Godin Session Plus Rosewood Neck Vintage Burst

The Godin Session Plus defies its price point with such features as:

• Basswood Body
• 25.5" scale maple Ergo-cut neck with 12" radius
• Satin finish neck with gloss headstock
• 2 Godin GS-2 pickups with staggered oversize magnets
• 1 - Godin Bridge Humbucker
• Godin 3-spring Tru-Loc Vibrato
• 5-way pickup switch
• 3-way mini-toggle for split Humbucker configurations
• Godin HDR active revoicer switch for 5 active and 5 passive sounds
• Schaller strap lock buttons
• Godin deluxe gig bag
• Made in Canada and USA
• List price: $895

The Godin Session Plus has the same feel and high quality fit and finish as the standard Session Guitars. Like all Godin necks, this maple neck is on the slim side, feels very comfortable, and the Ergo-cut neck means that the shoulders are rounded, and the frets nicely dressed so that it feels totally broken in on day one. The neck has a nice satin finish on the back which never feels sticky even when the playing gets hot. On top though is a gloss finish headstock which gives a more finished look.

Compared to traditional single coils, the Godin GS-2 pickups have a slightly thicker midrange, and moderately higher output. The overall sound is a tad darker, with a firmer tone that has more low and midrange punch. It's still a "vintage" vibe but slightly warmer and the high frequencies are more balanced with the rest of the tonal spectrum. The Godin Humbucker bridge pickup is a moderate output pickup that adds extra girth and drive to the bridge position, but still retains commendable clarity and high frequency response. It's by no means a distortion pickup but it drives gain channels and pedals with much needed authority.

Pressing the HDR Active Revoicer switch gives the guitar a lively "souped up" tone. Running off a 9V battery, the HDR circuit scoops the midrange slightly and there is a crisp high end and piano-like tone to the bass notes. It doesn't increase volume but it adds presence and a little spice. If you are pining for a little glass and bite, the HDR does exactly that, and the sounds are squarely in the realm of Clapton, Los Lonely Boys, or David Gilmour.

The Godin Session Plus is a flexible and great sounding guitar that in terms of features sits between the standard Session and the Progression. It's another example of Godin offering outstanding materials, workmanship and value that beats the imports in every way.