Goodall Question Aka Attn: Orsino

[mnewton]

Tom or Anyone else that wants to answer,

I have a question about Goodalls.  I have heard a lot of people proclaim the excelencies of Goodall guitars, but it has been mostly for fingerstyle.  The problem is that I mostly strum and flatpick.  

Which models of Goodalls will better suit that style of play?

What model do you have and what style do you predominantly play?

Thanks,

Michael

[sjax]

Every one I've played could handle strumming well.  The TROM model was phenominal.

[guitaradoptions]

Just my 2 cents, but I think the thing folks like about Goodall are the very present overtones. In flatpicking, the notes might tend to get lost or muddy.
I would think you might be better served with the likes of Larrivee, Santa Cruz, Northwood, Martin or Collings.

[hcole]

Just my 2 cents, but I think the thing folks like about Goodall are the very present overtones. In flatpicking, the notes might tend to get lost or muddy.
I would think you might be better served with the likes of Larrivee, Santa Cruz, Northwood, Martin or Collings.

and Lakewood.  IMO anyway.

[orsino]

Michael,
I have a Grand Concert (essentially an OM). I fingerpick. Dave is right about the lush overtones. This is James Goodall's forte.
But, Goodalls are also known for their excellent string to string note seperation and clarity in the bass, so I would think that they may sound good strummed/flatpicked. When I get home tonight I'll video some flatpicking on my GC for you to see/hear. Do you have dial-up or broadband?
I'll record an mp3 as well.

[mnewton]

Michael,
I have a Grand Concert (essentially an OM). I fingerpick. Dave is right about the lush overtones. This is James Goodall's forte.
But, Goodalls are also known for their excellent string to string note seperation and clarity in the bass, so I would think that they may sound good strummed/flatpicked. When I get home tonight I'll video some flatpicking on my GC for you to see/hear. Do you have dial-up or broadband?
I'll record an mp3 as well.

Broadband.

Thanks Orsino.

[orsino]

Some more links and info.....

One of the 13th fret artists of the month....

http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:ln2fz...s+goodall&hl=en

From Mandolin Bros. website about Goodall......

Grand Concert Series The Grand Concert Model is one of the world's most perfect guitars. Beautifully proportioned, comfortable to hold, it is everything you can imagine and more -- a wonderful blend of clarity and balance with punch, and a smooth, rich bottom end. This one has a singing, lyrical treble with excellent sustain. It is completely without the tight, nasal tonal quality in the midrange and bass associated with smaller guitars. While the Grand Concert model is considered ideal for the fingerstylist due to its sensitive, dynamic responsiveness, it is equally appropriate for the flatpicker or plectrum player. It is used by bluegrass flatpickers and has surpassed traditional dreadnought guitars with respect to power, clarity, sustain, and projection.

Traditional Series Guitar The Traditional model features the popular dreadnought body shape. Its tone is extremely powerful in the bass and midrange with an emphasis on a broad warmth without lacking treble. The Traditional model features a custom, partial scalloped bracing pattern which produces a bit more 'boominess' in the bass and midrange. The peghead and bridge have been redesigned for a more conservative look and Waverly tuning machines are a standard feature. It is nicely trimmed with a herringbone rosette and herringbone top purfling with a chevron marketry backstrip. It is especially built for the flatpicker and bluegrass style players. .

From The Podium.....

Goodall Traditional D
Mahogany  
This instrument features the popular dreadnought body shape. Its tone is extremely powerful in the bass and midrange with an emphasis on a broad warmth without lacking treble. The Traditional D features a custom, partial scalloped bracing pattern which produces a bit more 'boominess' in the bass and midrange. The peghead and bridge have been redesigned for a more conservative look and Waverly tuning machines are a standard feature. It is trimmed with a herringbone rosette and herringbone top purfling with a chevron marketry backstrip. Built especially for flatpickers and bluegrass players.

From Buffalo Bros........

New! Goodall TRD: When first introduced a few years back, Goodall's Traditional Series pushed the tonal range of his already incredible instruments to new heights of perfection by adding even more responsiveness and punch. Introducing Adirondack or Red Spruce tops was one big reason why. This AAA East Indian Rosewood Traditional Dreadnaught comes with a Master Grade Adirondack top that will melt your chromosomes with its pure power and projection. Not to mention the best Bluegrass tone this side of a museum piece that you'll never be able to afford.

[ricks]

I don't know if this will help or not, but here goes.
I have two Goodalls, one Koa and one Rosewood.
Both are CJ body size, the same as a GA or L body and both have Sitka tops.
I don't play fingerstyle, use a pick as that's all I know from my playing days over 30 years ago.
They both pick very well.  BUT, the Goodalls do respond to a lighter touch extremely well.  If you are going to play power chords, flail on a guitar or even for heavy blue grass picking, buy a Collings instead.
If you want to refine your picking technique and get the most out of a guitar without having to hammer it to get a sound, try the Goodall.  The Koa being a little brighter and clearer than the Rosewood will take heavier picking better.
I can't do the sound bites like Tome does, but I can assure you they will flat pick just fine if treated right.
Last night I played a little of everything, from an old Dylan tune to Allman Brothers to Pat Metheny.
YOU will have to try it and decide for yourself.

[orsino]

Thanks for your input too Rick.
Well here's the clip....my flatpicking is pretty rusty but hopefully it's OK enough for you to get the idea Michael.

Goodall Aloha Koa Grand Concert
Elixir Nano Lights - 3 weeks old - played 1 hour per day.
Shure P81 mic run directly into my digital video camera.
No EQ, No effects
Mic about three feet in front of guitar.

http://www.orsino.lunarpages.com/video/Flatpick.wmv

[guitaradoptions]

Oh, to live on Sugar Mountain! :)
I love it!
Nice ELP too!

[orsino]

Oh, to live on Sugar Mountain! :)
I love it!
Nice ELP too!

I had you pegged for a Neil freak Dave! My favorite from the boy.

[guitaradoptions]

I think we need to JAM! :D  

[mnewton]

Thanks Tom.  I will have to drive to Texas and check Goodalls out sometime soon.  That is the problem with Shreveport, all we have are Martins, Taylors, Epis, and Seagulls.  The higher end dealer retired and closed down his business.

[stixx]

I am sure there are Goodalls that are well suited for heavey strumming, after all for years that is all anyone ever did with a guitar, but I have yet to play one that I liked to strum. I have only one Goodall which I custom ordered to fingerpick so it was certainly not a strummer, Wrong wood sized style everything on mine.

My Collings on the other hand both are very much at home with percussive heavy strumming relatively speaking that is , I personally don't see the point in "Heavy handed '' strumming , just turn the volume up if that's what you want, but percussive hand muting and fun stuff like that I do indulge in and fine the maple Taylor dreads and Larrivee Mahoganies and Collings dreads and OMs that I own and have owned all to be very good at that.

It is more important to select the right pick up for that too as much as the guitar. Goodall makes some traditional guitars that might be good for that but the bright jangly nature of a Goodall rewards light attack well heeled playing technique whether fingerpicked or with picks and I personally would not select one for that job. Just doesnt' seem like the best choice.

Not that a good player could not make it work but why bother when there are so many good Cannons out there that are perfect for the job at half the money.

Give me a good ole D 18V and I'm good to go for diggin in with some good Rhythum. Even old Gibson J 200's with a proper set up can rock out on that kind of stuff.

 Someone earlier mentioned the Lakewood and man I saw a gal from Germany recently in concert here in Atlanta that made one of them do the thing rightous. She had a jumbo and a maple dread bodied set of Lakewoods and she played them well and hard and to great affect.   :blink:

later

[orsino]

Great post Stixx. Several tools on the belt are preferred.