This 2012 Santa Cruz 1934 D represents one of the company’s most ambitious dreadnought builds, constructed with old-growth Brazilian rosewood back and sides paired with an old-growth Adirondack spruce top sourced from timber originally cut in the 1930s. Built using hot hide glue construction throughout, the model was designed around capturing the dry, immediate response and relaxed resonance associated with the finest prewar dreadnoughts, while still benefiting from Santa Cruz’s highly controlled voicing and hand-tuned construction process. Rather than functioning as a strict visual recreation, the 1934 D focuses heavily on material selection and lightweight build philosophy, giving the guitar a distinctly open and mature character from the outset.
The combination of aged Brazilian rosewood and Adirondack spruce gives the instrument a broad low end, strong projection, and a crisp high register without excessive compression. Santa Cruz’s thin nitrocellulose finish and lightly built top contribute to the quick response and airy feel that define the model. A pickup has been professionally installed for amplified use, though the guitar remains exceptionally resonant acoustically. Condition is excellent overall, and the rarity of the wood set and construction approach place this model among the more difficult Santa Cruz dreadnoughts to encounter on the secondary market. Cosmetically, this example remains in excellent condition with no real wear to note.
Includes OHSC.