On the left, a James Goodall grand concert. Beautiful mahogany and Adirondack spruce. His shop in Hawaii makes about 500 instruments per year. The right, a Santa Cruz OM (Orchestra Model) rosewood and Sitka spruce, based on the 1929 Martin model only better.
Richard Hoover and crew of Santa Cruz builds about 600 instruments per year.
James Goodall Santa Cruz

 

Very impressive. Are they yours?

Are all the Goodall instruments made without fret inlays or pick guards?

 

The Goodall was a custom order. I specified no fretboard inlay. I like to live on the edge. It has a clear pickguard, but it can be had without as well.
Thanks, 'Im gad you like em.

 

Do you play them or just collect them?

 

I'm not a collector at all. I've traded some over the years, but these two get played daily. It took many years to find two guitars that are true keepers.

 

Well now I'm compelled to ask what you play on each. Are there different genres you feel fit one best? Do they have different tones? What are you doing with them?

 

They're quite different. The Goodall is a more modern sound. Open and airy with a lot of sustain and some overtones. The 'Cruz is darker, with a bit more emphasis on bass, more traditional and smokey, if that makes sense. My playing is a bastardized blend of blues, jazz, Celtic, folk and rock. What a mess. They're both well balanced and good for many different styles.

 

Intriguing. They seem to sound like an Ovation and the Martin they resemble from the front. I'd like to see them someday.

 

Beautiful, Frank!!!

 

I have no doubt these guitars are very well made in the USA. I have an Ovation Custom Balladeer with shallow bowl. But what you have are truly art pieces that you can still play and enjoy. They only get better with years. I imagine the wood they use are aged and very carefully selected. Thanks for sharing.