Sam Radding (Go Guitars) Has Retired

[TokyoNeko]

Just on a whim, I contacted Sam Radding about a possible build later this year. Just got off the phone with him, and he told me he retired about 6 months ago. He said at his age he couldn't keep up with what he has been doing, and he had no one else to take over the business.

I simply congratulated him on his career and wished him well on his retirement, to which he said he'd call me if anything changes. (But I'm not counting on it, obviously.)

With that goes one of the most innovative lines of travel guitars. Sam will be missed.

[Kerbie]

I'm sorry to hear that. I really liked Sam. He built me a wonderful little Go Grand Mahogany several years ago that has served me extremely well. I wish him a happy retirement.

[stephenT]

I had a parlor and a travel Go, sure enjoyed them. Sam's a class act.

[mercy]

I havent talked to him recently but Im thinking hes just stop making travel guitars. I think he may still be making custom guitars.

[cali]

So I am even more thankful now for my walnut grande I bought it from Sam. Incredible little thing.

[pandaroo]

Sorry to hear that, I had a custom Type II parlour utilising Kasha bracing from Sam some time ago.

I wish him well going forward.

[Howard Klepper]

Great guy, and he had a lot to do with the open, sharing nature of most American lutherie.

[mushin]

I hope he enjoys retirement. I'm grateful to have one of his guitars.

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

I talked with Sam at Winter NAMM 2016, he hinted at retirement but it sounded like he had some tricks up his sleeve still. Great guy, great guitars. And who knows, without him we might not have Taylor Guitars.

[creamburmese]

I have one of his GO grands I never use because I play nylon these days...it's on my list to move to another home when I get round to it!

[slewis]

Originally Posted by cali

So I am even more thankful now for my walnut grande I bought it from Sam. Incredible little thing.

THIS! I have one too and it's a whole lot of guitar in a very traveleable package. I'd never sell it, but I might now (if they're not going to be made anymore) -- for $1,000 or so!

[TokyoNeko]

Originally Posted by creamburmese

I have one of his GO grands I never use because I play nylon these days...it's on my list to move to another home when I get round to it!

And you got around to it, shipping it back home to San Diego!

[Marshall]

So they'll now be called "Went?"



(Had one for a while. Nice little travel guitar. )

[TokyoNeko]

Originally Posted by Marshall

So they'll now be called "Went?"

"Gone" sounds better.

[mushin]

I have a Go Grande Walnut that I'm considering selling, spending way to much time in the closet. I had one of his type 2 parlors, fun little guitar!