The Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin II combines the style of old-world arch top guitars with modern playability, electronics, and great price. Constructed of all Canadian Cherry, the Kingpin is bright, lively and brings a fresh new sound that makes this more than just another jazz box. The Godin 5th Avenue is one of the most popular guitars on our website, find out why!
Due to factory shortages, these guitars were shipped from Godin without TRIC cases at a reduced price.
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
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, 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 its 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 a wide selection 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.
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