Soundboard Signatures

[SaMurray]

Hi SCGC
Is it the case that most SCGC guitars over the years would feature the signature of the person who tuned the soundboard or were some just not signed, and for what reason would this be?

Thanks

[indexless]

Hi

the. Collective heard here has knowledge. If you could post a picture from inside the guitar looking at the underside of the top. If you use the self timer on your camera phone it makes getting some views easier. Tops are signed by the luthier who voiced them. Also your serial number and style of guitar, om, d…. Would help as well.  Let’s see what we can find out

• This reply was modified 2 weeks, 3 days ago by indexless.

[SaMurray]

Thanks. I’ll try to upload some photos.

[BOWIE]

The only one I’ve had that wasn’t signed was a uke. On the darker woods (redwood, mahogany, koa) the sig was harder to see but it was there. Not always on the same side of the bridge.

[SaMurray]

Thanks for this Bowie. I can’t seem to locate a signature on my 1994 OM at all using a mirror. But I have not had the strings off yet to allow for a more thorough check. Will report back!

[indexless]

If you call the shop at 831-425-0999, they can most likely figure it out from the serial number and the build card

Bowie has a Santa Cruz Uke?

[BOWIE]

When you take the strings off, lay your phone on the back (under the bridge) with the flashlight on. Then use the mirror to check South of the bridge plate. That should let you see the sig.

 

Yes Richard, I have an all mahogany SCGC uke. Not signed, but the shop verified the serial # and was able to look up the build sheet.

[indexless]

Bowie….That’s a BIG Wow!   Rarer than rare

[SaMurray]

Re-strung the guitar at the weekend and took the opportunity to take photos inside. There’s absolutely no signature anywhere. Not quite sure what to make of this tbh… I’ll attempt to upload some photos

[SaMurray]

[SaMurray]

[SaMurray]

[SaMurray]

[SaMurray]

[SaMurray]

It’s a 1993 (I mistakenly said ’94 before) OM

[pto]

my 1991 TR signed by Jeff Traugott and that cowboy luthier, Otis B. Rodeo:)

[BOWIE]

Everything else looks correct. Considering how small an operation it was back then, I wonder if the sig just got overlooked.

[SaMurray]

I’m glad the insides look correct to someone at least. That’s reassuring, thanks. Was starting to question things given nearly all owners appear to report the presence of a signature from the soundboard tuner.

[wbb90TR]

My 1990 TR also signed by Jeff Traugott and Otis B Rodeo!

[SaMurray]

Re-strung the guitar over the weekend and took the opportunity to take a lot of images with my phone. There’s absolutely no signature anywhere inside. Not quite sure what to make of this tbh…

 

 

 

 

[SaMurray]

 

[indexless]

Is that OM 276…..uh…WOW, are the back and sides KOA?

[SaMurray]

Yep, serial as you say but back and sides Indian Rosewood

[indexless]

Beautiful bracing, did you cal the shop to learn more about the built sheet, play that guitar

[SaMurray]

Thanks for your reply. I haven’t called (I’m UK based) but I did message them. They were able to provide certain details like “advanced bracing” etc but they haven’t responded with details about soundboard tuning etc yet, so I’ll maybe give them a bell.

[indexless]

I’m reaching out for you today, give it a couple of days to respond, stay tuned

[SaMurray]

So kind. Thank you very much!

[indexless]

I just want to compliment you on the terrific photos you took. The detail in the craftsmanship speaks for itself.

We have the word from Paul Ramey at the shop. I have to say his timely response to this and his willingness to help has been amazing. Here we go

“I spoke to Darren (our 30 year SCGC employee) and he is fairly certain Adam Rose did the voicing back in 93. 

This is not the first time I have seen a ’90s (or older) Santa Cruz without the signature on the top.

I think this happens occasionally because we are a small shop and everyone has historically worn many hats. So maybe he was training someone while also doing a top and just spaced out, forgetting to add a signature. 

Ultimately, I can’t say for certain why there is no signature without wild speculation. I know its not the most satisfying answer but there is not always a lot of written documentation available and sometimes its just a fun mystery!”

• This reply was modified 1 day, 5 hours ago by indexless.

[SaMurray]

So good of you put this out there for me – really appreciate it. And thanks so much to Paul for taking the time with such a considered reply 😍

[PR-831]

Happy to help out!

[BOWIE]

Wonderful to see an answer straight from the shop. I’ve bugged them many times and, while they don’t always have an answer or recollection, the fact that they listen and try is what matters to me.

[SaMurray]

I couldn’t agree with you more 😉

[Author]

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