Many people have asked "What kind of guitar do you play?"

My main acoustic instrument isn't a Martin or Gibson, or any of the other major factory-produced guitars (fine instruments, all). It is a Goodall Koa Grand Concert Acoustic Guitar. 

James Goodall  has been building guitars since 1972, starting out in Ft. Bragg, CA where he built this guitar in 1988, then in Hawaii to have access to the wonderful Koa wood that he loves so much, and now back to Ft. Bragg.

My KGC340  has beautifully figured Koa back, sides, and headstock cap. As the label on the inside says "Spruce, rosewood, ebony, mahogany, abalone" - these are the only materials used in this guitar. The only plastic is in the clear pickguard stuck to the top. James Goodall assured me that he was very proud of how this worked effectively and didn't change the sound one bit.

My friend Ron Peters told me "Get over to McCabes ! They have a great guitar I think you'll love." I hightailed it over to Pico Blvd, trying out that guitar, some Martins and Gibsons, some Larivees and other great guitars, but I kept coming back to this one. It had one minor cosmetic issue - a glue spot near the neck/body joint, but you have to be looking for it to see it. I tried the guitar, circled and paced around the store, tried it again, circled and paced some more, the salesman eyed me from the counter, wondering...I finally cornered him, pulled out a wad of bills (I'd been paid cash for some work, and brought it just for this purpose), asked him for a better price and a hardshell case (and how much more for an LR Baggs pickup and Passac Preamp), and he said yes.

 I sent it back to James Goodall once for a truss rod rattle fix, and he monkeyed with it so I could use slightly heavier strings instead of the "light guage only" recommended in the label inside the guitar. I've played it so much that it's now ready for a little fret work, but after 25 years, it should be ready for a few hours up on the rack.

This guitar has served me through thick and thin, with fingers and plectrums, for recording and live use. It just makes me happy to play, with a harmonically rich, well-balanced tone and easy action.