1984 Goodall Rosewood Standard problem

Roccorobb · #1 10-13-2020, 06:40 AM

I have a separate NGD post celebrating two new instruments recently added to my stable: a bourgeois jomc and this old goodall Rosewood standard. I'm still just in the listening phase, playing each guitar, learning all its tonal nooks and crannies, shifting from one guitar to the next to hear how they sound against one another and against other guitars in the stable.

After a few days, I am noticing a problem. If I play the goodall for any amount of time, any and every guitar I play afterward is a disappointment. Even my trusty 1970 d28, which is no slouch of a guitar, sounds like a toy. It sounds fine on its own, and I enjoy it very much. Even the bourgeois, which is a phenomenal instrument. Delicate, strong, dynamic and perfectly balanced. But only if I play it first. If I play it after the goodall, I find myself wondering what all the fuss is about.

This is the first and only instrument I have played from this builder. I bought it on a whim. It has a modern voice, but with a decidedly vintage vibe. I don't know if it conforms to all of the descriptors I've heard people use for James's guitars. To me it seems stronger on the fundamental than the overtones, perhaps simply because of its age. It reminds me a lot of the finest classical guitars. Incredibly clear and immediate in attack, lead lines feel like they are being spat out. At the same time, the trebles are so warm and bold. The low end is not at all boomy, but it is massive. Similar to a grand piano in effect.

Sorry for the rant. I just didn't anticipate having a problem like this so soon after purchasing an instrument. I needed somebody to complain to.

Martz911 · #2 10-13-2020, 06:57 AM

I've had the same "problem" since my first Goodall purchase in 2008. Enjoy the ride!

Boozehound · #3 10-13-2020, 06:57 AM

I find that loud, ringing, and relatively bright guitars like a Goodall Standard tend to make most other instruments played after it sound muted. Your ears quickly get accustomed to that sound. It doesn't mean your other guitars aren't good though. If you play the Martin for 5 mins or so your ears will probably reacclimate.

That being said, a Goodall is a magnificent guitar that most others won't compare to.

Roccorobb · #4 10-13-2020, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boozehound

I find that loud, ringing, and relatively bright guitars like a Goodall Standard tend to make most other instruments played after it sound muted. Your ears quickly get accustomed to that sound. It doesn't mean your other guitars aren't good though. If you play the Martin for 5 mins or so your ears will probably reacclimate.

That being said, a Goodall is a magnificent guitar that most others won't compare to.

Yes, this exactly. I love my other instruments and still think they each have wonderful unique voices. It's just that initial effect when switching. Crazy!

Boozehound · #5 10-13-2020, 07:09 AM

I notice it the most when switching from a Dread to an OM, particularly if strumming the OM. It sounds thin and boxy compared to the Dreadnaught. If I play the OM first though, it sounds great.

Glad you are enjoying your Goodall. Mine was my first "Luthier Built" instrument, and it took my down a very fun (but very expensive) road.

BGS · #6 10-13-2020, 07:16 AM

I've led several people down the dark, wallet-destroying path of Goodall fanaticism. You may be stuck in there forever, but at least you'll enjoy yourself!

llew · #7 10-13-2020, 07:22 AM

The Goodall Standard in Redwood/EIR would be my downfall I believe? It's been in the back of my mind ever since I heard Bryan Rankins at Fazio's play this one...

Kerbie · #8 10-13-2020, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roccorobb

Sorry for the rant. I just didn't anticipate having a problem like this so soon after purchasing an instrument. I needed somebody to complain to.

And such a terrible problem to have. My thoughts go out to you. Lol... Great guitars... quite a big, rich sound. Hope you enjoy. You can sell all the other in the Classifieds at any time.

247hoopsfan · #9 10-13-2020, 08:42 AM

Well, you know what James Goodall has said about his Standard model: “It makes all other guitars sound like they are stuffed with socks”.

llew · #10 10-13-2020, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 247hoopsfan

Well, you know what James Goodall has said about his Standard model: “It makes all other guitars sound like they are stuffed with socks”.

Yeah...I remember that quote!

Wrighty · #11 10-13-2020, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roccorobb

I have a separate NGD post celebrating two new instruments recently added to my stable: a bourgeois jomc and this old goodall Rosewood standard. I'm still just in the listening phase, playing each guitar, learning all its tonal nooks and crannies, shifting from one guitar to the next to hear how they sound against one another and against other guitars in the stable.

After a few days, I am noticing a problem. If I play the goodall for any amount of time, any and every guitar I play afterward is a disappointment. Even my trusty 1970 d28, which is no slouch of a guitar, sounds like a toy. It sounds fine on its own, and I enjoy it very much. Even the bourgeois, which is a phenomenal instrument. Delicate, strong, dynamic and perfectly balanced. But only if I play it first. If I play it after the goodall, I find myself wondering what all the fuss is about.

This is the first and only instrument I have played from this builder. I bought it on a whim. It has a modern voice, but with a decidedly vintage vibe. I don't know if it conforms to all of the descriptors I've heard people use for James's guitars. To me it seems stronger on the fundamental than the overtones, perhaps simply because of its age. It reminds me a lot of the finest classical guitars. Incredibly clear and immediate in attack, lead lines feel like they are being spat out. At the same time, the trebles are so warm and bold. The low end is not at all boomy, but it is massive. Similar to a grand piano in effect.

Sorry for the rant. I just didn't anticipate having a problem like this so soon after purchasing an instrument. I needed somebody to complain to.

I can certainly relate to that - when I got my Webber a few months back it had the same effect. Literally anything I played sounded better on the Webber to my ears than my other guitars (Furch) which I loved.

To give you some perspective, this has faded to a degree and I find myself reaching for others and choosing them over the Webber for certain pieces more and more as time goes by. The Webber still sounds great but the others have come back into focus.

guitararmy · #12 10-13-2020, 09:26 AM

What strings are you Goodall owners using?

I have a Rosewood jumbo Goodall and am still trying to find a string set I like on it...

Earl49 · #13 10-13-2020, 09:35 AM

Well this is the risk taken when climbing the food chain. Once you've driven a Corvette, even a Camaro will seem anemic. Just enjoy and accept that each guitar has its place. There is a time for steak and a time for hamburger. And feel free to vent or rant.... that is what this place is all about.

llew · #14 10-13-2020, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Earl49

Well this is the risk taken when climbing the food chain. Once you've driven a Corvette, even a Camaro will seem anemic. Just enjoy and accept that each guitar has its place. There is a time for steak and a time for hamburger. And feel free to vent or rant.... that is what this place is all about.

Sometimes a good hamburger can be better than a steak...to me at least?

247hoopsfan · #15 10-13-2020, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guitararmy

What strings are you Goodall owners using?

I have a Rosewood jumbo Goodall and am still trying to find a string set I like on it...

I have Elixir Phosphor Bronze Medium 13-56 on my Rosewood Standard. EXP17’s sound great too, but the Elixirs just last forever.