Quote:
Originally Posted by A Scot in Otley
I like that sound you're getting for the type of music you're playing. I've been humming and hawing a bit about getting an archtop. I don't really get into flat picking stuff, but I think that sound - woody with short sustain (like a giant mandolin  ) suits that stuff just dandy, and makes me want to have a go. I've a self penned song that I'm looking to do something different on. Got a question for you, Robin. Is your Godin 5th just an acoustic? I've only seen one used (still for sale) without a P90 in it - a shallower body than I imagined - looks more like a semi acoustic body width. Seller says it was made in Canada. Would that be the type you have?
PS - anything I should look out for in a used 5th?
Cheers |
Yes, I have the purely acoustic version. Steve DeRosa here on AGF is the font of all knowledge on these guitars as he has both he acoustic and pick-up fitted versions. He thinks that the acoustic version is better when played purely acoustically.
When buying, there are two models of the acoustic version. The very early ones had a glued on neck - I have heard of these joints failing. But most have a bolt on neck. It is easy to see the heads of the two bolts through the F holes - they look like the bolts from Ikea furniture!
Also, the factory fitted Tusq bridge works great with the pick-up versions but is disappointing on the acoustic version - it is quite brash acoustically. Steve pointed me towards buying an adjustable rosewood bridge. There are plenty quite cheap on Ebay. You will need to fit and shape one. Not difficult, as there are videos on YouTube showing how to fit an archtop guitar bridge, but it does take time - probably a whole afternoon.
The guitar doesn't come alive until you put medium gauge strings on it. And monel 13-56s (Martin MM13) seem to work the best. Plus they last forever.
They are quite thin bodied guitars but still seem to pack a punch. I get more than enough power to play mine just with a mic' at gigs. Here's a short clip of it in action at a one-off scratch band gig I did with a few friends just before Christmas: