Sound Pure's Take
An absolute dream of a guitar! When I put the spec sheet on this one together I was fantasizing about a fingerstyle instrument built to reward even the slightest effort with huge, warm, enveloping tone...the kind of guitar where you can just about forget what your hands have to do and lose yourself in the music. I was also looking for a fairly unadorned aesthetic that would give the gorgeous woods used by Santa Cruz center stage.
And I got just what I was looking for! The lightweight Pre-War construction, short scale, and sensitive Cedar top all work together to allow for a minimum effort/maximum response situation the likes of which I haven't encountered with -any- other guitar. The figured Mahogany (aside from being downright gorgeous) balances out the Cedar's healthy overtone content with the fundamental-oriented tonality hog is known for. The trademark balance and breadth of dynamic range you get with Santa Cruz's Pre-War OMs folds the slight midrange emphasis you get with Mahogany into the overall sound to achieve an almost cello-like voicing between that profound bass and those glistening highs. So much as a brush of the fingers across the strings and a reverberant bloom opens to fill whatever room you're in.
From Santa Cruz Guitars
The Pre-War Orchestra Model honors its pre-WWII predecessors with an advanced X and scalloped top bracing. This time-tested design ensures large bass response and overall volume. Acoustic Guitar Magazine has placed it as one of the most important instruments of the last 20 years. The OM/PW is presented with understated appointments to emphasize master grade materials, tone and workmanship. It is perfect for the aficionado that loves the advantages of a professional boutique instrument without the cost of rare wood and ornamentation. The OM’s versatility and ergonomics lend great appeal for traditional picking styles and impressive rhythm work. Expect the predominant bass and throaty presence of the surviving pre-war antiques.
- Model
- OM/PW
- Serial
- 5236
- Body Wood
- Figured Mahogany Body
- Body Finish
- Clear/Buffed
- Top Wood
- Cedar
- Top Finish
- Clear
- Back Stripe
- None
- Binding
- Wood Binding on Body
- Side Purfling
- Single Violin Purfling
- Rosette
- Violin Purfle Combo
- Top Purfling
- Violin Purfle Combo
- Bracing/Voicing
- Advanced X/Scalloped
- Neck Finish
- Clear/Matte
- Peghead
- Solid
- Peghead Binding
- None
- Peghead Overlay
- Ebony
- Headstock Inlay
- SCGC
- Scale Length
- 25.375"
- Neck Shape
- V with Volute
- Side Dots
- White
- Fingerboard Inlay
- 2mm Dots
- Neck Width at 14th Fret
- 2 3/16"
Fingerboard Binding
- Width at Nut
- 1 3/4"
- Pickguard
- Tortoise
- Tuners
- Nickel Open-Back
- Case
- SCGC Hardshell
Free 3-Year Warranty
In addition to the standard included manufacturer warranty, virtually all new products carry our exclusive, industry-leading, absolutely free Sound Pure 3-Year Warranty, which includes parts and labor. It's our way of adding real value to the personal touch our small, dedicated team brings to every purchase.
Coverage exclusions live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27. Read the warranty →
You may also like
Browse Medium Body (OOO/OM/Concert) →
Sound Pure Studios · Durham, NC
Come hear it in our control rooms.
Sound Pure is a working studio in Durham, NC — a 1,000 sq ft live room and two pro control rooms. Book a session to audition gear in a world-class acoustic space before you buy.