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  1. #1

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    Has anyone got replacement pickups for a Godin 5th Avenue? (P-90type)

    Nothing wrong with the stock pickups, just wondering if anyone has tried the options.


    Thanks

    Doug

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  3. #2

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    I almost did.

    Got to the conclusion that it wasn't worth it (for me).

  4. #3

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    Quote Originally Posted by blille
    I almost did.

    Got to the conclusion that it wasn't worth it (for me).
    Why, if you don't mind my asking? Thanks

    Doug

  5. #4

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    Quote Originally Posted by Doug B
    Why, if you don't mind my asking? Thanks

    Doug
    I generally like lower output P-90 with A2 magnets. A Casino for example comes with pretty hot P-90s so I would change them. I felt that my Kingpin wasn't too hot and was warm enough. This was around 2015 I think.

  6. #5

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    Quote Originally Posted by blille
    I generally like lower output P-90 with A2 magnets. A Casino for example comes with pretty hot P-90s so I would change them. I felt that my Kingpin wasn't too hot and was warm enough. This was around 2015 I think.
    LOL, I've thought about calling a pickup winder to talk about my Kingpin P90s. I actually wish they were "less hot" as they're substantially higher output than the HB guitars I have/had. While I think the mids and lows are nice, the highs are a bit harsh to my ears. I have to keep both the volume and tone rolled way down to avoid messing up the amp settings I've settled on for my other guitars.

    Different strokes!

  7. #6

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    Quote Originally Posted by jim232777
    LOL, I've thought about calling a pickup winder to talk about my Kingpin P90s. I actually wish they were "less hot" as they're substantially higher output than the HB guitars I have/had. While I think the mids and lows are nice, the highs are a bit harsh to my ears. I have to keep both the volume and tone rolled way down to avoid messing up the amp settings I've settled on for my other guitars.

    Different strokes!
    You know, it's funny you say that because I played one in a store and I really liked it but I ended up ordering a used one online and I ordered a replacement P-90. When I got it, changed strings and used it on my amp (5e3) I thought it was fine so I sent the pickup back. I just thought it was my gear but maybe it was different Possible replacement pickups for a Godin 5th Avenue?

  8. #7

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    Lower your polepieces.

  9. #8

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    Quote Originally Posted by mr. beaumont
    Lower your polepieces.
    Uh-no. If I lowered the polepieces any further they would be coming out the back of the guitar!

  10. #9

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    Something to consider:
    The Kingpin doesn't have any pickup routes in the top, just little holes for the wires going to the switch; the pickups sit on risers above the top.
    These Godin P90s have shorter pole screws, with a replacement P90, you might have problems with the pole screws of the neck pickup being too long for mounting.

    BTW, I don't find these hot at all - they are quite bright and airy, kind of like early 50s Gibson P90s. Personally, I hate hot, middy, muddy overwound P90s - these are the opposite!

  11. #10

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    Quote Originally Posted by Doug B
    Uh-no. If I lowered the polepieces any further they would be coming out the back of the guitar!
    The next cheap option is to play with the onboard circuit: pot and capacitor values and types. These can make dramatic changes in tone. You can even install a Varitone like switch What is "Varitone"?

  12. #11

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    Quote Originally Posted by mr. beaumont
    Lower your polepieces.
    Quote Originally Posted by RomanS
    Something to consider:
    The Kingpin doesn't have any pickup routes in the top, just little holes for the wires going to the switch; the pickups sit on risers above the top.
    These Godin P90s have shorter pole screws, with a replacement P90, you might have problems with the pole screws of the neck pickup being too long for mounting.

    BTW, I don't find these hot at all - they are quite bright and airy, kind of like early 50s Gibson P90s. Personally, I hate hot, middy, muddy overwound P90s - these are the opposite!
    When I first got the Kingpin and noticed the higher output, I took a quick look under the pickups, thinking about lowering them with thinner spacer rings. I didn't go any further after I saw the lack of a route. I'll have to look a little more carefully, though, as there might be enough space to carefully lower the polepieces some.

    You're right that they're not muddy at all, and are very bright--that's part of the problem. Hot is somewhat subjective, of course--it's higher output than the single coils and PAF-type humbuckers I have, but the PAFs are relatively low for an HB. It may be that if I can dial the treble strings back a bit with the polepieces, I can put up with the extra output and have a nice compromise.

    Quote Originally Posted by medblues
    The next cheap option is to play with the onboard circuit: pot and capacitor values and types. These can make dramatic changes in tone. You can even install a Varitone like switch What is "Varitone"?
    That would be more difficult than playing with the polepieces, given the guitar construction. Any part replacement will have to go through the f-holes due to the above-mentioned lack of pickup route. I have been able to see that the pots have small circuit boards on them and don't know how easy/hard it would be.

    This guitar has really interesting things going on with the pickups. The bridge pup is very bright. I might put it into a similar eq range as a Tele bridge, but it's nowhere near as smooth as my Telecasters. Don't think that I would ever use it by itself. Also, it's not balanced equally with the neck, but has less volume. On the positive side, in the middle position, the 2 pickups together are kind of "Gretsch-y".

    This all ends up complicated, so I'm thinking I may call an expert who does rewinds, and get their thoughts on improving the sound.

  13. #12

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    Quote Originally Posted by medblues
    The next cheap option is to play with the onboard circuit: pot and capacitor values and types. These can make dramatic changes in tone. You can even install a Varitone like switch What is "Varitone"?
    I thought about using a small graphic eq pedal.

  14. #13

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    They must make them differently now...the pickup on my 2007 is not high output at all.

  15. #14

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    Quote Originally Posted by Doug B
    I thought about using a small graphic eq pedal.
    Yep. Didn't have one, so I bought a cheap Behringer eq to play with this. I've gone back and forth with using/not using it. I particularly think it's useful for cutting the the strong, bright pick attack I hear at higher frequencies. (I'm also planning to replace the TUSQ bridge w/ rosewood to help that.)

  16. #15

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    Quote Originally Posted by jim232777
    cutting the the strong, bright pick attack I hear at higher frequencies. (I'm also planning to replace the TUSQ bridge w/ rosewood to help that.)
    Done that, it helps a some.

  17. #16

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    Quote Originally Posted by mr. beaumont
    They must make them differently now...the pickup on my 2007 is not high output at all.
    Very interesting. Per an email from Godin, my serial number puts it as a 2012 build. Probably impossible to find any info on how/if the pickup has changed over the years. A search did show "Kingpin P90" used in a Godin solid body, similar to a Les Paul shape, so they might have been doing their own spin on an LP. Not sure if that means anything as I have no experience with the Les Paul/P90 combo.

  18. #17

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    Quote Originally Posted by Doug B
    I thought about using a small graphic eq pedal.
    Yes, another cool trick is turning the guitar volume down and using a booster pedal (or increase gain on the EQ) and/or turn the amp up. I like using MXR MicroAmp+ for some of my guitars. Beats changing pickups or onboard electronics.