From xk3122@mac.com Fri Apr 28 20:36:12 2006
Subject:MKIII Audition last week @ Goff

I was curious like everyone else about this box so I called Steve to inquire about it as his
website suggests. As the conversation progressed I mentioned that I am currently using an
XK3 with a Goff Pro 122 and was looking for something a bit more portable for certain
upcoming summer gigs with difficult load-ins. I then happened to mention that I live 10
minutes from Goff and to my surprise he said that Dave has one and to go check it out.
Twenty minutes later I was there!
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OK - I'm coming from about the best combo you can play (XK3/Goff122) aside from a
Goff B3/122 so I may be a bit spoiled so keep that in mind.
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Build: Construction is tremendous. Solid, seamless, covered with a "truck bed" type liner
that appears to be void of recieving knicks and scratches of any kind. There were no
rattles when pushed to the limit even while spewing out it's tremendous bass. This is
wood, no particle board here and along with the tube amp, is one of the reasons for it's
great tone. Its weight reflects it's quality - (95 lbs per Steve's specs). A bit heavier than I
would want to handle up or down a flight of stairs myself but 2 people would have no
problem, especially with the well positioned side recessed handles.

Sound: Loud, crystal clear highs, and tons of bass. The total bandwidth was very well
balanced. This would definitely cut through a loud mix with no problem. With pedal to the
metal it distorted into that all to familiar endeared overdrive that only a 40 watt tube amp
can reproduce. The sound has presence. Like someone previously had mentioned it has a
Lee Michaels "Stormy Monday" cut to it. Another way to put it is that the sound was well
defined.

Choral/Tremelo effect: OK - I will be the first one here to say " I MISS the low rotor" To
me, the most beautiful sound of a Leslie is the ramp up, and especially the ramp down
produced by the varying speeds of an upper horn and lower rotor in transit to its
destination. My playing style demands this. Yours may not. The MKIII lacks this one
essential element that I look for in any type of "clone" leslie. The choral effect to my ears
was weak as was the tremelo. This is by nature of its design and not necessarily a flaw but
to me it was a deal breaker.

Dave from Goff and I A/B'd it to a Goff 122 and a Leslie 2121 stationary cabinet (2101
was not available).
The MKIII was all over the 2121 tonally and was as loud if not louder.
As far as the Goff 122 - well - it was like the difference between mono and stereo due to
the low rotor of the 122. The tone of the MKIII was surprisingly close considering its
cabinet size. As a matter of fact I have never heard anything this size (MKIII) come as close
tonally to a 122 however the customized Goff leslie was louder with a smoother transition
to distortion and an overall richer sonic presence. Remember - we're not talking a stock
122 here.

I called Steve back and told him what I thought. He said it was created for a market that
demanded great bass and tone. That it has! For those who kick, or play left hand bass and
don't necessarily miss the lower rotor / upper horn Doppler mix, this box will be perfect
for you.
I suggested to Steve he should include a simulated low rotor with an on/off switch. This, if
implemented properly would open up the market for players who do "miss the low rotor"

In any case great job Steve and it was a pleasure finally speaking with you. You definitely
have done a great job with the MKIII.