Goodsell Super 17 Review

[stephent2]

I've had a sound in my head for a long time, silvery, harmonically rich with a smooth but clear overdrive, no raspy stuff, touch sensitive.

If I made a list of the amps that I've bought and sold because they just didn't have it, we'd be here all night. I've tried most amps in the 1000-3000 range and owned a quarter of them at one time or another, some twice.

The Goodall Clairmont Super 17 is the closest of them all. Clear, dynamic, rich with the right overtones, smooth overdrive, still clear but with very pleasing sustain and overdrive.

Mine's a 2005 amp, 17 watts with a 45 year old Hammond organ output transformer, The phase inverter is a TungSol 12AX7. It is tube rectified with a EH GZ34, cathiod biased into 2 Electro-Harmonix EL84's through a 8 ohm 12 inch cannabis rex. Three knobs, Volume, Tone and Gain, on and off plus a standby switch, very simple.

It's light, maybe 32lbs and fills all the rooms I play with volume to spare.

I heard about the amp from my buddy Sean Costello who doesn't like new amps and he loved the Goodsell. Actually Sean lent me his and I wouldn't give it back, he's getting a new one from Richard Goodsell (the amp builder's here in town).

Atlanta Discount Music is the only dealer and he has a few in stock. The amp certainly has a magic about it, I'm thinking about getting another one built, a 2x10 combo. the 45-50 year old OT may have something to do with it's charm, tho Richard tells me he's put one together w a new OT and they sound very close,...so who knows, but she's a keeper. Very cool little amp.

I don't have anything to do with the production or sale of the Goodsell amps or Atlanta Discount, just reporting a great find.

 

[Salty]

I was wondering when someone was going to start letting the cat out of the bag about these amps on the forums. I don't have one yet, and mainly because I have some reservations about the old-ass transformers in a high-dollar (for it's simple circuitry) new amp. I also want to see how the "company" stability turns out to be for a while. If the business goes belly-up, and the amp blows up, would he still fix it? I dunno. You mentioned a version with a NEW transformer. I'd really be interested in hearing that. I'm sure the Hammond is a big part of the sound, but damn, it's so old. If he can duplicate that sound with a new trans, that'd be great.

All that aside, it is one of the most spectacular sounding amps I've ever heard or played. I tried one with a Celestion Greenback, it was great. Then, I tried one with the Eminence Private Jack, and it was ASTOUNDING. Like the heavens opened up. I almost wept. I also wish he would do a 30-watt, or a 2x12 of the 17 watt.

I was kinda hoping the word wouldn't get out too much about this amp, till I figure out whether I'm gonna get one. Supply and demand, you know. Then it's price increase. My God though, it's such a glorious sound. I'm kind of a VOX guy, and firmly believe nothing compares. But this amp is really making me re-think that.

I gotta find out more about the new transformer model. I actually talked to Mr. Goodsell at the store (Atlanta Discount), when he was there delivering an amp. I was asking all kinds of questions about the transformers, Celestions and so on. He's also trying to branch out into other parts of the country.

I have not heard one with the Cannibis Rex speaker.

 

[stephent2]

Hey there Salty, there are two new Goodsell Super 17 2x12 combos (2 heads, a 2x10 cab, and two 2x10 combos) at ADM as of Thursday, FYI.

Richard Goodsell has been THE Hammond Organ guy for years, I was at his shop while he sold some vintage Hammonds to the House Of Blues in Los Vegas.

It is a simple amp, I'm sure that's part of the reason it sounds soooo good. I didn't spend any time with the Goodsell that had a new OT, it isn't really a new version, I believe he was testing it out, so i can't help you there, just reporting.

I suspect there's a higher wattage amp coming down the pike but I'm a fan of the 17 watter, it's Just Right for me.

I bought the cannabis rex and installed it myownself, the Celestion was too bright and fizzy sounding for my ears.

I was wondering if anyone else had heard the Goodsell, glad the word's getting out.

Might want to get yours now.

 

[Salty]

I'll prob'ly be up at ADM monday or tuesday. As usual, I'll plug in and play one. It just sounds sooo good.

Another problem I have, is (and it's just a mental thing), that I am a staunch, die-hard traditionalist. If it isn't Fender, Gibson, Gretch, Vox, Marshall, etc, I have a hard time accepting it. And usually I don't like it. With effects, too. Boss, MXR, etc. I have a slogan: "I Fly In A No-Boutique Zone". Proud of it. I love my AC30 (UK version) and have a Fender HR Deville as my throw-around amp. But, this Goodsell is glorious. I hate to admit it. In my opinion, it makes a $3,000 Matchless sound like a run-of-the-mill good amp.

How do you feel about the build quality, durability/ reliability of this amp?

 

[clydethecat]

A lot of people use those Hammond reverb amps as transformer donors for EL84 guitar amp projects. The first Dr. Z Carmen Ghias were even based on the Hammond reverb amp.

 

[stephent2]

my amp is #0015, an early one built by Richard and the build quality is as good as it needs to be. I'm gigging 3-4 time a week with the Goodsell, no issues and I fly without a net, so there's no backup amp.

The newer amps are built by a former employee of Aiken amps (Aiken and Goodsell have no connection other than a former employee) and are a bit cleaner in construction, also the cab size is slightly larger and the fit and finish is improved.

All that said, I had no problem buying my early issue amp 'cos it sounds so damn good. I just got home from our Sunday night gig and the Goodsell (at half throttle) held it's own with a six piece band and was a joy to play.

 

[fontaine]

Goodsell Amps

Tried 2 of these out today. The single twelve
and the twin version. Very similar to my '63 AC15Twin.
Just as the AC15 single goes, the twin version
is just more of the same. Like the Goodsell.
The Goodsell amps are harmonically complex
but not as refined as the Vox. Which to me
is a good thing. It is its own man. And man,
what an amp!
I probably should not have noodled with it.
Because now i must have one. I did not try
the one with 2 Weber 10s. That may have
shoved me over the edge!
Like Stephen, no affiliation but i strongly
recommend folks that can check them out
to do so.

 

[rocnrik]

I have been playing for 40 plus years and owned a ton of gear..mostly over hyped high end stuff..I play strats & tele..roots rock,blues,traditional country..by far and away the GOODSELL SUPER 17 IS HE FINEST AMP I HAVE EVER PLAYED!!..YOU HAVE TO TRY THIS AMP WITH A JENSEN NEO 12..IT IS UNREAL!! My band did a gig at a venue that host lots of big time guitar players and the house sound man could not quit gushing over the tone the GOODSELL put forth..I believe it comes from the SIMPLE layout..gain,tone,volume..(no reverb)and finding the speaker that works with the amp..THE JENSEN has the tight full round bottom end and does not add a lot of color to the mid/highs..talk about pedal friendly..wow!!set the controls at noon and let it rip..by the way I have owned ALL the DR Z models,carr slant six,rambler,vintage fender models,holland,boogie,vox ac 30 tb,..I PROMISE THE GOODSELL IS MY FAV..BY FAR!!