More acoustic Semi-hollow body guitar?

[jzucker]

The Godin Premiere model debuted last year at NAMM and there are 3 new versions this year--see article. The flamed maple top and the trio of pickups is new--and incredibly awesome-looking--as is a deluxe edition and a P90 edition.

I have played the standard model a few times and love it--looking forward to getting one in the near future. I don't know about mixed reviews; every review I have read has been highly favorable. Re' how it compares to the Comins thinline style, having never seen a Comins in the flesh, I wouldn't know. They are not easily found in the Midwest, although I see LaVonne Music in the Twin Cities area apparently carries them, so maybe I'll check it out some time.

you're right. They do look sweet. The reviews I'm talking about are reviews from jazz guitarists, not from the online or magazine reviews that give favorable reviews to everything. Most guys I know who have played the 2013 model have said that it's ok but doesn't really stand out. And why wouldn't they introduce a spruce top version ?

I was an endorser for them in the early 2000s but got frustrated at their refusal to take input on anything. For example, on the godin flat 5, I gave them feedback that the 24 frets put the neck pickup in an awkward position for traditional jazz sounds but they insisted thats what players wanted. Then it was discontinued after poor sales. A lot of their guitars like the ACS are neck heavy.

I hope they turn things around but this guitar seems like a poor man's sadowsky semi-hollow. Couldn't they have come up with a more unique body shape?

[Klatu]

haha, thanks for the compliments.

Regarding balance , i agree that balancing on the body is the most important but if you start out with an instrument that is imbalanced you may be able to counteract it by using things like suede straps or by holding the instrument at an extreme angle (like stowell) or perhaps the way your right arm leans on the guitar body or even the way you grip the neck but my expectation is that the instrument is perfectly balanced. Then, i'm free to approach my technique in whatever manner I choose.

Here's how mine balances. I can change the angle of the neck at will and it won't move. The strap I'm using in the picture is glove leather (smooth), not suede.

[kris]

nice pic

[jzucker]

mine didn't balance at all and it had a pickguard which should have contributed to better balance. Does yours have the maple neck?

Does your balance at a steeper angle? I usually keep the neck a little more vertical than how you have it.

[Hjalmiz]

Hi
To me most of the lower priced Guitars are good nowadays. But you cant compare them to hand built hight quality material Guitars like the Shottmuller for instance. If you count the hours that goes in to a guitar like that 6000$ is kind of ... Ok!

However i think Some of the important qualities of a high end guitar can be found in Ibanez, yamaha, Tokai , and Some of the other lawsuit Guitars of the 80s that fits your budget. They have good materials , sometimes greate and have a wibe and life that most modern factory poly Guitars wont have for years if ever.

One aspect of Guitars that people often seem to forget is how well a guitar ages. I have Some doubts about many new Guitars like the Godin semi and other in that price range.. That actually is a issue for some of the high end , boutique Guitars aswell i think. Many Guitars from the 80's stand that test with pride.

If you want a new one go for it . My choice Would be a older guitar with Some History to it.

Good luck.

[mangotango]

Nice lookin' guitar, Klatu - even backwards!

[jads57]

Here's another possibility since you have an El Rey 1 already!
http://www.eastmanguitars.com/er4/

[Klatu]

mine didn't balance at all and it had a pickguard which should have contributed to better balance. Does yours have the maple neck?

Does your balance at a steeper angle? I usually keep the neck a little more vertical than how you have it.

I've seen the angle in which you play in your videos, and mine will stay in that position without any problems. My Verythin is the maple neck version, and I believe it to be one of the earlier models because of the diamond headstock inlays.