Goodall

There are a few tonewoods more visually arresting and hypnotic than highly flamed maple—indeed, one can get lost gazing at the seemingly infinite facets of dimension that appear at every shift of angle. From the dawn of string instruments, like the bowed instruments of the Italian masters or the early baroque guitars, to the variety of guitars of the modern era that we so admire, we are drawn to this material on an almost instinctual level.  In addition to its aesthetic appeal, maple is prized for its workability, structural resilience, and overall reflective nature.  Accordingly, it is no surprise that some of the most historically significant guitars were made of maple, including some built by Herman Hauser, and one of the earliest known Martins, dating to 1834 (on permanent display in their museum).

That all said, we certainly have had plenty of maple guitars come through our store over the years; yet, this maple Concert Jumbo cutaway is one of the most stunning examples we have had from any maker, James Goodall included!  In addition to its gorgeous, highly-flamed back and sides, this guitar also features an upgraded matching headstock veneer, as well as matching fingerboard and headstock binding, all culminating in a feast of flame.  (Though a more subtle visual detail, we would also point out the tasteful addition/upgrade of Mother of Pearl notched square bridge inlays.)   And, quite uncommonly, this guitar also has a strikingly figured maple neck.  Short of a generally ill-advised maple top or maple fingerboard (which would probably be a touch gauche for an acoustic guitar), it would be difficult to imagine a more mapley maple guitar that could command such attention while retaining such style.

As tempting as it is here to focus on the curb appeal of this guitar, this MCJC also features a significant upgrade in the form of an Englemann spruce top. Combined with the generally direct and even response of maple, the Englemann spruce adds a hint of cedar-esque warmth and a quicker response that is simply delightful.  It bears mentioning that, compared to other spruce varietals, Englemann, like Western Red cedar presents a subtle compromise in terms of headroom; but, this is hardly noticeable in the case of this MCJC, given innate power and presence of Goodall guitars.  In reflecting further, this instrument is very reminiscent of one of our all-time favorite Goodall tonewood recipes, that being the pairing of Western Red cedar and Maple, as seen in the Pacific model. We have historically stocked Pacific models in the form of either a Grand Concert or Parlor; but, on at least one occasion, we have ordered a Concert Jumbo.  As was true then, here the Concert Jumbo body imparts the depth and breath of a larger instrument (approaching that of a dreadnought, for instance), while retaining the overall clarity, balance, and definition of a slightly smaller guitar. In short, this versatile instrument is as sonically appealing as it is visually beautiful!  Accordingly, it lives up to what we have come to expect of any Goodall guitar—it exemplifies what we often describe as “contemporary voicing,” that being a tonal sophistication and responsiveness that would satisfy the demands of the most discerning modern acoustic steel string player.

Condition

As one would hope for an instrument of this caliber, this MCJC has clearly been well looked after. Subsequently, we find only a few cosmetic issues to note.  Most notably, there is a collection of three small dings on treble side waist at lower bout, situated towards back—the largest of these measures approximately 8 mm long by 2 mm wide.  We also see a minor scuff on backside of bridge at low E string, as well as some chip-out of the bridge, itself, at low E string bridge pin hole;  some light scratches/swirls on headstock veneer; and, finally, one shallow dent on the back at the treble-side lower bout, measuring approximately 3 ½ mm in diameter. Otherwise, there are no structural issues or repairs to note, apart from the installation of a K&K Pure Mini pickup system.  EXCELLENT Condition

• Concert Jumbo Body (15 7/8” Lower Bout)
• Venetian Cutaway
• Englemann Spruce Top
• Highly Flamed Maple Back and Sides
• Flamed Maple Body Binding
• 5-Ply Black/White Wooden Purfling
• 3-Ply Black/White Wooden Side and Back Purfling
• 7-Ply Backstrip with Flamed Maple Center
• Flamed Maple Endpiece
• Flamed Maple Heelcap
• Abalone Rosette
• High Gloss Body Finish
• Highly Flamed 2-Piece Maple Neck
• Ebony Fingerboard
• Flamed Maple Fingerboard Binding
• Mother of Pearl Notched Square Fingerboard Inlays
• Matched Flamed Maple Headstock Veneer
• Flamed Maple Headstock Binding
• Mother of Pearl and Abalone Headstock Logo
• Ebony Bridge with Mother of Pearl Notched Square Inlays
• Ebony Bridge Pins with Mother of Pearl Dots
• Gold Schaller Tuners
• 1 3/4” Nut Width
• 25.5” Scale Length
• Clear Pickguard
• K&K Pure Mini Pickup System Installed
• Original American Vintage Series Hard Case