When we say one-of-a-kind, we mean it. This isn’t just another boutique guitar—it’s a Santa Cruz 1934D Prototype built for the 2008 NAMM Show in direct collaboration with Tony Rice and Richard Hoover. It's the guitar that laid the foundation for two of Santa Cruz’s most iconic models: the Tony Rice Professional and the now-standard 1934D.
Available now at The Acoustic Shoppe, this is your chance to own a piece of boutique acoustic guitar history.
Watch the full video demo here:
What Is the Santa Cruz 1934D Prototype?
In 2008, Santa Cruz Guitar Company unveiled a prototype dreadnought at the NAMM Show. Though not labeled explicitly as the “1934D,” this model would ultimately go on to influence its design. Built with premium, old-growth tonewoods and handcrafted with hot hide glue construction and French polish finish, it was intended to show what Santa Cruz was capable of when tradition and innovation met under one roof.
Unlike the Tony Rice Professional, this 1934D Prototype was constructed with an Adirondack spruce top and reclaimed Brazilian rosewood back and sides—both woods known for their historical authenticity and tonal complexity. The result? A sonic experience remarkably close to the legendary pre-war Martin D-28.
Learn more about the full 1934D model here: Santa Cruz 1934D Model
A Collaboration with Tony Rice and Richard Hoover
This Santa Cruz 1934D Prototype wasn’t just a one-off showpiece—it was part of a deep collaboration between two giants of the acoustic guitar world: flatpicking legend Tony Rice and master luthier Richard Hoover.
Unlike the Tony Rice Pro, which featured a German spruce top and rear-shifted bracing for clarity and jazz-inspired note separation, this prototype leans heavily into traditional pre-war D-28 territory. With forward-shifted, heavily scalloped bracing and an Adirondack top, the guitar resonates with boldness, richness, and warmth.
Tony didn’t ask Richard Hoover to simply replicate his famous D-28. Instead, he wanted a better guitar—one that retained the vintage soul but addressed tonal imbalances he’d found in his original instrument. This 1934D Prototype is arguably the first successful step toward that goal.
Explore more Tony Rice models and stories here.
A Guitar with a Story to Tell
Santa Cruz later confirmed that this prototype was brought back into their shop to address some early intonation concerns. Richard Hoover personally oversaw the repositioning of the bridge, ensuring the instrument plays and intonates perfectly today. That level of commitment to excellence speaks volumes about the Santa Cruz team and their relentless pursuit of tone.
What makes this even more special is that this was never a production model. There’s only one. The “1934D” model wouldn’t officially be released until after the success of this prototype, which set the tone—literally—for what would follow. You can view the current Santa Cruz 1934D model here to see how it evolved from this very instrument.
In our opinion, this guitar carries a more "vintage-accurate" sonic fingerprint than even some high-end reproductions from other boutique builders. It combines booming low-end response with crystalline highs and a tight midrange—a dream for flatpickers and singer-songwriters alike. Whether you’re channeling Clarence White, Norman Blake, or Tony Rice himself, this guitar will hold its own in any mix.
Why Old-Growth Tonewoods Matter
This guitar's build includes reclaimed old-growth Brazilian rosewood, likely harvested nearly a century ago. The visual figuring on the back and sides is stunning, but it’s the sound that sets it apart. There’s a clarity, responsiveness, and depth that only time-aged tonewood can deliver.
The Adirondack spruce top adds headroom, sparkle, and dynamic punch. This pairing of tonewoods is the reason many luthiers consider it the “holy grail” of dreadnought construction. Every note sounds alive, with rich overtones and excellent sustain—especially when played with flatpicks and dynamic attack.
Prototype vs. Tony Rice Professional: Key Differences
While the Tony Rice Professional and this prototype may look similar on the surface, they diverge in critical areas:
| Feature | 1934D Prototype | Tony Rice Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Top Wood | Adirondack Spruce | German Spruce |
| Bracing | Forward-Shifted, Scalloped | Rear-Shifted |
| Back/Sides | Reclaimed Brazilian Rosewood | Brazilian Rosewood |
| Finish | French Polish | Gloss Nitro |
| Goal | Vintage Accuracy | Sonic Clarity & Balance |
The Tony Rice Pro was engineered for balance and articulation across genres, while the 1934D Prototype was focused on capturing the magic of pre-war Martins as closely as scientifically and sonically possible.
Real-World Review from The Acoustic Shoppe
From Jeremy Chapman:
“I’ve played hundreds of Santa Cruz guitars over the years, and I can confidently say this is my favorite. There’s just something about it—maybe the age of the woods, maybe the balance of tone—but it feels alive. This guitar doesn’t just sing, it speaks.
This instrument even includes documentation from Richard Hoover, confirming the prototype status and custom work done on it—including bridge repositioning and French polish finish work.
Built to Perform—and Refined Over Time
As with many prototypes, this Santa Cruz guitar evolved after its debut. After NAMM, it was brought back in by the factory to correct intonation issues by adjusting the bridge placement. That type of post-show refinement highlights the attention to detail that defines Santa Cruz’s ethos.
The slot-through saddle, large soundhole, hide glue construction, and French polish all contribute to the guitar’s resonance and historical accuracy. And unlike mass-market dreadnoughts, this guitar feels personal—like it was built by a handful of passionate artisans for a very specific player.
Available Now at The Acoustic Shoppe
Interested in owning this legendary instrument? The Santa Cruz 1934D Prototype is now available at:
👉 2008 Santa Cruz Tony Rice Model Adirondack/Brazilian Rosewood Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
While you’re browsing, check out other rare and Custom Shop pieces, including these one-of-a-kind builds:
Learn More About the Santa Cruz Guitar Company
Santa Cruz’s commitment to luthier tradition is evident in every instrument. If you’re curious to explore more about how they build instruments of this caliber, head over to their website:
Their 1934D series continues to inspire players and collectors with its vintage-correct voice and boutique construction—starting with this prototype that set the standard.
Final Thoughts: Tone Meets Legacy
Whether you're a collector, a Tony Rice fan, or just someone who appreciates guitar history, the Santa Cruz 1934D Prototype represents more than wood and glue—it represents a moment in boutique guitar making when sound science met legacy craftsmanship.
This instrument is rare not only for what it is, but for what it became—the origin of the Santa Cruz 1934D. And as with many great instruments, it’s not just about tone—it's about the story it tells.
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