Santa Cruz Baritone Guitar - Acoustic Guitar Forum

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Author	Topic: Santa Cruz Baritone Guitar
Paul K Member Posts: 16 From: Waukesha, WI USA Registered: Dec 1999	posted 12-03-1999 16:54 Bob, Could you tell me how you set up your SC Baritone guitar? How far below standard did you set it and what gauge strings are you using? What tuning/s do you typically use with it? Anyone else try one of these yet? IP: Logged
perry Member Posts: 54 From: montreal/quebec/canada Registered: Dec 1999	posted 12-05-1999 17:38 Funny enough Paul I love the sound of a six string guitar tuned EADGBE a full octave down, not BEADGC which 6 string bass player's use. These are 2 different animal's which are quite often mixed up, HERE'S THE BIG QUESTION are string's commercially available or do you have to make your own batch? If so then I'll buy an old plywood beater throw on a set and practice to my heart's content. What is the price range for these guitar's? IP: Logged
mikeln Member Posts: 420 From: Poway, CA, USA Registered: Nov 1999	posted 12-05-1999 19:44 John Pearse sells baritone sets: http://www.jpstrings.com IP: Logged
Paul K Member Posts: 16 From: Waukesha, WI USA Registered: Dec 1999	posted 12-06-1999 09:20 It's my understanding that the Santa Cruz Baritone is intended to be tuned down only 1 to 1 1/2 steps. More in line with what you'd do for open tunings like Open D, Open G, or Open C. I'm sure though you could tune them lower..like a perfect 4th or more and use higher gauge strings; which is what I believe Bob does (which is why I asked the question). But in general, these guitars at 1 to 1 1/2 would still use regular strings. In fact, Santa Cruz sets up the guitar for light gauge strings oyut of the factory believe it or not. These guitars right now...because they are new and because the top is slightly arched, are not cheap by any means. They are also discounted very little right now...at best 90% of list (list is $4300). IP: Logged
Paul K Member Posts: 16 From: Waukesha, WI USA Registered: Dec 1999	posted 12-06-1999 09:21 It's my understanding that the Santa Cruz Baritone is intended to be tuned down only 1 to 1 1/2 steps. More in line with what you'd do for open tunings like Open D, Open G, or Open C. I'm sure though you could tune them lower..like a perfect 4th or more and use higher gauge strings; which is what I believe Bob does (which is why I asked the question). But in general, these guitars at 1 to 1 1/2 would still use regular strings. In fact, Santa Cruz sets up the guitar for light gauge strings oyut of the factory believe it or not. These guitars right now...because they are new and because the top is slightly arched, are not cheap by any means. They are also discounted very little right now...at best 90% of list (list is $4300). IP: Logged
Bob Brozman Member Posts: 2590 From: Brozmanistan, Earth Registered: Nov 1999	posted 12-06-1999 20:00 Sorry, guys, for the delay in replying, couldn't always get online from Australia.. I string the Baritone 1 whole-step OR 1 1/2 down, open tuning or not. Therefore Open G comes out as F or E, etc. I use the following john Pearse gauges: 15, 17, 30, 42, 50, 66 (62 is better for standard down a step.) Still it is open territory as far as how you might string it. It could go lower with heavier strings, but sound-wise not too much lower, maybe a 5th maximum, certainly not an octave (chords are way too muddy that low anyway). Hope that helps--I could ask Santa Cruz if they will let me get you a better price! IP: Logged
Paul K Member Posts: 16 From: Waukesha, WI USA Registered: Dec 1999	posted 12-08-1999 12:17 Thanks for the response Bob. That clarifies things greatly. I do have another question though. I was wondering why you didn't want this 12 fret instrument to have a cutaway? It seems that one way to get versatility from this kind of low tuned instrument is to use a capo to adjust the pitch as needed. But with only 12 frets to the body and no cutaway access, this alternative is quite restricted. Wasn't that a concern to you? And if not, why not? IP: Logged
Bob Brozman Member Posts: 2590 From: Brozmanistan, Earth Registered: Nov 1999	posted 12-09-1999 02:23 Esthetics, mostly, and fuller sound. If I need to go higher on any guitar, I just get my fingers up there any way I CAN! Santa Cruz WILL MAKE ONE, HOWEVER....THEY DID ONE FOR LEDWARD KAAPANA, AND IT SOUNDS great! IP: Logged
Matt Member Posts: 16 From: Bakersfield,CA,USA Registered: Dec 1999	posted 12-11-1999 20:41 Hey Bob, My buddy George and I were at SCGC when you picked up your baritone. George has yer smilin' face up in his garage. Since I couldn't afford the Broz version, I got the 12 fret D . I am thinking about stringing it up with a heavier set and using it as a baritone. Any thoughts? IP: Logged
Bob Brozman Member Posts: 2590 From: Brozmanistan, Earth Registered: Nov 1999	posted 12-12-1999 02:07 Go ahead and try 15 18 30 40 50 62 you can get these from John Pearse http://www.jpstrings.com I would tune it down one whole step (2 frets) should sound great! (G tuning = F) (D tuning =C), standard lowest string is a D) Be brave, it won't hurt the guitar. IP: Logged
drive-south Member Posts: 341 From: Worcester, MA USA Registered: Aug 2006	posted 08-01-2006 07:20 I was under the impression that the SC Baritone was tuned down to B or C. I have a Guild JF30 that I keep tuned down a whole step from standard (D G C F A D). It works well in this tuning but I think I need a slightly heavier string than the 13-56 I'm currently using. I'm new to this forum, so please be gentle! I've got questions about my Dobro DM33. Should I keep it (and possibly upgrade the cone) or trade it for a National? As far as sliding goes, I slide on the Bro, as well as a Gibson J45 I set up for bottleneckin'. I also have a few lap steels that I fool around with but Hawiaan is not my strong suit. I also have a Strat set up for bottleneckin' as well. I'll save my ranting for other notes. drive-south [This message has been edited by drive-south (edited 08-01-2006).] IP: Logged

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