When we approached Richard Hoover and his team at Santa Cruz Guitar Co. about stocking their line, we wanted to design unique, custom guitars based on our own precise specifications. At the same time, we wanted guitars that captured the essence of Telluride—guitars that are as impressive and as inspiring as the 14,000-ft peaks that overlook our shop. Slightly larger than a traditional Orchestra Model (closer to the size of a 0000), the Santa Cruz OM Grand produces a louder, more robust sound with more bass, power, and projection than a standard OM. We were blown away by this model at NAMM 2018, but we realized it was the perfect fit when we learned that the OM Grand body was introduced at the request of our good friend Harry Tuft, founder of the Denver Folklore Center and a huge influence on the Colorado acoustic music scene. We ordered this OM Grand (serial #301) with a Bear Claw Sitka Spruce top, which shows intense bear claw figuring. This premium spruce top is complemented by East Indian Rosewood back and sides, and the result is balanced, complex tones that are rich in depth and harmonics. Under the hood, we specified Advanced Bracing to improve the response, dynamics, and bass. As a consequence, this OM Grand produces some of the most refined tone and accurate response of any guitar in the shop. It also packs impressive volume and seems to project across the room. To further customize the aesthetics, we also wanted to add our own touch—something to demonstrate that this OM Grand is a guitar you'll only find in Telluride: the "Telluride Valley" heelcap. We are absolutely blown away by the level of detail SCGC's scrimshaw artist was able to capture, and we believe it is the perfect reminder of a town that will inspire years of playing just as much as the guitar itself.
