I am offering a Santa Cruz OM/PW from 2004, a handcrafted in the elite acoustic guitar workshop of Richard Hoover in Santa Cruz, California (USA), premium Pre-War acoustic guitar reissue model with handy OM body shape, fine-grained Sitka spruce top over a hand-carved advanced scalloped X-bracing, dark-grained sides and back made of Indian rosewood, set-in one-piece mahogany neck with “V” neck profile and volute, fine ebony fingerboard with mother-of-pearl small dot inlays and 44.5mm bone nut, ebony bridge with bone saddle, 645mm scale length and high-quality Grover nickel open gear tuners in an authentically aged natural high-gloss finish in very good condition, including black TKL luxury hardshell case, manufacturer's papers, and professional setup with 11-gauge Elixir strings.

Since its founding in the 1970s by Richard Hoover, the Santa Cruz Guitar Company has been one of the most renowned boutique manufacturers worldwide. With the utmost care, selected tonewoods, and the finest craftsmanship, they create instruments that are valued for their outstanding response, excellent dynamics, and exceptional tonal balance. This OM/PW variant from 2004 takes up the classic Martin OM construction and faithfully reflects the specs of the pre-war era, while unmistakably bearing the signature of the Santa Cruz manufacturer.

The fine-grained Sitka spruce top, combined with hand-carved advanced scalloped X-bracing, ensures dynamic response and enormous projection. The Indian rosewood back and sides provide warmth, depth, and rich overtones, which combine with clear transparency to create a perfect balance of foundation and brilliance—ideal for fingerstyle and all types of picking. Thanks to the 645mm scale length, the comfortable “V” neck profile with volute, and the comfortable nut width of 44.5mm, the guitar also offers an extremely balanced and comfortable playing feel.

A sound sample of the model (only from 2002) can be found above at the end of the photo gallery.

Visually, the OM/PW scores with simple, elegant details such as the elegant herringbone rosette, the faux tortoise pickguard in teardrop format, elegant nickel open gear tuners, and the headstock decorated with rosewood veneer and a cleanly designed mother-of-pearl logo inlay. The aged high-gloss finish underscores the authentic vintage character of this elegant instrument.

Technical specifications:

• Origin: Santa Cruz, California, USA
• Year of manufacture: 2002
• Body type: OM 14-Fret
• Top: Sitka spruce (solid)
• Bracing: Advanced scalloped X-bracing
• Back/sides: Indian rosewood (solid)
• Neck: One-piece mahogany neck, set-in
• Neck profile: “V”
• Fingerboard: Ebony with small dot mother-of-pearl inlays, bound
• Frets: 20
• Nut: Bone, 44.5mm
• Headstock: Mahogany with volute, rosewood veneer and mother-of-pearl logo inlay
• Bridge: Ebony with bone saddle
• Tuners: Grover nickel open gear tuners
• Pickup: Fishman piezo pickup, active (upgrade)
• Body bindings: Black, multi-ply
• Rosette: Herringbone
• Pickguard: Faux tortoise
• Finish: Natural high gloss
• Scale length: 645mm
• Serial no.: 2595
• Includes black TKL luxury hardshell case, manufacturer's papers

This Santa Cruz OM/PW is in very good condition and technically flawless. Visually, the guitar has been played a lot and therefore shows some visible wear, such as slightly chipped high-gloss finish on the back of the neck/saddle, but this adds to its authentic vintage patina (see pictures). The guitar is free of any cracks and the frets are still in top condition.

The instrument has been professionally set up with 11-52 Elixir 80/20 strings and I (a long-time guitar teacher) will ship it fully insured with DHL for €49.99 within Germany or €119.99 within the EU. Worldwide shipping is possible—individual shipping costs available upon request.

All pictures shown are of the actual instrument for sale.