2017 Santa Cruz H13.

What’s up with thirteen frets? The historical precedent for this classic shape was the Gibson ‘Nick Lucas Special’ from the 1920’s and ’30’s, the one Bob Dylan holds in early photos. The “H” designation is an acknowledgment to the guardian of the lore of all things vintage and stringed, Maestro Paul Hostetter, who commissioned SCGC to build the prototype in 1978. In spite of the question of whether the historic 13 frets to the body had any basis in acoustic science, our reason for using it does.

SCGC’s concept for the H-13 is to achieve power beyond what would be expected in a small-bodied guitar. Two fundamental lutherie tricks make this possible: a longer string length (more downward pressure at the saddle) and more air space via a deeper body (increased volume and bass response). To place the bridge in the optimal position for power and maintain the longer string length, the neck needs to join the body at the 13th fret. Cool, huh? This is a gorgeous classic with power and presence expected from a much larger instrument. Perfect for aggressive fingerstyle blues and vocal accompaniment, the H-13 feels really sweet to hold.

Full specs are as follows:

Body  Mahogany
Back Stripe S29
Binding Ivoroid
Top Spruce
Rosette Ivoroid
Purfling S29
Bracing/Voicing H 13 Scallop/Tapered
Peghead Slotted
Peghead Binding None
Peghead Overlay Ebony
Headstock Inlay Santa Cruz Ivoroid Script Logo
Width at Nut 1-3/4″
Neck Shape V
Fingerboard Side Dots Black
String spacing at saddle 2-1/4″
Binding Ivoroid
Scale Length 25.4”
Finish Top Sunburst
Back & Sides Tobacco/Buffed
Neck Tobacco/Matte
Pickguard Tortoise
Tuners/gears Waverly Nickel w/ Ivoroid

This guitar is in excellent plus condition with little to no play wear. Comes with original Ameritage case also in excellent condition.