Goodall

“The 000 is the newest guitar in the Traditional series of instruments. It features a neck joining the body at the twelfth fret. The 000 Goodall is in between the OM and Dreadnought in size. Its tone is very full and round in the bass and mid-range, with an emphasis on a broad warmth without lacking treble. It is especially built for the finger-style player, but many folks like it for flat picking as well. All of our Traditional series models features a custom, partially scalloped bracing pattern which produces a bit more 'boominess' in the bass and mid-range. The peghead and bridge have been redesigned for a more conservative visual appeal, with open gear Waverly tuning machines contributing to its charm. It is attractively arrayed with a herringbone marquetry rosette and top purfling, and a chevron marquetry backstrip.” – From the Goodall Website

Introduced in the early 2000s the Goodall Traditional series could be perhaps most accurately characterized as modern instrument with a subtle infusion of classic aesthetic accents and structural elements.  For instance, the Traditional models feature a classic Martin Style 28 herringbone top purfling that is enlarged, thus making a bolder visual statement (much like more modern HD-28s). This bold herringbone is then set against curly maple binding, rather than a more traditional ivoroid—interestingly, Martin has directly mimicked this, perhaps unintentionally, in their Modern Deluxe series, itself a merger of the old and new. Of course, it also bears noting that, in the case of mahogany models, such as this 2022 000Mh, the presence of herringone alone is a departure from historical precedent, representing a synthesis of Style 18 tone wood complements and Style 28 appointments. Moving along, the very tasteful wooden checkered chevron marquetry backstrip is also a display of a contemporary flare with a nod to early Martin styles (especially those of the 19^th century). Then, upon closer examination, one also notes more nuanced and refined aesthetic touches, such as the beautifully-executed fine 3-ply wooden purflings that border the back and sides, the endpiece, and the headstock veneer on the sides of the headstock. Indeed, as is generally true of the Goodall’s naturalistic work, this guitar immediately draws one in with its polished, yet earthy and elegant visual appeal.

Structurally, the Traditional models differ from more common Goodall offerings in two key respects. First, and most notably, Goodall introduces a modest scalloping to the X-brace of Traditional models to enhance low mid and bass response, while also adding breadth to the overall presence of the guitar. This is a departure from his typical non-scalloped bracing (which, for modern builds, is a bit unconventional, itself!). Even so, the X-brace is still located approximately 1 ½” from the soundhole, which is more consistent with modern Martin X-brace placement (i.e., it is consistent with neither the forward nor rear-shifted patterns of the pre-WWII era).  In a similar vein, the bracing itself is heavier than that found in pre-WWII Martins. Secondly, the Traditional series feature a AAA grade Adirondack spruce top (or, on occasion, the optional Bear Claw Sitka).  The choice of this scarce tonewood is very much consistent with pre-WWII specs, and it indeed contributes the additional headroom, sustain, and clarity for which it has historically been highly-prized.

When packaged in a 12-fret 000 body (which is general viewed as a paradigm of acoustic efficiency for a guitar), the combination of Adirondack spruce and Honduran mahogany, along with Goodall’s take on scalloped X-bracing yields a uniquely beautiful and brilliant voice.  As advertised, the body of this 000Mh’s voice is indeed more open and responsive than what one might typically encounter in a Goodall, with a touch more heft in the low end.  Yet, the presence remains distinctly Goodall in its flavor—the player is greeted by a powerful and quick response, sharp definition, and an overall sparkle to the note edge, all of which sits atop an appealing degree of dimension.  As such, this 000Mh is certainly a lively and exciting guitar, that is particularly well-suited for modern fingerstyle applications, where a bright, yet substantial tone is often a priority.

Condition

This 000 has no structural issues to report, and otherwise exhibits minimal playwear.  We do note a subtle dimple/dent below the bridge between the E and A strings; and, additionally, there are several shallower and much smaller (in terms of diameter) dimples to be seen on the butt of the guitar, primarily on the treble side and endpin area. – NEAR MINT Condition

• 12-Fret 000 Body
• AAA Adirondack Spruce Top
• Scalloped Standard X-Bracing
• Honduran Mahogany Back and Sides
• Curly Maple Body Binding
• Wooden Herringbone Rosette
• Wooden Herringbone Top Purfling
• 3-Ply Black/White Wooden Back and Side Purfling
• Checkered Chevron Marquetry Backstrip
• Maple Endpiece with 3-Ply Black/White Wooden Purfling
• High Gloss Urethane Body Finish
• Honduran Mahogany Neck
• Medium C Neck Contour, Ebony Fingerboard
• Maple Fingerboard and Headstock Binding
• Blacklip Mother of Pearl Logo
• Mother of Pearl Notched Square Fingerboard Inlays
• Ebony Headstock Veneer
• Satin Urethane Neck Finish
• Ebony Belly Bridge
• Bone Nut and Saddle
• Beveled Tor-Tis Pickguard
• Nickel Waverly Tuners with Ebony Buttons
• 25” Scale Length
• 1 3/4” Nut Width
• 2 1/4” String Spacing at the Bridge
• Ameritage Hardshell Case