So excited!

[sybob]

I am so excited!

I recently bought a floor goban. See pic.
I have several go sets including some table boards, so i figured a floor goban would make my collection complete. It's not kaya, but I think it looks lovely. It is almost 30 cm. high (including legs). It is second hand but looks to be in really good shape. Besides, I like second hand go materials as it has some extra character, like good wine that matures over age. I'm very anxious to receive and play it.

Let me know what you think of it.

I'll let you know how I appreciate it after my first game with it (shipping takes a while so be patient).

[mmmsoup]

That looks great! I'm happy you were able to get a nice floor goban! Kaya gobans are really nice but so expensive! I think other woods are still fine to play on and you can still enjoy go ne~

I agree too about the secondhand things. The only second hand things I don't recommend buying would be electronics. But gobans, or other antiques are great!

EDIT: Where did you buy it from btw? I imagine the shipping might've been scary expensive if it's from here in Japan.

[sybob]

Haha, you can say that again, about shipping.
I bought it through Yahoo auction from Japan.
I am in continental Europe. Shipping is a fortune.
Still, I expect to receive wonderful goban shortly.

[Rowen]

Beautiful floor goban you have there. Congratulations!

[sybob]

Hi Rowen,
Yes, think so too.
Thank you.

You seem to like nice go equipment too.
You may want to have a look at http://www.goishi.nl/410849827.
I made that website to show (or even show off) beautiful go equipment.
Pls let me know how you like the site.

[cmhobbs]

That is really lovely. I bet it sounds great, too!

Congrats!

[sybob]

Thank you cmhobbs.
We will see (i.e. hear) about the sound.
And yes, I recently learned that other people think the sound is (also) important. There's even a sound test of various go sets on Youtube.
Don't ask what it costs though. Ah well, I just suppose any hobby is expensive.

[goTony]

Congrats! It is a lovely board. May you win more than half of the games you play on it.

[sybob]

I said I'd give you an update.

I think it looks very good in real life. Secondhand, but in very good shape. No visible damage apart from perhaps a scratch or so if you take a really close look. Visually, the main flaw is that some of the lines are not as crisp as they could be. You can see it in the picture. But for regular use, one hardly notices.

As said earlier, it is not kaya, or shin kaya for that matter. I don't know what kind of wood it is (someone here has a guess?). It seems to be finished/lacquered, not waxed. The grain is reasonably clear but not fully straight over the whole of the board. I thought perhaps I would not appreciate that, but still I think it is very nice, also because I like the tone of colour very much which is a warm and eye-pleasing red/brownish tone.

As a European and owning a table goban already, I did not buy it to play or use it regularly. More for the idea of owning a floor goban. So it still has to be played (Simen/Eikons, read this?). I did use it to study a bit. The wood seems to be quite hard. Brings me to sound. This aspect I like the least. Placing stones produces a dry, hard sound, a bit harsh.

In the picture, I played one of Honinbo Shusaku's games with one of the go stone sets I have. These are original Japanese slate and shell, size 34, standard grade. Also secondhand, but very pleasant to play with, especially for my clumsy fingers. I think the stones complement this floor goban excellently. I hope the picture shows what I mean.

Overall: very pleased.
I think every go lover should have a floor goban, even if you are not from Asia. It is not too expensive (for most of us). I am very content.

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[fireproof]

Looks very nice! I hope you enjoy it for a long time.

[Gohst]

There is something to be said for having a real floor board, just for the aesthetics alone. Plus, if well cared-for, it will easily outlast any owner.