D Models: Similarities and Differences

[Cmnaround]

Hi all, new member here and I have a question about the D model with Tony Rice specs and the D Nershi model. I really like that the various Tony Rice guitars/ models were not just copies of his old Martin but rather a new design engineered and improved over time by Santa Cruz to get a specific tone.

1) Are the D models with TR specs (not the pro model) basically a standard Santa Cruz dreadnought just with some TR specs, or do they also carry over some of the same engineering improvements that are in the TR pro model sans the Brazilian rosewood and other higher end materials?

2) Is the Nershi D very similar to his old Martin or does that also include some evolution of engineering from Santa Cruz like was done with the TR models?

Looking to get my first Santa Cruz, still back and forth on a dreadnought or smaller body, but curious about these two models compared with a standard Santa Cruz D or Vintage Artist. Is it just a difference in the materials and appointments with basically the same starting D model, or are there any specific engineering differences when comparing across models?

Thanks!

[indexless]

Welcome,

I think my best advice is to find a SCGC Dealer that you are comfortable with and let the customization begin. Here’s some links that might help.

D model   https://santacruzguitar.com/d-model/

Nershi   https://santacruzguitar.com/d-nershi/

TR   https://santacruzguitar.com/tony-rice/

Welcome to the family!

 

[Cmnaround]

Thanks so much for this helpful insight!

[Alex Zk]

So you can have a productive conversation with the dealer, a couple of things to keep in mind when viewing the specs on the Santa Cruz web site.

— Most of the differences in the various models are visible, such as woods, dimensions including sound hole and neck shape, finishes, and cosmetics.

— Some of the differences are “under the hood,” so to speak.  Primarily, these are the bracings for the top, such as tapered, double tapered, scalloped, scalloped with advanced X, tapered with scalloped tone bars, sitka or red spruce braces, hide glue or other glue, etc.  Any of these are design choices to achieve a desired sound — I wouldn’t label any specific one versus another as an “improvement” or “upgrade,” although costs could be different.   Seems like this is what you mean by “engineering.”

So after you get information on what the specifications are for any particular model or custom build, the next question for the dealer or Santa Cruz is “what’s the objective of these specs, what sound is the goal?”

You’ll see all the specs and options on the Santa Cruz site, and can do a comparison.  What the effect on the sound is would be explained by Santa Cruz or an astute dealer.

Hope this helps.  Enjoy the ride!

[Author]

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