I want to see what people have to say about the PW OM's that Santa Cruz is putting out. I have been traveling and recently was in a West Coast shop that had a Rosewood and Mahogany PW OM. Both were very good. I have heard a dealer say that I shouldnt consider the PW model but spend the extra money for a reglar OM. Every PW that I have tried not only looks great but sounds great.

Thoughts??

I've liked several PWs I've played. Thought they were a great value for the money, used.

The models, in standard form, are braced differently, aside from differences in trim, etc.The regular OM is built very lightly, not sure If PW build weight is identical. More customization possible with the regular OM, I believe, including specification of woods used.

My personal opinion, based on what I've played and read:

The PW is geared for strumming, blended notes for chords, vocal accompaniment. Playing songs.

The "regular" OM is more geared for fingerstyle instrumental playing and recording, greater clarity of individual single notes.

Which does not mean that individual examples of each won't be completely the opposite, wood being what it is and all.

When I bought my current OM, a "regular" Santa Cruz OM was one of the high runners-up. On the other hand, I've played a few of the PWs that I seriously considered for a second guitar that I would not be worried about taking out. Not as first guitar though, but that's just me.

I say you would not at all be insane (necessarily) if you preferred a particular OM PW over a particular OM. given the way individual instruments vary, and different players' individual styles and preferences.

I wouldn't get either without playing first, but again that's just me.

It has seemed to me, though, that SC guitars (and all others, for that matter)vary tonally more than Collings guitars do, making it a yet iffier proposition to buy one without playing first.

I like the OM/PW a lot. Can't go wrong - relatively inexpensive and sounds great. The OMs are nice guitars but are not worth the extra $ to my ear.

Andrew