Robert Godin created the 5th ave because his first guitar he ever had was an archtop. He wanted to recreate that tone in his guitar line. Man! Mission accomplished. As good as.
The Gibson is slightly warmer but the Godin has phenomenal articulation. I don’t think I could justify spending those 4 figures when the Godin is basically $600-700.
@@mainsblanches8793 I want to start by making it clear that I love the Godin Kingpin and it is definitely an outstanding value. However, I don’t think it can be just a “prestige thing” since Gibson isn’t still offering the ES-125, and we aren’t comparing two brand new guitars. When buying the Gibson you are paying a premium because you are buying a piece of history that deserves to be preserved for future generations.
A 1959 Gibson es 125 should range from $18 to $2700 if priced fairly on today's market. Then you can find an es 120 for around $1800. Once u get into an es 150 then you are looking at around 4 k
I'm getting this guitar. I took lessons from Allan Hanlon during college on that Gibson. Had and sold an acoustic/electric Godin but now I can get this amazing reasonably priced guitar from them for my jazz /country dream retirement gift. Thanks for the demo, you sold me. 🎸
I’ve had a 5th ave for years, with the cut away and bridge pick up also, sounds like a freakin’ beast! In love with that guitar from the moment I first lay hands on it.
I just bought one with the P90's & Cut away, someone said get the Humbucker version as the P90s hum.. lol... I get it tomorrow, I'm hoping I made the right choice.. If not, can always swap out a lower output Humbucker in the bridge I suppose.. : )
@@Sherman1862 I mean, all comes down to your preference in the end, but those P90s are half the reason I love that guitar so much! They got such a thick full sound, and if you crank ‘em they sound like a truck! I’d go P90 > humbucker any day personally. 😊
@@the.bloodless.one1312 That's awesome!!! I ordered the 2x P90 version/cutaway.. Then saw a review where the female player, from Austria, really great jazz guitarist here on RUclips, she said go humbucker!!!! So I sort of freaked and thought about canceling my order, replacing with the humbucker version.. But then I said F* it.. I'll go P90 as I don't own a guitar with P90s.. And I think it just looks better, and will be more historically vintage accurate too.. : ) I actually bought iit on AMZN for $800 on Sale, when I looked again the next day it was like $930 I think, so I'm thinking that it was "meant to be" as The Guitar Gods where smiling upon my decision.. I'll get it tomorrow, ordered it Sunday!!!! : ) Thank you so much for your "Feedback".. ; ) lol : ) Keep on Rockin'!!!
I bought my 1959 ES-125 in 1979 for $125. No one wanted them back then. So, I'm emotionally attached to my Gibson. If I were starting out fresh today I'd go with the Godin. It sounds better, and being new you wouldn't have to deal with the issues that come with a delicate antique guitar. I own Seagull and Art & Lutherie acoustics - both Godin brands - and love them both. Godin offers a lot of guitar for the price. That they're environmentally responsible (most wood they use is harvested from fallen trees in a forest they own) is icing on the cake.
I pick the Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin because that's the one I own and it's a great guitar, regardless of the price. It doesn't sound significantly different than the Gibson ES 125.
Definitely Godin. They make really fine guitars at an affordable price. By the way, your clean, straight up playing is much appreciated. You really allow the instruments to shine.
Agreed. I never played my ES125 distorted nor pushed the amp. I loved everything from the clean, *almost* full on jangly treble, to the warm jazz sounding rolled off treble, and everything in between on my Gibson plywood topped work horse. I played the entire neck... it stayed in tune with the Bigsby that was installed by the 2nd previous owner (it came with the original hardware in the original case). The Godin 5th Avenue is gorgeous looking and from the many demos I've seen, it plays everything I used to play and more (I never played open tunings; only drop D for finger style picking... my father listened to Chet and Jerry Reed, respectively and together, from as early as I can recall). Wonderful demo!
Both sound really nice. I think that when it comes to guitars with the right amp Set ups it’s really a matter of preference and budget. Jazz musicians years ago didn’t have the selection of instruments we have today. It always makes me wonder if they did what would they be playing? Maybe not the guitars we see them with? I think a lot of the old school ideas on what guitars you have to use to get good jazz tones are debunked for the most part. Gibsons do have good tone, but there are many guitars out there today that you can get that are the same or maybe better.
Great playing, I know which I'd rather take to a gig and not have to have a panic attack everything I went to the bar. Godin make outstanding instruments, true innovators, Gibson are stuck in 1959
Bravo; cette comparaison est très intéressante.Le son de la Gibson est magnifique Mais la Godin est aussi très belle, peut-être un peu moins brillante mais elle est moins âgée alors je pense beaucoup de bien de cette Godin.
Jamie, Thanks for doing this comparison. I recently purchased the Godin Kingpin II, so it was nice to here this comparison. I thought both guitars sounded great, but the Gibson did seem to have a jazzier tone. The Godin was just a little brighter. Maybe if it had a set of flatwounds it would mellow out the tone on the Kingpin.
What we hear essentially is the tone of the Polytone amplifier, which is great for that jazz sound. I suspect that if you'd use any P90 and Es125 build style, you won't hear a great difference. The amp is so important. What will be different will be the playability and how you bond with the guitar, which no You Tube video will ever be able to tell YOU. Informative video because that's exactly what it shows
"There will never be another you" sounded stunning on the Godin! I've just bought my first jazz box, an Eastman Pisano AR380CE. I'm very pleased with it thus far.
They’re extremely close. The Godin is a bit “thinner” sounding, but overall both are a winner. If you want a fuller sounding Godin, they have a P Rail model.
Years ago I had a 1956 Gibson ES 125, which this guitar is clearly based on. It played like a dream. Then for a while I switched from Jazz to Rockabilly, selling the ES 125 to get a 1961 Gretsch Double Anniversary (which I still have). But I always missed that ES 125 and regretted selling it. Having gotten into Jazz again recently, I decided to get one of these, as the average price of 3000 pounds for an ES 125 is now beyond my price range. Best decision I made. This guitar is like the return of an old friend. It does exactly what that old 125 did back then, and looks as cool. My 'test' piece for this guitar in the shop was the Barney Kessel intro to 'Cry Me A River'. The sound and tone was all there! I no longer mourn the sale of my old ES 125, and cannot recommend this guitar enough.
I was hoping to hear you comp on the 5th Avenue. The Gibson had that dry bark for big band comping, at least a middle ground, that I want. I'm considering trying to spring for an ES-125 but after hearing you play the Godin, I'm reconsidering. I want the P-90 pickup, am very attracted to that sound. I'd also like a guitar that can comp well in a big band setting for Jazz Ensemble. I realize it's not going to replicate an L-5 or a Stromberg, but I am looking for a good middle ground. The Godin sounded very nice on single line work.
Good vid. Eo. Thank you. The polytone and your fingers do the job 😉 could you think humbuckers could be interesting in these godin Kingpin? Il really search for a comparison of these 2 configurations in these very good guitar. Especially because i play jazz, but blues and rockabilly too...
Jamie, I prefer sound of the Godin. Sounds really work and jazzy. Which did you prefer to play? I think the Godin neck is a little wider at the nut and flatter board. Did that make it any easier or more difficult to play?
Thank you for this. I honestly think that they are very similar. Bottom line, is … often “the bottom line” for musicians. I did a similar test between a Taylor acoustic made in the USA vs one made in Mexico…I bought the one made in Mexico, because as far as value for money goes the Mexican one is great. Sometimes we have to watch out for “over branding” of some instruments: are you paying for the name?. I have a Godin (electric nylon string) with a 2 inch neck (which takes some getting used to) and it performs flawlessly. One must not also forget the mellow sound of nylon string guitars for jazz…they are a definite natural companion. Enjoy the the Victoria Day long weekend.
Thanks for the video! Great playing and presentation. I would love to hear these two acoustically without the pickup. I know that is not necessarily their forte, but I am looking at archtops to play in my folk orchestra since they tend to be good for projection in a rhythm setting, and I wonder if these would be contenders or if the pickup compromises their acoustic projection. I wouldn't mind having a pickup, but it would not be used very often. Godin makes the 5th avenue sans pickups, but I wonder if that would compete volume and tone wise with, say, a L-48 or other archtop boxes. Thanks again!
it feels like you've bonded more with the Gibson. Maybe you've had it longer the the Godin, but you seem more natural on the Gibson which makes it sound a bit better IMO.
Plugged in there isn't a huge difference between the two, the Gibson has a bit more body due to the larger body, but the difference is really subtle. The Godin is a great guitar for its price.
I'm strongly considering the Godin. The first guitar I ever played was a Gibson ES 125 when my dad brought one home back in the mid 60's (someone owed him money and paid him off with the guitar). As far as the comparison goes, they are hardly discernible to my ear, however the Gibson does seem to have more sustain whereas the Godin tends to decay more quickly. Other than that, the tone is definitely comparable. Thanks for the share!
Thanks for the comment, goes to show that you're always better off hearing and playing guitars in person if you can. I do prefer the Gibson but I'm also happy with the Godin.
I've recently owned a 63 ES125 and now a 5th Avenue Kingpin. The ES125 had a good mellow tone and Gibson on the headstock but that was just about it. The Godin has a greater tonal range and response, maybe due to its lighter build, Godin pickup and maple neck (The tonal range is not explored in this video). The Godin neck is also more comfortable for me. The '63 ES125 is slim , with a slightly V shaped profile (the earlier ones are more chunky) but I prefer the C profile and flatter, Martin style, fingerboard of the Godin. The Godin has 'budget' compromises, such as a multi piece, bolted on and glued, maple neck. I don't see this as an issue, as I'm not sure it affects tone significantly and if it does, it might be in a good way. What I'm sure of is that the Kingpin is remarkable value, very good quality and a great sounding and playing instrument.
This is great! I found a 125 in a pawn shop that had apparently seen crimes against humanity lol. I'm restoring it and looking forward to posting a vid when it's through (just electronics left). Thanks so much for making this video (and you sound GREAT, too btw). Cheers
Really nice playing. They sound very similar in the video. Could you tell a big difference in the room between the two? If money wasn't an issue and I found an old Gibson in great structural shape, I'd prefer it for aesthetic reasons. I love the feel of an old nitro finish, and the history in vintage instruments. It would be interesting to have an unplugged comparison.
Thanks, yes there is more difference in reality than is conveyed on the video. 125s are great guitars, but they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There's also the potential maintenance work on old guitars (frets, neck, tuners), so it's best to look at them in person I think.
I prefer the Godin 5th Av Kingpin with a little warmer, rounder tone. Admitted bias; I own one, and play it almost daily. It plays and sounds like a guitar that shound cost 3x as much. The Classic ES125 I is no slouch either but a bit thinner tone more befitting a period rhythm instrument vs one used for melody lines.
They sound very similar and good on my phone! I'd love a 125. Do they sound similar unplugged? How do you have the guitar controls set please? I have an even cheaper 'copy' by Alden - the AD150. It has a sound post and is very quiet acoustically. I've heard about some Gibsons needing a sound post. Do you have any experience of sound posts?Thanks.
Hi, I'd say the 5th Avenue is louder unplugged but both are fundamentally electric guitars. Volume was on full for both with the tones slightly backed off. No experience with sound posts I'm afraid!
How do they sound acoustically? I see that the Godin has a Black Cherry top. I wonder if that's solid or laminate? You mentioned that the bodies re 16" wide. How deep are they?
They're both electric guitars in my opinion, but the Godin is definitely punchier acoustically and electrically. The Gibson is softer. I'd say the Godin is at least half an inch thicker.
@@jamieholroydguitar Googling, it appears that the ES-125 (not the thin version) is 3-1/4" deep at the rim. I think you mean that the Godin is *thinner*, right? So more like 2-3/4"?
Very close tonally ... I heard the Godin being just a bit brighter on the higher strings. I own a Godin semi hollow "Montreal Jazz Multiac" and have loved it from day one. As a suggestion, I wonder if you could do a piece on the elusive "jazz tone". It's that warm silky low mid thing that I'm always trying to dial in without the lower strings being over-bassy. I would love to be able to emulate your tone settings.
Really enjoyed your playing and guitar demo Jamie. They sound so close even through my Sennheiser Pro headphones. The Gibson had a slightly 'airier'' sound (is that a word?) but the Godin had a little more 'punch' I own a Godin 5th Ave and it's surprisingly loud acoustically. I felt your long relationship with the Gibson showed a bit playing wise. I wonder if the Godin made P90 is higher output than the Gibson P90. (eg the brief 'clipping') The alnico magnets may be stronger in the Godin? . How do you find the playing experience with the thicker Gibson neck c.w. the more 'modern' Godin neck? Overall the demo was excellent.
Thanks for the kind words and comment Rob! I prefer the playability of the es 125. The godin neck is too flat for me. The pickups are definitely higher output and it's louder acoustically. The differences are much more evident when you see and play them in person.
You seem to glide along smoother on the Gibson. Maybe because the guitar is broken in? For a player, there is way more to a guitar than how it sounds. It's about the feel, the action, the flow along the neck. There's a psychological, emotional connection between player and beast. I'm thinking that you (and most anyone) would pick up the Gibson first. If for nothing else, it's legendary status. Just to see what it's like. But clearly there is a very comfortable feel about a Gibson neck. That being said, I bet your skills on an old Sears n'Roebuck toy guitar would still sound pretty sweet. Then again, a Godin with a nice setup can certainly make a great partner. I hear great things about a Godin, but haven't yet had the pleasure to play one.
Well played. They sound very similar. The Godin will open up with age. Also of note, the pickups position in relation to the neck. On the Godin, you are playing right on top of the pickup. I'm considering the Godin with 2 P-90s.
solid comparison, it's ply vs ply... the gibson has age going for it... if you're it makes sense to grab the gibson but if you just need a player the godin is a great choice
I hear the acoustic resonance more on the Godin. It could be the more narrow body. A jazz purest will go with Gibson. I will take the Godin. Gibson is the better of the two, but that 5th ave is a killer for the money.
Somebody told me my thin-bodied archtop looked just like the Godin 5th Avenue - so I had to watch this video. I couldn't tell the guitars apart, with my eye's closed - so the best value guitar has to be the Godin. I'm now looking at one of their thicker bodied archtops as a future purchase!
Thanks for doing this comparison, I'm surprised at how good the Godin sounds in comparison! BTW, what is the name of that song you are playing-it sounds like a good picking exercise? Thanks!
I have the same Godin but in matt Black finish. Strangely, compared to most others who responded, I found the Gibson slightly more pleasing. I play my Godin through an AER Compact 60 III. I'm considering buying a Universal Audio Golden Reverberator Reverb.
So almost 3 years after your post. I'm looking at purchasing the Godin due to budget. The Gibson to me has a deeper, richer sound that you'd expect from the aged wood of a 70 year old Gibson. However, Godin comes really close and give the Gibson a great run for its money in my mind. Me. well budget dictates and expertise doesn't justify $1000s purchase. Many thanks for the comparison just what I was looking for. Really greatful. Aotearoa (New Zealand) learner at 65 lol.
Not a ton of difference in tone for the money. I think it always comes down to feel and inspiration. Which guitar feels best in your hands, you'll play it more...and does it look and feel inspiring to you?! If so...that's the one. I just missed out on a chance to get an all-solid Heritage H-575 for a hair under $2K and I'm still kicking myself..so I need a christmas present and this may well do it. Thanks for the demo.
It’s a win-win situation here! Godin did right by finding the correct sound and playability. Remember that the 125’s were entry-level guitars yet made with high manufacturing standards by Gibson. Godins at around $500-$700 falls into the same category. At the end of the day, if you want a true iconic piece of history, then go for a 50’s- early 60’s 125… if that doesn’t appeal to you then Godin puts you in the game and in the pocket! Personally I’m going for a mid/late 50’s 125 because of my love of the rockabilly “ sun sessions “ feel…
Great video Jamie!!! The Godin is certainly a good option for the money. Both guitars sound great with that setup. Personally I prefer Gibson's play-ability,richness and "soul".
G'day Jamie, With good pick-ups, almost any guitar can sound pretty good. I have played Gibsons, and love them. However, my semi-acoustic, made by the great luthier, Merv Cargill in Victoria, Australia, is based on the Birdland, and I reckon it will match any guitar on the market, in sound and appearance. Keep up the good work. Cheers., Keith
@@RickMcCargar G'day Rick, and thank you for your message. I should also have mentioned that I run the Cargill through a Fender Deluxe 112 solid state, and have found it to be the perfect match for the guitar. I'm not very techie, but my son-in-law is, and he could (when he's next here) run up a video. As to photos, that I think I can do. Is there an email address to which I could send some shots? Appreciate your taking the time, With kind regards, Keith
My 5th Ave is an incredibly versatile instrument. It sounds best when cranked up outside or in a hall or even a bar, it also records beautifully. I’d like to know more about the single coil pups as they are some of the best I’ve heard. Anything I ask of it from Jazz to country; yeah country…it covers and does it well!
I am buying one this week, stunning sound, feel, iyt felt like an olf friend in the Music store. Kingpin II • not so budget anymore • (GOH-DANG) Godin has really impressed everyone recently , me too.
Hahaha! I can't believe this. I owned an ES125TC (previously owned by Eric Clapton [Serial number proved this to be true]). I bought that for $200 in 1993! That guitar had a Bigsby installed, but came with the original hardware. The straightest neck of any guitar; actually a tie with my '85 Les Paul. I loved playing that guitar. It had a plywood top, but was perfect for boom-chick finger style picking, rockabilly (I played mostly '50s and '60s rockabilly, and some Stray Cats tunes [louder Stray Cats tunes like Rumble In Brighton would feed back too much; but Baby Blue Eyes, Lonely Summer nights, Brian's version of Sleep Walk... all beautiful on the ES125TC]), ... I can understand why Breau and Wes -- two of my favorite players, loved playing this guitar because you could play the entire neck. It was just a sweet sounding, jazzy sounding when the treble was rolled off, rockabilly sounding with more treble (think FIREBALL by the Fireballs, which I embellished). Again when I saw the 5th Avenue I KNEW that guitar *was* going to be the closest sounding thin line archtop I was going to get to replace the ES125 TC (I exchanged it for a full Pearl drum set with 3 cymbals and collectable Zidjian hi-hats, and all hardware, worth close to $1650 25 years ago. In hind sight I regret selling that Gibson, but I'm unable to play due to spine injury, so it's ok. Plus, the person who has it loves it. I love your demo. I am happy that someone played the ES125 and the 5th Avenue side by side. I think they're comparable, especially after seeing a Chet style finger picking (kinda Travis w/some Boom Chick), and also another demo playing in open D. The 5th Avenue seems to be a dream come true for anyone who offered to buy my ES125TC years ago. There *have* been many guitars that look like the shape of the Gibson ES125 TC, but the 5th Avenue-- aside from being a bit darker, is certainly a beautiful throwback to that wonderful plywood topped master guitar I had (I'd played other ES125TCs that weren't nearly as sturdy feeling, with necks that couldn't be properly intonated so as to play the entire neck. Wow. Godin has done it again! Thank you for reading this trip down memory lane. Guitar prices are insane (anyone who's been playing since the kid 1970s--I started at age 7, knows exactly what year Wall St. people, not players, started collecting guitars as investments, driving pieces up). Godin could EASILY sell this for $1250 and it would be considered a low end guitar. Godin is keeping it real with this guitar. And for that, I say thank you. And I WILL play again! Bravo again for your glorious demo!! So, I saw the Godin 5th Avenue and IMMEDIATELY thought of my old
Robert Godin created the 5th ave because his first guitar he ever had was an archtop. He wanted to recreate that tone in his guitar line. Man! Mission accomplished. As good as.
When listening to the two guitars blindfolded, it is not possible to distinguish them. Thanks for sharing.
With price being thrown in determining the judgement - Godin is the clear winner, it's sound is just as beautiful as its price.
And...the original selling price of the Gibson, $125 in 1959, has the same value as $1,311 as of January 2024.
The Gibson is slightly warmer but the Godin has phenomenal articulation. I don’t think I could justify spending those 4 figures when the Godin is basically $600-700.
Absolutly, it's just a prestige thing!!...would have been nice to have a more complete specs comparaison!!...
@@mainsblanches8793
I want to start by making it clear that I love the Godin Kingpin and it is definitely an outstanding value.
However, I don’t think it can be just a “prestige thing” since Gibson isn’t still offering the ES-125, and we aren’t comparing two brand new guitars. When buying the Gibson you are paying a premium because you are buying a piece of history that deserves to be preserved for future generations.
@@charlesbolton8471
Comparing apples to oranges.
The Gibson is much nicer sounding. The Godin looks nice
I like the Godin but the 125 is the better guitar. I have 1957 I paid $1000 for and it's freaking awesome.
A 1959 Gibson es 125 should range from $18 to $2700 if priced fairly on today's market. Then you can find an es 120 for around $1800. Once u get into an es 150 then you are looking at around 4 k
I'm getting this guitar. I took lessons from Allan Hanlon during college on that Gibson. Had and sold an acoustic/electric Godin but now I can get this amazing reasonably priced guitar from them for my jazz /country dream retirement gift. Thanks for the demo, you sold me. 🎸
Thanks for your comment! The Godin is OK but the Gibson is a far better guitar and worth the extra $$$ in my opinion.
I’ve had a 5th ave for years, with the cut away and bridge pick up also, sounds like a freakin’ beast! In love with that guitar from the moment I first lay hands on it.
Glad to hear that Dude.
I got mine in Tobacco Burst about 3 weeks ago…..I LOVE IT!
I just bought one with the P90's & Cut away, someone said get the Humbucker version as the P90s hum.. lol... I get it tomorrow, I'm hoping I made the right choice.. If not, can always swap out a lower output Humbucker in the bridge I suppose.. : )
@@Sherman1862 I mean, all comes down to your preference in the end, but those P90s are half the reason I love that guitar so much! They got such a thick full sound, and if you crank ‘em they sound like a truck! I’d go P90 > humbucker any day personally. 😊
@@the.bloodless.one1312 That's awesome!!! I ordered the 2x P90 version/cutaway.. Then saw a review where the female player, from Austria, really great jazz guitarist here on RUclips, she said go humbucker!!!! So I sort of freaked and thought about canceling my order, replacing with the humbucker version.. But then I said F* it.. I'll go P90 as I don't own a guitar with P90s.. And I think it just looks better, and will be more historically vintage accurate too.. : ) I actually bought iit on AMZN for $800 on Sale, when I looked again the next day it was like $930 I think, so I'm thinking that it was "meant to be" as The Guitar Gods where smiling upon my decision.. I'll get it tomorrow, ordered it Sunday!!!! : ) Thank you so much for your "Feedback".. ; ) lol : ) Keep on Rockin'!!!
I bought my 1959 ES-125 in 1979 for $125. No one wanted them back then. So, I'm emotionally attached to my Gibson. If I were starting out fresh today I'd go with the Godin. It sounds better, and being new you wouldn't have to deal with the issues that come with a delicate antique guitar. I own Seagull and Art & Lutherie acoustics - both Godin brands - and love them both. Godin offers a lot of guitar for the price. That they're environmentally responsible (most wood they use is harvested from fallen trees in a forest they own) is icing on the cake.
Beautiful story man, thanks gor sharing
I pick the Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin because that's the one I own and it's a great guitar, regardless of the price. It doesn't sound significantly different than the Gibson ES 125.
Definitely Godin. They make really fine guitars at an affordable price. By the way, your clean, straight up playing is much appreciated. You really allow the instruments to shine.
Thank you very much!
agreed, made in canada...not CCP run prc... hade one for ~10 yrs... i love it
I too really appreciate your clean playing!!
@@nikkileonard6125 Thank you!
Agreed. I never played my ES125 distorted nor pushed the amp. I loved everything from the clean, *almost* full on jangly treble, to the warm jazz sounding rolled off treble, and everything in between on my Gibson plywood topped work horse. I played the entire neck... it stayed in tune with the Bigsby that was installed by the 2nd previous owner (it came with the original hardware in the original case).
The Godin 5th Avenue is gorgeous looking and from the many demos I've seen, it plays everything I used to play and more (I never played open tunings; only drop D for finger style picking... my father listened to Chet and Jerry Reed, respectively and together, from as early as I can recall).
Wonderful demo!
I was looking away when you began and I was surprised to see that you had moved to the second guitar!
Mate your playing and sound is awesome
Very kind of you to say, thanks!
Both sound really nice. I think that when it comes to guitars with the right amp Set ups it’s really a matter of preference and budget. Jazz musicians years ago didn’t have the selection of instruments we have today. It always makes me wonder if they did what would they be playing? Maybe not the guitars we see them with? I think a lot of the old school ideas on what guitars you have to use to get good jazz tones are debunked for the most part. Gibsons do have good tone, but there are many guitars out there today that you can get that are the same or maybe better.
Thank you, good points! I do agree that setups and amp plays a big part.
I have the same Godin gtr, just the look of its wood grain showing through the smoky satin paint invites me to play this well put together instrument
Thanks for this!
No problem!
Great playing, I know which I'd rather take to a gig and not have to have a panic attack everything I went to the bar. Godin make outstanding instruments, true innovators, Gibson are stuck in 1959
Great playing Jamie, Love the Godin tone, Godin guitars are really well made guitar's and are reasonably priced
Thank you! I agree
Great review and nice playing! I have no problem choosing the Godin!
Thanks!
Bravo; cette comparaison est très intéressante.Le son de la Gibson est magnifique Mais la Godin est aussi très belle, peut-être un peu moins brillante mais elle est moins âgée alors je pense beaucoup de bien de cette Godin.
Almost identical...so i go for the Godin...it will compliment my Japanese Tokai tele...
I enjoyed your playing with both guitars!!
Thanks!
Jamie,
Thanks for doing this comparison. I recently purchased the Godin Kingpin II, so it was nice to here this comparison. I thought both guitars sounded great, but the Gibson did seem to have a jazzier tone. The Godin was just a little brighter. Maybe if it had a set of flatwounds it would mellow out the tone on the Kingpin.
I agree. The Godin has a high output pickup so I would definitely get something softer for jazz.
Muy bueno el video!👏👏👏👏 que amplificador sugeris para este tipo de guitarra?
¡Gracias Señor! No recomiendo esta guitarra pero para este video usé una Polytone Megabrute
Great video and great playing. I would have loved to hear both guitars acoustically
Thank you! They are really not great acoustically but the Godin is certainly louder but also harsher
What we hear essentially is the tone of the Polytone amplifier, which is great for that jazz sound. I suspect that if you'd use any P90 and Es125 build style, you won't hear a great difference. The amp is so important.
What will be different will be the playability and how you bond with the guitar, which no You Tube video will ever be able to tell YOU.
Informative video because that's exactly what it shows
Completely agree!
"There will never be another you" sounded stunning on the Godin! I've just bought my first jazz box, an Eastman Pisano AR380CE. I'm very pleased with it thus far.
Thank you and congratulations!
They’re extremely close. The Godin is a bit “thinner” sounding, but overall both are a winner. If you want a fuller sounding Godin, they have a P Rail model.
Years ago I had a 1956 Gibson ES 125, which this guitar is clearly based on. It played like a dream. Then for a while I switched from Jazz to Rockabilly, selling the ES 125 to get a 1961 Gretsch Double Anniversary (which I still have). But I always missed that ES 125 and regretted selling it. Having gotten into Jazz again recently, I decided to get one of these, as the average price of 3000 pounds for an ES 125 is now beyond my price range. Best decision I made. This guitar is like the return of an old friend. It does exactly what that old 125 did back then, and looks as cool. My 'test' piece for this guitar in the shop was the Barney Kessel intro to 'Cry Me A River'. The sound and tone was all there! I no longer mourn the sale of my old ES 125, and cannot recommend this guitar enough.
I was hoping to hear you comp on the 5th Avenue. The Gibson had that dry bark for big band comping, at least a middle ground, that I want. I'm considering trying to spring for an ES-125 but after hearing you play the Godin, I'm reconsidering. I want the P-90 pickup, am very attracted to that sound. I'd also like a guitar that can comp well in a big band setting for Jazz Ensemble. I realize it's not going to replicate an L-5 or a Stromberg, but I am looking for a good middle ground. The Godin sounded very nice on single line work.
Thanks the Godin is nowhere as nice as the Gibson in person. The es 125 has more resonance and acoustic volume
Good vid. Eo. Thank you. The polytone and your fingers do the job 😉 could you think humbuckers could be interesting in these godin Kingpin? Il really search for a comparison of these 2 configurations in these very good guitar. Especially because i play jazz, but blues and rockabilly too...
Thank you and yes Polytones really colour the sound! I’d much rather have an Eastman or Epiphone with humbuckers than the 5th Ave.
Both great sounds and quite different. Great comparison video. Thanks!
THANKS, JAMIE! Um abraço do BRAZIL!
No problemo!
Jamie, I prefer sound of the Godin. Sounds really work and jazzy.
Which did you prefer to play? I think the Godin neck is a little wider at the nut and flatter board. Did that make it any easier or more difficult to play?
Thanks Jeff! I definitely prefer the Gibson in terms of playability and sound. Cheers.
Thank you for this. I honestly think that they are very similar. Bottom line, is … often “the bottom line” for musicians. I did a similar test between a Taylor acoustic made in the USA vs one made in Mexico…I bought the one made in Mexico, because as far as value for money goes the Mexican one is great. Sometimes we have to watch out for “over branding” of some instruments: are you paying for the name?. I have a Godin (electric nylon string) with a 2 inch neck (which takes some getting used to) and it performs flawlessly. One must not also forget the mellow sound of nylon string guitars for jazz…they are a definite natural companion. Enjoy the the Victoria Day long weekend.
Thanks for your comment. I want a nylon, those Godin multiacs are good guitars.
Thanks for the video! Great playing and presentation. I would love to hear these two acoustically without the pickup. I know that is not necessarily their forte, but I am looking at archtops to play in my folk orchestra since they tend to be good for projection in a rhythm setting, and I wonder if these would be contenders or if the pickup compromises their acoustic projection. I wouldn't mind having a pickup, but it would not be used very often. Godin makes the 5th avenue sans pickups, but I wonder if that would compete volume and tone wise with, say, a L-48 or other archtop boxes. Thanks again!
Thanks for your comment! Pickups take away acoustic projection and the Godin is only 16” too. I’d rather go for an L50 or an Eastman AR610.
it feels like you've bonded more with the Gibson. Maybe you've had it longer the the Godin, but you seem more natural on the Gibson which makes it sound a bit better IMO.
Interesting how you can tell that just from the video! The Gibson was my first archtop. I got the Godin a few weeks ago in a trade.
I got that vibe too. Nice ear.
What tune are you playing at 2:23?
Tico tico
The Godin is a pretty cool Substitue when not wanting to break out a priceless vintage to a situation
Plugged in there isn't a huge difference between the two, the Gibson has a bit more body due to the larger body, but the difference is really subtle. The Godin is a great guitar for its price.
Have you had the opportunity to try the Guild T50S (the reissue) ?
I haven’t tried any of the new reissue Guilds
great video! i find your playing very creative.
Very kind of you. Thanks!
I'm strongly considering the Godin. The first guitar I ever played was a Gibson ES 125 when my dad brought one home back in the mid 60's (someone owed him money and paid him off with the guitar). As far as the comparison goes, they are hardly discernible to my ear, however the Gibson does seem to have more sustain whereas the Godin tends to decay more quickly. Other than that, the tone is definitely comparable. Thanks for the share!
Great thank you. I wonder What are the acoustic tone differences
125 is louder!
Sent mine back faulty neck any thoughts on ibanez af95?
I don’t think I’ve played that specific model but one similar and it was much better than the Godin
Listening to both through my decent monitor speakers, I honestly can't tell much difference. What's your experience in terms of feel and playability ?
Thanks for the comment, goes to show that you're always better off hearing and playing guitars in person if you can. I do prefer the Gibson but I'm also happy with the Godin.
Nice work! Both sound really nice. 😉👍
Thanks!
I've read the godin has a thick and very flat neck with small frets which makes difficult for fluid playing. Did you have the same experience?
I've recently owned a 63 ES125 and now a 5th Avenue Kingpin. The ES125 had a good mellow tone and Gibson on the headstock but that was just about it. The Godin has a greater tonal range and response, maybe due to its lighter build, Godin pickup and maple neck (The tonal range is not explored in this video). The Godin neck is also more comfortable for me. The '63 ES125 is slim , with a slightly V shaped profile (the earlier ones are more chunky) but I prefer the C profile and flatter, Martin style, fingerboard of the Godin. The Godin has 'budget' compromises, such as a multi piece, bolted on and glued, maple neck. I don't see this as an issue, as I'm not sure it affects tone significantly and if it does, it might be in a good way. What I'm sure of is that the Kingpin is remarkable value, very good quality and a great sounding and playing instrument.
How do I get to play like you mate? Nice vid thank .. Rod in London
Thanks for the kind words! I have some courses available on my site which might be helpful. Taking lessons also helps! Cheers
Greetings from Bogota. Could you please recommend a small practice amp to use with a Godin 5th Avenue guitar?
I like Polytone, Roland Cubes and Fender Blues Junior amps.
@@jamieholroydguitar Thank you so much for your advice!!
Those Godins are very beautiful.
Have you played that Guild that you mentioned?
Never tried the T50 I'm afraid!
Great video, thanks!
No problem!
This is great! I found a 125 in a pawn shop that had apparently seen crimes against humanity lol. I'm restoring it and looking forward to posting a vid when it's through (just electronics left). Thanks so much for making this video (and you sound GREAT, too btw). Cheers
Even beat to HELL I paid $400 for it in Jan of 2022. I'll have about 650 all said.
Thank you for the kind words. Sounds like you got a killer deal!! I hope you keep it.
Really nice playing.
They sound very similar in the video. Could you tell a big difference in the room between the two?
If money wasn't an issue and I found an old Gibson in great structural shape, I'd prefer it for aesthetic reasons. I love the feel of an old nitro finish, and the history in vintage instruments.
It would be interesting to have an unplugged comparison.
Thanks, yes there is more difference in reality than is conveyed on the video. 125s are great guitars, but they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There's also the potential maintenance work on old guitars (frets, neck, tuners), so it's best to look at them in person I think.
Just bought the kingpin online do you miss the cutaway for jazz?
I rarely do but am fortunate to own a few guitars
What kind strings can I buy that ?
Please let me know
I like 12s on archtops
recently purchased that same Godin! what amp are you using?
Congratulations! Polytone megabrute
They sound very similar to me. The Godin pickup may be a little stronger? Loved your playing!
Thank you!
I prefer the Godin 5th Av Kingpin with a little warmer, rounder tone. Admitted bias; I own one, and play it almost daily. It plays and sounds like a guitar that shound cost 3x as much. The Classic ES125 I
is no slouch either but a bit thinner tone more befitting a period rhythm instrument vs one used for melody lines.
They sound very similar and good on my phone! I'd love a 125. Do they sound similar unplugged? How do you have the guitar controls set please? I have an even cheaper 'copy' by Alden - the AD150. It has a sound post and is very quiet acoustically. I've heard about some Gibsons needing a sound post. Do you have any experience of sound posts?Thanks.
Hi, I'd say the 5th Avenue is louder unplugged but both are fundamentally electric guitars. Volume was on full for both with the tones slightly backed off. No experience with sound posts I'm afraid!
@@jamieholroydguitar Thanks Jamie
I have a Godin and several Gibsons. Love them both, but play the Godin more because it's more comfortable. Great video!
Thanks!
I like the Godin, I also really like the Epiphone Century 1966 re-issue. You can get those for around $500 USD.
I haven’t tried the epiphone but I bet it’s good!
How do they sound acoustically? I see that the Godin has a Black Cherry top. I wonder if that's solid or laminate?
You mentioned that the bodies re 16" wide. How deep are they?
They're both electric guitars in my opinion, but the Godin is definitely punchier acoustically and electrically. The Gibson is softer. I'd say the Godin is at least half an inch thicker.
@@jamieholroydguitar Googling, it appears that the ES-125 (not the thin version) is 3-1/4" deep at the rim.
I think you mean that the Godin is *thinner*, right? So more like 2-3/4"?
Is there a difference in the neck profile between the two. That can be a deal breaker for some.
Yes, the Godin has a flat neck which I couldn't get on with!
How does the Godin neck play, Jamie?
Hi Chris, it's comfortable for me. I don't like small necks or widths.
Very close tonally ... I heard the Godin being just a bit brighter on the higher strings. I own a Godin semi hollow "Montreal Jazz Multiac" and have loved it from day one. As a suggestion, I wonder if you could do a piece on the elusive "jazz tone". It's that warm silky low mid thing that I'm always trying to dial in without the lower strings being over-bassy. I would love to be able to emulate your tone settings.
Thanks for the kind words. I did a video two weeks ago which just does that. I also did a video about jazz guitars back in January too.
@@jamieholroydguitar Thanks Jamie, will check them out.
Really enjoyed your playing and guitar demo Jamie. They sound so close even through my Sennheiser Pro headphones. The Gibson had a slightly 'airier'' sound (is that a word?) but the Godin had a little more 'punch' I own a Godin 5th Ave and it's surprisingly loud acoustically. I felt your long relationship with the Gibson showed a bit playing wise. I wonder if the Godin made P90 is higher output than the Gibson P90. (eg the brief 'clipping') The alnico magnets may be stronger in the Godin? . How do you find the playing experience with the thicker Gibson neck c.w. the more 'modern' Godin neck? Overall the demo was excellent.
Thanks for the kind words and comment Rob! I prefer the playability of the es 125. The godin neck is too flat for me. The pickups are definitely higher output and it's louder acoustically. The differences are much more evident when you see and play them in person.
They both sound great. Your style works very well with the P-90s.
Thank you!
Nice to see you playing a little Tango/milonga there at first 👍🏼
You seem to glide along smoother on the Gibson. Maybe because the guitar is broken in? For a player, there is way more to a guitar than how it sounds. It's about the feel, the action, the flow along the neck. There's a psychological, emotional connection between player and beast. I'm thinking that you (and most anyone) would pick up the Gibson first. If for nothing else, it's legendary status. Just to see what it's like. But clearly there is a very comfortable feel about a Gibson neck. That being said, I bet your skills on an old Sears n'Roebuck toy guitar would still sound pretty sweet. Then again, a Godin with a nice setup can certainly make a great partner. I hear great things about a Godin, but haven't yet had the pleasure to play one.
The tones from the single P90s were quite similar, however you seemed far more comfortable with the ES125 allowing for smoother play.
I bet 1K that is because he recorded the jazzy excerpt first on the Godin, and knew it better once on the Gibson.
Well played. They sound very similar. The Godin will open up with age. Also of note, the pickups position in relation to the neck. On the Godin, you are playing right on top of the pickup. I'm considering the Godin with 2 P-90s.
Thanks. Check out Eastmans first as they are much better than Godins in my opinion
@@jamieholroydguitar thanks for the reply
I love my Godin. Even tho I'm not even a jazz player. Just like the look and the feel of this guitar so much. Plus I got it dirt cheap.
solid comparison, it's ply vs ply... the gibson has age going for it... if you're it makes sense to grab the gibson but if you just need a player the godin is a great choice
You forgot to strum the Godin!!...very close sounding for solo lines!!...and what about scale lenght and other specs?...thanks for sharing!!...
Sorry I’m not much of a strummer!
Love those Godin guitars
I hear the acoustic resonance more on the Godin. It could be the more narrow body. A jazz purest will go with Gibson. I will take the Godin. Gibson is the better of the two, but that 5th ave is a killer for the money.
Couldn't tell difference on a blind test...very nice...I have a 1950 125 and it's my go to....
They’re very different in person!
Somebody told me my thin-bodied archtop looked just like the Godin 5th Avenue - so I had to watch this video. I couldn't tell the guitars apart, with my eye's closed - so the best value guitar has to be the Godin. I'm now looking at one of their thicker bodied archtops as a future purchase!
The Gibson is much better in person! Godins are ok for what they are
Thanks for doing this comparison, I'm surprised at how good the Godin sounds in comparison! BTW, what is the name of that song you are playing-it sounds like a good picking exercise? Thanks!
Thank you. Its called Tico Tico - I'm going to post the arrangement on my Patreon page.
@@jamieholroydguitar Many thanks!
They sound the same to me. I had this model Godin and sold it. I may buy another one. They sound great and play just fine. Light as a feather.
I’ve had two but never settled on them
Well I just bought a 5th Ave with humbuckers, so I'm hoping it sounds this good.
If it was a blindfold test, one would be hard pressed to tell the difference.
Absolutely exact same sound!!...
Me too.
Well I’m now a proud owner of the Kingpin and am thrilled with it
I have the same Godin but in matt Black finish. Strangely, compared to most others who responded, I found the Gibson slightly more pleasing. I play my Godin through an AER Compact 60 III. I'm considering buying a Universal Audio Golden Reverberator Reverb.
I love the Godin sound
So almost 3 years after your post. I'm looking at purchasing the Godin due to budget. The Gibson to me has a deeper, richer sound that you'd expect from the aged wood of a 70 year old Gibson. However, Godin comes really close and give the Gibson a great run for its money in my mind. Me. well budget dictates and expertise doesn't justify $1000s purchase. Many thanks for the comparison just what I was looking for. Really greatful. Aotearoa (New Zealand) learner at 65 lol.
Thank you. The Godin is ok but not in the same league as the Gibson
@@jamieholroydguitar Agree totally just can't afford the price. Dare to dream though.
Not a ton of difference in tone for the money. I think it always comes down to feel and inspiration. Which guitar feels best in your hands, you'll play it more...and does it look and feel inspiring to you?! If so...that's the one. I just missed out on a chance to get an all-solid Heritage H-575 for a hair under $2K and I'm still kicking myself..so I need a christmas present and this may well do it. Thanks for the demo.
You are right! The Godin is ok but a 575 is a superior guitar
It’s a win-win situation here! Godin did right by finding the correct sound and playability. Remember that the 125’s were entry-level guitars yet made with high manufacturing standards by Gibson. Godins at around $500-$700 falls into the same category. At the end of the day, if you want a true iconic piece of history, then go for a 50’s- early 60’s 125… if that doesn’t appeal to you then Godin puts you in the game and in the pocket! Personally I’m going for a mid/late 50’s 125 because of my love of the rockabilly “ sun sessions “ feel…
Great video Jamie!!! The Godin is certainly a good option for the money. Both guitars sound great with that setup. Personally I prefer Gibson's play-ability,richness and "soul".
Thanks for sharing your opinion!
Godin are absolutely easy to play, have 'soul', and sound so rich
Not much in it to be honest, both sound really nice. Which neck feels best?
Both are fine for me personally. The gibson neck is chunkier.
G'day Jamie,
With good pick-ups, almost any guitar can sound pretty good. I have played Gibsons, and love them. However, my semi-acoustic, made by the great luthier, Merv Cargill in Victoria, Australia, is based on the Birdland, and I reckon it will match any guitar on the market, in sound and appearance.
Keep up the good work.
Cheers.,
Keith
Thanks, sounds like a great guitar!
I'd love to see that guitar and you playing it. Why not go ahead and put out a video?
@@RickMcCargar G'day Rick, and thank you for your message. I should also have mentioned that I run the Cargill through a Fender Deluxe 112 solid state, and have found it to be the perfect match for the guitar. I'm not very techie, but my son-in-law is, and he could (when he's next here) run up a video. As to photos, that I think I can do. Is there an email address to which I could send some shots?
Appreciate your taking the time,
With kind regards,
Keith
I would like to hear same song on both please.
The 125 also came in a thin body version.
Of the two, I prefer the Godin.
I have the Acoustic full body version.
I own the Kingpin version without the pickup, sounds so good and it gets a lot of play, I have mixed feelings about adding a P90
Hmmm!🤔I think we need some further tests?
Unfortunately the Godin is long gone but the 125 was the better guitar
Godin
My 5th Ave is an incredibly versatile instrument. It sounds best when cranked up outside or in a hall or even a bar, it also records beautifully. I’d like to know more about the single coil pups as they are some of the best I’ve heard. Anything I ask of it from Jazz to country; yeah country…it covers and does it well!
I am buying one this week, stunning sound, feel, iyt felt like an olf friend in the Music store. Kingpin II • not so budget anymore • (GOH-DANG) Godin has really impressed everyone recently , me too.
I hope you enjoy your purchase! Unfortunately they never made a lasting impression on me
why not? I haven't bought it yet. just a line about why you are not so impressed.
Hahaha! I can't believe this. I owned an ES125TC (previously owned by Eric Clapton [Serial number proved this to be true]). I bought that for $200 in 1993! That guitar had a Bigsby installed, but came with the original hardware. The straightest neck of any guitar; actually a tie with my '85 Les Paul. I loved playing that guitar. It had a plywood top, but was perfect for boom-chick finger style picking, rockabilly (I played mostly '50s and '60s rockabilly, and some Stray Cats tunes [louder Stray Cats tunes like Rumble In Brighton would feed back too much; but Baby Blue Eyes, Lonely Summer nights, Brian's version of Sleep Walk... all beautiful on the ES125TC]), ... I can understand why Breau and Wes -- two of my favorite players, loved playing this guitar because you could play the entire neck. It was just a sweet sounding, jazzy sounding when the treble was rolled off, rockabilly sounding with more treble (think FIREBALL by the Fireballs, which I embellished).
Again when I saw the 5th Avenue I KNEW that guitar *was* going to be the closest sounding thin line archtop I was going to get to replace the ES125 TC (I exchanged it for a full Pearl drum set with 3 cymbals and collectable Zidjian hi-hats, and all hardware, worth close to $1650 25 years ago.
In hind sight I regret selling that Gibson, but I'm unable to play due to spine injury, so it's ok. Plus, the person who has it loves it.
I love your demo.
I am happy that someone played the ES125 and the 5th Avenue side by side. I think they're comparable, especially after seeing a Chet style finger picking (kinda Travis w/some Boom Chick), and also another demo playing in open D.
The 5th Avenue seems to be a dream come true for anyone who offered to buy my ES125TC years ago.
There *have* been many guitars that look like the shape of the Gibson ES125 TC, but the 5th Avenue-- aside from being a bit darker, is certainly a beautiful throwback to that wonderful plywood topped master guitar I had (I'd played other ES125TCs that weren't nearly as sturdy feeling, with necks that couldn't be properly intonated so as to play the entire neck.
Wow. Godin has done it again!
Thank you for reading this trip down memory lane.
Guitar prices are insane (anyone who's been playing since the kid 1970s--I started at age 7, knows exactly what year Wall St. people, not players, started collecting guitars as investments, driving pieces up).
Godin could EASILY sell this for $1250 and it would be considered a low end guitar.
Godin is keeping it real with this guitar.
And for that, I say thank you.
And I WILL play again!
Bravo again for your glorious demo!!
So, I saw the Godin 5th Avenue and IMMEDIATELY thought of my old
Hi. I have the 5th Avenue without cutaway y the acoustic sound is warm and sweet. I LOVE.
Nice play!!
I prefer the Godin tone more. They are close but a bit different.