James Goodall Rosewood Standard Cutaway Gloss Natural 1994 Hand-Made Acoustic

This is a Goodall Rosewood Standard Cutaway in Gloss Natural finish. Since building his first guitar in 1972, James Goodall has gone on to become one of the finest luthiers producing hand-made acoustic guitars today. Now a family business, James and his son Luke’s workshop produce just two guitars of the finest quality each week.

Made in Hawaii. USA in 1994, the fairly early example of Goodall’s fantastic work features an all-solid bolt-on construction comprising a Sitka Spruce top, Indian Rosewood back and sides, Mahogany neck and 20 fret Ebony fingerboard with matching bridge. The body is double-bound in Koa, whilst the top is handsomely adorned with an Abalone rosette. Abalone is also selected for the diamond fingerboard inlays and headstock logo. Chrome Schaller tuning machines with Ebony buttons are fitted, along with a Bone saddle & nut. An LR Baggs Anthem pickup system has been fitted, and completes a very well appointed instrument.

The Mahogany neck plays very well, with a profile that might be described as a rather shallow ‘C’ shape which offers ergonomic thumb positioning and smooth articulate playability across the register. Certainly on the slimmer side, the neck is exceptionally playable for an acoustic guitar, feeling smooth & easy in a wide variety of contexts. The Ebony of the fingerboard is of the highest quality, with a very dark appearance and tight grain, the playing surface feels fantastic under the fingers. This, along with the Abalone inlays add a real sense of luxury to the playing experience, whilst the generous cutaway enhances access to the upper register.

The acoustic voice of the Goodall Rosewood Standard is rich and exceptionally well balanced. The bass response is deep and sumptuous, adding a real sense of character to the overall sound. Mids are open and clear, whilst the top end is bright and shimmering. This makes every note played on the instrument shimmer with a lush and luxurious tone that you would not normally expect from such a large body shape. The Sitka Spruce top projects very well, producing plenty of volume and a wide dynamic range which feels nicely responsive to the player’s touch. The addition of LR Baggs’ excellent Anthem system means you can use the instrument in both recording & live situations with ease. A beautifully hand crafted instrument which exemplifies the Goodall family’s stellar work.

Luthier Report

Our ID: 1091125152197

Weight: 5.15lbs

Serial: RSC 566

Aesthetic Condition:

Headstock: Overall excellent condition, the front face demonstrates some very light scratching visible only under direct lighting at certain angles. This is most notable to the centre near the truss rod cover.

Neck: Overall excellent condition. The fingerboard edges demonstrate some light chipping of the finish at fret ends in the upper register. The gloss finish to the rear of the neck has worn to a gloss through regular use. Any other markings are difficult to discern.

Body: Overall very good condition. The front face demonstrates some pick wear beneath the strings, wearing through the finish and into the top slightly. Two very light indentations to the bass side waist are visible under close scrutiny on the front face. A very slight gap is visible under close scrutiny between the heel plate and back of the body. This has been tested and is purely cosmetic, not extending to the heel of the neck. Any other markings are difficult to discern.

Condition of Frets:

The frets demonstrate very light signs of use, not affecting playability. There is considerable material remaining for any future fret work the new owner may wish to perform.

Current Set Up:

Truss Rod: Fully functional. Truss rod tool (7mm socket) not included.

Hardware: Fully functional with light signs of wear.

Structural: No concerns or issues to note.

Height of the string from the 12th Fret-1.75mm - Bass 2.25mm

Please be aware that the action on a guitar may move slightly in transit and this measurement is the current height.

Strings on Guitar - 11-52

There is no room remaining in the saddle for further adjustments.

Electrics:

Fully functional. A non-original LR Baggs Anthem system has been fitted.

Case & Accessories:

Hard case

The case demonstrates light signs of use. No truss rod tool included. End pin included.