Hello! I am a 76 Y.O. whose been playing the single P90 version for well over two years at live gigs several times each month. This guitar does it all for my catalog of songs. I added some pedals to change the sounds (everything from ballads to light rock) and the guitar, IMHO, just does it all. It is SOLID, stays in tune, and I have had zero issues with it. I use D'addario Chrome flat wound strings which really mellows out the tone. I choose these because the majority of the songs i do fit that 'style'.
I am a 75 year old beginner. Saw a guy in the street market (I live in France) playing his 5th Avenue single Kingpin, . I had no idea what it was. Asked. Researched, watched Robert Godin videos about Godin, (GODDAN), found a beauty at Azema in Montpellier , (they said it was second hand) but it's brand new, and they gave me a price 500 below list price (???!!!). Fell in love with HER. Same as yours, can't stop playing it, but I am a beginner (again) So hearing you play so beautifully, and bringing out of it what I can only dream of is very inspiring. I'll be back to hear more. Watching carefully the fingers of both your hands. Subscribed. Thanks.
I don't know if you'll read this or not but here goes. I owned one of these guitars for about 6 years and it was amazing and did get better with age. I used D'Addario Chromes and sounded beautiful! Only got rid of it because of a shoulder injury and i couldn't play it anymore!!
Thanks for the reply! I do miss it! I now have an Epiphone ES339 PRO with S/D P-Rails which satisfies my needs! hahaha! Love your videos and Anderton's. I am in British Columbia, Canada.@@bensmithguitar
Well… I’m in Sydney Australia and I just bought one (but the 5th av kingpin 1 with the neck pickup only), and it should be delivered this week. I’m totally looking forward to it arriving..
I have an Eastman and a godin 5th Ave...The Godin is tougher to play due to its' tiny frets and 16 inch radius...nice size for my smaller hands..jazzy 4 string chords are tougher to play than on the Eastman...my 2 cents
I really like the acoustic/electric combination. Godin instruments are real sleepers. They fly below the radar but those who appreciate fine craftsmanship and great tone love them. I have a very old Godin LG and a lovely Simon and Patrick Woodland cedar. That LG was my bread and butter guitar when I was earning a living in a blues oriented road band. I'm too old for life on the road now.
I love your did-I-just-hear-what-I-just-heard vibe when you play and then stop to marvel at this great guitar. There really is no more to explain with words. I can relate. I have one.
Love your excitement! I've been playing about 18 months and I'm in the market for an archtop. This guitar is what brought me to your channel. I wish I could play like you. Your video is very inspiring! I'll keep playing and learning.
Nice playing and review...... looks like you're having fun with it! a Canadian here who has 28 guitars and 19 of them are Godins lol. I have the non cutaway Fifth Avenue with a single neck pickup and i love it. i heard a guy playing one at a local shop so i picked one up and couldn't put it down...walked out with it an hour later. Godin calls their sculpted necks "radiused" fyi. as part of a circle. I have flatwounds on mine and it sounds very 50's i think. Great video made me subscribe right away! Refreshing you don't look uptight like on sooooo many other channels. Mimi Sounds and others of that ilk can learn a lot by watching you! Only so much breast flopping one can handle....like about 2 seconds. And yeah, it looks and feels and plays great! good job!
I actively try to avoid collecting too many guitars; however, once I discovered Godin, the ones I do keep and play regularly have trended to all Godin (both my true acoustics are Seagulls, I have the 5th Ave and a LGX-SA electric with electric/acoustic/synth outputs). The only non-Godin I think I've managed to hold onto is my Strat. Hard to beat the value for money though - they're really well made.
surprised how good it sounds acoustically. I've been getting into Joe Pass and Chet Atkins stuff lately and this is a nice axe to start with. Same nut width as the old ones
Great review of this instrument. I have the single P90 version in cognac burst and love it. Even with just one pup, it is a very versatile instrument. Sounds great acoustic or plugged in. And, as you mentioned, it is simply gorgeous. A real fine looking instrument.
I've tried the 5th Ave. Jumbo edition recently and was impressed by the acoustic qualities in terms of volume, resonance and tone.. It has a thicker body and has almost the volume and range of a junior acoustic Dreadnought.. I can honestly say that it's an affordable high quality Jazz guitar that pros and most players as well can enjoy..
My guitar was delivered this past Friday. Your video influenced my decision to purchase. I wanted a guitar that I could use as a beginner, but would be something my son, who plays professionally for the Navy, would not be ashamed to play during his time off, visiting home. I am extremely happy with my purchase!
I treated myself to the single P.90 version of this last year and am so pleased I did. I like Godin guitars and I also have a Godin Artisan ST that I've had since 1990.
Godin are easily one of the best values in guitars. Any one of their lines show exceptional quality, great tone and are very playable. Punch way over their weight. Lovely guitars. I have a couple, Seagull and A&L.
Interesting to come across a video like this. I've had my 5th Ave since around 2010 and it is hands down my favourite thing to play. I have acoustics and electrics which are in more demand for what I do, but given the choice I'd always pick up this guitar I love it so much. Particularly the neck; easily my favourite neck of any guitar I've ever played and I wish I could bolt one on my Strat. It's all laminate construction---which is perfectly fine on an archtop IMO---but that has the benefit of making it a tank. I do not humidify it in winters, and it gets played constantly and it just takes it and keeps on rocking. Godin and their family of companies (Seagull, A&L, etc.) are excellent value for money.
I have an earlier version, no cutaway, only the one neck pickup (no bridge pickup). And natural blonde color, no staining. But otherwise very similar. I'm a crappy guitar player, but I like this one a lot! Very nice to see that someone who actually can play guitar also likes it! 😀
Well played. very nice guitar. I have the acoustic non cutaway version. Very much enjoy it. The single pickup, non cutaway is my favorite. I was told the bracing in the single pick-up, full body, is braced like the acoustic model so sounds good plugged in or out. Also told that the double pick up is braced differently. This from a Godin field Rep. I'll have to try the single pickup and the II model again, it;s been a while. Liked and subscribed. Is that a cavaquinho hanging on the wall ?
Thank you for your well detailed review! I hope on your next video, you take a drink of water first so that you don’t appear like struggling✌️ Thanks again!
Love the guitar, great playing Ben smith guitar, I will subscribe, thank you! There could not be any possible way the Canadian Cherry Wood Top and back & sides could be SOLID Wood, must be Laminated, it would cost $10k if it was a solid carved wood top and back!
Thank you very much for you r review! I am thinking of buying a new guitar next year or so: Lakewood acoustic guitar or this Godin or a Hofner bass 🙋🤔🤔
It looks like a fun guitar to play. That's what I'm looking for. The action is good? neck feel, so to speak? They sound very good plugged in. From the comments, I surmise that it feels good, rather than having to fight against the strings, which I, and I'm sure many others, here as well, know about from experience, am I right in purchasing this guitar, with those thoughts in mind? I value your opinion, thoughts and experience. Thank you in advance, or TYIA, as the kids would say nowadays.
Great review! I have the same guitar, bought it a few days ago, but I don't know which type and brand of strings to put on it. Any suggestions? I think the 12s gauge is too heavy.
It's a large guitar, and very stiff, high tension strings, making this somewhat diffficult to play, especially for beginners. However, it's beautifully constructed, very affordable, and sounds great!
Any guitar would be like that - stiff, tense, not so playable - if you don't know how to set up your guitar yet. I got one 2nd hand and was wonderful to play after a good setup. Get someone to set it up nicely, and it will be entirely a differnet story
Is the bridge attached to the body somehow? I hate those guitars that have the bridge just moving underneath the strings, when restringing you'll need to guess basically where to put the bridge hoping you'll be right and you haven't messed with the scale length and intonation.
It depends on *how* clean you need I think, and how loud your drummer is! I will say that it's my favourite amp I've ever played, although I was involved in the design process a bit, so I'm very biased! 😅 They're really great for the type of rootsy stuff I play. I love mine.
I bought one and sold it the next day. I think they suck big time. no fan of cherry wood in guitars...lacks soo much I don't know where to begin...save your money
Hello! I am a 76 Y.O. whose been playing the single P90 version for well over two years at live gigs several times each month. This guitar does it all for my catalog of songs. I added some pedals to change the sounds (everything from ballads to light rock) and the guitar, IMHO, just does it all. It is SOLID, stays in tune, and I have had zero issues with it. I use D'addario Chrome flat wound strings which really mellows out the tone. I choose these because the majority of the songs i do fit that 'style'.
I am a 75 year old beginner. Saw a guy in the street market (I live in France) playing his 5th Avenue single Kingpin, . I had no idea what it was. Asked. Researched, watched Robert Godin videos about Godin, (GODDAN), found a beauty at Azema in Montpellier , (they said it was second hand) but it's brand new, and they gave me a price 500 below list price (???!!!). Fell in love with HER. Same as yours, can't stop playing it, but I am a beginner (again) So hearing you play so beautifully, and bringing out of it what I can only dream of is very inspiring. I'll be back to hear more. Watching carefully the fingers of both your hands. Subscribed. Thanks.
I'm 78 and enjoying whatever i can do to make music!!!
I don't know if you'll read this or not but here goes. I owned one of these guitars for about 6 years and it was amazing and did get better with age. I used D'Addario Chromes and sounded beautiful! Only got rid of it because of a shoulder injury and i couldn't play it anymore!!
I did read it! Sorry to hear you had to get rid of it, they're lovely guitars. I hope you managed to find a replacement that was comfortable to play?
Thanks for the reply! I do miss it! I now have an Epiphone ES339 PRO with S/D P-Rails which satisfies my needs! hahaha! Love your videos and Anderton's. I am in British Columbia, Canada.@@bensmithguitar
Cheap p 90's swap them out
Well… I’m in Sydney Australia and I just bought one (but the 5th av kingpin 1 with the neck pickup only), and it should be delivered this week. I’m totally looking forward to it arriving..
I have an Eastman and a godin 5th Ave...The Godin is tougher to play due to its' tiny frets and 16 inch radius...nice size for my smaller hands..jazzy 4 string chords are tougher to play than on the Eastman...my 2 cents
I really like the acoustic/electric combination. Godin instruments are real sleepers. They fly below the radar but those who appreciate fine craftsmanship and great tone love them. I have a very old Godin LG and a lovely Simon and Patrick Woodland cedar. That LG was my bread and butter guitar when I was earning a living in a blues oriented road band. I'm too old for life on the road now.
So extensive review! Love this instrument, fantastic acoustic guitar neck)
I love your did-I-just-hear-what-I-just-heard vibe when you play and then stop to marvel at this great guitar. There really is no more to explain with words. I can relate. I have one.
It is lovely...
Love your presentation and experience you shared on this video.
I have a 90’s Guild Starfire II fully hollow- but this 5th Ave is also a keeper. 🎧
Smooth video; great soundscapes that showcase the instrument’s possibilities.
Love your excitement! I've been playing about 18 months and I'm in the market for an archtop. This guitar is what brought me to your channel. I wish I could play like you. Your video is very inspiring! I'll keep playing and learning.
Nice playing and review...... looks like you're having fun with it! a Canadian here who has 28 guitars and 19 of them are Godins lol. I have the non cutaway Fifth Avenue with a single neck pickup and i love it. i heard a guy playing one at a local shop so i picked one up and couldn't put it down...walked out with it an hour later. Godin calls their sculpted necks "radiused" fyi. as part of a circle. I have flatwounds on mine and it sounds very 50's i think. Great video made me subscribe right away! Refreshing you don't look uptight like on sooooo many other channels. Mimi Sounds and others of that ilk can learn a lot by watching you! Only so much breast flopping one can handle....like about 2 seconds. And yeah, it looks and feels and plays great! good job!
Thanks, they're a lot of fun to play. Hopefully I'll get to do a few more. The non cut is the one I want to try the most. 👍
I actively try to avoid collecting too many guitars; however, once I discovered Godin, the ones I do keep and play regularly have trended to all Godin (both my true acoustics are Seagulls, I have the 5th Ave and a LGX-SA electric with electric/acoustic/synth outputs). The only non-Godin I think I've managed to hold onto is my Strat. Hard to beat the value for money though - they're really well made.
That was as sweet as pie. Your affection for it shows. Thanks for the show.❤
surprised how good it sounds acoustically. I've been getting into Joe Pass and Chet Atkins stuff lately and this is a nice axe to start with. Same nut width as the old ones
Great review of this instrument. I have the single P90 version in cognac burst and love it. Even with just one pup, it is a very versatile instrument. Sounds great acoustic or plugged in. And, as you mentioned, it is simply gorgeous. A real fine looking instrument.
Love your finger picking style. Would love to have a Christmas album of your playing.
Funny you should mention that... ua-cam.com/video/R5ttx1cMg2g/v-deo.htmlsi=_0Te0u7Ko2CV8g4C
Sounds great mic'ing the amp and guitar. I don't know if that was a cover or a jam but it was beautiful too
Thanks, you're very kind. They're all just improvs, but it's an inspiring guitar.. 🙂
I've tried the 5th Ave. Jumbo edition recently and was impressed by the acoustic qualities in terms of volume, resonance and tone.. It has a thicker body and has almost the volume and range of a junior acoustic Dreadnought.. I can honestly say that it's an affordable high quality Jazz guitar that pros and most players as well can enjoy..
My guitar was delivered this past Friday. Your video influenced my decision to purchase. I wanted a guitar that I could use as a beginner, but would be something my son, who plays professionally for the Navy, would not be ashamed to play during his time off, visiting home. I am extremely happy with my purchase!
I have the single pickup version. Absolutely killer guitar.
I treated myself to the single P.90 version of this last year and am so pleased I did. I like Godin guitars and I also have a Godin Artisan ST that I've had since 1990.
Godin are easily one of the best values in guitars. Any one of their lines show exceptional quality, great tone and are very playable. Punch way over their weight. Lovely guitars. I have a couple, Seagull and A&L.
Interesting to come across a video like this. I've had my 5th Ave since around 2010 and it is hands down my favourite thing to play. I have acoustics and electrics which are in more demand for what I do, but given the choice I'd always pick up this guitar I love it so much. Particularly the neck; easily my favourite neck of any guitar I've ever played and I wish I could bolt one on my Strat. It's all laminate construction---which is perfectly fine on an archtop IMO---but that has the benefit of making it a tank. I do not humidify it in winters, and it gets played constantly and it just takes it and keeps on rocking. Godin and their family of companies (Seagull, A&L, etc.) are excellent value for money.
Thanks for the video. I enjoy your playing and am impressed with the Godin Kingpin II.
I have an earlier version, no cutaway, only the one neck pickup (no bridge pickup). And natural blonde color, no staining. But otherwise very similar. I'm a crappy guitar player, but I like this one a lot! Very nice to see that someone who actually can play guitar also likes it! 😀
Mate you have some serious chops...and I've been thinking about this guitar for a while and it's decently priced
Love your videos. Keep them coming 👍🏻
Well played. very nice guitar.
I have the acoustic non cutaway version. Very much enjoy it.
The single pickup, non cutaway is my favorite. I was told the bracing in the single pick-up,
full body, is braced like the acoustic model so sounds good plugged in or out.
Also told that the double pick up is braced differently. This from a Godin field Rep.
I'll have to try the single pickup and the II model again, it;s been a while.
Liked and subscribed.
Is that a cavaquinho hanging on the wall ?
Thank you for your well detailed review! I hope on your next video, you take a drink of water first so that you don’t appear like struggling✌️
Thanks again!
Love the guitar, great playing Ben smith guitar, I will subscribe, thank you! There could not be any possible way the Canadian Cherry Wood Top and back & sides could be SOLID Wood, must be Laminated, it would cost $10k if it was a solid carved wood top and back!
Awesome guitar and you are an awesome player
Thank you very much for you r review! I am thinking of buying a new guitar next year or so: Lakewood acoustic guitar or this Godin or a Hofner bass 🙋🤔🤔
Here because of the fine gent here "estudiorudolpho" who has recommended your content.
That's very kind of him. 🙏
This could sit nicely with my Gibson 330. Been looking at acoustics, but this may be the answer.
It looks like a fun guitar to play. That's what I'm looking for. The action is good? neck feel, so to speak? They sound very good plugged in. From the comments, I surmise that it feels good, rather than having to fight against the strings, which I, and I'm sure many others, here as well, know about from experience, am I right in purchasing this guitar, with those thoughts in mind? I value your opinion, thoughts and experience. Thank you in advance, or TYIA, as the kids would say nowadays.
It was a really fun guitar, good action, nice fret work, responsive. No complaints here!
@@bensmithguitar Thanks.
Sounds great in your hands
Great review! I have the same guitar, bought it a few days ago, but I don't know which type and brand of strings to put on it. Any suggestions? I think the 12s gauge is too heavy.
Congratulations! I'd be tempted to try it with a set of flatwound 11's - probably D'addario Chromes. 🙂
I love this guy! But he reminds me of Nigel in spinal tap when he talks about guitars.
#favouritecommentever
Ok, i'd love to hear him play the humbucker one of these. Anyone know?
I would also love to play a Humbucker version. I'll see what I can do...
It's a large guitar, and very stiff, high tension strings, making this somewhat diffficult to play, especially for beginners. However, it's beautifully constructed, very affordable, and sounds great!
Any guitar would be like that - stiff, tense, not so playable - if you don't know how to set up your guitar yet. I got one 2nd hand and was wonderful to play after a good setup. Get someone to set it up nicely, and it will be entirely a differnet story
Nice blues chops
Is the bridge attached to the body somehow? I hate those guitars that have the bridge just moving underneath the strings, when restringing you'll need to guess basically where to put the bridge hoping you'll be right and you haven't messed with the scale length and intonation.
I think it's a floating bridge. I have a few with them, you get used to it pretty quickly, and you can always mark it with a pencil if you need to...
Hi I've been looking at the hamstead 20 would you say it's loud enough to be clean with an averagely loud drummer?
It depends on *how* clean you need I think, and how loud your drummer is! I will say that it's my favourite amp I've ever played, although I was involved in the design process a bit, so I'm very biased! 😅 They're really great for the type of rootsy stuff I play. I love mine.
Sweet guitar.
That's a SPicey meatball! What amp are you playing through?
Thanks! My trusty @hamsteadsoundworks Artist 20+RT Love that amp. 🙂
I was going to get an Epiphone Casino before I watched this video.
What's the difference between p90's & hb's?
A P90 is a big single coil, whereas a humbucker is two coils wired together to reject hum. I prefer p90s generally.
@@bensmithguitar "A big single coil" as in like MUCH bigger than the single coils on a tele, for example? Do jazz players like using p90's?
Sounds like a p90.
Something about it looks and sounds uninspiring. I'd rather add money and buy an ES-175. Even an Epiphone Joe Pass or an Ibanez Pat Metheny.
I think the pickups are Asian made.
Love the cut of your jib dude
I bought one and sold it the next day. I think they suck big time. no fan of cherry wood in guitars...lacks soo much I don't know where to begin...save your money
I'll have to respectfully disagree with you there, I enjoyed this guitar a lot.
@@bensmithguitar glad you like it, I just others I like much more