Godin 5th Avenue

[Guildmark]

I finally got to play a new Godin 5th Ave today. I think we may have discussed this non-Guild briefly a while back. This is a budget, archtop, non-cutaway model they came out with early this year. I had tried several stores listed as Godin dealers but couldn't find one to test drive. Today I had a dentist appointment and, like I usually do, I stopped into Morey's Music in Lakewood, CA after my appointment to let the numbness wear off and try a few instruments. They had a 5th Ave hanging on the wall! I don't know a lot about archtops except that they are usually way out of my price range. This sunburst model was really cool and almost made even ME sound a little like a jazzman. Morey's hasn't been able to keep them in stock. Why? Value.

"Dear Santa,....."

 

[taabru45]

Hi Guildmark, I briefly saw one myself lately, very cool vintage looker. Godin is 1st rate in what they do, and is also a good source of general information. They are located in Quebec in the Eastern area of Canada. They also make Seagull guitars, one of which I played the other day, less than $400 cherry wood body, and it almost said take me home. It easily would have gone up against anything up to at least 2 grand. Godin is very innovative and high quality, and the reason they are reasonably priced is because they get a Government subsidy on the woods they use. They also make Simon & Patrick guitars. Very interesting ling of electrics too. Some where I saw a talk by Godin explaining about the wood opening up, and how it would even sound better in some keys if that is the key you usually play in, so....play in many different keys, also you can put guitar in line of fire of the large speakers in your stereo system that will also vibrate, and teach the top to project, and sing. Dollar for dollar they and Guilds are probably one of the best ways to invent in a good instrument. Steffan

 

[john_kidder]

Godin is 1st rate in what they do . . . the reason they are reasonably priced is because they get a Government subsidy on the woods they use.

What sort of subsidy do they get? Do you just mean that the government of Québec charges less stumpage than a private landowner might, or is there some other sort of direct subsidy on imported woods used in instrument manufacture?

And I would't have though that the cost of the wood was that big a portion of the cost of a finshed guitar?

 

[taabru45]

I don't remember the details, John, just something about them being such a good deal, especially in Canada, I think. Remember talking to someone at Tom Lee about this. Seems that the Canadian prices are substantially less than the same models sold in the U.S. They sure are a nice guitar for the price. Godin seems very sincere in their efforts to put out a more than decent product. They are the only company I recall seeing with an inspection tag, with several boxes each initialed by the person in charge of that detail. Regards eh! Steffan

 

[tjmangum]

These are very cool looking and sounding guitars. I have played several over the past 6 months and came sooooooo close to taking one home. I understand they now have one with a single pick up in it. Definately something to keep your eyes open for when your out window shopping.
tj

 

[Guildmark]

I should have linked to it from the first.
http://www.godinguitars.com/godin5thavenuep.htm

 

[Jack FFR1846]

Be sure to play the one you are going to buy. I have a solid body Godin Exit 22 and have played other models.....the thin, hollow electrics to seagull, Art and Luthier etc. I find that there can be huge differences from model to model, so be sure it's all what you want. They really have so many options, you can probably find what you want. My Exit 22 is sort of like the tone and heavyness of a Les Paul, but with a bolt on Maple neck that's far more comfortable and fast. I may pickup a seagull sometime soon. I have yet to see a 5th Ave.

Godin started out making replacement parts and components to spec for the big boys. So, if you've replaced an American strat neck....or bought a full guitar, there's a good chance that it was made in Canada.

jack

 

[Guildmark]

Darn good advice, Jack!