Godin 5th Ave Kingpin II DLX Copper

Overview of the Godin 5th Ave Kingpin II DLX Copper

The Godin 5th Ave Kingpin II DLX Copper stands out as a hollowbody electric guitar made in Quebec, Canada. With a price tag of $1365, this model sits in the upper midrange market for archtop guitars. Its feature set includes a pair of single coil pickups of the P90 type, a rosewood fingerboard, and a visually distinct high-gloss Copper Burst finish. Godin's Canadian origin and dedication to utilizing local woods are evident throughout the specifications.

Body, Neck, and Hardware

Woods and Construction

The body and top are constructed of Canadian wild cherry, a choice less common than laminated maple or mahogany typical to many archtops. Canadian wild cherry offers a balanced tone profile, sitting between the brightness of maple and the warmth of mahogany. This fully hollow build is paired with a set neck made from silver tree maple, contributing to overall resonance and sustain. The neck joints via a traditional set neck method, favored for added sustain over bolted alternatives.

Fingerboard and Playability

The fingerboard is made from rosewood, a classic choice known for a smooth feel and rich tonality. It supports 21 medium frets and features a radius of 16 inches, favoring smooth bends and modern playability. The nut is crafted from synthetic GraphTech material, measuring 1.72 inches in width, consistent with many traditional archtop and jazz guitars. The set features Godin's own "Splitted Block" inlays, combined with a cream binding for a premium visual finish.

Bridge and Hardware

Hardware includes an adjustable GraphTech Tusq bridge, known for stable intonation and smooth string travel. Open-gear machine heads and chrome hardware match the instrument's vintage-inspired aesthetics. D'Addario EXL115 nickel wound strings come factory-installed, a popular gauge for players wanting a balance of tension and playability without feeling too stiff for bends.

Electronics and Controls

• Pickups: Two Godin Kingpin P90 single coils are featured, known for producing a punchy midrange, raw edge, and higher output than typical single coil designs. This makes them suitable for jazz, blues, and rock genres.
• Controls: The layout offers simplicity, one volume knob, one tone knob, and a three-way toggle selector. This is a configuration consistent with classic archtop designs, letting the wood and player dynamics shape the core sound.

The lack of more extensive control options (such as individual tone for each pickup) puts the focus on clean signal path and straightforward operation. There is no tremolo system, staying true to classic archtop form.

Finish, Aesthetics, and Case

The high-gloss Copper Burst finish is unified across the top, back, and sides. Visual appointments like the tortoise-style pickguard and cream binding speak to a retro-modern blend. The guitar ships with a branded gig bag, not a hard case, a point to consider for those prioritizing travel protection. The absence of a hard case at this price point is not universal in the market, and may affect buyers focused on gigging or heavy transport needs.

Neck, Scale, and Sizing Details

• Scale Length: 24.84 inches, a medium length that promotes playability and warmth, especially for jazz and blues styles.
• Nut Width: 1.72 inches, providing room for spacious chord voicings without feeling bulky for single-note work.
• Frets: 21 medium-sized, balancing ease of play with room for expressive finger dynamics.

The neck shape is not specified in detail, but the set maple build combined with the relatively flat radius will suit most contemporary players looking for comfort across the fretboard.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

• Strengths:
  • Quality Canadian wild cherry body and top
  • Unique Copper Burst finish with premium visual appointments
  • Pair of P90 pickups for assertive, flexible tones
  • Modern playability with flat radius and accessible scale length
  • Comes with sturdy branded gig bag
• Potential Limitations:
  • No hard case included in the purchase price
  • Single set of tone and volume controls limits granular adjustment
  • No vibrato system, which limits certain playing styles

Final Technical Impression

The Godin 5th Ave Kingpin II DLX Copper is built for players who value a blend of tradition and modern convenience in a North American-built hollowbody instrument. Its combination of woods, bridge hardware, and high-output P90 electronics positions it as a contender for jazz, blues, and light rock work. While a hard case would have been welcomed for the price, the inclusion of a well-fitted gig bag, quality D'Addario strings, and distinct aesthetics give this Godin a profile that stands apart within its category. Every specification points toward a straightforward, reliable performing tool with a strong emphasis on its sonic roots and visual statement.