mahogany.
This particular Vintage Artist has a very large sound that is nicely balanced. The clarity of the master grade mahogany back and sides instantly remind you of the famous D-18 sound we've all fallen in love with. Combined with an exceptional Sitka Spruce top, the low end is very lush and powerful... much more present than many mahogany backed guitars. This particular Sitka top can handle some pretty heavy flatpicking while maintaining impressive headroom, sharing some characteristics of an Adirondack top without requiring quite as heavy pick attack.
This guitar shows some wear consistent with it's build date. There is normal finish sinking throughout. There are a few finish dents on the top, back and sides... the largest is pictured in the detail photo. There are a few chips on the edge of the headstock, also shown in the photograph. There are also light finish scratches on the pickguard, headstock, and a few on the back and sides that are not large enough to photograph. Hardshell Original Case Included.
Features:
- Model: Vintage Artist
- Serial: 5591
- Top: Sitka Spruce
- Back and Sides: Mahogany
- Backstripe: Zipper
- Body Binding: Ivoroid
- Rosette: Ivoroid
- Purfling: Herringbone
- Bracing: Scalloped/Advanced X
- Peghead: Solid Square
- Peghead Binding: Ivoroid/Black/Ivoroid
- Headstock Inlay: SCGC
- Peghead Overlay: Brazilian Rosewood
- Fretboard: Ebony
- Inlays: 2mm Dots
- Fretboard Binding: Ivoroid/Black/Ivoroid
- Pickguard: Tortoise
- Tuners: SCGC Nickel
- Body Length: 20"
- Body Depth: 4.75"
- Frets: 22
- Frets Clear to Body: 14
- Lower Bout: 16"
- Waist: 10.75"
- Upper Bout: 11.56"
- Hardshell Case Included
This instrument has been spoken for. Please call 866-265-5993 or email info@artisanguitars.com to inquire about a similar instrument. Tags: dreadnought, mahogany, santa cruz, sitka spruce, vintage artist
