It seems we have become haven for 1934Ds! This is the 6th that has made its mark on our store. Each time, we think to ourselves, "There is no way the next one will get any better. This can't be beat!" But time and again, everyone absolutely blows us away!
The late 1930s were a exhilarating era for guitars, one that hasn't quite been repeated. It was the dawn of the 14 fret dreadnought, a concept that has since been used time and time again - but never in with the same magic. Much of this is due to the available wood at the time. Pieces of Brazilian rosewood and Adirondack red spruce cut in that period and prior evolved, over time, into something spectacular. The secret to the desirable tone of vintage instruments lies in aged wood (crystallized resins) and the relaxation of tensions built in during manufacturing. So, to sum it up, it's not just the species of wood - but the era in which it grew and was cut, and the method in which you build it.
That is where the basis for Santa Cruz's 1934 D comes in. Not only replicating the methods and techniques used in the 1930s, but using pieces of wood cut then as well. Each piece of Brazilian Rosewood and Adirondack Spruce were cut in the 1930s - that's over 75 years of aging and crystallizing to allow the intense, balanced, rich, and unbelievably loud tone that Brazilian and Adirondack together are known for to shine. According to Richard Hoover, the Brazilian used on this guitar was downed using a method abandoned by about 1950; dating it to as early as the 1930s. Based on the growth rings, the living tree itself was over 150 years old.
Once prepared for construction, the 1934 D is pieced together using hot hide glue - an appropriate glue for the 30s that sets like glass. The use of hide glue adds to the resonance and "punch" associated with vintage dreadnoughts. Make no mistake about it; this isn't "like" a vintage guitar, boys and girls - this IS a vintage guitar. It just so happens it was made in this century.
The folks at Santa Cruz don't feel it necessary to appoint the 1934 D with well-to-do fanciness - they let the wood do the talking. It does, however, have some subtle touches that help you get into a vintage frame of mind. The body is double bound in ivoroid, the back features a "zipper" stripe down the center, and the top is graced with the classic Dalmatian style pickguard. All of these little touches simply add to the overall feel without detracting from the task at hand.
This particular piece was built with a custom Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard and bridge. If you can believe it, this little addition increases the overtones and richness even further. The set used is quite brilliant, with a gorgeous streak of brown flowing down the treble side of the fingerboard. The guitar itself is in near mint condition. It seems to have hardly been played at all. It includes the original Ameritage hardshell case. If you have been eyeing one of the many that makes it through our store, this is your chance to buy a practically new one at a great discounted price! Before you know it, there won't be anymore guitars from this incredible series!
FEATURES
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NECK
- Peghead: Solid Square
- Peghead Binding: Ivoroid/Black/Ivoroid
- Overlay Material: Brazilian Rosewood
- Headstock Inlay: None
- Scale Length: 25.375"
- Other: Low Profile with Volute
- Inlays: SCGC Mini at 16th Fret
- Custom: 1-3/4" Nut Width
- Neck Width at 14th Fret: 2-3/16"
- Fingerboard Binding: Ivoroid/Black/Ivoroid
- Custom: Brazilian Rosewood Fingerboard
- Side Dots: Black
- Body Wood: Brazilian Rosewood
- Body Binding: Ivoroid/Black/Ivoroid
- Back Stripe: Zipper
- Top Wood: Adirondack Red Spruce
- Rosette: Vintage Style Ivoroid
- Purfling: Herringbone
- Bracing: Adirondack Scalloped/Advanced X w/ Hot Hide Glue
- Type-Body: Clear/Buffed
- Type-Neck: Clear/Buffed
- Type-Top: Vintage Varnish
- Pickguard: Dalmatian
- Gears: SCGC Vintage Nickel
- Number of Frets: 22
- Frets Clear of the Body: 14
- Bridge & End Pins: Ebony w/ Pearl Dots
- Fingerboard & Bridge: Custom Brazilian Rosewood
FINGERBOARD
BODY
TOP
FINISH
SET-UP
ADDITIONAL SPECIFICATIONS
This instrument has been spoken for. Please call 866-265-5993 or email info@artisanguitars.com to inquire about a similar instrument. Tags: 1934D, adirondack bracing, adirondack spruce, brazilian rosewood, dreadnought, hot hide glue, santa cruz
