Legendary flatpick artist and Shop great Norman Blake has long appreciated the power and sensitivity of the original dreadnought size, which had 12 frets clear of the body. Ths Santa Cruz 12 Fret Dreadnought model has been created to showcase Norman's playing style and to produce the clarity and sustain necessary for an articulate response to the flat pick. Building a guitar with 12 frets clear of the body creates more air volume, which allows greater amplitude, sustain, and increased bass response. The advanced X-brace on the top is voiced to achieve maximum response in all ranges, thereby avoiding the 12 fret's usual tendency toward a powerful bass at the expense of the midrange and treble. The guitar's back and sides are made with mahogany, a wood that imparts clarity and contributes to the guitar's complexity of overtones. This model's sheer volume, incredible sustain, and sophisticated tone make it a truly inspiring instrument.

List Price $4200