Godin Fifth Ave Kingpin

**John A.** · 10-03-2017, 11:25 PM

This just arrived by Pony Express. I picked it from forum member Morroben, who was super easy to work with. Less exciting than the D'Angelico and L5s and Johnny Smiths that have been showing their faces around here lately, but as someone who has been out of the archtop game for a few years and who has never had a P-90 before I'm very pleased to have this. I've played these before, so there are no surprises for me (nor I imagine for anyone here, as they've made many appearances hereabouts), which is a good thing.

The contrast between the Neo-Retro-Cheap-Pseudo-HarmonyKaySilvertone aesthetic (especially in black) and the rich playability and tone is a bit of a mindf*ck. Something that looks like this shouldn't be a real guitar, but it is. As expected, it's not quite loud enough to replace a true acoustic guitar, but it works as a sort of parlor guitar, and the plugged in sound is completely legit. Looking forward to taking out to play.

And by the way, the photo below is not a crappy photo. It is an example of the Neo-Retro-Cheap-Pseudo-HarmonyKaySilvertone aesthetic, and is much better visually than it looks.

[IMG]blob:http://www.jazzguitar.be/186f4940-910a-45b4-bdb9-2b61291a67a6[/IMG]

John

**John A.** · 10-03-2017, 11:28 PM

PS, the obligatory: how do you rotate images?

**omphalopsychos** · 10-03-2017, 11:52 PM

(No idea how to rotate the images.)

They have one of these where I study. I frequently borrow it when I don't have time to swing by my house to get my guitar. I love it. Not exactly an ES 125 but as close as you're gonna get for this price, for sure. Congrats! It looks great in Black, btw.

**blille** · 10-04-2017, 12:32 AM

Originally Posted by John A.

PS, the obligatory: how do you rotate images?

Congrats and here you go

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**John A.** · 10-05-2017, 08:22 AM

Originally Posted by blille

Congrats and here you go

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Thanks. How do you do that?

John

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**TedBPhx** · 10-05-2017, 11:25 AM

That guitar looks like a lot of fun.

**morroben** · 10-05-2017, 11:41 AM

Sweet!!! I'm glad you dig it. That bridge actually improved acoustic volume quite a bit, though it's still not very loud. The flats don't help either...unless you've already changed those. I never really settled on what strings I liked with it.

**John A.** · 10-05-2017, 12:26 PM

Originally Posted by morroben

Sweet!!! I'm glad you dig it. That bridge actually improved acoustic volume quite a bit, though it's still not very loud. The flats don't help either...unless you've already changed those. I never really settled on what strings I liked with it.

With the flats you had on it it was a bit subdued. I switched to rounds (D'Addario XL), and I'm finding it to be pretty darn loud around the house, much louder than the previous laminatedd archtop I had. I forgot what your ad said -- what did you do to the bridge? I'm definitely digging it a lot. I took it to a jam last night and was very pleased.

John

**mr. beaumont** · 10-05-2017, 12:37 PM

Try Monels your next string change...Get the volume of Rounds, but a little more mellow in tone. Favorite strings for my Kingpin so far.

**John A.** · 10-05-2017, 12:45 PM

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

Try Monels your next string change...Get the volume of Rounds, but a little more mellow in tone. Favorite strings for my Kingpin so far.

Yup, I'm planning on it. I actually tried -- I went into Matt Umanov Guitars (per the thread I started about their closing), and Matt wouldn't sell me any. When I asked for some, he said "Monels? That's marketing bullshit, just used regular nickel wound." I went with the flow ...

John

**morroben** · 10-05-2017, 12:48 PM

Originally Posted by John A.

With the flats you had on it it was a bit subdued. I switched to rounds (D'Addario XL), and I'm finding it to be pretty darn loud around the house, much louder than the previous laminatedd archtop I had. I forgot what your ad said -- what did you do to the bridge? I'm definitely digging it a lot. I took it to a jam last night and was very pleased.

John

That rosewood bridge isn't stock, and when I got it the curve of the bottom of the bridge didn't match the arch of the guitar, so the bridge stood up on the ends with a gap underneath. I just shaped it to match the arch of the guitar and make contact.
You know, I didn't even think about it, I might have the stock bridge in a drawer somewhere if you want it. I wasn't a fan.

**John A.** · 10-05-2017, 12:58 PM

Originally Posted by morroben

That rosewood bridge isn't stock, and when I got it the curve of the bottom of the bridge didn't match the arch of the guitar, so the bridge stood up on the ends with a gap underneath. I just shaped it to match the arch of the guitar and make contact.
You know, I didn't even think about it, I might have the stock bridge in a drawer somewhere if you want it. I wasn't a fan.

Interesting. I did notice that it's louder and more acoustic sounding than the ones I tried in stores, but chalked that up to random variation. No need to send me the original -- I'm very happy as is. I hope you're enjoying the pedals.

John

**mr. beaumont** · 10-05-2017, 01:32 PM

Originally Posted by John A.

Yup, I'm planning on it. I actually tried -- I went into Matt Umanov Guitars (per the thread I started about their closing), and Matt wouldn't sell me any. When I asked for some, he said "Monels? That's marketing bullshit, just used regular nickel wound." I went with the flow ...

John

It might be marketing BS, but I think I got 'em cheaper than pure nickels!

**Doctor Jeff** · 10-05-2017, 04:29 PM

Haha I've got the same IKEA chair in my bedroom (in dark brown leather) and the Billy bookcases in the basement "library." A lot of IKEA stuff is not made to last, but these are--I've had them both for 25 years or so without any major wear.

I had a Kingpin in Cognac Burst and currently have a black 5th Avenue--it looks better in person. Nice classy understated appearance with the matte black finish, chrome hardware and cream binding. Oh and the beautiful cherry neck.

And, as I've said many times before, a great guitar for the price. Definite desert island guitar.

IF you wanted to jazz it up a little you could put on some cool chrome and abalone or white pearl knobs and some white pearl tuner buttons. (Go to Allparts.com) Just a thought.

**John A.** · 10-05-2017, 04:55 PM

Originally Posted by Doctor Jeff

Haha I've got the same IKEA chair in my bedroom (in dark brown leather) and the Billy bookcases in the basement "library." A lot of IKEA stuff is not made to last, but these are--I've had them both for 25 years or so without any major wear.

I had a Kingpin in Cognac Burst and currently have a black 5th Avenue--it looks better in person. Nice classy understated appearance with the matte black finish, chrome hardware and cream binding. Oh and the beautiful cherry neck.

And, as I've said many times before, a great guitar for the price. Definite desert island guitar.

IF you wanted to jazz it up a little you could put on some cool chrome and abalone or white pearl knobs and some white pearl tuner buttons. (Go to Allparts.com) Just a thought.

Yup, the infamous Poang. We've gone through a few. I don't know if the knobs on the tuners can be changed, but I'll think about it.

John

**entresz** · 10-05-2017, 07:07 PM

The 5th Avenues are great.

I had an acoustic, but had a Charlie Christian style floating pickup made for it by Pete Biltoft.
Like a dope I sold it. Sometimes we do things that we end up regretting.

**citizenk74** · 10-05-2017, 07:41 PM

I like the look. By all accounts these are great guitars. Congratulations, and play it in good health!

**lawson-stone** · 10-05-2017, 07:43 PM

Originally Posted by John A.

PS, the obligatory: how do you rotate images?

The problem is typically with photos taken on an iPhone. What I've found I have to do is send the photo to my laptop, rotate it there and save it, then post it. They all turn out fine when I do that. Something is screwy with how iPhones and iPads store data on the picture's orientation and how the forum software reads that data.

**John A.** · 10-05-2017, 07:59 PM

Originally Posted by lawson-stone

The problem is typically with photos taken on an iPhone. What I've found I have to do is send the photo to my laptop, rotate it there and save it, then post it. They all turn out fine when I do that. Something is screwy with how iPhones and iPads store data on the picture's orientation and how the forum software reads that data.

I used an Android, mailed it to my laptop and posted from there.

John

**John A.** · 10-05-2017, 11:21 PM

Originally Posted by entresz

The 5th Avenues are great.

I had an acoustic, but had a Charlie Christian style floating pickup made for it by Pete Biltoft.
Like a dope I sold it. Sometimes we do things that we end up regretting.

That's a cool idea. Maybe for the next one ...

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**blille** · 10-06-2017, 12:18 AM

Originally Posted by John A.

Thanks. How do you do that?

John

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Originally Posted by lawson-stone

The problem is typically with photos taken on an iPhone. What I've found I have to do is send the photo to my laptop, rotate it there and save it, then post it. They all turn out fine when I do that. Something is screwy with how iPhones and iPads store data on the picture's orientation and how the forum software reads that data.

For iPhone: How to Rotate Photos on the iPhone & iPad

For Android (Google photos): How to Rotate Google Photos on Android: 6 Steps (with Pictures)

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**John A.** · 10-06-2017, 11:37 AM

Originally Posted by blille

For iPhone: How to Rotate Photos on the iPhone & iPad

For Android (Google photos): How to Rotate Google Photos on Android: 6 Steps (with Pictures)

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In case I wasn't clear, the photo I posted at the top of the thread is in portrait orientation on my phone and on my computer. I pasted the image into the post without editing it in any way. When I was composing the post, the picture was in portrait mode. But once it was posted, the photo was rotated by the forum software. This has happened to me before (to others as well), and I have not been able to figure out why, or how to rotate it back if I edit the post after it has been posted.

John

**blille** · 10-06-2017, 11:56 AM

Originally Posted by John A.

In case I wasn't clear, the photo I posted at the top of the thread is in portrait orientation on my phone and on my computer. I pasted the image into the post without editing it in any way. When I was composing the post, the picture was in portrait mode. But once it was posted, the photo was rotated by the forum software. This has happened to me before (to others as well), and I have not been able to figure out why, or how to rotate it back if I edit the post after it has been posted.

John

Got you. I downloaded it on my phone, then rotated it and reuploaded it. I use Tapatalk for reading and interacting with the forum.

Btw I also had that chair lol

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