Santa Cruz Guitar Company
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Musical instrument |
| Founded | 1976 |
| Founder | Richard A. Hoover |
| Headquarters | Santa Cruz, California , U.S. |
| Products | Acoustic, acoustic bass & baritone guitars Mandocello Ukuleles |
Number of employees | 22 |
| Website | https://santacruzguitar.com/ |
The Santa Cruz Guitar Company is an American manufacturer specializing in premium acoustic guitars. Established in 1976 by master luthier Richard A. Hoover along with partners Bruce Ross and William Davis, the firm operates out of Santa Cruz, California. Annually, it crafts approximately 500 to 700 instruments. Renowned worldwide for exceptional build quality and rich tonal characteristics, the company stands as a prominent player in the upscale steel-string guitar segment.
History
During the late 1960s, Richard Hoover developed his expertise in guitar making by working alongside distinguished peers such as Bob Taylor and Jean Larrivée, at a time when resources for steel-string guitar construction were limited. Drawing on his mother’s experience as a reference librarian, Hoover researched violin craftsmanship and wood finishing techniques that later shaped the company’s high standards.
The enterprise was founded in 1976 through a collaboration between Hoover and investors Bruce Ross and William Davis, adopting its name from its Santa Cruz location. Their inaugural model, the "D," utilized koa wood—a material both historically significant and rare—targeting a harmonious tonal output. By 1978, following Davis’s exit and Hoover’s acquisition of his stake, the product line grew to include models like the H and FTC; the FTC gained distinction with limited editions, including one owned by Eric Clapton. The introduction of the Tony Rice model in 1981, developed in partnership with the influential guitarist, became a flagship offering that significantly boosted demand.
In 1989, Hoover purchased Ross’s shares and refined the manufacturing process by unifying essential design features. Throughout the 1990s, Santa Cruz Guitar Company expanded its portfolio to over twenty models featuring extensive customization options such as rare tonewoods like Cocobolo and Brazilian rosewood, bespoke neck shapes, and distinctive inlays—appealing to musicians seeking tailored instruments.
Operating as a boutique manufacturer prioritizing quality over quantity, the company emphasizes sustainable sourcing by utilizing reclaimed and responsibly harvested woods. This environmental dedication complements their reputation for innovation in tonal quality and design excellence. Their pricing strategy reflects their luxury market position; for instance, the Don Edwards "Cowboy Singer" signature guitar was priced near $6,850 USD as of 2012, aligning with their clientele of professional artists and collectors.
Under Hoover’s strategic guidance, Santa Cruz Guitar Company has maintained its competitive edge through artisanal craftsmanship and controlled production volumes, solidifying its status within the international acoustic guitar industry.
Distinguished Musicians
- Alex Beaton
- Jack Black
- Bob Brozman
- Lloyd Cole
- Elvis Costello
- Disappear Fear (Sonia Rutstein)
- Don Edwards
- Jackie Greene
- Ben Harper
- Brad Paisley
- Robert Plant
- Tony Rice
- Arlen Roth
External links
- Interview with Richard Hoover in the NAMM Oral History Collection (2007, 2016)
- Guitar manufacturing companies of the United States
- Manufacturing companies based in California
- Companies based in Santa Cruz, California
- American companies established in 1976
- Manufacturing companies established in 1976
- 1976 establishments in California
- 5
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment