Advice on Godin Kingpin Purchase

[parasko]

Hi all,

I’m just about convinced to buy a Godin Kingpin 5th Avenue. I’m left handed so only the single P90 non-cutaway version is an option for me.

My first query is that I want to buy this guitar for recording. I love the tone of this guitar but in YouTube videos I’m hearing a lot of hum from the P90. Is there any way to reduce the hum for home recording purposes?

Second query is that I have only ever played guitars (Martins) with a 25.4 inch scale length. The scale length of the Godin is 24.85 inches. In real world terms will there be a noticeable difference in string tension? I play in Eb tuning using 12-54s but I also often then drop to double drop Db or drop low E string to B.

Any advice appreciated.

[fpuhan]

I have a guitar with two P90 pickups but have not experienced the hum you mention. However, "standard" P90s are known to be noisier than other pickups. Short of replacing the pickup, you can try the suggestions offered here:

https://guitaresque.com/why-p90-pick...hem-explained/

Also, consider that the hum may not originate at the pickup, but be introduced somewhere in the signal chain. If possible, try changing the cable, and/or trying a different amp. It could be that you have "dirty" electricity. A power conditioner might help in that regard.

[Steve DeRosa]

Originally Posted by parasko

...I’m just about convinced to buy a Godin Kingpin 5th Avenue...I have only ever played guitars (Martins) with a 25.4 inch scale length. The scale length of the Godin is 24.85 inches. In real world terms will there be a noticeable difference in string tension? I play in Eb tuning using 12-54s but I also often then drop to double drop Db or drop low E string to B...

Between the short scale, drop tunings, and electric capability, I'd go with a set of Martin MM13 Retro monels: although they're primarily acoustic strings (which BTW will improve your unplugged tone - I have the all-acoustic version of your guitar and speak from experience) most modern players don't realize that they're magnetic, and until LaBella developed the first flatwound strings just before WW II they were the choice of the first generation of electric players...

[parasko]

Originally Posted by fpuhan

I have a guitar with two P90 pickups but have not experienced the hum you mention.

I have read that when you have two p90 pick ups, if the neck position pickup is reverse wound it creates a hum cancellation effect (like the middle pickup in a Strat)? Perhaps this is why you don’t have any hum?

I don’t have an opportunity to try the Godin before I buy so noise in the signal chain while recording would be a deal breaker for me. I’m definitely hearing some noticeable hum in the videos I’ve seen when the volume and tone hasve been cranked up past the midway point.

Is this just the nature of the pickup?

[parasko]

Originally Posted by Steve DeRosa

Between the short scale, drop tunings, and electric capability, I'd go with a set of Martin MM13 Retro monels: although they're primarily acoustic strings (which BTW will improve your unplugged tone - I have the all-acoustic version of your guitar and speak from experience) most modern players don't realize that they're magnetic, and until LaBella developed the first flatwound strings just before WW II they were the choice of the first generation of electric players...

Any idea if using acoustic strings would change the tone of the guitar? I really like the tone of the p90 so I would want to maintain that sound.

[mr. beaumont]

Acoustic bronze/brass strings will be funky with the pickup. Go with monels.

If tuning down, this guitar will sound great with .013s. Archtops are much easier to adjust string action than a flattop.

I think the Godin P-90 is quiet by P-90 standards.

[Mandobart]

Originally Posted by parasko

Second query is that I have only ever played guitars (Martins) with a 25.4 inch scale length. The scale length of the Godin is 24.85 inches. In real world terms will there be a noticeable difference in string tension? I play in Eb tuning using 12-54s but I also often then drop to double drop Db or drop low E string to B.

Any advice appreciated.

I’m one of the very few here who don’t notice (or care) about different scale lengths, nut widths, string gage, string spacing, etc. Just doesn’t even register with me. I play violin, viola, mandolin, mandola, octave mandolin, mandocello, 6 and 12 string 12 and 14 fret guitars from parlor size to 000 to OM and dreads. And upright double bass.

I just play them and enjoy them. But I’m an outlier. Most AGFers get pretty wadded up over these things. I guess if you expect to have an issue with this, you will.