Goodsell low-watt prototype

[RKHIII]

Had the pleasure of spending a little time earlier this week with Richard in his dusty, oily Atlanta laboratory. I've always dug his designs...I own an original Super 17 and have owned other amps of his through the years. Last weekend I picked up a prototype low-watt pentode/triode design to try out for a few days and it took me all of about 5 minutes to realize this amp had the potential to be something really special. It had the most amazing, thick, creamy overdrive...the kinda drive I'm familiar with out of my brown Deluxe or tweed Gibson's. After a weekend with the amp, we both agreed it lacked one vital component...those famous Clairmont cleans that put him on the map. Thus the reason I was over there Monday...he added a modification to the design that allows the amp to be switched from it's native gainier side to a cleaner, low-watt Clairmont mode. Currently the mod can be switched via a mini toggle on the amp or via a footswitch...not sure which route will make it into the production model or for that matter whether the amp itself will make it into production but I can tell you it's the most inspiring, fun to play amp in my collection at the moment and the best new design to come out of the Goodsell lineup since the original Super 17. Richard is honestly IMO doing some of the best designs of his career right now...I hope the Super 7 (or whatever it'll be called) makes it out to the masses...it'd be a crime if it didn't.

[pcutt]

Seems right up my alley! Do you have any sound clips to share or point us to? Thanks!

[mkg]

Sounds like very cool beans, Richard is an extraordinary designer/builder.
I'm still amazed at how good my Super 17 sounds.
And yeah, clips would be great.
:agree

[RKHIII]

Had a buddy stop by late this afternoon to hear the Super 7 as I've affectionately dubbed it. He's a Super 17 owner as well and was equally amazed at this little thing. Just wanted to make sure it wasn't just me. So thus far, all three who've heard it think it's something special. I'll try and throw together a clip in Pro Tools in the next coupla days for y'all. See ya, --Roy

[akivisuals]

Pics please! :D

I like my Goodsell 5, but wish it had a wee bit more headroom. How big is the cab on the "7"? Weight? I'm lovin the idea of footswitching between channels. Does it have verb?

[Doodad]

Do you stil have it RKH? I wanna play.

[RKHIII]

Do you stil have it RKH? I wanna play.

Bart, come play it...I own 'er. Unless RG needs it back for a few days to refer back to for a production model, the check has cleared on this one. Pics to come...

[RKHIII]

Pics please! :D

I like my Goodall 5, but wish it had a wee bit more headroom. How big is the cab on the "7"? Weight? I'm lovin the idea of footswitching between channels. Does it have verb?

Only pic I have at the moment is an iPhone shot of Richard doing some tweaking to it at the GEC...I'll snap a few pics of the amp itself this weekend. It's housed in the same small Deluxe style cab that the new Mark Three's and the LE's are in. It's gotta be the lightest Goodsell to date...under 25 lb's and seemes lighter than my old G5. No verb or trem on the proto...think the idea was to keep a price point in mind in the event it makes it to production.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m96/RKHIII/Super7-1.jpg

[wsaraceni]

any idea if one will be at the NJ amp show? im really interested in hearing these amps.

[magnus02]

A little confused here... is it a single el84 like the g5 with a switch to knock it even lower or is it like a super 17 with a switch for lower gain... is this the same as the triode pentode switch on the new mark III. Sorry just a little confused here but always interested in any goodsell product seeing as I'm a insanely happy owner of #22

[Lil'Strat]

any idea if one will be at the NJ amp show? im really interested in hearing these amps.

I will try to have one there as my NY dealer is very interested in carrying a low-power Goodsell. I only have 3 cabinets to work with between now and the show - the other two will be Mark Threes available for sale.

[RKHIII]

A little confused here... is it a single el84 like the g5 with a switch to knock it even lower or is it like a super 17 with a switch for lower gain... is this the same as the triode pentode switch on the new mark III. Sorry just a little confused here but always interested in any goodsell product seeing as I'm a insanely happy owner of #22

It's a single EL84 like the G5 but to my ears, far superior and much more versatile. One word that comes to mind tonally with the amp is tight, especially the overdrive. I was told by a professional player friend today (who by the way loved the amp, thus continuing the streak of all who have heard it have loved it) that a lot of the tightness comes from the use of a solid state rectifier...may have to let Ritchie weigh in on that one since I don't pretend to know what makes this thing tick...I just know that I love what I hear. And yes, it has a switch that takes it down into the neighborhood of 2-3 watts...and it's a very dynamic and useful low-watt mode. I played it the other night for nearly an hour in triode mode with the volume setting below 1.

P.S. Magnus02, I'm the very happy owner of Super 17 #44. :)

[Lil'Strat]

A little confused here... is it a single el84 like the g5 with a switch to knock it even lower or is it like a super 17 with a switch for lower gain... is this the same as the triode pentode switch on the new mark III. Sorry just a little confused here but always interested in any goodsell product seeing as I'm a insanely happy owner of #22

Yes, it is a single EL84 like the G5, though geeked up to run nearly 100 volts hotter (!). The low power mode is identical in concept to the 5/17 switch, which is triode/pentode. The book says a single EL84 will do 1.9 watts in the triode mode, but they were assuming 250 volts on the plates; RKH's has well over 350. Who knows if I can keep it that high if I make more of 'em.

Other MAJOR differences include a choke in the power supply, making it infinitely quieter than the G5; a Hammond Mfg. 125CSE output tranny that sounds VASTLY better than the Mercurys used on the G5 (I've always suspected that the ones they sent me were wound for 4 ohms, not 8); an improved 12AX7 preamp which uses just a TOUCH of negative feedback and includes a clean/crunch switch that operates by disengaging the cathode bypass cap in the first gain stage... it's probably good for 7-8 watts at more than 10% distortion; the book says it sould do 5.7 watts at less than 4%, again assuming 250v on the plates. 8 watts is the limit of the OT.

All in all it sounds incredible - a universe away from the G5, maybe even a threat to the S17. I have enough junk to make 14 more like RKH's when the cabinets arrive... the question is, should I?

[Lil'Strat]

It's a single EL84 like the G5 but to my ears, far superior and much more versatile. One word that comes to mind tonally with the amp is tight, especially the overdrive. I was told by a professional player friend today (who by the way loved the amp, thus continuing the streak of all who have heard it have loved it) that a lot of the tightness comes from the use of a solid state rectifier...may have to let Ritchie weigh in on that one since I don't pretend to know what makes this thing tick...I just know that I love what I hear. And yes, it has a switch that takes it down into the neighborhood of 2-3 watts...and it's a very dynamic and useful low-watt mode. I played it the other night for nearly an hour in triode mode with the volume setting below 1.

P.S. Magnus02, I'm the very happy owner of Super 17 #44. :)

Roy, buddy,

The Mark Three has the solid state rectifier; your "Super 7" has a 5V4...

RG

[RKHIII]

Yes, it is a single EL84 like the G5, though geeked up to run nearly 100 volts hotter (!). The low power mode is identical in concept to the 5/17 switch, which is triode/pentode. The book says a single EL84 will do 1.9 watts in the triode mode, but they were assuming 250 volts on the plates; RKH's has well over 350. Who knows if I can keep it that high if I make more of 'em. Other MAJOR differences include a choke in the power supply, making it infinitely quieter than the G5; a Hammond Mfg. 125CSE output tranny that sounds VASTLY better than the Mercurys used on the G5 (I've always suspected that the ones they sent me were wound for 4 ohms, not 8); an improved 12AX7 preamp which uses just a TOUCH of negative feedback and includes a clean/crunch switch that operates by disengaging the cathode bypass cap in the first gain stage...

Yea, what Richard said. --R

Lil'Strat: << Roy, buddy, the Mark Three has the solid state rectifier; your "Super 7" has a 5V4... >>

Chris B. was the one that mentioned the solid state rec...he was probably getting it confused with the Mark Three. Like I said, it's all hieroglyphics to me until the little red light glows and the guitar gets plugged in. As long as YOU know whats in it Ritchie and can replicate it, it's all good.

[Lil'Strat]

Yea, what Richard said. --R

Lil'Strat: << Roy, buddy, the Mark Three has the solid state rectifier; your "Super 7" has a 5V4... >>

Chris B. was the one that mentioned the solid state rec...he was probably getting it confused with the Mark Three. Like I said, it's all hieroglyphics to me until the little red light glows and the guitar gets plugged in. As long as YOU know whats in it Ritchie and can replicate it, it's all good.

I think it sounds "tight" because it's about to explode... you should probably wear goggles when you play it.

[Wayne]

Yes, it is a single EL84 like the G5, though geeked up to run nearly 100 volts hotter (!). The low power mode is identical in concept to the 5/17 switch, which is triode/pentode. The book says a single EL84 will do 1.9 watts in the triode mode, but they were assuming 250 volts on the plates; RKH's has well over 350. Who knows if I can keep it that high if I make more of 'em.

Other MAJOR differences include a choke in the power supply, making it infinitely quieter than the G5; a Hammond Mfg. 125CSE output tranny that sounds VASTLY better than the Mercurys used on the G5 (I've always suspected that the ones they sent me were wound for 4 ohms, not 8); an improved 12AX7 preamp which uses just a TOUCH of negative feedback and includes a clean/crunch switch that operates by disengaging the cathode bypass cap in the first gain stage... it's probably good for 7-8 watts at more than 10% distortion; the book says it sould do 5.7 watts at less than 4%, again assuming 250v on the plates. 8 watts is the limit of the OT.

All in all it sounds incredible - a universe away from the G5, maybe even a threat to the S17. I have enough junk to make 14 more like RKH's when the cabinets arrive... the question is, should I?

Sounds like a very nice design but I'd miss reverb.

By the way, I'll be visiting the American Guitar Boutique music store in Maple Grove, MN on 5/3. They carry your amps. Any idea if they'll be getting one of the early Super 17 Mark Three amps by then?

[Doodad]

All in all it sounds incredible - a universe away from the G5, maybe even a threat to the S17. I have enough junk to make 14 more like RKH's when the cabinets arrive... the question is, should I?

Not just yes, but hell yes.

[Gasp100]

:agree:agree:agree

[Lil'Strat]

OK, OK...

I've received several PMs since last night, some of which could be considered orders... If you guys want one like RKH's (112 deluxe cab, organ chassis/PT, 125CSE OT) I'll do a few more; probably $9-ish and delivery in 4 weeks. Not to be considered a "regular" product, these would all be identical to Roy's prototype. There's only a handful of these chassis left - after that they would have to be made on a modified version of the new Mark Three chassis, at which point the manufacturing cost would be approaching that of the 17.

[Lil'Strat]

Sounds like a very nice design but I'd miss reverb.

By the way, I'll be visiting the American Guitar Boutique music store in Maple Grove, MN on 5/3. They carry your amps. Any idea if they'll be getting one of the early Super 17 Mark Three amps by then?

They will be getting a Mark Three, but not before your visit - It'll be mid-late May for them. It may be worth the drive to Piscataway for the Amp Show on May 10; there will be a couple of them there, along with a million others...

[RKHIII]

I've received several PMs since last night, some of which could be considered orders... If you guys want one like RKH's (112 deluxe cab, organ chassis/PT, 125CSE OT) I'll do a few more; probably $9-ish and delivery in 4 weeks. Not to be considered a "regular" product, these would all be identical to Roy's prototype. There's only a handful of these chassis left - after that they would have to be made on a modified version of the new Mark Three chassis, at which point the manufacturing cost would be approaching that of the 17.

I'm glad 14 other people will have a shot at one of these...if they last through the day I'd be surprised. I do hope you'll figure out a way to roll it out as a regular product in the future though as I think it would compliment the Super 17 very nicely...and it's just too good of an amp to limit production numbers to 14.

[guitarcrazy2004]

PM AND EMAIL -sent Richard.........;)

[Lil'Strat]

Got it, Woody... you're on board!

[guitarcrazy2004]

Thanks..richard.....:D:D:D

[akivisuals]

PM sent!

[RKHIII]

Richard, if it gets nip and tuck on these things overnight, I can tell ya Andy is more than likely in for one after hearing mine Friday. I'll confirm that with him tomorrow but consider it a done deal. See ya, --Roy

[Lil'Strat]

Better hurry - at this rate they'll all be gone by tomorrow night

[Wayne]

They will be getting a Mark Three, but not before your visit - It'll be mid-late May for them. It may be worth the drive to Piscataway for the Amp Show on May 10; there will be a couple of them there, along with a million others...

Thanks for the info and the suggestion about Piscataway. . . .

[magnus02]

pm sent

[dankayaker]

I was able to play one of the G5's for a couple months and thought it was wonderful (especially with an LP). If this 7 watter will surpass the G5 I'd be very interested.

[RKHIII]

Richard, if it gets nip and tuck on these things overnight, I can tell ya Andy is more than likely in for one after hearing mine Friday. I'll confirm that with him tomorrow but consider it a done deal. See ya, --Roy


Lil'Strat: << Better hurry - at this rate they'll all be gone by tomorrow night >>

Andy's in for one. --R

[RKHIII]

RG, JA mentioned possibly wanting one for his studio...do you have any left?

[trinian1]

I got one! My first Goodsell. And I'm broke. But it doesn't matter. I'm in! Yay! RKHIII, do you have those pictures yet? And also, (since you're the only one who has one right now) I'm a bit apprehensive about the volume levels at which I'll be able to get some gain out of this amp. I play a Bad Cat Hot Cat at church, which I bought because it has a pretty good master that doesn't choke down the sound too much, which is good, because my soundman and the singers on stage like it to run as quietly as I'll allow it to run! Am I gonna have to rely on pedals for gain with the Goodsell Super 7 when playing at low volumes, or does the gain switch grind out some overdrive pretty quickly?

I really like the medium gain tones on the Super 17--gain around half, volume up to taste, and tone between half to three quarters, depending on the guitar. I guess I'll find out soon enough if those tones are there at a low enough volume to be usable to me on the Super 7. I hope so! I'm excited either way.

[RKHIII]

I got one! My first Goodsell. And I'm broke. But it doesn't matter. I'm in! Yay! RKHIII, do you have those pictures yet? And also, (since you're the only one who has one right now) I'm a bit apprehensive about the volume levels at which I'll be able to get some gain out of this amp. I play a Bad Cat Hot Cat at church, which I bought because it has a pretty good master that doesn't choke down the sound too much, which is good, because my soundman and the singers on stage like it to run as quietly as I'll allow it to run! Am I gonna have to rely on pedals for gain with the Goodsell Super 7 when playing at low volumes, or does the gain switch grind out some overdrive pretty quickly?

I really like the medium gain tones on the Super 17--gain around half, volume up to taste, and tone between half to three quarters, depending on the guitar. I guess I'll find out soon enough if those tones are there at a low enough volume to be usable to me on the Super 7. I hope so! I'm excited either way.

Congrats on the purchase...I really think you're gonna dig it. Finally snapped a pic this morning before heading to the office. Got some of that natural sunlight at the crack of dawn (or 9:30 as it's called in the real estate business).

I wouldn't be apprehensive about being able to dial in some great crunch at very low volumes...I spent nearly an hour with it in the low-watt crunch mode with the volume below 1 and it was thick and creamy...no need for a pedal. That being said, this thing is LOUD when dimed in the 7w crunch mode...and again, very tight, thick overdrive.

Haven't had time to record a soundbyte yet but will try to do so soon. Hope it won't discourage future purchases...you'll just have to get around the chops and listen to the tone. :)

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m96/RKHIII/GoodsellSuper7-edited.jpg

[akivisuals]

I'm in too! Woohoo! RKH, did you find that you can footswitch between a clean and overdriven tones by going between the pentode and triode modes? At what point on the volume knob does it start to break up?

[RKHIII]

I'm in too! Woohoo! RKH, did you find that you can footswitch between a clean and overdriven tones by going between the pentode and triode modes? At what point on the volume knob does it start to break up?

Congrats akivisuals. With mine, I'm able to footswitch between the crunch and clairmont modes (the clairmont mode being the clean setting). The pentode/triode modes are selected with a switch on top of the amp next to the volume and tone controls. In crunch mode, there really isn't much clean to speak of...it breaks up all the way up the dial, at least with a humbucker or fairly hot pickup. You can get some edgy, just-breaking-up tones but you're gonna get overdrive everywhere on the dial. Which is why Richard added the clairmont (clean) mode. Where it begins to breakup in the clean mode is much more dependent on what kind of guitar (pickups) you're throwing at it. My Esquire stays clean 'til around 12 'O Clock (Vol-Tone), however my Les Paul and Nash Tele (very hot pickups) breakup earlier. I think you'll find yourself using your guitar's volume control a lot as it adds an entire dimension to what you're able to get tonally outta this amp. That being said, clean and crunch are just a footswitch away.

[akivisuals]

Congrats akivisuals. With mine, I'm able to footswitch between the crunch and clairmont modes (the clairmont mode being the clean setting). The pentode/triode modes are selected with a switch on top of the amp next to the volume and tone controls. In crunch mode, there really isn't much clean to speak of...it breaks up all the way up the dial, at least with a humbucker or fairly hot pickup. You can get some edgy, just-breaking-up tones but you're gonna get overdrive everywhere on the dial. Which is why Richard added the clairmont (clean) mode. Where it begins to breakup in the clean mode is much more dependent on what kind of guitar (pickups) you're throwing at it. My Esquire stays clean 'til around 12 'O Clock (Vol-Tone), however my Les Paul and Nash Tele (very hot pickups) breakup earlier. I think you'll find yourself using your guitar's volume control a lot as it adds an entire dimension to what you're able to get tonally outta this amp. That being said, clean and crunch are just a footswitch away.


So, if I'm understanding this correctly... There is a clean (Clairmont) and crunch mode that is footswitchable AND there is a toggle switch that controls the high and low wattage settings? Wow, that's a lot of bang for your buck! What amp tones would you say it is patterned after? Vox AC15, Tweed, Marshall 18 watt?

[RKHIII]

So, if I'm understanding this correctly... There is a clean (Clairmont) and crunch mode that is footswitchable AND there is a toggle switch that controls the high and low wattage settings? Wow, that's a lot of bang for your buck! What amp tones would you say it is patterned after? Vox AC15, Tweed, Marshall 18 watt?

Yep...clean/crunch mode and pentode/triode mode. And I agree, it's a huge bang for the buck considering what Richard is selling this initial run of 14 for. This isn't a loaded question 'cuz all you guys that are in on the limited run are good to go at the initial price but don't you think if he brought this amp to market, it would be a slam dunk in the $1099 range? Just seems like it's in the same arena as say the Alley Cat (if not more versatile with the pentode/triode switch).

Amp tones patterned after? I don't know if Richard formally patterned the design after anything in particular...I'll let him drop in on that. Sonically though as I mentioned in a previous post, it sounds somewhat like my tweed Gibsons and my brown Fender Deluxe a bit (which is Marshall'esque in nature), at least in overdrive mode. Pretty high benchmarks but thats what I'm hearing... --Roy

[trinian1]

Oh, wow. The cane grill on that looks much cooler in that picture than what I've seen previously. I was a bit torn on my color choice, but maybe I will go blue. Gosh. Decisions, decisions. I'm excited. This baby will come in just as track season ends (I coach high school track), which means I'll actually have time to play it. Sweet.

[magnus02]

pm sent

[zion]

I'm in for a blue one. Who else has one coming?

[magnus02]

I've got a blue one coming as well... was gonna grab a black one to match my other goodsell but that blue looks amazing, maybe one of the best looking amps of his ive seen. 2-3 weeks and i think im gonna be in heaven.... as well as my roomates since i wont have to crank the 17 to get my tone

[zion]

Ditto on the volume/roomates...With mine and wife's crazy careers, she just took a job back east. So I'm having to move in with a couple of friends til I find something back there...So enter low-watt Goodsell.
I was showing the wife the color options and she says "you already have tweed (Swart), the brown looks like your old Z, and the black looks like a Marshall." "Get the blue!"
And you know what's coming next - tubes/speaker experimentation!

[Last Nerve]

So what are the specs on this baby?
EL84, 7 Watts, footswitchable channels?
And?
Sounds KILLER! Am I too late??

[magnus02]

and pentode/triode to take it down to 2 watts... I think I may have grabbed the last one but there may be 1 left. i would contact richard as soon as possible if you want to get on board. although i have the feeling this might turn into a regular product due to the feedback he's getting.

[mmasters]

Any sound clips of this guy? Sounds like a great little amp!

[RKHIII]

Any sound clips of this guy? Sounds like a great little amp!

Since I'm the only one that has one at the moment, I guess I'm gonna have to step up. Hope I covered the tonal possibilities of the 'lil fella. Ritchie, if you have a flood of canceled orders in the next coupla days, you can probably thank my playin'. :)

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=705342

[mkg]

Roy, that's a fine clip...you put the amp through its paces, clean and dirty, rhythm and leads. Your playing was excellent and you showed off the amp superbly with a catchy tune.
Nice job, man!

:AOK

[trinian1]

Alright, RKH, I gotta know the settings on the various sounds there, and what guitars are being used. That sounds fantastic! Exactly how I was hoping it would sound, though I can't help but wonder how loud it had to get to get the first, really ripping lead sound. I really dug the second lead sound that was more medium gain. Around the 1:00 mark--maybe the same sound with lighter picking or volume rolled back? It's hard to tell for sure, so spill!

[Gasp100]

Holy Chime! Beauty.

[wsaraceni]

love the way that sounded. tell us more about the setup.

[Wayne]

I liked the clip, too. Thanks.

[trinian1]

Hey, everyone. I noticed that if you click on the full button next the the song, you find out this info: "Goodsell Super 7 'prototype' mic'd with a Fathead ribbon direct to Protools. A Tele in clean mode was used for the rhythm parts and a Les Paul in crunch mode was used for the overdriven parts."

I'm still curious how loud the amp was turned up, though, to get those sounds.

[RKHIII]

Alright, RKH, I gotta know the settings on the various sounds there, and what guitars are being used. That sounds fantastic! Exactly how I was hoping it would sound, though I can't help but wonder how loud it had to get to get the first, really ripping lead sound. I really dug the second lead sound that was more medium gain. Around the 1:00 mark--maybe the same sound with lighter picking or volume rolled back? It's hard to tell for sure, so spill!

Trinian, think you got most of the recording details off the Soundclick site but yea, everything was recorded direct to Protools...no effects. I mic'd the Super 7 up with a cheap little Fathead ribbon (great mic for the money). The two clean parts were my Esquire with the amp in clean mode and the two raunchy parts were my Les Paul in overdrive mode. Believe I had the amp in pentode (7W) mode a bit over halfway up on everything. As for the overdrive part cleaning up a bit around 1:00 into the clip, there weren't any amp changes made...I just dug into my Les Paul a bit less.

Some of y'all seem interested in hearing what the low watt mode sounds like. I cut a lead last night in triode mode with the amp on 2 (same clip with the low-watt lead dropped in). If you'd like to hear it, drop me an email and I'll shoot it over to ya...it's about 1.5mb's.

And thanks for the compliments on the clip...seriously, that was cool of y'all. I have a few more small recordings of various amps I either own or have owned that I might upload to Soundclick if they'd be helpful to potential buyers.

Peace - Roy

[mmasters]

Great clip, thank you very much. :)

[Gasp100]

Did they decide if this new one is going to be added to their regular production line up? If the AxeFX doesn't end all of my gas forever, this little guy is way at the top of my list for wants...
:band

[zion]

Thanks for the great clips Roy! That's what I'm talkin' bout!

[Bikedude]

Your'e 17 #44 sounds better. But darn it RG, quit tempting me do buy another Goodsell.

[Phillip_H]

Nice clip - PM sent!

[akivisuals]

I'm glad I got on the list for this bad boy. I have a Goodsell 5 that sounds great but the added features on the Super 7 make it darn near perfect for me. Low wattage, pentode/triode switch, footswitchable clean/dirty channels, lightweight, and hopefully reverb. Still waiting to hear back from Richard on that one. From what Richard and Roy (RKHIII) are saying about how good this amp sounds I just can't wait to get mine!

[Mikey Likes It]

I have enough junk to make 14 more like RKH's when the cabinets arrive... the question is, should I?

The answer is, YES! If you build it, they will come. Count me in for one if I'm not too late!

[Loni Specter]

Richard's tops in my book and I'm looking forward to seeing this at the show Saturday!:JAM

[MemphisBlues]

Please give us feedback from the show!

[Doodad]

Since I'm the only one that has one at the moment, I guess I'm gonna have to step up. Hope I covered the tonal possibilities of the 'lil fella. Ritchie, if you have a flood of canceled orders in the next coupla days, you can probably thank my playin'. :)

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=705342

Dude that was awesome. Can't wait to see it. Won't be this weekend, I am booked solid with Mother's Day. Cooking Sunday at the club. We expect to turn all the tables three times. Whew.

[zion]

Anyone else get theirs yet?

[Lil'Strat]

Anyone else get theirs yet?
Cabs arrived today, special speakers yesterday - they should begin to ship at the rate of one or two a day starting Monday.
RG

[wsaraceni]

i loved this amp at the amp show. those who have one on the way will be excited. im going to go out on a limb and title this "best bedroom amp ever" but its soo much more than that. its a good amp period. i hope to eventually get one of these (After i save for a mark II)

[zion]

Thanks for the update Richard!

[akivisuals]

Cabs arrived today, special speakers yesterday - they should begin to ship at the rate of one or two a day starting Monday.
RG

Great to hear it Richard! Any word on whether or not you'll be able to add verb? If not, would an effects loop water down the tone on this baby? I know that a lot of guys don't like what an effects loop does to their signal path.

[Jules6120]

Can't wait to get mine!

[RKHIII]

i loved this amp at the amp show. those who have one on the way will be excited. im going to go out on a limb and title this "best bedroom amp ever" but its soo much more than that. its a good amp period. i hope to eventually get one of these (After i save for a mark II)

Glad to read that...adds some credibility in my own mind to what I heard the moment I turned it on...I just knew this amp was something special. I'll be glad to get mine back...Richard has had it in-house while knocking out the limited run for the chosen 14 that got in line quick.

[magnus02]

must be patient.... getting insanely anxious for it to arrive but unfortunately i think mine is pretty much the last one going out. whenever people get theirs please post more pics of the entire amp to help ease the wait... or that might just make it worse

[akivisuals]

Any word on whether more of these will be made? Or is this a limited production amp?

[Gasp100]

Any word on whether more of these will be made? Or is this a limited production amp?

I thought it was a done deal after the original 14?.... inquiring minds want to know.

[Lil'Strat]

I thought it was a done deal after the original 14?.... inquiring minds want to know.

The original 14 are all paid up and are getting built over the next week or two - I have a crazy quantity of Mk2 and MkIII orders to fill as well - I'm the busiest I've been so far this year.

The 2/7 is turning out to be a better product than expected, and it would be easy to continue on the new MkIII chassis with a new PT, but those two parts alone would add $100 to the cost of building it. Would it still be popular at $999? Pedal Geek will be getting the first "non-prototype" 2/7 for sale at that price - what would folks pay for one w/ reverb and trem?
Just asking - market research. Not saying I can/will be able to do it and make a living.

[Wayne]

The original 14 are all paid up and are getting built over the next week or two - I have a crazy quantity of Mk2 and MkIII orders to fill as well - I'm the busiest I've been so far this year.

The 2/7 is turning out to be a better product than expected, and it would be easy to continue on the new MkIII chassis with a new PT, but those two parts alone would add $100 to the cost of building it. Would it still be popular at $999? Pedal Geek will be getting the first "non-prototype" 2/7 for sale at that price - what would folks pay for one w/ reverb and trem?
Just asking - market research. Not saying I can/will be able to do it and make a living.

When you say in the MkIII chassis, do you mean a 2/7 combo with reverb, trem and a good speaker, or as a head?

[Lil'Strat]

When you say in the MkIII chassis, do you mean a 2/7 combo with reverb, trem and a good speaker, or as a head?

No, I mean the chassis as just a platform for assembly, in the same manner that the Mk2 and the 33 series are built on the same piece of aluminum. A head is very unlikely. The 2/7 will only be built as a self-contained combo with a speaker designed specifically for this application. At some point it becomes more cost-effective to make it a 17w push-pull, as the parts count wouldn't be significantly different once the reverb and tremolo were added in...

[RKHIII]

Would it still be popular at $999? What would folks pay for one w/ reverb and trem? Just asking - market research.

Easy for me to say having gotten in at the limited run price but show me a boutique quality amp with a similar feature set (not to mention one that sounds this good) for less than a grand.

Richard, since my prototype Super 7 is in your loving care at the moment for reference sake and it appears you've had more than a few reverb and trem inquires, you have my expressed written consent to add those features to the proto so long as they don't leave the proto if they sound good. :D

[Mikey Likes It]

Well, just to be a sport, I'll give you my permission to do the same on mine as well, Richard. (You've created a monster, eh?)

[wsaraceni]

i know after playing it the other day. id be willing to drop 999 on one easy. heck, id even pay extra if i can get it in a custom color :D

[Gasp100]

I would not consider reverb or trem a must... a nice upgrade for sure, but the best amps I have played are always very 3D and rarely require reverb. Trem would be pretty sweet though now that I think about it.
I think there are a LOT of guys like me looking for that lower wattage amp that does chimey clean, crispy breakup to silky overdrive in a home/home studio setting. Dropping from 7 watts (which CAN be loud I'm sure) to 2 is VERY cool imho. I don't think $999 is unreasonable at all for this type of tone/quality/build.
I think this appeals to the pro's who are looking for a certain sound in a studio situation, the semi-pro's that are looking for a quick pickup grab n go with killer tones and finally the home bedroom/basement/studio guys who have more disposable (I use that term lightly, especially in these times) income that want killer tones at manageable home volumes.
Gries is doing this on the Fender BF/Tweed side in the same ballpark. Reeves is doing this on the Marshall/Hiwatt side. Fargen and Suhr have embraced power scaling. It seems to me like many people are looking for fantastic quality and tone at sane volumes and are willing to pay for it.

[Wayne]

No, I mean the chassis as just a platform for assembly, in the same manner that the Mk2 and the 33 series are built on the same piece of aluminum. A head is very unlikely. The 2/7 will only be built as a self-contained combo with a speaker designed specifically for this application. At some point it becomes more cost-effective to make it a 17w push-pull, as the parts count wouldn't be significantly different once the reverb and tremolo were added in...

I see. Well, how about a MkIII combo with the option of running off of one or two of the EL84s? Call it the Super Seventeen Seven Five Two and charge $2150 :drink

[Lil'Strat]

I see. Well, how about a MkIII combo with the option of running off of one or two of the EL84s? Call it the Super Seventeen Seven Five Two and charge $2150 :drink

It's a beautiful concept - I think Mesa has managed to pull it off with their 30/15/5 - typically single-ended and push-pull configurations don't happen in the same box, but they have a special output tranny that can somehow
do it. I'm just excited to have a 2/7 that sounds like the 5/17...

[Wayne]

It's a beautiful concept - I think Mesa has managed to pull it off with their 30/15/5 - typically single-ended and push-pull configurations don't happen in the same box, but they have a special output tranny that can somehow
do it. I'm just excited to have a 2/7 that sounds like the 5/17...

Thanks for the good info. So back to your original question about how much would one pay for a 2/7 with reverb and tremolo. . . . . $1,750? By the way, since I rarely use tremolo, the reverb would be enough for me.

[Doodad]

When you made the limited 5 watt run, you basically sold them at cost $500. You and I talked about what it would take to run them as a regular item and I think $800 was mentioned. I thought then and still do now that they would move. And THAT was a non master bare bones sound machine.

I could not opt in to this run due to the Savannah College of Art and Design seducing my daughter and picking my pocket in one fell swoop.

A switchable 2/7 amp with both reverb and trem and a quality speaker for $1000? Will it have a line out and I will take mine in blue.

[MemphisBlues]

I'm just excited to have a 2/7 that sounds like the 5/17...

Richard,

Wayne and Doodad are right. If you look at the Carr Mercury you're at 1/10 to 8 watts with reverb for over 2K.

To have a hand-built Goodsell with reverb in the $1500 or less range that sounds like a 5/17. I can't believe the line wouldn't be long for studios and "home players" like myself.

Sounds like you may have another great option to your line.

Rock on!

[Gasp100]

I wouldn't pay an extra $500 - 700 for onboard reverb and trem. I would pay $999 for the amp especially if it has (or can have) a master volume. 2 watts can still be loud.

[wsaraceni]

I wouldn't pay an extra $500 - 700 for onboard reverb and trem. I would pay $999 for the amp especially if it has (or can have) a master volume. 2 watts can still be loud.

in two watt mode it really wasnt that loud. it can get the goods going at a volume where some could watch tv in the next room

[Wayne]

I wouldn't pay an extra $500 - 700 for onboard reverb and trem. I would pay $999 for the amp especially if it has (or can have) a master volume. 2 watts can still be loud.

I'm curious what you think would be an attractive price? I'm betting adding reverb and trem costs at least $200 in labor and parts. I'd think they'd fly out the door at $1295 but I'd be surprised if the price could be that low.

[Lil'Strat]

I wouldn't pay an extra $500 - 700 for onboard reverb and trem. I would pay $999 for the amp especially if it has (or can have) a master volume. 2 watts can still be loud.

Therein lies the conundrum; it's a loss leader plain @ $999, but that is a strong price point to compete w/ Mini Cat, Mini-Z, Star Nova, etc., and may be worth it to have brand activity in that zone. I almost want to build it w/ verb and trem for $1499 - feels like less of a bad decision - but if the consumer perceives the $500 bump for verb/trem they might prefer to turn to a pedal(s) that do that for half the money. The other way to look at it is that it would be $500 less than the MkIII, and address some of the same needs...

In a perfect world, I would do nothing but dark blue MkIIIs for the rest of my life, and tell everybody else to go to Burger King, where they can get it their way... but I'm much too nice of a guy for that.

The master volume that everyone likes so much on the 17s is facilitated by the push-pull topology and can't be duplicated on a single-end design like the 2/7.

[RKHIII]

Therein lies the conundrum; it's a loss leader plain @ $999, but that is a strong price point to compete w/ Mini Cat, Mini-Z, Star Nova, etc., and may be worth it to have brand activity in that zone. I almost want to build it w/ verb and trem for $1499 - feels like less of a bad decision - but if the consumer perceives the $500 bump for verb/trem they might prefer to turn to a pedal(s) that do that for half the money. The other way to look at it is that it would be $500 less than the MkIII, and address some of the same needs...

Richard, you're selling the Super 7 short using the Mini Cat as the competing product. The Alley Cat is 7.5W w/ no pentode/triode option and is $1200 bucks...there's your comp, at least in the Bad Cat lineup. If this thing takes off - and it seems to be doing so - why can't you just offer two configurations, a bare bones unit ($999) and a trem/verb config ($1499)? I knew those 5 years at the University of Georgia weren't wasted. --Roy

[akivisuals]

I'd say that $999 for non-verb/trem and $1395 for the verb/trem option would be about right.

[RKHIII]

Any of y'all enjoying your new Super 7 yet? --Roy

[akivisuals]

Mine is supposed to ship sometime this week... I hope!

[Lil'Strat]

Mine is supposed to ship sometime this week... I hope!

I only got one out today, two tomorrow - you're one of the earliest guys in, but I thought your were holding out for reverb - let me know if you want to be one of the next 3... Closed Monday, will probably ship one on Tuesday, and the balance before the end of next week; more or less consistent with my original ETA...

[RKHIII]

Richard - where is AC in the lineup and would there be a chance for me to get my proto back by the weekend? --R

[Lil'Strat]

Richard - where is AC in the lineup and would there be a chance for me to get my proto back by the weekend? --R

I've got it memorized now... AC needs to get in touch with my business office

[zion]

I'm gonna plan some sick leave around the arrival. (Hopefully I'll be well enough to play:AOK) If my boss is reading this, this is not me...it's an imposter!

[akivisuals]

I only got one out today, two tomorrow - you're one of the earliest guys in, but I thought your were holding out for reverb - let me know if you want to be one of the next 3... Closed Monday, will probably ship one on Tuesday, and the balance before the end of next week; more or less consistent with my original ETA...

That's fine Richard. I'm holding out for the verb. Next week is fine with me!

[MemphisBlues]

Well here's another one of the 14. She arrived 2 days ago in fine order. Still getting a feel for her. Like the cleans better than the Carr Rambler (heresy... I know!) and she's very pick sensitive. My kids are happy that the 2 watts doesn't give up much and allows for evening playing. I thought I would go with blue but Tamra and Lynn Carey Saylor looked so good in tweed!

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk161/Memphis-Blues/IMG_0394.jpg

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk161/Memphis-Blues/IMG_0395.jpg

Patience is a virtue.......or it's a really long weekend!

[trinian1]

Oh, man. That looks sweet. Mine should be in by the end of next week. I stopped by Killer Vintage in St. Louis today to listen to the 17s they had there. The 2x10's sound so stinkin' good. Someone had a LE 5/17 in the Deluxe-style cabinet, too--it was even smaller than I thought. It's going to be so much easier to haul around than my current Bad Cat combo--that thing is built like a tank, but it feels like I'm carrying one, too. The Goodsell should be nice and light, a perfect fit beside me in my 1990 Toyota Pickup (yeah, I'm pretty sure the model name was still just "Pickup" back then).

[RKHIII]

Well here's another one of the 14. She arrived 2 days ago in fine order.

Mike - SA-WEET! Miss the hell outta mine...am ready for RG to cough it back up. --R

[zion]

Preparing for break-in...
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u192/tristantime/DSC00753.jpg

[akivisuals]

You guys are killing me! :crazy Well, I think it'll be worth it waiting for the verb! Anyone else get theirs? For those who got theirs, how do you like it? Enough headroom on the cleans? Loud enough on the 7W mode to keep up with a band?

[magnus02]

Hey just got mine yesterday and only had time to play for about 30 mins but damn.... this thing is amazing and exactly what i wanted. dead on goodsell tone at really low volumes. The great thing is though that i unplugged the single 12" it has in the cab and ran it through a 2x12 with celestion blues and the things gets twice as loud and almost sounds like my super 17. insanely versatile when you add this little trick to the equation. oh and id have to say, richard dont bother with reverb and trem on this because its perfect for what it is and i think youre right, it would compete too much with the mkIII. more to come...

[trinian1]

I had a visit from the Fedex man today! I played through the amp for about 30 min. or so. It sounds great. I can't believe how much quieter it gets going from 7 watt mode to 2 watt mode--you can truly play this thing at astonishingly low volumes with great tone. I haven't messed around with it enough to figure out which way I think it sounds best--there are lots of options--7W clean, volume @ 10:00, or 2W clean, volume @ 3:00? Similar loudness, different sounds! Fun stuff. Very responsive to picking dynamics. Now if I could just find my lost Jazz III pick . . . I can hardly play without that thing any more . . . should probably buy more than just one . . .

Pictures are forthcoming.

[trinian1]

Okay, here are some pictures (maybe--I haven't done pictures before) of my Super 7 or 2/7 LE or whatever we're calling them.

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj81/karenjoycress/Goodsell%20Super%207/_MG_0444.jpg?t=1212435960

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj81/karenjoycress/Goodsell%20Super%207/_MG_0446.jpg?t=1212436275

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj81/karenjoycress/Goodsell%20Super%207/_MG_0546.jpg?t=1212436411

[Gasp100]

Oh man, I didn't realize the "crunch/clean" switch. So, it's only got a volume and tone knob (which is okay, that's what my Fargen Bastage has) but it's got a crunch/clean switch and the 7w down to 2w? Very cool, I'm a home player but I don't really like to use pedals. this might be the ticket.

[trinian1]

Oh man, I didn't realize the "crunch/clean" switch. So, it's only got a volume and tone knob (which is okay, that's what my Fargen Bastage has) but it's got a crunch/clean switch and the 7w down to 2w? Very cool, I'm a home player but I don't really like to use pedals. this might be the ticket.

Yeah, and even in clean mode, it's not very clean for very long, but I like it that way--I almost never use pristine clean sounds anyway. Depending on your pickups, it breaks up very quickly--I believe Roy stated "all over the dial." It stays clean a lot better/longer with my Strat, but with my G&L ASAT, especially on the bridge, it overdrives very quickly. But it's very responsive to picking dynamics and to guitar volume changes. My Reverend Rocco cleans up very nicely through this amp with the volume rolled back, but it gets a nice overdrive, too, with the guitar volume up.

After playing at church for a couple hours yesterday, I think the amp is a keeper. It's a lot different than what I've been using, but it sounded great with the full band. Richard has done a nice job with this amp. And it's my first time buying a new amp--this thing is so new that I can still smell the pine the cab is made out of! I'll have to put it up there with new-guitar-case-smell as one of my favorites.

[RKHIII]

Okay, here are some pictures of my Super 7 or 2/7 LE or whatever we're calling them.

Trinian1 - AWESOME! Love the Super 7 face plate...first time I've seen it. --Roy

[Jules6120]

I have a cocoa coming soon. Trinian your amp looks great - love the faceplate too. This sounds like a great recording amp.

[Mikey Likes It]

Mine showed up today and it looks just like Trinian's. Handsome and ultra-portable. Very sweet tones across the range - this is the best "round the house" amp I've played yet. Can't wait to boost it tonight with a Katana. I have to say, this amp is not loud - great tone at studio and living-room volume. Trinian, you must have a pretty tame drummer at your church gig, because I couldn't imagine trying to keep up with a full band on mine.

[RKHIII]

Very sweet tones across the range - this is the best "round the house" amp I've played yet. I have to say, this amp is not loud - great tone at studio and living-room volume.

I guess "loud" is a relative term but reading the above surprised me. I was amazed at how loud 7W was. Hell, I was amazed at how loud a dimed 2W was. That being said, we're not talking about Diezel territory...but man, what a sweet 7 watts.

[trinian1]

Trinian, you must have a pretty tame drummer at your church gig, because I couldn't imagine trying to keep up with a full band on mine.

Yeah, we actually have the drums in a cage, oftentimes with a lid on as well. This is why my 30 watt amp was much too loud. In fact, I can't turn up a Epi Valve Jr. loud enough to start to overdrive at church! I've used the Super 7 on 2 watt mode right at halfway up on the volume the last 2 weeks. I'm not too interested in spanking clean tones, either--I like my cleans a little dirty, and I've really started using my pick dynamics to change the tone/drive with this amp. It's very responsive that way.

I mic the amp, too, although I'm often suspicious that my sound man doesn't actually put much in the mains. He's pretty vocals-oriented. We play a lot of young people music at old people volumes (no offense meant to either young or old people--they're just generalizations!). It's a shame, but what are ya gonna do?

So where are your pictures, Mikey Likes It? "Looks just like Trinian's" is a total cop-out! :)

shane

[Mikey Likes It]

OK, Shane... this is the best I can do on short notice with low light and no tripod...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/telesavalas/P1010824.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/telesavalas/P1010828.jpg

After cranking her a bit in the 7-watt mode, yes, I have to admit my wife had the television cranked on the next floor. And with a boost or OD pedal, it would hold its own in a small room with a sane drummer.

You're right about picking dynamics - I really like the simplicity of the amp. And it has a personality; really bonds beautifully with certain guitars.

[magnus02]

Well I was gonna post pictures of mine but shes blue also and identical to those two... oh well. Anyways the more I play this amp and break it in the more I absolutely love it. I really cant say enough about it it just has these cleans that have so much character and the smoothest overdrive, then you pop it down to 2 watts and it does it all over again. I was jamming along to the white album last night with my nash strat and man even at low volumes it just fit in so perfectly... it was scary beautiful

[Mikey Likes It]

The amp absolutely LOVES this pedal:

http://www.pedalgeek.com/images/product_pics/aya/arc_big.jpg

[akivisuals]

Mine is supposed to ship today! Woohoo! I can't wait to get it. All this talk about people getting theirs is driving me nuts....

[Mikey Likes It]

Well, you'll have the whole weekend to get acquainted!

[akivisuals]

Well, you'll have the whole weekend to get acquainted!

I like the sound of that! Seriously, I've heard such good things about this little guy that the anticipation of it is really giving me the itch to play. It's the first boutique amp that I've ever ordered new. The features, wattage and price were right so it seems like a slam dunk. I'm just hoping that it has enough headroom to hang with a normal (not heavy handed) drummer on a small stage....

[magnus02]

You might be cutting it close if youre looking for prisitine cleans, but you never know. I have a siegmund doubledrive that works as a boost and overdrive and if i just put the gain real low I get pristine cleans as loud as the amp can possibly go, so maybe some sort of preamp pedal could get you that last bit of headroom if you really need it.

[Mikey Likes It]

And/or run it through a 2-12 cab.

[akivisuals]

I'm not looking for super pristine cleans, but I like a wee bit of hair. Hopefully the neck/mid pos on the strat will still be fairly clean while the bridge gets a bit dirty.

[trinian1]

Hopefully the neck/mid pos on the strat will still be fairly clean while the bridge gets a bit dirty.

I find that my strat sounds a lot cleaner than my tele at similar amp settings. I don't think you'll have too much trouble, especially if you roll back you volume just a touch. Are you still getting yours with reverb? You'll have to tell us about it if it's different than ours.

Mikey, loved the pictures. The Super 7 looks like it has fun neighbors.

[RKHIII]

I find that my strat sounds a lot cleaner than my tele at similar amp settings.

Don't have a Strat at the moment (have a G&L Legacy on the way) but I played Richard's Nash Strat through my Super 7 and it sounded un-freaking-believeable...and I'm not even a big Strat fan. Guess those Lollars are pretty hot 'cuz it was driving that amp to the brink of destruction...in a very musical way. http://www.thegearpage.net/board/images/icons/icon7.gif

Mikey Likes It said:
<< And/or run it through a 2-12 cab. >>

Now THAT I'd like to hear !! :drool

9 thread pages later and the little 7W monsters are finally starting to land...I had a feeling y'all were gonna hear what I heard in the proto and really dig this amp! It's fun checking out the pics and reading the reviews. --Roy

[akivisuals]

Are you still getting yours with reverb? You'll have to tell us about it if it's different than ours.

I had some custom stuff done with my Super 7. I asked Richard if he could do green tolex first. My G5 was forest green and looked real classy.

Next, I asked if he could add reverb and a trem to the amp. He was able to do so although I had to pay more for the amp obviously. The verb and trem couldn't be added without changing the chassis so mine is built on the Super 17 chassis. That change has allowed the use of pretty much any speaker I want so Richard tested a few out and decided that the Celestion Greenback sounded the best. I have a more efficient G12H30 70th anniversary that Richard mentioned might give me more headroom and volume so I'll probably try that out too if I find that the Greenback doesn't give me enough volume.

Finally, I had him add jacks for the verb, trem and channel switching. I'm planning on using an Axess Electronics CFX4 to control those functions via midi and hooking that up to my MusicomLab footswitcher.

From all that I've read and heard about the amp, it's a keeper. It was supposed to have shipped last night so I should see it early next week. I can't wait to enjoy what a lot of you have already been enjoying for the past week or so...

[Jules6120]

http://www.thestems.com.au/guitar_pics/goodsell.jpg

Sorry for the quality of the pic but my studio is a little dark! Here is mine, Cocoa brown - I have had it for about a week. Great amp, records beautifully. It has a great chime with my Tele and Gretsch and I love the "semi dirty" sound I can get out of it with my 335. There is a nice midrange to this amp too that is present all the time as well.

Being able to switch from 2w to 7w is great. The 2W mode still sounds like you are playing a good amp and would be perfect for someone playing around the house/apartment. For my style of playing I leave it in the clean setting and just crank it up for dirty sounds.

[akivisuals]

http://www.thestems.com.au/guitar_pics/goodsell.jpg

Sorry for the quality of the pic but my studio is a little dark! Here is mine, Cocoa brown - I have had it for about a week. Great amp, records beautifully. It has a great chime with my Tele and Gretsch and I love the "semi dirty" sound I can get out of it with my 335. There is a nice midrange to this amp too that is present all the time as well.

Being able to switch from 2w to 7w is great. The 2W mode still sounds like you are playing a good amp and would be perfect for someone playing around the house/apartment. For my style of playing I leave it in the clean setting and just crank it up for dirty sounds.

Hey Jules. How do you compare the cleans to your Carr Rambler?

[littlejohn]

Talk about actually listening to your customers...impressive. I'm thinking you needed two? more tubes for the verb and trem and the small reverb transformer added? Any pics you could share without giving away any of Richard's secrets?

[Jules6120]

The cleans have a great "forward" sound in the Goodsell, it has really nice upper mids. I still feel like I am getting used to it though, and every time I play through it something else becomes apparent to me. My initial impressions are this is a definite keeper.

I love my Rambler too and it is the amp I gig with. They are both quite different and both sound great. This is really why I got the Goodsell: for recording and to provide a different clean tone to the amps I already had.

Mine seems to stay quite clean right up to the halfway with my Tele and Jazzmaster too.

Really happy with it.

[trinian1]

I had some custom stuff done with my Super 7. I asked Richard if he could do green tolex first. My G5 was forest green and looked real classy.

Next, I asked if he could add reverb and a trem to the amp. He was able to do so although I had to pay more for the amp obviously. The verb and trem couldn't be added without changing the chassis so mine is built on the Super 17 chassis. That change has allowed the use of pretty much any speaker I want so Richard tested a few out and decided that the Celestion Greenback sounded the best. I have a more efficient G12H30 70th anniversary that Richard mentioned might give me more headroom and volume so I'll probably try that out too if I find that the Greenback doesn't give me enough volume.

Finally, I had him add jacks for the verb, trem and channel switching. I'm planning on using an Axess Electronics CFX4 to control those functions via midi and hooking that up to my MusicomLab footswitcher.

From all that I've read and heard about the amp, it's a keeper. It was supposed to have shipped last night so I should see it early next week. I can't wait to enjoy what a lot of you have already been enjoying for the past week or so...

I see. So, you're saying yours is different?;)

[akivisuals]

Got mine yesterday afternoon! It's labeled "Super Seven Plus" since it's the first of it's kind with both reverb and tremolo. Unfortunately, I couldn't crank it up since the only time I could play it was after I had put the kids to bed and my wife would kill me if I woke up the baby. What I can say is that the clean tones at low volume are beautiful. Different than the Fendery clean tones that I typically lean towards but VERY nice. It's chimey but not super bright and ice-picky like many of the EL84 amps that I've owned previously. I can't wait to crank it up a bit and see how loud I can play this baby. I'm hoping to use it with a drummer who plays at a reasonable volume. My Anderson drop top classic seemed to stay pretty clean at the 2W clean mode but I'm not sure how much it will dirty up once it starts workin.

One thing that I noticed was that the tremolo was very subtle. I mean really subtle. I could barely tell that it was on even at max depth. Anyone notice this about their Super 17s tremolo? Reverb is nice and lush but not overpowering.

The amp is very lightweight and compact. Perfect for home or for practice. Mine is forest green and looks very well made. Nice custom faceplate for my Super 7+. Richard installed a RGH speaker in my amp which I'm assuming is his take on the Celestion Greenback. I'll have to take some pics and write an update after I've had the chance to play it more.

[Wayne]

Got mine yesterday afternoon! It's labeled "Super Seven Plus" since it's the first of it's kind with both reverb and tremolo. Unfortunately, I couldn't crank it up since the only time I could play it was after I had put the kids to bed and my wife would kill me if I woke up the baby. What I can say is that the clean tones at low volume are beautiful. Different than the Fendery clean tones that I typically lean towards but VERY nice. It's chimey but not super bright and ice-picky like many of the EL84 amps that I've owned previously. I can't wait to crank it up a bit and see how loud I can play this baby. I'm hoping to use it with a drummer who plays at a reasonable volume. My Anderson drop top classic seemed to stay pretty clean at the 2W clean mode but I'm not sure how much it will dirty up once it starts workin.

One thing that I noticed was that the tremolo was very subtle. I mean really subtle. I could barely tell that it was on even at max depth. Anyone notice this about their Super 17s tremolo? Reverb is nice and lush but not overpowering.

The amp is very lightweight and compact. Perfect for home or for practice. Mine is forest green and looks very well made. Nice custom faceplate for my Super 7+. Richard installed a RGH speaker in my amp which I'm assuming is his take on the Celestion Greenback. I'll have to take some pics and write an update after I've had the chance to play it more.

Thanks for the update. I've had a Mark 2 for a few weeks and am really enjoying it.

[mkg]

One thing that I noticed was that the tremolo was very subtle. I mean really subtle. I could barely tell that it was on even at max depth. Anyone notice this about their Super 17s tremolo? Reverb is nice and lush but not overpowering.

Sounds like something's wrong there. My Super 17 doesn't have trem, but I own an amp with bias-vary trem and it can get very deep and swampy.
Probably ought to call Richard G.

[RichardGoodsell]

Got mine yesterday afternoon! It's labeled "Super Seven Plus" since it's the first of it's kind with both reverb and tremolo. Unfortunately, I couldn't crank it up since the only time I could play it was after I had put the kids to bed and my wife would kill me if I woke up the baby. What I can say is that the clean tones at low volume are beautiful. Different than the Fendery clean tones that I typically lean towards but VERY nice. It's chimey but not super bright and ice-picky like many of the EL84 amps that I've owned previously. I can't wait to crank it up a bit and see how loud I can play this baby. I'm hoping to use it with a drummer who plays at a reasonable volume. My Anderson drop top classic seemed to stay pretty clean at the 2W clean mode but I'm not sure how much it will dirty up once it starts workin.

One thing that I noticed was that the tremolo was very subtle. I mean really subtle. I could barely tell that it was on even at max depth. Anyone notice this about their Super 17s tremolo? Reverb is nice and lush but not overpowering.

The amp is very lightweight and compact. Perfect for home or for practice. Mine is forest green and looks very well made. Nice custom faceplate for my Super 7+. Richard installed a RGH speaker in my amp which I'm assuming is his take on the Celestion Greenback. I'll have to take some pics and write an update after I've had the chance to play it more.

I don't know why, and I guess I still need to do some research, but on that particular amp the range of the trem depth is relative to the absolute volume - in other words, when the kids are up you will find the tremolo can go pretty deep. This was my very first single-ended amp with bias-vary tremolo, and while it is absolutely identical in execution to the Super 17, it doesn't work quite the same as it does in a push-pull amp.

[akivisuals]

Thanks Richard. I was able to crank up the amp a bit this evening before I watched the Lakers get annihilated by the Celtics.... Any joy that I experienced playing that wonderful amp was soon terminated.....

You're absolutely right about the trem. Once I had it turned up it sounded fine.

I LOVE this amp. The cleans stay fairly clean even when turned up to 4-5 o'clock in the 2nd pos on my Anderson which is what I wanted. There's the expected hair but it sounds great... The bridge pos with the H2+ humbucker sounds awesome. Great tube saturation and grind. I'm still not sure it'll have enough volume for my church gig but I realize that it wasn't really meant for high volume situations. At home it sounds incredible and I'm sure it records great. I may have to look into picking up a Super 17mkIII... :)

This amp is so~ different from the Goodsell 5 that I owned. There is a VERY usable clean and crunch channel, verb, trem.... And it doesn't sound like a small amp. It's definitely a keeper and among the best amps that I've owned. Amazing amp Richard! You've got to know that for being in the amp business for such a short amount of time, your amps are easily equal to or better than amp builders that have been in the business for a long time. You know your tones and make an exceptionally good amp at a price that is more than reasonable. Bravo!

[trinian1]

Check it out--we must be pretty convincing folk if Richard has added this to his website--http://www.superseventeen.com/goodsell_models.html

Richard, any additional details? What gave you that extra push over the cliff to make the Super 7 a regular model--who turned the idea up to 11?

I dig the slightly tweaked website layout, btw. The various models laid out in a grid like that work well, I think.

Akin, your Super 7 Plus sounds pretty awesome. I was just listening to the new My Morning Jacket album yesterday and commenting to a friend on how I sometimes wish I had a little tremolo from time to time--I don't have use for it often, but sometimes it just fits. I guess I could just walk back and forth between my speaker and its microphone at church for a nice simulated effect.:D

[dyer_maker]

Did the footswitchable crunch/clean feature make it into the production amp?

Now if only I could get a head version I'd be a happy camper...... Was looking at picking a Gries 5 at one time but verb and trem weren't options and they are certainly nice to have.

[akivisuals]

Did the footswitchable crunch/clean feature make it into the production amp?

Now if only I could get a head version I'd be a happy camper...... Was looking at picking a Gries 5 at one time but verb and trem weren't options and they are certainly nice to have.

I'd give Richard a call. He might be able to cook up a head version for you. I think the footswitchable clean/crunch is standard on the Super 7 based on the fact that all the protos had it.

[RichardGoodsell]

I'd give Richard a call. He might be able to cook up a head version for you. I think the footswitchable clean/crunch is standard on the Super 7 based on the fact that all the protos had it.

When I had aki's custom face plate made, I had 'em cut 5 reversed versions for use with a head... That's right, a Goodsell head w/ 'verb, trem, 2/7 and clean/crunch technology... it's not even mentioned on the new changes to the web site...

[dyer_maker]

That's right, a Goodsell head w/ 'verb, trem, 2/7 and clean/crunch technology... it's not even mentioned on the new changes to the web site...

Well mention it on over my way. I'm just a stones throw over in Marietta. Would love to have that as my first Goodsell....

[magnus02]

ahh.... i knew if i held out long enough i could have probably gotten a head, not that im not 100% satisfied with the combo. what will be the price on the head version?

[RichardGoodsell]

I'm thinkin' $1299 w/ verb, trem, 2/7 and clean/crunch...

[wsaraceni]

richard. now the only model you are missing is a goodsell 33/17/5 with trem and verb. in all seriousness though, how does the 33 sound in 17 watt mode when compared to the 17? im thinking the 33 might be better for more headroom for clean with my komet 60

[dyer_maker]

I'm thinkin' $1299 w/ verb, trem, 2/7 and clean/crunch...

Sounds great. Any idea what the dimensions would be with the chassis required for the verb/trem? I think my wallet just got lighter.

[RichardGoodsell]

All the parts are already in-house; I built aki's combo on a modified MkIII chassis, the head would use this smaller chassis in a normal Super 17 head box, which is roughly 20"x9.5"x9". The trick will be the orientation of the spring tank, to avoid hum....

[magnus02]

Anybody get their footswitch yet?

[RichardGoodsell]

Anybody get their footswitch yet?

I've sent some of the f/s out - but I lost all of my e-mail 3 weks ago, so if I still owe you one write me at my regular addy and let me know...

RG

[Jules6120]

I'm pretty sure this is my amp I received a couple of weeks ago...

http://www.superseventeen.com/slideshow_08/pages/Pic0005.htm

Richard, if it's not... don't tell me.

[trinian1]

Hey, Super 7 owners. I was wondering what overdrives/boosters you've had luck with in front of your Super 7. I'm finding that my TS-9 and Vox Valvetone (which are similar pedals) don't sound like they did in front of my Bad Cat Hot Cat--I'm guessing the mids of those pedals better suited the mids of the EL34s in the HC? Whatever the case, I'm not nearly as satisfied with their sound in front of the S7 as I was with the HC, so I'm looking around at other options. I know that overdrive/distortion taste is pretty subjective, but I thought I'd throw the question out there anyway.

[akivisuals]

So far I'm diggin the RC booster ok. I use a Zvex BoR as well. Got a Klon on order and am guessing that that pedal will sound good since I got the Super 7 driving pretty hard anyways.

[RKHIII]

Hey, Super 7 owners. I was wondering what overdrives/boosters you've had luck with in front of your Super 7. I'm finding that my TS-9 and Vox Valvetone (which are similar pedals) don't sound like they did in front of my Bad Cat Hot Cat--I'm guessing the mids of those pedals better suited the mids of the EL34s in the HC? Whatever the case, I'm not nearly as satisfied with their sound in front of the S7 as I was with the HC, so I'm looking around at other options. I know that overdrive/distortion taste is pretty subjective, but I thought I'd throw the question out there anyway.

Alright Trinian1, I'll bite. Since I'd never stuck an overdrive in front of my Super 7 prior to reading your note, I decided to take the bait tonight since I was bored off my melon. I tried the pedals below in 2W Clean Mode with both an old P12Q which Richard used in the proto and a Celestion Century Vintage Neo I had laying around (I was obviously quite bored). The speaker change didn't sway my picks. Outta the top 5 below, the HAO Rumble Mod ruled the roost to my ears. Both it's boost mode and drive mode sounded terrific with the Super 7. While the natural overdrive of the Super 7 is still tops on my list, there's nuthin' wrong with mixing things up a bit. Outlined in green below are the pedals out of my collection that to my ears were best suited to the Super 7. Enjoy... --Roy

Ibanez SD9 ('82)
Ibanez TS9 ('82)
Ibanez TS808 (reissue)
Boss Blues Driver
Vox Valve Tone
Vox Distortion Booster
Danelectro Overdrive
Danelectro Distortion
ZVex Box Of Rock
Hermida Zendrive
HAO Rumble Mod
HAO Sole Pressure
HAO Rust Booster II
HAO Rust Driver

[trinian1]

Huh. It's funny that one of the pedals I'm not liking as much with it is one that sounds best to your ears, Roy! I don't know--they just seem a little muddy to me, especially compared to the amp's natural drive, which is extremely clear/well-defined, imo. Don't get me wrong--both sound good for single note/lead stuff, but they just get too . . . undefined? Loose isn't the right word. I don't know exactly how to describe it. I think a clean or slightly dirty boost is probably what I'm looking for--I love how my compressor sounds in front of this amp, and I almost never used it with the Bad Cat except for added sustain/feedback.

shane

[RKHIII]

Shane - shows ya how there's really no real good answer for overdrive suggestions...guess it's just too subjective. Seems like all the pedals I gravitated towards in my collection were sorta creamy overdrives...none of 'em were bright boost type effects that might cut through a mix. As such, they sorta complimented...or perhaps boosted...the already creamy tones of the old P10Q in my Super 7. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. :)

[dyer_maker]

Bumping this one back to life. Was able to pick up one in the Emporium and haven't had a chance to fire it up yet. Looks great though. Anyone know if all of the Super 7's have the footswitchable gain feature? For the life of me I can't find a jack if this one is suppose to.

[trinian1]

Bumping this one back to life. Was able to pick up one in the Emporium and haven't had a chance to fire it up yet. Looks great though. Anyone know if all of the Super 7's have the footswitchable gain feature? For the life of me I can't find a jack if this one is suppose to.

I had the same problem. It's hidden way up on the side of the chassis--if you're looking at the back of the amp, it's on the left side. It's crammed in there pretty good--I had to unscrew the chassis board to connect a footswitch, and it's still a tight fit putting it back in, but it works just fine.

shane

[dankayaker]

I LOVE this amp. The cleans stay fairly clean even when turned up to 4-5 o'clock in the 2nd pos on my Anderson which is what I wanted. There's the expected hair but it sounds great... The bridge pos with the H2+ humbucker sounds awesome. Great tube saturation and grind. I'm still not sure it'll have enough volume for my church gig but I realize that it wasn't really meant for high volume situations. At home it sounds incredible and I'm sure it records great. I may have to look into picking up a Super 17mkIII... :)

This amp is so~ different from the Goodsell 5 that I owned. There is a VERY usable clean and crunch channel, verb, trem.... And it doesn't sound like a small amp. It's definitely a keeper and among the best amps that I've owned. Amazing amp Richard! You've got to know that for being in the amp business for such a short amount of time, your amps are easily equal to or better than amp builders that have been in the business for a long time. You know your tones and make an exceptionally good amp at a price that is more than reasonable. Bravo![/QUOTE]



How loud is this amp ? I had a S17 2x10 and loved it but sold her because I wanted a 2x12 config. Is the S2/7 loud enough to gig ? The idea of a head with verb/trem sounds really inviting. I love the price point also.
Hey Richard . . how about a S17 head with verb and Trem ?????

[akivisuals]

I LOVE this amp. The cleans stay fairly clean even when turned up to 4-5 o'clock in the 2nd pos on my Anderson which is what I wanted. There's the expected hair but it sounds great... The bridge pos with the H2+ humbucker sounds awesome. Great tube saturation and grind. I'm still not sure it'll have enough volume for my church gig but I realize that it wasn't really meant for high volume situations. At home it sounds incredible and I'm sure it records great. I may have to look into picking up a Super 17mkIII... :)

This amp is so~ different from the Goodsell 5 that I owned. There is a VERY usable clean and crunch channel, verb, trem.... And it doesn't sound like a small amp. It's definitely a keeper and among the best amps that I've owned. Amazing amp Richard! You've got to know that for being in the amp business for such a short amount of time, your amps are easily equal to or better than amp builders that have been in the business for a long time. You know your tones and make an exceptionally good amp at a price that is more than reasonable. Bravo!



How loud is this amp ? I had a S17 2x10 and loved it but sold her because I wanted a 2x12 config. Is the S2/7 loud enough to gig ? The idea of a head with verb/trem sounds really inviting. I love the price point also.
Hey Richard . . how about a S17 head with verb and Trem ?????

That looks like my quote above. The amp is fairly loud for a single ended el84. I've owned plenty of low wattage amps but this one can hold it's own with a quiet/medium drummer. Even when he's playing on the louder side the amp can hold up and I'm at around 3-4 o'clock. I tend to point the amp at me for monitoring though. I sold a Cornford Harlequin because it wasn't loud enough and had no clean headroom but the Super 7 can give you some hairy clean with lower output pups and good grind with a hot humbucker.

As far as gigging... well that depends on your gig and your drummer. I'd say for a very small club you *might* be ok. The amp is better suited for lower volume gigs and home/recording use. The Super 17 might be a better choice for regular club gigs. Richard should be able to make you one in a head version I'd think. Give him a call. He's a great guy to deal with.

I just bought a matching 1x12 closed back cab in matching green tolex to complement the Super 7 Plus! It's a killer little stack!

[dyer_maker]

I had the same problem. It's hidden way up on the side of the chassis--if you're looking at the back of the amp, it's on the left side. It's crammed in there pretty good--I had to unscrew the chassis board to connect a footswitch, and it's still a tight fit putting it back in, but it works just fine.

shane

Eureka, thanks. I did indeed find the input... bummer no footswitch though. Don't think the previous owner had one either. I'll have to see about getting ahold of one. My Swart has a two button which I could try but it appears you need one with a right angle in order for it to fit.

While we're on the subject does anyone know if a footswitch with an LED will work? I guess it would need to draw power from somewhere and I'm not sure if that requires specific wiring or not. Sometimes I can't tell if the Swart Reverb is on in the lowest settings and my son likes to play around with the footswitch. I'm then forced to crank the reverb to figure out if it's switched on or not. I imagine the same will apply to the 7 once my son sees another footswitch to play with.

[trinian1]

Eureka, thanks. I did indeed find the input... bummer no footswitch though. Don't think the previous owner had one either. I'll have to see about getting ahold of one. My Swart has a two button which I could try but it appears you need one with a right angle in order for it to fit.

While we're on the subject does anyone know if a footswitch with an LED will work? I guess it would need to draw power from somewhere and I'm not sure if that requires specific wiring or not. Sometimes I can't tell if the Swart Reverb is on in the lowest settings and my son likes to play around with the footswitch. I'm then forced to crank the reverb to figure out if it's switched on or not. I imagine the same will apply to the 7 once my son sees another footswitch to play with.

You can get a straight plug in there, but it's super tight, and again, you have to unscrew the chassis to get it (which is not a huge deal). I would recommend a right angle for sure if you have one. I don't know about the LED. As far as knowing if you're on clean or crunch, a quick stomp will tell you--there's a pretty considerable gain difference, and the crunch has slightly more highs.

Concerning volume, I gig mine at church with no problems, but our drums are caged up, so it's not really a fair assessment. I was looking for an amp that could push the power section at super quiet volumes, and on 2 watts, this amp does it in spades. Let us know what you think once you've played yours!

[trinian1]

Well, dyer_maker, now that you've had the amp a few days, what do you think?

Concerning pedals in front of the amp, I find I'm liking my two tubescreamer-like pedals more than I was originally, though I still don't love them for more saturated rhythm tones--they're just not nearly as clear sounding as the amp by itself (and yes, I realize that's sort of the point of overdrive/distortion!).

[Newmanj24]

I'd like your opinion. I'm in the process of buying a Goodsell amp. Do you think the mark III 5/17 is worth the extra money, because it's brand new?

I play mostly at home. Being able to choose a lower watt mode seems very appealing. Also, I've notice most of his amps do not have reverb, any thoughts on that? Thanks so much.

Loren

[RichardGoodsell]

I'd like your opinion. I'm in the process of buying a Goodsell amp. Do you think the mark III 5/17 is worth the extra money, because it's brand new?

I play mostly at home. Being able to choose a lower watt mode seems very appealing. Also, I've notice most of his amps do not have reverb, any thoughts on that? Thanks so much.

Loren

Actually, with the exception of the heads and the base 2/7, all of my amps have reverb standard; it's a credit delete option on the Mk2s and 33s if you want to special order one without, but it is mandatory on the MkIII and available on the 2/7...

[guitarcrazy2004]

Richard thanks for a great amp!!! 2/7 ROCKS!!!!;)


http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u260/woodymahaffey/Picture415.jpg

[Gasp100]

Wow, I read this one from the beginning again. I have one on the way from a fellow member. I'm re-reading some of my posts when this one was hot (if my AxeFX doesn't cut it... yada, yada) Oh well.

:banana

EDIT - that's not a cut on the AxeFX, that's me realizing I'm insane and I have to try everything once.

[trinian1]

Hey, Gasp, nice to have you aboard. I still love my Super 7. Just out of curiosity, what's the average lifespan for your possession of a piece of gear? A couple weeks? A month? :DYou know, just in case you pick something up that I might be interested in buying down the road;).

[Gretschster6120]

Since I'm the only one that has one at the moment, I guess I'm gonna have to step up. Hope I covered the tonal possibilities of the 'lil fella. Ritchie, if you have a flood of canceled orders in the next coupla days, you can probably thank my playin'. :)

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=705342

Really great clip, I am also planning to buy the MkIII. I have searched long and hard.