Product: Goya G-13M
Price Paid: N/A used
Submitted
06/28/2000
at
08:23am
by
Doug French
Email: dfrench at patriot<dot>net
Features
:
7
classical guitar, made in Sweden, circa 1966
18 frets, standard classical guitar design
all solid wood construction
top: spruce; sides, back, fretboard, bridge: rosewood; neck: mahogany,
saddle: ivory?, nut: plastic; purfling: b&w plastic, rosette: very simple circular design
finish: lacquer, thicker than others I've played.
tuners: unbranded; quality: medium
neck: 2" wide at nut, 2-7/16" at 18th fret, nut-saddle: 24-13/16"
The neck is thinner (front-back) than other classics I've played.
Sound
:
8
treble: good, bright with new strings
bass: very solid bass, more than others that I've played
midrange: a little muddy on the G string
The sound is very good, overall, when using Augustine strings.
I've tried other string brands but the Augustines bring out the
best sound of this particular guitar.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
7
The action is very low along the entire fretboard *but* it doesn't
buzz unless I play harder than I should on a classic.
The top is bookmatched but there is a slight offset between the two halves.
The grain of the top is wider than and not as straight as other classics.
The is a slight orange-peel effect in the finish on the face of the head.
The body & neck woods are beautiful. I think the rosewood is Brazilian.
The action is still flat and straight after ~34 years.
Reliability/Durability
:
6
The lacquer finish is fairly thick for a classic but doesn't seem
to affect the sound. There is one small self-inflicted crack on the
soundboard (easily repaired). The tuning machines have worn and corroded slightly.
The finish is well crazed with age.
The bridge is coming unglued toward the tail block and there is a
slight bulge developing between the bridge and the tail block
that requires the attention of a professional luthier.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
I don't know if Goya is still in business.
I would imagine that any competent luthier could repair/restore this
guitar with no surprises or problems as the design and construction
are standard classic.
Overall Rating
:
8
I've been playing about 30 years, but became serious about 10 years ago.
I have a cheap beater backup classic.
If this guitar were lost/stolen I would miss it, very much.
I'm amazed at the odd combination of excellent woods and plastic purfling/nut.
I wish I knew what was going on in the head of the designer when this guitar was built.
The low action makes this guitar very easy to play for long periods.
I like it to the point where I'm planning to have it restored/repaired.
