FTC Model differences ???

[domblo]

I’m curious to understand the basic difference behind guitars Santa Cruz Model FTC 15 or 17 or 32 or some others numbers

Thanks in advance

Dom

 

[indexless]

Paging Dr Tad!

[tadol]

Those are serial numbers – they seem to be numbered into the F guitar family, so the body shape seems to be the defining element, then each one built, whether an F, FS, FTC, FJZ, F-12 string, and probably even an F Mandocello, would just get the next number in series. The SCGC website doesn’t date the F’s before #124 (1990) but thats probably because the old records aren’t as detailed or accurate – but thats just a guess –

I can tell you FTC-30 is from 9/81, #28 from 3/81, and #18 from 8/80. Claptons FTC was #17, which may have created a small bump in orders.  Most of the FTCs were custom, with the shop working closely with the customer or dealer, so there aren’t a lot of standard details. But most (all?) seem to be maple (euro maple) and sitka. This was probably because it was much easier to get book-matched billets of musical instrument grade euro maple to carve the backs, as it is commonly cut for everything from violins to double basses. But the early price lists did offer upgrades to eir or braz rw, for extremely reasonable prices.  FTC #18 has a cedar top, which was a material they were just starting to use, as noted in the letter that went with the guitar to its original owner.

it would be super fun to find other early FTCs (and FJZs!) and document their dates and build details with pictures. They are exceptionally beautiful guitars – and the one bucket list item I’m hoping to find someday is a FJZ, hopefully with a 1-13/16 neck!

As an aside, I can also add the F #59 is from 10/85, #73 from 5/87, and #110 from 4/89 –

[Matt Hayden]

Also, acousticmusic.com periodically orders a custom F/FS – F headstock, spruce top, mahogany back and sides.  Really special instruments, worth checkin out,  Here’s an older one. https://acousticmusic.org/product/santa-cruz-custom-f-2/

 

[domblo]

Thanks to all off you for all theses explanations!

Very interesting and instructif

At the time my wife buy is FTC in Switzerland nobody could tell us the meaning/reason to make a carved back. This was (at this time) for us something curious… but… The guitar was sounding so great and the neck was so comfortable, there was no question about buying or not. Now with internet it is very useful to discover the story behind this model and learn many things.

Thank you very much

Dom

[tadol]

Well, if you picked up a FTC, I think we need to see some pics and details! They are such beautiful guitars – congrats!!

[Matt Hayden]

Tadol, what’s an FJZ? This I don’t know about…..

• This reply was modified 3 years, 1 month ago by Matt Hayden.

[tadol]

https://youtu.be/DinOlQTKzcM

🤩

[Hank]

OH MY Matt….That’s right in your wheelhouse….might be a bit large for the camper though.

[Matt Hayden]

WANT

OMG

WANT

I’ve played 2 SCGC archtops and each was better than the other.  A 15” natural with deco inlays would be perfect….

[tadol]

Yes –  yes it would –

[Author]

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