Introduced in 1978, the H Model stands as one of Santa Cruz Guitar Company's earliest and most enduring departures from tradition. Inspired by a rare vintage design and brought to life through a collaboration with artist and luthier Paul Hostetter, the H challenged the notion that power comes from size—proving instead that balance, responsiveness, and tonal complexity could define a new standard. With its distinctive proportions and deeply expressive voice, the H quickly became a favorite among players seeking nuance and immediacy. What began as a bold experiment has since evolved into one of our most iconic models—equally at home in delicate fingerstyle passages and dynamic, articulate rhythm work. Our 50th Anniversary H Model honors that original vision with a refined, modern interpretation—celebrating the guitar that helped redefine what a small-bodied instrument could be. Like all the 50th Anniversary Editions, these come with a custom scrimshaw heel cap and our wax-sealed 50th Anniversary label, but also a custom purfle combo top border, which keeps the instrument aesthetically similar to our other 50th Anniversary offerings.

Santa Cruz Model H, featuring a solid Sitka Spruce top, solid Indian Rosewood back and sides, a 1 11/16" nut width and a 25.375" scale length. Complete with case. 

"The H Model is Santa Cruz's small jumbo, offering a perfect balance of comfort, projection, and tonal richness. This versatile instrument excels at everything from intimate fingerstyle to aggressive flatpicking.

With its comfortable body size and powerful voice, the H Model has become a favorite among players who want a guitar that can handle any musical situation with grace and authority."

Body Wood Type Indian Rosewood   Back Stripe S29   Binding Ivoroid Top Wood Type Sitka Spruce   Rosette Ivoroid   Purfling Herringbone   Bracing/Voicing Double Tapered w/Bass Scallop Neck Peghead Solid VJ   Peghead Binding None   Overlay Material Ebony   Headstock Inlay SCGC   Width at Nut 1-11/16"   Neck Shape Round Fingerboard Side Dots Black   Inlay 2mm Dots   Width at 14th Fret 2-3/16"   Binding Ivoroid   Scale Length 25.375 Finish Top Clear   Back & Sides Clear/Buffed   Neck Clear/Matte Setup Pickguard Tortoise   Tuners/gears Nickel Waverly