These initials (RS) represent this model as a Rosewood Standard bearing serial number 1362, The RS is one of James Goodall’s original “morphed into the 21st Century and beyond” designs – it is not the traditional Dreadnought shape; instead it is, shall we say, more curvy and sensual, easier to hold, a legal conveyor of great visceral pleasure? This example is made from a perfect Sitka spruce top – completely clear and free of any grain aberration, and showing a plethora of medullary rays, also called cross-silking. On Goodall’s list of “Ingredients” on the neck block paper label it states that is made from “rosewood, spruce, koa, mahogany, ebony, abalone” in a sort of free verse poem. The rosewood refers to select East Indian from which the back and sides are built, the spruce to that luscious top, the koa to the body bindings and headstock binding as well as the backstripe which continues on the bottom side as an end graft.
The top is further bordered with ebony-koa-ebony purfling lines, while the back and headstock are just single-ply koa. The polished ebony headplate is inlaid with the large and twice winged “Flying G” that comprises the Goodall logo, a matte finish ebony spear point truss rod cover held in place by one black chrome roundhead screw; the ebony fingerboard is inlaid with 9 diamonds of refracting pearl in 7 positions (double diamond at the fifth and 12th). The soundhole illuminates the room with a wide swath of kaleidoscopic pearl or abalone, bordered by ebony-koa-ebony on each side, and there is a second concentric ring of just ebony. This guitar has a factory provided clear pickguard on the treble side of the face to prevent damage from fingernails that have been sharpened to a stiletto-type point; tuners are large, sealed back Schaller chrome-plated with large metal buttons; the ebony carved bridge is winged and the bridge pins are ebony with inlaid pearl dot, with a matching end pin.
This guitar is in excellent plus condition, meaning that it shows almost no sign of use or wear. It has been exquisitely kept by its one owner. When these are new they can sell for $5400 and that’s at a generous discount. Although its hardware is silver color, the acquisition of this super fine, supernaturally clean and phenomenal sounding guitar to take its rightful place in your collection of exceptional six-strings, is something of a golden moment; one to be cherished forever.
NOW ON SALE. WAS $4325. Now . . .