When Richard Hoover started building Santa Cruz guitars in 1976, he'd intended to push guitar-making to a new level of perfection. His goal is to build the finest, most expressive instruments possible—not to maximize sales or profits. That purity of intention translates into exceptional instruments.
While many Santa Cruz guitars rely heavily on the same-old prewar templates, the F Model is entirely Richard's design. Many guitars are designed for specific genres like bluegrass, fingerstyle, or rhythm, but the F Model’s intent is versatility. It uses a medium jumbo body and a long scale length to deliver consistent tone no matter how you apporach it. Equally suited for recording, performing, or composing, the F packs a wide dynamic range that handles a pick just as easily as your bare fingers.
This 2017 Santa Cruz F features an Adirondack Spruce top and East Indian Rosewood back and sides. It has a powerful voice that remains clear and avoids sounding overly "boomy" like other big guitars. For fingerstyle—and especially open tunings—it maintains impressive volume. When you dig in hard with a pick, it will cut above the band, and for strummers, its even output is perfect for leading a band. But in every application, this Santa Cruz F remains an inspiring instrument that will pull new songs and ideas right out of you.
This 2017 Santa Cruz F is gently used and has no history or repairs, damages, or issues. It shows some minor play wear here and there, and there is a scratch/gouge right along the bass edge of the lower bout, right where your arm goes around the edge of the top (see photos). Other than that, there's not too much to argue with!
All in all, this 2017 Santa Cruz F holds true to the model's reputation: it is a versatile tool that covers a wide range of expression. For modern-day players who don't have a luxurious room filled with dozens of guitars, here's a one-guitar quiver! Original Ameritage case included.