Godin 5th Ave Kingpin II DLX VB

Godin 5th Ave Kingpin II DLX VB: Detailed Technical Assessment

The Godin 5th Ave Kingpin II DLX VB is a hollow body electric guitar positioned as an upper-midrange instrument with focus on North American wood choices, classic electronics, and a build that reflects Godin's Canadian craftsmanship. This technical review covers its construction, hardware, electronics, and playability, closely based on the specified parameters without speculation outside those data points.

Materials and Body Construction

The guitar's core is its fully hollow body, measuring at a typical single-cutaway profile. Both the top and back are crafted from wild cherry sourced in Canada. This wood selection is relatively rare among production hollow body guitars, especially in this price range. Wild cherry brings a unique tonal character, offering brightness and snap that complements the hollow chamber construction, setting it apart from the more ubiquitous maple or laminated woods. The vintage burst high-gloss finish visually complements the natural grain of the cherry and aims for classic looks.

The set neck, a construction in which the neck is glued into the body for resonance and stability, is carved from silver tree maple, another locally sourced Canadian wood. Silver tree maple is chosen for its balance of rigidity and resonance, and contributes to the midrange character. Topping the neck is a rosewood fretboard, known for a smooth playing feel and rounded tone, accented with Godin's distinctive split block inlays for player orientation.

• Body: Wild cherry (top and back)
• Neck: Silver tree maple, set-neck construction
• Fretboard: Rosewood, 21 medium frets
• Finish: High-gloss vintage burst

Neck Dimensions and Playability

The neck has a fingerboard radius of 16 inches (406 mm), which is relatively flat compared to vintage gauges, supporting smoother movement for chord voicings and lead work with less risk of string fret-out during bends. The 24.84-inch scale (631 mm) provides a slightly shorter reach than a "standard" scale electric, making for looser string feel under standard tuning and facilitating string bends. The nut measures 1.72 inches (43.7 mm), a common modern width that balances room for complex chord shapes with comfort for most hand sizes. The nut itself is made from Graph Tech, a synthetic material consistent for tuning stability and reduced friction, paired with open-gear machine heads for reliable tuning.

• Scale Length: 24.84 inches (631 mm)
• Fingerboard Radius: 16 inches (406 mm)
• Nut Width: 1.72 inches (43.7 mm), Graph Tech
• Frets: 21, medium profile

Electronics and Hardware Overview

Central to the Kingpin II DLX VB's sound are two Godin P90 single-coil pickups. This classic-style design is known for its punchy attack, midrange focus, and clear note separation, making it a staple for genres ranging from blues to rock. The model's electronics package is straightforward: a three-way selector toggle, one volume control, and one tone knob. This minimalist wiring scheme is typical of vintage-inspired hollow bodies and emphasizes ease of use over versatility.

The adjustable bridge is a Tusq model from Graph Tech, a synthetic material designed to emulate aged bone in both tone and durability. The open-gear tuners add a period-correct aesthetic while generally remaining serviceable for tuning reliability. The instrument comes strung with D'Addario EXL115 nickel wound strings, which are medium-gauge and widely respected for their balanced output on electrics.

• Pickups: 2 Godin P90 single coils (neck, bridge)
• Controls: 1 volume, 1 tone, 3-way toggle switch
• Bridge: Graph Tech Tusq, adjustable
• Tuning machines: Open-gear, chrome
• Strings: D'Addario EXL115 nickel wound

Portability and Accessories

The instrument does not include a hard-shell case at this price point, but a padded gig bag is provided. Given the guitar's hollow construction, the bag is critical for safe transport to rehearsals or performances. The omission of a case is in line with many instruments in this range, particularly those emphasizing portability and lower overall weight.

Canadian Manufacturing and Quality Control

The Kingpin II DLX VB is produced in Quebec, Canada, and this domestic manufacture is increasingly rare among guitars at this price level. Godin's reputation for quality control and selection of regional woods is reflected in the build specification and material consistency.

Summary

The Godin 5th Ave Kingpin II DLX VB offers a focused specification built around Canadian woods, vintage-inspired electronics and aesthetics, and a straightforward layout aimed at players seeking a traditional hollow body tonal character. Every aspect of the guitar's construction, wild cherry body, silver tree maple neck, and P90 single-coil pickups, is chosen with clarity and midrange in mind. For those who value clean, rootsy electric tone with classic looks and no-nonsense controls, the technical formula here delivers. This is a guitar optimized for players interested in North American materials and direct, organic tones, while the inclusion of a gig bag adds real-world practicality for regular use and transport.