What’s up with thirteen frets? The historical precedent for this classic shape was the Gibson ‘Nick Lucas Special’ from the 1920’s and ’30’s, the one Bob Dylan holds in early photos. The “H” designation is an acknowledgment to the guardian of the lore of all things vintage and stringed, Maestro Paul Hostetter, who commissioned SCGC to build the prototype in 1978. In spite of the question of whether the historic 13 frets to the body had any basis in acoustic science, our reason for using it does.
SCGC’s concept for the H-13 is to achieve power beyond what would be expected in a small-bodied guitar. Two fundamental lutherie tricks make this possible: a longer string length (more downward pressure at the saddle) and more air space via a deeper body (increased volume and bass response). To place the bridge in the optimal position for power and maintain the longer string length, the neck needs to join the body at the 13th fret. Cool, huh? This is a gorgeous classic with power and presence expected from a much larger instrument. Perfect for aggressive fingerstyle blues and vocal accompaniment, the H-13 feels really sweet to hold.
Top: European Spruce
Back and Sides: Honduran Mahogany
Neck: Honduran Mahogany
Body Binding: Ivoroid with 529/H13 Purfling
Fingerboard Binding: Ivoroid
Peghead Binding: None
Bridge: Ebony with 2 3/16" Spacing
Fingerboard: Ebony
Bridge Pins/End Pin: Ebony with MOP Dot
Nut: Bone, 1 3/4"
Saddle: Bone, Drop-In
Neck Profile: V
Peghead Profile: Tapered Square, Slotted
Neck Joint: Mortise & Tenon Hybrid
Truss Rod: Fully Adjustable
Frets: Medium 18% Nickel-Silver
Peghead Veneer: Ebony with Ivoroid Santa Cruz Logo
Tuners: Nickel Waverly, Ivoroid Buttons
Backstrip: 2-Style
Rosette: ivoroid
Scale Length: 25.375"
Bracing Material: Adirondack Spruce (Hide-Glue)
Brace Pattern: H 13 scalloped/tapered
Radius: 12"- 18.5" Compound
Body Finish: High gloss nitrocellulose lacquer
Neck Finish: Satin
Pickguard: Tortoise
Strings: .012-.053
Case: Deluxe Hardshell Case by Ameritage
