Godin Owners/Wannabe Owners

[thechamp96@hotmail.c]

Any Godin fans out there?

[jane]

I've got a Godin LG (the L&M 50th anniversary model).

[jcayer]

Lefty Exit-22 here. Very satisfied ... sdsre

[Bubb]

I've got three..Artisan TC...Flat Five...Freeway Classic.

:food-smiley-004:

[pattste]

I like the design of the Godin Montreal and the Flat-Five. I've tried them in the stores on a few occasions. They sound good but the neck just doesn't feel right. They play like Fenders and I'm a Gibson man :smile:

I've had the chance to meet Robert Godin a couple of times and attended some of his clinics. Fascinating man with an encyclopedic knowledge of guitar making.

[Wheeman]

I'd have to agree with ^^^. The necks just don't cut it for me. Factory setup might be the problem but the action is too low for me and feels flat.

Nice axes, not my slice of pie.

[Maxer]

Necks feel great to me. Fit and finish is very good. I think Godins are tremendous value for the money. I have a maple fretboard Exit 22, a crazy yellow Radiator and a beat-up LG HB... all of them are real players. Nor am I likely to stop collecting them... LOL

The thing is, appearance-wise, once upon a time I used to hate the Godin profile... I used to find it terribly ugly,espcially next to the iconic shape of a Strat or a Tele or an SG or a Les Paul... but nowadays I really appreciate them and see them as a class of their own. My Exit 22 is one of my all-time favourite guitars to play.

[thechamp96@hotmail.c]

I can see where some Les Paul players might find the Godin necks a bit uncomfortable.

Personally, I like the Godin profile- I recently tried out a Velocity and found the neck to be ridiculously fast and smooth. It has a slight contour which fits my hand perfectly. Definitely worth checking out if you haven't tried it yet.

[Ripper]

I've got two LG's one HMB and one P90, love them both. I don't find a problem going from my LP's to the Godins. I want to add a Radiator and a Solidac into the fold sometime too. A good friend of mine has an Artisan ST and it is one fantastic guitar to play. I forgot to add my Seagull S6+ into here as well.

[PaulS]

I see on the Crossroads 2007 DVD that John Mclaughlin was using a Freeway model and getting some real nice tones. Usually he is playing some sort of custom build guitar but this one looked like it was stock.

[CocoTone]

I am on my third Godin, an LG Signature, and I have a Seagull s6 as well. Great guitars. Why buy Korean or Chinese, when you can get Canadian with this kind of quality and workmanship??

CT.

[Fajah]

I had never heard or played a Godin prior to buying one. In fact, I was just about to plunk my money down on a Thinline Tele with HB's, when on that day, a new shipment of Godins were being unpacked at the store. I was looking for an all around guitar for both jazz and blues at the time.

The LG Signature fit me like a glove and was set up beautifully from the factory. I loved everything about it, especially the wide tonal characteristics. Very versatile. There was nothing wrong with the Tele, but you know that feeling when someting is just right for you.

The added bonus is that the gig bag that comes with it is of excellent quality.

Lawrie

[thecornman]

I own a Freeway Classic and a LG Hmb and love them both. The necks are one of the best things about them.

[Mooh]

Have owned several, acoustics, electrics, and basses.

Currently play a Godin LG with humbuckers and coil taps, a very versatile and toneful axe. Also have a Godin Freeway 5 string fretless bass which is my first call bass.

I want a Godin electric mandolin.

Peace, Mooh.

[fretboard]

My Artisan TC gets used more than any of the other guitars I've got. No issues with the build quality of the guitar. If anything, some punchier pickups might hit the spot with it.

Wish they still made them, I'd grab another couple in a heartbeat.

[david henman]

...just picked up a (discontinued) A6, an acoustic/electric.

i want one of their p90 electrics, and soon.

i'm also curious to see what they're introducing at namm.

-dh

[Maxer]

David, for info on Godin's offerings at NAMM, check this (http://www.godinforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=166) out. A revamp of the LG series and a brand new guitar.

[allthumbs56]

I owned an LGXT for a number of years. It was the two-voice with maple body and three SD Duckbuckers. I used that guitar exclusively for about 5 years. It was great to switch between the acoustic and mag pickups. Nice hardware, a very flat radius (16") and the best tremelo bridge I've used (LR Baggs).

I sold it to my other guitar player so I still get to see it every week.

[david henman]

David, for info on Godin's offerings at NAMM, check this (http://www.godinforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=166) out. A revamp of the LG series and a brand new guitar.

...oh, i like the rg-3!

-dh

[Maxer]

Yeah, me too. I'm especially digging the blonde one demoed on the right... wowsers. But I hear Godin is also releasing a new archtop called the 5th Avenue... these guys have a lot of energy.

________________________________________________

Allthumbs, is the LR Baggs standard on their trem-equipped guitars? I would like to get one to whammy with but I don't want a FR-type.

[jane]

Very nice.

I guess that's why I haven't yet found a Gibson that I've been comfortable with.

[iaresee]

I see on the Crossroads 2007 DVD that John Mclaughlin was using a Freeway model and getting some real nice tones. Usually he is playing some sort of custom build guitar but this one looked like it was stock.
A few years ago Godin signed him up as an endorser. They had a series of ads with him in guitar magazines. As with all celebrity endorsements I always doubt that the model you see him playing is an off-the-shelf version. Either custom shop or ghost built for him specifically.

I voted nay for Godin love. I almost bought a Flat Five a few years ago in Jack's Basement Sale. It was a good deal at around $600 IIRC. But that neck. Ugh. It wasn't the shape it was the density of the wood and the finish. It was tacky and the wood used on the back felt spongy. I like a smooth, solid feel to my necks. The mahogany they used was too porous for my tastes. I have found this to be the case with all the Godins I've picked up. The neck on the Multiac used by the singer in The Apollo Effect was just...eww. Even with me cleaning it at regular intervals for him it'd get tacky and gunked up pretty quickly.

[allthumbs56]

________________________________________________

Allthumbs, is the LR Baggs standard on their trem-equipped guitars? I would like to get one to whammy with but I don't want a FR-type.

Can't tell you for sure. On mine it had the transducers incorporated right into the bridge. It was heaven compared to the 2-point on my strat.

[Warren]

2 godins, LGXT flame blue top like the one on the web page and an ACS-SA. I don't use the LGXT very much, I prefer my Guild, I get hooked on 1-2 guitars and all the others become eye candy. The ACS-SA has huge mileage on it, it's turned out to be a great purchase. I purchased it so that I could practice anywhere without using my $$$$$$$ classical (Ian Kneipp) and I find I don't ever use my Kneipp anymore.

Great Guitars

[hugbill]

I have a 1996 LGX, the last year with the ebony fretboard (which I love) and original tetrad pickups. No, it does not have the SA or the new "Ergo-Cut" neck profile.

When I bought it I was looking at a PRS Custom 24 and a Gibby LP Custom (ebony fretboard). Then I tried the Godin. I fell in love and it was 1/2 the price of the other two.

I had enough cash left over to buy something else. So, I bought the A-6 that was hanging beside the LGX.

I've had both guitars for about a year and a half now. I love them both. I have recorded and gigged with them both. Perfect! I would not trade them for anything else. Best guitars for the money (or even double the money), hands down.

[MCDuster]

I had a Godin Exit 22. It was a very nice guitar. After I started building guitars I sold it; pretty well the same price I paid for it.
I have an elec./acoustic by Simon and Patrick (Godin family) that I enjoy.
I think they make quality guitars at a reasonable price.

[JHarasym]

My first electric was an ST-IV, still one my favourite necks (rock maple). I've since picked up an LG Signature (also feels great) and a Flat Five (still getting used to this one). I'm on the lookout for a TC as well. Great bang for the buck.

[infinitemonkey]

I recently acquired a very nice Artisan TC. It's an early one, and is plain basswood, painted a nice ivory white. It has the dual blade single-coil sized humbuckers.

It's a fantastic guitar. The neck feels better than any other guitar I've ever played. It's incredibly resonant and sustains forever.

I like it enough that I'm thinking of it as the last guitar I'll ever buy. More than likely, though, it will be the first of many Godins.:smile:

It's a plus that it's Canadian made, too.:smilie_flagge17:

[scout543]

Currently using an SDXT. I love the neck and the jack of all trades ability of it. I've tried several different guitars lately but keep coming back to the Godin.

[Mr. Bungle]

I think a Detour would make a great backup guitar, hell main guitar, for my style. Those Godins always impress me with their clean build quality, and I can't disagree with their tastes in tone wood... Mmmm maple!

[BlameCanada]

I have an sdxt and love it. I have bought and sold three other guitars in the meantime and don't think it will be going anytime soon. AWESOME VALUE.

[coxguitar]

I own a recently aquired A-12 as well as a Multiac SA Nylon which I use with my Roland GR-20 Guitar synth. Looking to purchase a LXGT three voice.
My opinion.....can't go wrong with Godin.

[JimiGuy7]

I had a Godin LG P90, loved it. The Seymours in it were to die for. I just like the look of the classic Gibson's. The Les Paul Junior and the Double Cut. C'mon, TV yellow, what a colour! Beautiful!!!!!!http://www.woodbrass.com/images/woodbrass/LPSPDCVOTVNH1.JPG

[david henman]

....i prefer black.

but leave it to gibson to put the pickup switch in the path between the strings and the volume control(s).

:mad:

-dh


I had a Godin LG P90, loved it. The Seymours in it were to die for. I just like the look of the classic Gibson's. The Les Paul Junior and the Double Cut. C'mon, TV yellow, what a colour! Beautiful!!!!!!http://www.woodbrass.com/images/woodbrass/LPSPDCVOTVNH1.JPG

[Korsko]

I got myself a Godin LG Long & Mcquade 50th, but have... mixed feelings about it.

[guitarjunky]

I'm a huge fan of the Montreal by Godin. Amazing tone, very very confortable and easy to play. And I do love the wood on that guitar.

[jane]

I got myself a Godin LG Long & Mcquade 50th, but have... mixed feelings about it.

I got me one of those too. I like it generally... but I really really dislike the quilt top.

Oh well, it sounds and plays good, so I guess that's what matters. But I really wish it were just like... a plain top or something instead.

[AgileLP]

I have an SDxt. I love the way it plays, but I play a lot of hard rock and metal, and the pick-ups just sound muddy to me when the gain is up. I have an Agile LP copy with EMG 81/85, and I love the way it sounds, but it doesn't play as well.

I was thinking if I could find a guitar that played like the Godin and sounded like the Agile I'd be in heaven. Along came the Godin Freeway EMG. I rented one this past weekend, and I'm in love! Now if I can just convince the wife that it should stay with us past the end of the month.....

[thechamp96@hotmail.c]

I was thinking if I could find a guitar that played like the Godin and sounded like the Agile I'd be in heaven. Along came the Godin Freeway EMG. I rented one this past weekend, and I'm in love! Now if I can just convince the wife that it should stay with us past the end of the month.....

Cool, I like both the Freeway and LG EMGs. My only complaint is that I like to play a lot of mellow tunes along with harder stuff, and I find that EMGs are a little too hot. That's why I'm a big fan of the Godin Velocity. The pickups are pretty wicked and having the option to switch from passive to active is very cool. I am hoping that the prices will come down a bit and I will pick one up.

[aC2rs]

None of the above, though I have tried some Godins and they clearly offer good value at their price points.

[Mooh]

As I've often mentioned, the Godin LG with two coil-tapped humbuckers is a remarkably versatile axe. Mine has seen a lot more use than I ever expected. Earlier this week I had the opportunity to try two similar guitars, essentially LGs with carved flame maple tops. Both were outstanding, but much more money than my bare bones LG, and neither had any more bells and whistles, or sounded any better. The bling factor of those tops can't be denied though, and that's another thing Godin is doing well. If one doesn't mind decidedly un-Fender or un-Gibson shapes, Godin has lots to offer.

Peace, Mooh.

[fret15]

A Godin is first on my purchase list - actually second behind a Seagull acoustic, which is technically a Godin :P

I was looking at the LGP90 or LG hmb...what are the differences in sound between the two?

[Maxer]

LGs with carved flame maple tops. Both were outstanding, but much more money than my bare bones LG, and neither had any more bells and whistles, or sounded any better. The bling factor of those tops can't be denied though, and that's another thing Godin is doing well. If one doesn't mind decidedly un-Fender or un-Gibson shapes, Godin has lots to offer.


Agreed. Many traditional Fender and Gibby guys can't get past that Godin shape. I admit I had to take some time to grow into it.

I too have a bare-bones LG - mine's seen a lot of grief over the years (scratches 'n swirls, a cracked neck that's been repaired by someone before I got it) and though it's no looker (unless you like punky attitude), it is such a great player and it still sounds very good. I'd love to supplement it with one of the new LGs, sheerly for their visual charms - but in terms of sound and ease of play, I've already got what I need.

[Mooh]

Well, the LG with P-90s is pretty cool too.

So many guitars, so little time.

Peace, Mooh.

[Maxer]

Yeah, I'm curious about the P-90 version, too. Saw a real purdy one on the Toronto Craigslist a little while back but I'm tapped out for the time being so all I could do was drool.

I don't really know what the signature sound of a P-90 is. I had an Eastwood Studio 6 with P-90s but I sold it to a friend so he could give it to her daughter for her birthday. It was a great player but I hadn't even messed around with it that much so I can't really comment on the character those pickups impart. I can say I like the look of them, but that's so superficial. LOL!

[attanasio]

I'll probably buy a Godin Montreal soon. I love it.

[lysplayer]

I bought my first Godin (Seagull acoustic) from a guy who was broke. I got a Seagull made between 1982 to 1984 for next to nothing.

I own that Seagull, a Radiator, a A6 Ultra, a Kamouraska and a Lys 12 string. I enjoy Canadian made guitars and the next I'm buying is a 5th Avenue.

They are great guitars and I find a good quality for the price paid.

[Mooh]

lysplayer...I too like Canadian guitars (four Godin products, three Beneteaus, two and soon to be three Houses, one Cox). Still, I love Telecasters!

Peace, Mooh.

[Archer]

Only 2 of the 4 poll options really cover what one could 'feel' about Godins.

Since thinking they are great guitars...especially for the money...isnt an option I'll just chime in with a written vote.

[Maxer]

Those 5th Avenues look pretty cool. Nice throwback styling to them. Wonder how they feel in the hands. Gonna have to go scope one out in the flesh one of these days.

[devnulljp]

Is it wrong & shallow that I just think they're ugly? Either the squashed Les Paul or the pointy look at me I'm an Ibanez shredder?

[GuyB]

I have a Flat Five X and a Freeway Classic. For me, they are the best you can have for the price. The Flat Five X, in particular is a very versatile tool. And the necks seem to have been made for my hand !

[Maxer]

Is it wrong & shallow that I just think they're ugly? Either the squashed Les Paul or the pointy look at me I'm an Ibanez shredder?


If you don't like 'em, you don't like 'em - fair enough! I used to think the same way until I picked one up... and then another, and then another. I was cured of my first impressions once I bonded with their necks and all-around comfort.

[LowWatt]

Those 5th Avenues look pretty cool. Nice throwback styling to them. Wonder how they feel in the hands. Gonna have to go scope one out in the flesh one of these days.

Especially now that they are coming out with the Kingpin with a P-90 on it. I'm really hoping to see a 2-pickup version.

[Maxer]

Two pickups on that baby would be nice. Real easy on the eyes, that Kingpin.

[thechamp96@hotmail.c]

I'm a huge fan of my Godin SD (although now I have to sell it because I'm moving out West). If anyone is interested I have a listing on it here: http://www.guitarscanada.com/Board/showthread.php?t=13594

There are some pretty sweet new or revised models available now from Godin. Has anybody tried the Velocity? I love it for its versatlity but I won't be able to afford it any time soon. Maybe I can find a used one at some point. :smilie_flagge17:

[NB-SK]

Is it wrong & shallow that I just think they're ugly? Either the squashed Les Paul or the pointy look at me I'm an Ibanez shredder?

I used to think the LGs were ugly, too (the shape of the body, the small headstock). But, then I tried my uncle's Art and Lutherie acoustic and that pretty much convinced me that Godin makes high quality instruments at an affordable price. Soon after that, I began reading reviews online and in this forum about the LG. I started wanting to get one.

Several months later, I saw that a member had an LG SP90 'Black Pearl' for sale that he had upgraded with cream-coloured hand-wound SP-90s. It was a beauty. I had to have it. It's now waiting for me in Canada. It will be in my hands in less than a month.

[toastman]

If you don't like 'em, you don't like 'em - fair enough! I used to think the same way until I picked one up... and then another, and then another. I was cured of my first impressions once I bonded with their necks and all-around comfort.

haha same here

[nitehawk55]

I had a great LG P90 22 fret model that sounded awesome . Had a friend wanting it and sold it to him . I'll get another when the time is right .
No they arn't the prettiest guitar but value/sound wise they are hard to beat :smilie_flagge17:

[Maxer]

Actually, I admire the Godin finishes... they aren't flash like some makes. I find most of their finishes elegant and understated - sometimes a little too spartan, but that makes them feel very purposeful to me. Although more recently it looks they're going for fancier tops, more figuring and flaming, binding, etc. Looks like a bid for the higher end of the market. They're still covering the mid-range nicely, though.

[asatattack]

I own an LGX3, my son has an ST Signature. Great build quality, exceptional quality woods. Bang for the buck, value for the money, you can't beat a Godin! North American quality at a Mexican Strat price. Funny, there are 7 other guitars in our house that would command a higher price on the market then my LGX3 but it's the one I play the most!:smilie_flagge17:

[Emohawk]

I have a LG Signature (blue flame top). Great versatility with the SD Custom-Custom-Custom & Jazz. I like the rolled edge on the neck. For a mahagony neck & body it's very light - lighter than either of my SG's. It's a very comfortable guitar overall.

The electronics cavities & wiring routing is very oversize, so it's almost like a chambered body. It works for rock/blues/jazz tones but it will squeal like a pig with higher gain & some volume.

I hardly ever play it these days though. I'm too in love with my SG's. I'm seriously considering selling it in fact. It's not that I don't like the thing - it's just that it never gets played.

[Maxer]

Heads up for anyone living near a Long & McQuade store... June they've got specials on... buy an LG with P90s or an LG with 'buckers for two bills off of the regular price... yep, $399 for a brand new LG in a nice, satin natural finish. That's a fair amount of guitar for the price.

[thecornman]

I picked up this Godin G-Series used a while back to add to my other two Godins. It is an older model from the early to mid 90's. There isn't much info on this model out there. I don't think they made them for very long. It's kind of fugly and takes a little time to get used to the way it looks, but it felt great right of way and is really well made. Upper access on the fretboard is insane. Anyways that is three out of three Godins I have that I love so they are doing something right for me.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z163/thecornmanj/100_3498.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z163/thecornmanj/100_3496.jpg

[NB-SK]

Heads up for anyone living near a Long & McQuade store... June they've got specials on... buy an LG with P90s or an LG with 'buckers for two bills off of the regular price... yep, $399 for a brand new LG in a nice, satin natural finish. That's a fair amount of guitar for the price.

I'm sure they'll sell out quickly.

[Maxer]

They did! I got the last double-humbucker one at L & M in downtown TO, as a birthday present from my gal... that was nearly two weekends ago now. Had I waited any longer I would have been out of luck. I think they still had one or two P90s kicking around.

Thecornman: Nice G-series. I don't find it fugly... just another take on the classic strat shape. Great necks on Godins.

[smorgdonkey]

I have a Seagull S6 Cedar+CW and a LaPatrie Etude classical...do they count?

[thechamp96@hotmail.c]

I'm sure they'll sell out quickly.

Yup definitely a steal - congrats to Maxer and anyone else that was able to snag one.

[infinitemonkey]

After selling off a pile of stuff a few months ago due to an unexpected cash crisis, I started the rebuilding process the other night with the addition of a used LG SP90 I got cheap.

That makes two Godins for me, with my Artisan TC, which I will never sell under any conditions.

The LG was pretty abused, but has stood up well. I had in mind that it would be a beater that I could play and keep my TC safely tucked away until my four-year-old gets a little older and a little less boisterous, but the LG cleaned up so nice that I'm already getting protective of it.:smile:

I'm still in the process of tweaking the truss rod and bridge to get the action just right, but it already plays pretty nice. The P90s are predictably noisy, but it's worth it for that growl.

Can't go wrong with a Godin.:smilie_flagge17: