Gould Guitars

Gould Guitars is a manufacturer of fine handmade guitars. Our specialty is custom mother of pearl inlay, including fretvines. Our patented “Clemtrem” Tremolo System combines the best features of a floating system with the stability and tone of a fixed bridge. Check out our site.

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102 thoughts on “Gould Guitars”

  1. G.J Gould Bich copy in blue
    BenAnonymous

    Looking to recover my dad’s old G.J Gould Bich style 6 string electric. Sold about 20 years ago in the Kalamazoo/Portage,MI area. I believe the guitar was originally purchased new at Don Dillions music in Kalamazoo sometime in the 80’s. Thanks!

  2. Gould sn-35 any info?
    Anonymous

    Does anyone know anything about the gould sn-35 classical guitar? I stumbled across one about a year ago and it is a pretty solid player.i was just wondering if anyone had anymore information about it? I have been having quite a difficult time finding any information about it.

  3. Gould guitars
    Andrew gould

    I am looking to purchase gould guitars. My grandfather george gould owed a business with my dad glen gould years ago and only have a couple left. If any one wants any they are willing to part with please contact me at +18103472077 or my email [email protected]
    Not sure if any one will see this here. I figured it was worth a shot to try. Thank you for anyone who took the time to read this message.
    Andrew gould
    12/26/21

    1. 12 string Gould
      William Childers

      I own a 12 string Gould,
      I bought it because of the Name and it just sounded interesting paticuraly because it is associated with Israel.
      I am a luthier and like all 12 strings left strung up full pitch. it needed a Neck reset. work done to it to bring it up to my specs include
      Neck Reset,New bridge plate,Mitchell Plate (brass Plate that goes underneath the bridge plate for string ball ends to rest upon.
      JLD Bridge system (which adds tone and insures top stays flat prevents beer bellys). New bone Bridge Pins. Anyway it is Model # T600.

      Back In The Day Vintage Guitar and Restoration
      Owner Andre Childers

  4. Handcrafted Gould Model #F150 Serial # 01114
    Anonymous

    I am interested in selling this guitar. It has been in my attic for 20+ years, still in case; and in tune. It is a beautiful blond wood on the front and cherry wood on the back and sides. Make an offer!

  5. G.J. Gould D-10 Acoustic
    Anonymous

    I have a beautiful G.J.Gould D-10 acoustic that I would sell. I find it easier for me to play a classical guitar due to the wider nut. I am located in Saginaw, Mi.

    1. G.J.Gould D-10 acoustic
      8michael8

      I am a previous G.J.Gould D-10 acoustic owner and would like to get another one.

      what do you feel would be a fair price and do you have pics you could send or post?

      Best Regards,

      Michael

    1. Gould Guitars (Detroit - 1970's)
      Needleleaf

      I sold George Gould’s beautiful under-rated guitars years ago. I’m playing an amazing classical one now, one that I’m SO GLAD I still have. George had a joke: “People say, ‘oh you changed your name to have a guitar starting with G (Gibson, Guild, Goya, Gretch, etc), didn’t you?!?!’, and I admit that ‘yes, it’s true.’ Then they ask,’What was your original name, and I say, ‘Martin.’ “

      1. Gould guitar
        John Mallory

        Hi, I just came across your post of years ago, and wondered if you might know anything about a very nice G200 “Gould Guita” I just bought. Thanks,
        John

    2. Gould
      Anonymous

      I realize this is an old post albeit interesting, I’ve spent some time researching G.J. Gould importers/exporters/wholesalers of Guitars and Such and am curious as to their Israeli ties. Seen several references to it but unable to come up with anything concrete. All text no visual….label/catalog pictures. If you have something to support the connection, please email.

      1. G.J. Gould D-10
        Larry

        I have a G.J. Gould D-10 that is in beautiful condition that I would consider selling. I find that a classical guitar is easier for me to play than an acoustic, due to the wider nut.

      2. Mr Gould was my english teacher in 1964
        johnerad

        I remember Mr Gould either making guitars or designing them. He was a little guy with a disfigured right hand.
        Not that there’s anything wrong with being disabled and teaching English while making or designing guitars
        on the side. His tenacity and creativity should be admired.
        I went to Kimball High School in Royal Oak Michigan from 1964-1969.
        Looks like he may have a son Glenn still living in his 50’s.
        I wouldn’t mind talking to him about his father and finding out if he has any old Gould Guitars
        sitting around that he may want to part with.
        Interesting subject.
        Thanks.

        1. gould
          Danny boy

          I have in my possession the fifth Gould les Paul ever made. Signed and dedicated to a friend of mine from 1984. It was appraised at 21000$ which is out of most peoples price range. I’ll send a picture to anyone if they would like.

        2. I had Mr. Gould for English as well.
          kimtrupiano

          He was definitely cut from different cloth than most teachers at Kimball, but he was creative, kind and very intelligent. It sounds like his guitars are still in demand. I love that he left this legacy.

        3. Gould
          Anonymous

          Just received my guitar Gould G-55 via — and I’m ill. What was a pristine one owner is now going to damage claim, I guess. I should have had it air freighted, I assumed for 40.00 shipping it might have faired better. It sustained finish damage from the case interior but a blow to the side near the base left a large contusion and 2in. crack. Don’t know what my options will be.
          Still looking for info concerning GJ Gould particularly those thought to be made by him.

        1. thanks for the info, I'm
          Anonymous

          thanks for the info, I’m trying to assimilate the various models to the wealth of manufacturers. My intention was not to deem you semiliterate, it was to try and debuke a misconception that I believe has no basis in fact. Although brothers,Kazin and Israel play a major role in the Gould/import/export scenario, the Kazin Bros. don’t export guitars from Israel as far as I’m aware. My skepticism wasn’t about an Israeli import…

            1. Gould guitars
              Jeffery Conness

              I have a f150 model Gould sounds great magical I have played old Martins and played Taylors that sound amazing. There is some thing about this Gould I don’t think I could ever part with it.uG3M6T

            2. Gould guitar models
              Robert Fansler

              I have two , a Gould 12 string model W 20, it is a dread body, slotted head stock. Solid spruce top, back and sides probably mahogany, but seems darker and has significant grain pattern. Fretboard appears to be ebony. The other is a 6 string, model F 150. Solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, ebony fretboard. The back on this one is nicely arched. These are both labeled as hand made in Israel. They are both players and sound like the real deal. The neck on the 6 string is a thin C profile but is still straight. This one has an adjustable bridge.

    3. Gould
      Robert Matheson

      I own an old Gould guitar classic accoustic 12 strings which was purchased in 1970. I am trying to find some history on who built it and possible value if any. I remember it having a sweet tone of most 12 strings. I just wish I new who manufactred it either Gould or another company and where in the US. What is the value of it so I can sell.
      Can anyone help me find out the history of Gould guitars around 1970.

      1. Gould guitars
        Roger Cooper

        I knew George Gould back in Oak Park, Michigan in the early 70’s. I bought a few of his guitars out of his garage. At that time he had a man in Japan by the name of Geeta (I spell it phonically) building guitars he, Mr. Gould, designed. I still have a classic guitar of his with the serial number 361 in it. He told me at the time it was good for playing while riding in a boat, that if I lost the paddle I could use the guitar as an oar. In reality, it still sounds great and I cherish it as much as I do my Martin–well just about as much.

            1. Gould Guitar
              Roger

              The only number is on a label with his name and logo on it. The label had model # and then typed in was the number 461. So 461 is the only number I could find on the entire guitar.

                1. The S suffix in much of the
                  Anonymous

                  The S suffix in much of the AY series equates to a solid cedar top. Instead of a plywood spruce. According to some the laminate AY439 12 string was prone to ‘lifting’ after 30 or 40 yrs, few are aware of its upgrade cousin the AY439S

              1. Thanks guy, with the help of
                rd

                Thanks guy, with the help of some old catalog pages and the history posted on this site I’ve finally got a grip on the Gould model # system.

    1. Gould D-300
      Anonymous

      Judy I realize it’s a belated post. Were you able to sell your guitar? If not please let me know along w/the ser#. Number should be 8 numerals ending in an alpha..T, H, K…. possibly

    1. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Mike Sapp
      Mike Sapp

      I have a Gould D-880 which I have been playing almost every day since 1986. I believe the ‘D’ is for Daion. Anyways, this is probably the most info you are ever going to see on Gould. Read the whole thing. (from http://eatthatquestion.com/Brimstone/yamaki.html)

      The complex history of Yamaki guitars is entwined with the stories of a number of other Japanese music companies.

      In the late 1940s, brothers Yasuyuki and Kazuyuki Teradaira went to work for Tatsuno Mokko, an instrument manufacturer that later split into two different firms, one of which was called Hayashi Gakki.

      In 1954 Hayashi Gakki was bought out by Zenon, a large music distributor.

      In 1962 Yasuyuki left Zenon, and started an instrument distributorship he called Daion, which means “big sound” or “enlightened” in Japanese.

      In 1967 Kazuyuki left Zenon to produce classical guitars under the name Yamaki, an auspicious Japanese word meaning “happy trees on the mountain.”

      By the early 1970s, Kazuyuki expanded the Yamaki line to include a large number of steel-string guitars, many of which were clearly based upon C.F. Martin and Co.’s designs and these were distributed exclusively through Daion.

      Along with Yamaki guitars, Daion distributed instruments from Chaki, Hamox, Mitsura Shinano, Terada, and Tamura (several of these were built by Yamaki at various times), and Harptone guitars — which Daion imported from the US. Many guitars were built to specifications of small U.S. distributors, and carried different labels — including Joodee, G.J. Gould & Sons, and others. These guitars usually bore the same model numbers as their Yamaki counterparts.

      Sometime in the late 1960s, Daion began exporting Yamaki guitars to America, where they were well received. By the late 1970’s, however, Daion felt that the Yamaki Martin-style guitars were getting lost among similar instruments from other Japanese builders like Takamine, Yasuma, and C.F. Mountain, so they re-designed their entire acoustic line. They dropped the Yamaki name and re-branded their instruments as Daion guitars.

      In 1978, Tom Burr and staff from MCI Inc. (who company was the North American distributor for Daion guitars), joined forces with guitar designer Hirotsugu Teradaira of Daion, and provided innovative ideas for much of the new Daion line of instruments, particularly the acoustic-electrics and solid-body electrics.

      Daion began an extensive advertising campaign to introduce the new line around 1980, but this was a time when musicians were more interested in the new MIDI-equipped synthesizers than in guitars. In 1984 Daion stopped exporting guitars to America and went out of business shortly after MCI Inc. filed for bankruptcy in the USA.

      Yamaki, on the other hand, survived the downturn of the 1980’s and now makes parts for other Japanese guitar companies

      Sources:

      —Scott Pelking (MCI employee, 1980-84)
      —Michael John Simmons

      1. Still Have My D-880
        Mike Sapp

        The Gould nameplate, it turns put, was glued on to the head stock and it fell off years ago. But, the guitar still plays and has mellowed quite a bit over the years.So have I, I guess.

        I was just sitting on my front porch playing some songs on it and reminiscing about when and where I had bought it at George’s Guitars on 9 mile Road in Ferndale, MI. He knew Mr. Gould and had bought it the day before for resale.
        I’m glad I showed up on that day. It has been a blessing, that old guitar.

      2. Yamaki Classical
        RE

        Does anyone know anything about Yamaki classical guitars that were made here in the U.S. I have one that my wife bought in 1969 or 1970 – a Model 2500 – that clearly indicates on its label that it is a product of “MICA. Syossett, New York. I’ve searched a good deal and can’t locate any real info on this guitar. Still sounds mellow great.

      3. GJ Gould guitars
        Susan

        I have 2 and would like to sell one. I have a C-131 classical guitar, label says made in Israel and it is signed by Ori Elan. It is in excellent conditition, looks brand new but was made probaby in the 60’s. It is a work of art, I will be happy to send pictures if anyone is interested.

        The other that I have is a dread, model# F-31, also made in Israel and signed by the artist (signature is difficult to read).

      4. Gould classical guitas
        Anonymous

        Excellent info for those G.J Gould acoustic owners who have W,F model Yamaki’s. However, Gould imported a G-series classical that is a bigger mystery than the rebadged Yamaki. Catalog info and Japanese owners of Kizan gf models indicate kizan as the source which is Yamaki. No corresponding model# as is the norm???

  6. I`ve just bought a pre owned Gould GS135,what a beautiful instrument,but I know nothing about this model…age,value etc etc.
    Can anyone help?

      1. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Darragh O'Neill
        Darragh O'Neill

        : I`ve just bought a pre owned Gould GS135,what a beautiful instrument,but I know nothing about this model…age,value etc etc.
        : Can anyone help?

        hi mike

        I bought a Gould GS 135 new in year 2006 for €300. It came with a jazz gauge 10 string set which is a little heavy compared to the standard electric 9 gauge, which caused some fret buzzing, so I switched back to the default 10 gauge, which is fine, but I still get a little fret buss beyond the bar chord B fret. Also the tuning, especially the G string, can be a little out at times, needing regular correction. In general though, Gould are a budget guitar but are regarded as a very solid copy of the original models that they are based on. These days you can get good copies of any guitar make for around €350 upwards. Gould guitars are made in China, just like a million other guitar copies, so there is nothing unique about them except to say that they are in a decent budget guitar class. The wood work overall in the GS135 is heavier in weight than most other guitar brands of the same model type, and this does not add for stand up enjoyment when playing live. I use mine for home studio recording and it’s fine for that. But for pro studio recording your going to go for a nice Fender strat to never let you down, for sure! At the end of the day you get what you pay for. In my view it’s worth saving up the dosh for a guitar that will stand by you for many years service. Go for a Strat….solid no frills all round guitar that plays beautifully and almost always in tune in the studio or live.

        1. Gould GS135VS
          Paul Buckley

          Regarding the comments from the obvious Strat lover, well, a Strat is only nice and beautiful if you like Strats as far as I’m concerned! The Telecaster is a much better instrument and much better at all round sound capability. But, each to their own. I bought my Gould GS135VS nearly 10 years ago, its fine, it’s not great, just fine. It has taken an age of playing in to get it to finally stay in tune, especially when using a Capo, but, we are there now. It has a lovely acoustic tone when played gently through the Neck pick up and can get really snarly and rocky when using the bridge pick up. It’s all a bit subjective as I’m using it to play ii a blues band playing it through a Vox AC4TVH head and Vox V112TV Cab. Wonderful blues sounds and when you turn the Vox up the overdriven sound is really useable too.
          Overall, a fair, reasonably priced guitar, which if set up correctly can be really sweet or really hard, depending on your tastes!
          The switch gear is dreadful and the pick ups aren’t great, but, as I said, it’s a decent guitar for the money! I’ve had far worse Strat copies from Squier!

          Paul

  7. GOULD GUITA
    H.B. MURPHY

    George J. Gould Guitars & Such 24020 Manistee Oak Park, MI 48237 No longer exsists. Imported & mass produced acoustic guitars from Japan and other parts of Asia with his own label in the 70‘s & 80‘s. Very nice classical guitars for beginners & pro’s for about $100 – $200US. More info Gordy’s http://www.gordysmusic.com
    3341 Hilton Rd Ferndale, MI 48220(248) 546-7447

  8. wiring diagram for Gould SG
    dave Keanie

    Hi,could you please help me out,the wires connecting to the output jack came off when I tightened it,when I took the back cover off there were 4 wires loose a thin black wire coming from the hole in the side leading to the bridge (not the pickup)and there is a grey covered wire with 2 different wires in coming from the three way switch and the other is a white wire which is on the tone pot on the r/h side.Could you send me the wiring diagram for the Gould SG?
    Thanks
    Dave.

  9. Gould 12-String W-13
    P.A.S.

    I too have not found much regarding the history of Gould guitars. Anyone know where else to look? Also, I have a Model W-13 (probably from the 1970’s) acoustic 12-string that looks fine but needs some severe fingerboard & bridge leveling. Before I invest a couple hundred dollars, would anyone know this guitar’s worth?
    Thanks!

  10. yet another gould question...
    jason

    So today I purchased a used guitar from someone who was moving and downsizing. She had it listed as a guild acoustic guitar for 40$. I read "guild" on the label inside the guitar body, but "gould" was emblazoned on the peghead. I looked at it again later this evening and discovered the label inside read "gould". (must have been the power of suggestion, me reading what I wanted to see…) I am unable to find really much of anything on the Gould company on the internet, and was wondering if anyone had any information on the company, the type/quality of guitars they produced, and if these guitars retain their value….
    Oh, the model number is FM100 (sounds like a radio station!) and the serial # is 34012. Thanks folks…
    Jason

    1. Re: yet another gould question...
      Mike

      Ha, interesting. Recently my mom gave me an old Gould FM100 that she got in the late 70’s. Ironically the guy she bought it from told her it was the same thing as a Guild.
      Pretty nice little guitar, it hadn’t left it’s case in probably ten years and was still in tune, and the tone is really aged and mellow. However, I’m finding myself in the same boat as you when it comes to finding any information on the company.

    2. Re: yet another gould question...
      robin

      I got a used guitar recently from the original owner of a 1976 Gould.The head is shaped like a Gibson with a triangle trussrod cover. The label inside reads Gould. I can’t find much on the company if anyone has any info on the them, the type & quality or where they were made Id appreciate hearing. this one has a label inside that has no model number or serial number printed on it (the area is left blank)
      all it says is Gould Guita (no R) "distributed by Guitars and Such". it looks, is shaped like a Martin 00 or 000 series with a spruce top & black binding.

      thanks
      robin

      1. My guitar has a similar
        Anonymous

        My guitar has a similar label, don’t know how many different labels were employed or if they were indicative of anything significant. What I think noteworthy….. The Guita/ “Guitars and Such” paper label version is present when maker model or ser# is omitted either on the label or brace brand. Some variations of the same version have a ser# and mod# on the paper and only a branded ser#. Perhaps this label was reserved for those guitars with Gould designated features as in commisioned guitars. Perhaps the maker numbered his effort and left badgng to Gould…General concensus being that Goulds label was consistent with manufacturers model.

  11. 1982 model Gould
    Dale Bernard

    I have a Guold solid body electric ( metalic blue, white maple neck) that I purchased in 1982. I am trying to decise if it is worth a feww hundred $’s to replace a missing part. Can anyone find me a picture or give me a range on value? thanks

    1. Re: 1982 model Gould
      g.reinecke

      : I have a Guold solid body electric ( metalic blue, white maple neck) that I purchased in 1982. I am trying to decise if it is worth a feww hundred $’s to replace a missing part. Can anyone find me a picture or give me a range on value? thanks

      WHAT DOES DECISE MEAN?

  12. gould guitar
    bunga

    I have a like new guitar marked in side: Made in Israel for G.J. Gould and Son – designers of fine handcrafted guitars- Model C131
    R.N. 49035 (signed by what looks like Oli Elan).I would like to sell this but have been unable to find out anything about it. Any help you can be (or if you are interested in buying it) would be appreciated. Thank you

    1. Re: gould guitar
      Ed

      I bought my first guitar from George in the early to mid seventies. It is labeled F-100. George charged me $100 inclusive of a hardshell case. I think I got a bit of a deal as he knew my aunt, although the action is a bit tough. Still it’s a beautiful looking guitar.

    2. Re: gould guitar
      Jeff (via moderator)

      (Originally posted at 14:07:55 11/28/07)

      I’m in Michigan too and I’ve got a Gould D 350 which I got from a pawn shop about 14 years ago. I don’t know much about the details of guitar construction but it looks great – mother-of-pearl-looking inlays on the fretboard and a marbled-looking-wood (not sure what to call it) detail around the edges and the sides of the neck.

      1. Re: gould guitar
        JR Bondy

        I also purchased a GF110s back in the 70’s from who I believe was the man himself at his home in Michigan. I still love it now as much as back then, maybe more. Such a great playing instrument. I have never met anyone who has ever heard of Gould in the 30 plus years I have owned mine. It has a crack from the bridge to the bottom edge that I want to get repaired but am afraid someone may make it worse, any suggestions?

        1. GF 110 S by Yamaki
          John DeYoung

          I have a GF 110 S made by Yamaki. I bought it from a friend who bought it new in New York in 1975. It has “Daniels” on the headstock. 3 piece rosewood back…rosewood sides and solid spruce top. I have been able to find information on Yamaki Guitars, but nothing about a Yamaki GF 110 S, and nothing on Daniels on the headstock. Interesting that yours is a Gould?

          1. GF 110 S
            JR Bondy

            Very old reply, sorry. Do you have any pics of your Guitar you say is a “Daniels”, I’d be interested if it is the same as mine. Mine looks like it has laminated back & sides but very well done, it would be a sandwiched lamination to make it appear to be solid Rosewood 3 piece back & sides. Mine has “Gould” inlayed on the headstock.

            [email protected]

          2. daniels guitar
            dan braught

            This was designed by my father,Daniel Braught. I have been looking for people that have them, and nobody wants to get rid of them. If you would like to sell, please let me know. If not, I am trying to get feedback and pictures of people w/their guitars telling stories. He is not doing well at all and this would be a lift to his spirits.

            1. George Gould guitar
              John clevenger

              I have a George gold guitar, which I bought from George himself in Ferndale Michigan, Carla- brought it to my house at 250 E. Hazelhurst in 1971 or 1972 ,, it’s been kept in a hard shell case, and is still in mint condition, I would be willing to sell it for a reasonable price , 904-403-4998 – John Clevenger

            2. George Gould guitar
              John clevenger

              I have a George gold guitar, which I bought from George himself in Ferndale Michigan, Carla- brought it to my house at 250 E. Hazelhurst in 1971 or 1972 ,, it’s been kept in a hard shell case, and is still in mint condition, I would be willing to sell it for a reasonable price , 904-403-4998 – John Clevenger

            3. Gould 6 string ,, Three-piece back
              John Rsy

              Amazing guitar I bought from George- in Ferndale Michigan in the early 70s,, he brought it to my home in Ferndale I paid him $150,, best Guitar I’ve ever owned, 904-403-4998. Call me if you have any questions or comments

      2. Re: gould guitar
        JR Bondy

        : I have a Gould, signed by a.landau,model number F-31. I have found out that most if not all Goulds in the US were originally purchased in Michigan. GJ. Gould died 3 years ago, his widow is in West Bloomfield,Mi.and has a son living in the same area. They are awesome guitars but because most people have never heard of them, it is difficult to determine a value. They are only worth what someone will pay for them.

        1. Re: gould guitar
          keith

          I also also have a Gould WG-20 a wonderful 12 string I bought around 1977-8 at a small guitar shop in Detroit called the Hole in the Wall. They were having a two for one sale and I talked a buddy in buying a 12 string which he later sold. Paid $250 for it back then. It isn’t signed just the Gould and Sons label. Still sounds and plays great

          : : I have a Gould, signed by a.landau,model number F-31. I have found out that most if not all Goulds in the US were originally purchased in Michigan. GJ. Gould died 3 years ago, his widow is in West Bloomfield,Mi.and has a son living in the same area. They are awesome guitars but because most people have never heard of them, it is difficult to determine a value. They are only worth what someone will pay for them.

      3. Re: gould guitar
        Jon

        Hello- I grew up in Detroit and I met George Gould several times. I bought a total of 3 guitars from him in the 1970s. George had a business wholesaling cheap guitars, mainly for Sears, and I think he made a fair amount of money at it. But his main ‘love’ was in designing high quality acoustic guitars. I have been playing my Gould 6-string, a GF-140S, regularly for nearly 30 years! This instrument was designed by Gould but handmade by the Kizan brothers in Japan. It has gotten better with age and I’ve never even considered replacing it.

        I had also bought a cheap acoustic from George to use as a ‘beach guitar’, and also a pretty nice 12-string, but both of those are long gone.

        1. George Gould Guitar
          John clevenger

          I grew up in Ferndale Mi , met George Gould a few times back in the mid 70’s ,, he lived in Bloomfield hills Michigan ,
          I eventually bought the GF-200 , has the the Awesome 3 Piece back , 6 string , that he Designed ,and had it Made in Korea by
          “Michael Kizan” ,have played it on and off since then ,, still in mint condition . I wouldn’t sell it for anything , will leave it to my grandson Someday ,,

        2. George Gould Guitar
          John clevenger

          I grew up in Ferndale Mi , met George Gould a few times back in the mid 70’s ,, he lived in Bloomfield hills Michigan ,
          I eventually bought the GF-200 , has the the Awesome 3 Piece back , 6 string , that he Designed ,and had it Made in Korea by
          “Michael Kizan” ,have played it on and off since then ,, still in mint condition . I wouldn’t sell it for anything , will leave it to my grandson Someday ,,

        3. Re: gould guitar
          Norman Replogle

          Hello – I finally found an online thread after all these years regarding Gould guitars. I have owned a GF110S since 1975, purchased in Ann Arbor Michigan while visiting a faith community to learn their music. My friend Don Austin new a man, never knew his name, who came to sell me a guitar out of his station wagon. One was the one I bought, rich dark wood sides and back in three pieces with inlays between, and mother of pearl inlays in the finger board, the other was entirely blonde. Both beautiful and played wonderfully. The one I bought was a little more expensive than the other – $167.50, and $50.00 for the hardshell case! A steal. Most guitars I play for 2,000 and up don’t hold a candle to it. The only problem I’m having with it now is the neck wants to bed down in the winter for lack of humidity. It’s been difficult to control, and hard to find anybody who can help with small repairs. I sure would love to hear from anyone who loves their old Gould acoustics and would have anymore information on the whole story. Contact me at [email protected]. Thanks!

          : Hello- I grew up in Detroit and I met George Gould several times. I bought a total of 3 guitars from him in the 1970s. George had a business wholesaling cheap guitars, mainly for Sears, and I think he made a fair amount of money at it. But his main ‘love’ was in designing high quality acoustic guitars. I have been playing my Gould 6-string, a GF-140S, regularly for nearly 30 years! This instrument was designed by Gould but handmade by the Kizan brothers in Japan. It has gotten better with age and I’ve never even considered replacing it.

          : I had also bought a cheap acoustic from George to use as a ‘beach guitar’, and also a pretty nice 12-string, but both of those are long gone.

          1. Re: gould guitar
            JR Bondy

            : Hello – I finally found an online thread after all these years regarding Gould guitars. I have owned a GF110S since 1975, purchased in Ann Arbor Michigan while visiting a faith community to learn their music. My friend Don Austin new a man, never knew his name, who came to sell me a guitar out of his station wagon. One was the one I bought, rich dark wood sides and back in three pieces with inlays between, and mother of pearl inlays in the finger board, the other was entirely blonde. Both beautiful and played wonderfully. The one I bought was a little more expensive than the other – $167.50, and $50.00 for the hardshell case! A steal. Most guitars I play for 2,000 and up don’t hold a candle to it. The only problem I’m having with it now is the neck wants to bed down in the winter for lack of humidity. It’s been difficult to control, and hard to find anybody who can help with small repairs. I sure would love to hear from anyone who loves their old Gould acoustics and would have anymore information on the whole story. Contact me at [email protected]. Thanks!

            : : Hello- I grew up in Detroit and I met George Gould several times. I bought a total of 3 guitars from him in the 1970s. George had a business wholesaling cheap guitars, mainly for Sears, and I think he made a fair amount of money at it. But his main ‘love’ was in designing high quality acoustic guitars. I have been playing my Gould 6-string, a GF-140S, regularly for nearly 30 years! This instrument was designed by Gould but handmade by the Kizan brothers in Japan. It has gotten better with age and I’ve never even considered replacing it.

            : : I had also bought a cheap acoustic from George to use as a ‘beach guitar’, and also a pretty nice 12-string, but both of those are long gone.

            I have the same GF 110S model per your description, just a beautiful piece for $165.00. I to purchased from George Gould back in the late seventies around Ann Arbor, MI. and it also gives me problems in the winter months with the neck twisting due to humidity I would guess. This guitars sound is deep, one of the most beautifully sounding guitars I’ve played and yes it has gotten better with age. I play a guitar hard and it takes everything I can dish out. I have wondered about getting the neck planned and it has a crack from the bridge downward to the bottom. Not sure if my kids fell into it rough housing or if it’s also from the humidity. I usually kept it leaning string side to the wall or in the case. A couple years ago I bought a stand and thats when the neck twist seemed to advance more. I have other more expensive popular brands and they don’t come close sound wise. [email protected]

            1. Gould GF 90
              Anonymous

              I just put a new set of strings on my Gould GF90 tonight while admiring the condition it’s still in. I bought it in 1974 (my first “decent” guitar) in Detroit for about $175 with a cardboard case. Most of my guitar playing friends never heard of this brand, so on a whim I finally googled it and am happy to have learned a little gould history (always wondered who Kizan was). I finally put a set of Grover tuning heads on it last year, and aside from many sets of strings and a few neck adjustments over the last 38 years it still looks, sounds, and plays great! I still play it every day and use it as a “beach” guitar in northern michigan every summer. I got a new guitar case for father’s day a few years ago and the taped up original case ended up in a beach bonfire.

              1. Gould guitar GS -20 12 string
                Anonymous

                I bought this guitar around 1979 from a guy operating out of a warehouse in Oak Park, Michigan. I paid a few hundred dollars for it then, which was all the money in the world for a starving folk singer. I had reason to unpack and play it again recently and am in awe of the sound. Beautiful guitar that has withstood the time so well…so many memories of the venues, the people and the scene around that time…they just come flooding back to me when I pick it up….

        4. Re: gould guitar
          Noonma

          : a pretty nice 12-string, but both of those are long gone.

          You sold this to me for an outrageous price about 1980. It recently met its fate at a teenage party at our house in an unfortunate "El Kabong"-style incident.

          1. Re: gould guitar
            Jon

            : You sold this to me for an outrageous price about 1980. It recently met its fate at a teenage party at our house in an unfortunate "El Ka "-style incident.

            Yeah, but your check bounced so you still owe me 50 bucks.

        5. Re: gould guitar
          Dan

          Jon,

          Your story sounds like mine. I purchased a GF-110S from George (built by Kizan) in 1977. Many guitars have come and gone in those thirty years, but the Gould stays. Every now and then I fall in love with it all over again. I suspect that the GF-110S is a less ornate version of the GF-140S which I turned down because the $50 difference was a LOT in those days.

          Dan

          1. Kizan
            Anonymous

            I realize it’s an old post …Nice guitar. I had a Kizan GC for a short time. Jon how did you know it was built by the Kizan factory. If I remember correctly he joined his brother at Daion or Yamaki.

            1. Kizian guitar ,,
              Anonymous

              Mr G Gould had 3 guitars with him that day , 2 of the Hadith kizian logo in mother of pearl inlay on the head stock , one did Not , all 3 guitars were identical ,, mine didn’t have the inlay ,, he said he had the other two promised to someone & he assured me they were all built by the same person ,, I played the all,, and liked the one without the inlay in the headstock best ,,, so that’s the one in have now , 10 / 2021 ,
              John , 904-403-4998 , Jacksonville Florida

      4. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Susan
        Susan

        I have a Gould, signed by a.landau,model number F-31. I have found out that most if not all Goulds in the US were originally purchased in Michigan. GJ. Gould died 3 years ago, his widow is in West Bloomfield,Mi.and has a son living in the same area. They are awesome guitars but because most people have never heard of them, it is difficult to determine a value. They are only worth what someone will pay for them.

        1. Gould GW-20 12 string
          Jim Mol

          I got my Gould Guitar in the 70. After my Epiphone 12 string was stolen during a break in at the dorm, a gal offered to sell me her Gould for $75.00 so I would have a guitar and she would have the money for some concert tickets. Had some problems with top bowing due to the bracing coming unglued from the top in the 90’s and found a luthier in the Omaha, NE area to fix it. Used it until 2003 when I purchased a Yamaha SGX8-12 string so I could plug into the sound system. Now my Gould is my home guitar.

          My label on the bottom has the Model WG-20 and says Hand Crafted Gould Guitar Distributed by Guitars and Such, Importers, Wholesalers, Distributers. The SN is stamped on the heal of the neck inside the body of the guitar.

          Nice to find this sight to get a bit of history on the brand.

        2. D -300 Gould
          Anonymous

          If you own a Gould, Ibanez or any 300 series acoustic circa 1980 associated w/Hoshino Gakki with a “K” ser. # suffix, pls. apprise. Thanks…i.e. d-300 v-300 m-320. Cimar…Kentucky…

          ser= xxxxxxxxK

        3. tabs omitted when
          Anonymous

          tabs omitted when posted….
          F-110 thru F-220 + W-115, W-120 1970 Folk/Western Deluxe
          F-125 thru F-240 + W-125 1970 Folk/Western Custom

        4. Yamaki built Gould imported
          Anonymous

          G=Gould F110=Yamaki Folk 6 string custom in 1970 the deluxe model received a different number as opposed to the S suffix for Spruce top.

          Custom 1970 6/12 Deluxe 1970 6/12
          F Folk=125,130,140,225,230,240 F-110,112,115,118,120,215,220
          W Western=125 W-115

          1. Gould GF 110s
            JR Bondy

            I’m just posting here again to say that I’ve installed a set of Grover tuners, a bone saddle & bone bridg pins. I also took my Gould GF110s to Mike Koontz, he’s supposedly the best guitar tech/luthier around these parts for a total setup. I wanted him to reset the neck but he balked at doing it & said the guitar wasn’t worth the cost of a neck reset, I was devastated. I knew this guitar sounded as good if not better than any $2500.00 Martin I’d played & he was judging it by the name on the headstock. Well I left his shop depressed, I knew it wasn’t playing like it could with a neck job and didn’t have any other reputable shop I knew of to fix it, so I did it myself, I’m a carpenter of 40 years, cabinetmaker, how hard could it be..

            Well after studying up & planing my attack I went for it. This was after going out & buying a new Martin & retiring the Gould to its case.
            Not wanting to pat myself on the back to much I now have a GF110s that is 99.8% perfect neck wise. It plays & sounds beautifully, like the guitar I knew it could be, every bit as nice as the Martin I paid $2000.00 for.

            I’m still not sure of the complete background of this guitar but it looks like the Martin Neil Young plays in many of his older videos. It has the three piece rosewood back, sides rosewood, mother of pearl rectangular inlays on the neck with a solid spruce top. It very much resembles his Martin.

            Needless to say I’m tickled to death with this guitar & want to take & show Koontz I wasn’t crazy but don’t want to insult him. He did do a great job leveling the frets along with some other things. Did I say I absolutely Love my Gould 6 string I bought from G.L. Gould himself, he said it was a great guitar and he was right..

  13. I have a Gould guitar (G.J. Gould)that is very old; was purchased at a pawn shop about 25 to 30 years ago. The model number is D-350; serial number 00624. It was made in Japan. Does anyone know what year this was made?

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