Hand crafted in Princeville, Quebec, the Kingpin is solidly built with an emphasis on both functionality and understated elegance and features:
- Canadian Cherry top back and sides
- 24.8" scale maple neck with 16" radius Rosewood fingerboard
- Two Godin P90 pickups
- Cognac Burst Finish with cream binding
- Adjustable compensated TUSQ graphite bridge
- Floating pickguard
- Schaller strap lock buttons
- Weighs approx. 5 pounds
- Includes Deluxe Godin TRIC hardshell case
The Cognac Burst finish is currently the only finish offered, and it's easy to see why. The glowing sunburst shows off a very nice Cherry grain pattern and the grain matching on the back is especially attractive. With its copper-ish tortoiseshell pickguard and truss rod cover, it looks like a million bucks
The cherry body projects a lot of volume with full bass, bright snappy highs and plenty of sustain. Cherry is tonally very similar to maple, but we think it has a little better bass response, and a less "dry" tone than maple. The neck pickup is warm with lots of bottom end, but does not get too wooly like some P-90's. The neck + bridge combination shouts rockabilly, and is really the sweet spot for the Kingpin. The sound is reminiscent of early George Harrison/Gretsch but fuller and less anemic. The bridge pickup has plenty of bite, and like most P90's has a thick but edgy overdrive sound. And because the body is hollow not semi-hollow, just turn towards the amp for a little feedback on demand (Anyone remember Ted Nugent and his hollow body Gibson Byrdlands?). While obviously not a shred machine, the neck is easy to navigate and plays well in the upper frets too. Strung from the factory with 12's, its the action may seem a little too rugged for some. But we find that a set of 11's will make it play like butter. For jazzers, flat wound 11's or 12's are the ticket
Overall this is fun and lively guitar that has capabilities beyond it's conservative looks. While it's perfectly suited to Jazz or more mellow styles of music, the P90 pickups give it the punch and edge to be a great roots or rockabilly machine. With a very reasonable street price, the Godin 5th Avenue is a great addition to any guitar collection.
We are an authorized Godin dealer and this is a new guitar with all tags, tools, paperwork and certificates. We have over 35 Godin-family guitars stock at all times, and please feel free to browse our other listings, or contact us for delivery time and availability on other Godin models.
