Post by grayn on Apr 7, 2013 6:08:30 GMT
For those interested, I’ll start with the stats:
Materials:
Back &sides: Curly Koa.
Top: Alaskan Sitka Spruce.
Binding on the body &head: Curly Maple.
Bridge &Bridge-pins: Ebony.
Neck: Mahogany.
Fingerboard &Head plate: Ebony.
Machineheads: Gotoh 510, with ebony buttons.
Fret Markers and Rosette: Abalone.
Dimensions:
Nut width: 44.5mm. (1.75 ins.)
Scale length: 650mm. (25.6 ins.)
Overall Length: 1,003mm. (39.5 ins.)
Body Length: 495mm. (19.5 ins.)
Lower Bout: 385mm. (15.1 ins.)
Upper Bout: 290mm. (11.5 ins.)
Waist: 240mm. (9.5 ins.)
Body depth (neck end): 97mm. (3.8 ins.)
Body depth (lower end): 110mm. (4.4 ins)
Now obviously, I bought this guitar because I really liked it and like it more, the more I play it. So I have to look at the little things, to find anything that I might remotely dislike. And the only thing I can really find is that the ebony truss-rod cover, on the head, isn’t symmetrical. And the main reason I noticed it, is that everything else, on this guitar, is so methodically finished, to a very exacting standard.
It could also be said, that the guitar is presented in a very conventional style. With the maple binding accompanied by black &white lined purfling and the slim, abalone rosette, it is reminiscent of quite a few other guitars, I have owned.
Staying with looks, the things that do stand out positively are the lovely silking and golden hue, of the top. The maple bound, ebony fronted headstock, with the “winged G” logo, just looks classy. But best of all, is the curly koa back and sides. A beautiful wood bound and finished to perfection.
It seems, the only way to assess tone/sound, is by self-judging absolutes and comparing to other guitars, that one and hopefully others, may have experience of. IMO, the absolutes are that this Goodall has projection and volume, which exceeds anything I have played before. It has a bright, clean tone, with a full, harmonic range. Whether lightly brushed, with the fingernails or hit hard, with a plectrum, this Koa Grand Concert rings out quite beautifully. And, to me, it has a little bit of rock ‘n’ roll to it. With a punchy sound that remains pleasing to the ear, not harsh at all.
In comparison to another guitarl, my Fylde Eric Bibb, I’d have to say that the Fylde is more suited to better guitarists than me. Its strengths are in its string separation and sweet, articulate tone. It has a real subtlety. The Goodall kind of flatters your playing. Don’t get me wrong, it won’t make rubbish playing sound good. But you don’t have to force it. The sound just blooms out of it, with enough sparkle and shimmer to put a big smile on your face.
I’d say my playing style is articulate strumming, mixed with part-chords, flat-picking and occasional finger-style. This, apart from the occasional, flash intro, is played in accompanying vocals. It’s hard to imagine a guitar more suited to my style, than the Goodall. It’s also capable of a lot more, I am sure. But as I’ve got it now, that’s what it’ll be doing and bloody well too, IMO.
Oh yes and another thing I have noticed is that single notes sing out from this guitar, with a sound that is sweet and loud. It would be great for lead solos.
The feel of playing this guitar is also top notch. The neck is very comfortable, with a nice profile and an immaculate fingerboard. The action is low and the guitar is responsive and balanced, all the way up the neck. Despite its big sound the body is not large and feels very comfortable on your lap and against the torso.
I’ve been a slow learner, when it comes to buying guitars, over the last few of years. Aside from the obvious GAS situation, I have been lucky enough to own some wonderful guitars. But many have not really been suitable for my style of playing. Yet I have learnt a lot from these guitars and have, on more than one occasion, improved my technique, to try and get the best from each guitar. But I seem to finally be finding what really suits me best. Firstly, with the Faith Carolina Neptune and now, with this Goodall Koa Grand Concert.
In summary, this is a guitar that stands out tonally. Finished beautifully, with some lovely features, I wouldn’t however call it a stunner. I love the visual and sonic effect of the curly koa back and sides. Initially it looks an unassuming instrument but once the strings are activated, it comes into its own. I’m not sure what a guitar soloist would make of it? Quite a lot, IMO. But as another guitrist put it, this guitar is the songwriter’s weapon of choice. I have to agree.
The adventure continues.
Jo whoever he is.
