Low priced electric archtop - Gretsch vs Godin

[tfling]

I’m looking for a low priced, used electric archtop to keep out in my living room

i am looking at the Godin 5th ave Kingpin and the Gretsch G9555 New Yorker

i owned the Kingpin before for about 1 day, and I remember not liking it, but I can no longer remember why. (Maybe too bright?)

i have not owned the Gretsch, but I know that I like the Rhythm Chief pickup, and I am OK with the V neck
I would want to modify it to add a tone control though

has anyone here played both?
im looking for a darker more electric sound and I would be stringing it with Thomastik flats

[TheGrandWazoo]

If you didn't like the Godin, you'll probably not like the New Yorker. The Godin is a step up from the New Yorker. Both the Godin and the gretsch archtops are going to sound bright. The Godin with a p90 is probably your best bet imo. If you want a dark electric sound I'd recommend getting a dark sounding electric.

[tfling]

Interesting, i used the Rhythm Chief on 2 Korean D’angelicos, and an Epiphone Century in the past and thought it was darkish and mid rangey

i wonder if it’s the spruce top on the Gretsch that makes it brighter

maybe I owe the Godin another try