The Godin Kingpin II combines the style of an old-world archtop with modern playability, flexible electronics, and a very approachable price. Constructed from Canadian Cherry, the Kingpin is bright, lively, and distinctive—bringing a fresh voice that makes it much more than just another jazz box.

This is a Godin “SF” Factory Second guitar, which means a small cosmetic blemish was found during inspection (see photo). These blemishes are usually difficult to spot except under close inspection. SF guitars carry a full factory warranty, and you save some money. Photos are of the actual guitar.

Handcrafted in Princeville, Quebec, the Kingpin is solidly built with an emphasis on functionality, understated elegance, and player-friendly design. Features include:

• Canadian Cherry top, back and sides
• 24.8" scale maple neck
• 16" radius Rosewood Fretboard
• 1.72" width nut, Graphtech
• Two Godin P90 pickups
• Cognac Burst Finish with cream binding
• Adjustable compensated TUSQ graphite bridge
• TUSQ nut
• Floating pickguard
• 2-way adjustable truss rod
• Schaller-type strap lock buttons
• Weighs approx. 5 pounds
• Made in Canada
• Limited lifetime warranty

Cherry is a sustainable, domestically available tonewood, and Godin has been putting it to excellent use for years. It may not carry the old-school cachet of more traditional tonewoods, but in Godin’s hands it has proven itself in great-sounding acoustic and hollow-body guitars. It also shows off a beautiful grain pattern, and under the Vintage Burst finish, it gives the Kingpin an elegant, understated look.

As a tonewood, cherry projects impressive volume, with full bass, bright, snappy highs, and excellent sustain. It is tonally similar to maple, but to our ears it offers a little more bass response, a more complex top end, and a less dry overall feel. The neck pickup is warm and full, with plenty of bottom end, but it avoids the wooliness that can creep into some P-90s. The neck-and-bridge combination is pure rockabilly and really feels like the Kingpin’s sweet spot: think early George Harrison/Gretsch character, but fuller and less anemic. The bridge pickup brings plenty of bite, and like most P-90s, it delivers a thick, edgy overdrive sound. Because the body is fully hollow rather than semi-hollow, you can simply turn toward the amp for a little feedback on demand. This is obviously not a shred machine, but the neck is easy to navigate and plays comfortably up the fretboard. Strung from the factory with 12s, the action may feel a little rugged for some players, but a set of 11s makes it play like butter. For jazz players, flatwound 11s or 12s are the ticket.

Overall, this is a fun, lively guitar with capabilities well beyond its conservative looks. It is right at home with jazz and mellower styles, while the P-90 pickups give it the punch and edge to shine as a roots, blues, or rockabilly machine. With a very reasonable street price, the Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin II is a smart, inspiring addition to any guitar collection.

We are an authorized Godin dealer, and this is a new guitar with all tags, tools, paperwork, and certificates included. We keep a wide selection of Godin-family guitars in stock at all times, so please browse our other listings or contact us for current delivery times and availability on other Godin models.