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My SCGC FS came with SCGC Low Tension strings plus one extra set in the case. My initial impression was not that positive. I changed. Them out for 53-54/12 acoustic light strings which I preferred tone wise. After 10 months of using traditional acoustic lights, I decided put the second set of SCGC low tension parabolic strings back on and again. Again, I was not impressed sound wise. Very easy to play, very neutral sounding but a bit thin sounding in the trebles compared to traditional acoustic lights. To be thorough, I just ordered a few sets of the SCGC mid tension set to give them a try. I understand they are more comparable tension wise to a traditional acoustic light set. I play with both a heavy pick and my fingers.
Got it…
Andy, with string gauge I always consider scale length more than body size. An RS has a 24-3/4” scale and will be about 5% lower in string tension than a 25.4” long scale guitar at pitch. I also consider if it the strings 92/8 bronze or 80/20 brass. The later is about 3% lower in tension. Also, if the strings are round core or hex core. The former has greater mass and will be lower in tension. It always comes down to tonal preference based on gauge, alloy and core wire type on an individual guitar along with ergonomic preference. I may like how something sounds but it is too difficult to play.
I probably play acoustically 90% of the time these days (archtop, flattop, gypsy and nylon). I play my archtop and electric guitars rarely these days. Even when I do play plugged in, it is quite and clean. My days of overdriven, higher volume playing to wife’s and dog’s delight are few and far between.
I think the closest thing to what you are asking for in Santa Cruz’s line up is either a 000 12 fret (15”) or a D-12 (15-5/8”) with a 25-3/8” scale. A Martin 0000 or M size are 14 fret guitars. All of my guitars > 15” guitars are 14 fret to the body guitars.
A few that come to mind…
Roy McAlister
Jeff Traugott
Stephen Strahm
Willie Carter
Michael Hornick
Paul Hostetter
Marc Maingard
Most neck resets are not due to movement of the neck but the guitar. body folding around the sound hole due to string pull.
I was finally able to give the FS its fair due of playing time across the last week as a result of receiving two guitars both on August 25th. I was not wild about the Santa Cruz Parabolic Light Tension strings that it came with so after a few days of auditioning it, I switched them out for a set of traditional PB strings. I much preferred the guitar with the traditional PB strings. I preferred the warmer timbre, the sonic strength G string and in general present more shimmer and sustain from the instrument. It came with a second set of their strings which I may try again (perhaps I had a dud set?). I will also try some 80/20s as well.
Look
The guitar is simply beautiful with its narrow waste and voluptuous J-185esque plantilla. The Buttered Toast sunburst top is framed in contrasting Paua Abalone purflings and rosette with blues, greens and purples. The fiddleback figure in the Claro Walnut back and sides is stunning as well. The simple aesthetic decoration with a focus on the woods visually all comes together. The EVO fret wire visually works against the hue of the top. The execution is done at a very high quality. The custom Macassar Ebony tuner buttons also look right at home against the peghead.
Feel
Despite being a fairly large guitar at 15-7/8” at the lower bout and 4-3/8” deep at the end block, the guitar is lightly built at 4 lb. 1 oz. This is partially due to the low density of the Claro Walnut back and sides and their construction style. The narrow waste sits well when playing seated and the neck sits steady and is not neck heavy. The neck is a comfortable C-profile with a touch of shoulder. The scale length, neck taper and string spacing feel tight at home.
Timbre
With the new PB strings, I would describe the general timbre as warm side of neutral. It has great balance in volume across the strings. It responds to touch and is true to its timbral character even when played softly. The trebles are not “fat”, but the B and E are plenty solid to support a melody. It holds together when closed chord voicings are played in the upper registers of the fretboard. There is an immediate quality to the sound of the guitar with a nice amount of sustain and supportive, euphonic overtones.
I might try a set of SCGC Parabolic Mediums…
String——PB Acoustic Light——-SCGC Parabolic Light——-SCGC Parabolic Medium
E———————-23.3 lb.—————————20.0 lb.—————————-22.5 lb.
B———————-23.3 lb.—————————22.5 lb.—————————-24.0 lb.
G———————-30.2 lb.—————————27.9 lb.—————————-28.5 lb.
D———————-30.5 lb.—————————30.5 lb.—————————-28.5 lb.
A———————-29.9 lb.—————————28.0 lb.—————————-32.5 lb.
E———————-26.0 lb.—————————27.0 lb.——————————27.0 lb.
TOTAL———-—163.2 lb.————————-155.9 lb.—————————163.0 lbI have been remiss in reporting back on this guitar because I received two guitars within hours of each other so I have been busy getting to know the other guitar this week (too much of a good thing!).
Given that, I will hold off on sharing my assessment the SCGC FS until I have tried a few different string sets on it. It came strung up with with Santa Cruz Parabolic PB lights. I will be trying both regular PB and 80/20s on it to see what I like best. I always seem to be surprised what I prefer on an individual guitar (sometimes PB and other times 80/20).
In the interim, here is a short video that was sent to me by Matt Chulka playing the guitar.
[YOUTUBE]mghm9tXFj_4[/YOUTUBE]
Thanks…I did not realize that you needed to edit your profile on the home page before you enter the forum (Thanks). I plan on spending some extended playing time this weekend with it.
Matt said he did but I have not seen it yet.
