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Godin A4/A5.
- Thread starter Blapto
- Start date
I can say the name without sounding silly, 5 years of French has taught me something worthwhile!
I caved and bought a Lakland Skyline Joe Osbourne within minutes of picking it up and playing it, I think I'll work on that for 6-8 months on a couple of projects I've got going (think Muse meets Bach) and then think more about a fretless hollow body.
Still, it's a beautiful bass, just not one I can afford any more.
I caved and bought a Lakland Skyline Joe Osbourne within minutes of picking it up and playing it, I think I'll work on that for 6-8 months on a couple of projects I've got going (think Muse meets Bach) and then think more about a fretless hollow body.
Still, it's a beautiful bass, just not one I can afford any more.
How the hell did you get to be an endorsee?
I would like a fretless one, but I don't think I'm good enough to play an un-lined fretless. I have a crappy unlined fretless that I never play for that reason.
but if they ever made one with a lined fretboard, I'd be all over it. The sound is nigh-on unbeatable.
A friend of mine has a guitar shop in my area. He sells Godin guitars and basses. He has a gorgeous blue Freeway 5 string bass hanging on the wall (new) and if I remember correctly, he is asking around $450 for it, probably would take a little less. Cheapest I see it online is about $540. I would buy it myself except that it is a five string. Plays wonderfully! Here is a link.
Link Removed
Link Removed
I really like the Freeway basses. They look and feel good and although I haven't played one plugged in, I am sure they sound pretty good as well. I don't remember how the B-string feels (flabby?), but I don't remember them being bad so they must be decent. I would consider getting one if I didn't have so many basses!
maxvalentino
Endorsing Artist Godin Guitars/ Thomastik-Infeld
Actually, a few years back (2001 I believe) I did a tour with Michael Manring and Steve Lawson. Just a few days prior to the start of the tour the electronics on my Epi JCS (which is what I had planned on doing the solo tour with) shorted out. Gibson was good enough to express freight out a whole new electronics harness to fix it in time for the tour...but it got thinking that I really needed a "good" backup semi-acoustic for solo shows. My list was short (Rob Allen, Rick Turner, Godin) and $$ were even shorter....so I found my A4 at the Bass Palace in Scranton Pa. From the moment I touched it I fell in love witht he feel and sound. Played the whole tour on this bass, and there was some press coverage, so afterwards the AR folks at Godin contacted me. Somewhere I am on their website, and was featured in their 2003 products catalog.
The same tour also landed me as an endorsing artist for Thomastik-Infeld strings.
Truth is I would still be playing both Godin basses and TI strings regardless of endorsment deals. I believe in their products...and their stuff "works" for me. I have been offered deals with other companies, and even tried out some other gear, but have turned down the deals simply because the gear didn't "fit" with my playing. The Godin A series basses have become an essential part of my voice on the instrument. As a session player I am getting requests for sessions using these basses, and have used them for numerous gigs/sessions in a number of styles (hip-hop, gospel, rock, jazz...even doin country with Buck Owens!)
And tho I have a few basses (and recently sold off my MTD, Taylor ABG and a 69 J Bass) the only three which are getting regular use these days are my Godin A4, fretless A5 and a Lakland HB....all strung with TI flats, btw. I choose these over my 65 P, Modulus, MM or G&L. And, that same choice would remain regardless of my status as an endorsing artist. Godin basses are an exceptional bargain (partly due to the fact they grow their own wood) and their quality is much higher than one might expect for a bass in that price range. Exceptional playability, high-quality build and electronics, gorgeous tone. Who could ask for more?
Max
I am planning to be at their booth (suite) at NAMM in a couple of weeks. Not sure which day as of yet as I am booked with other gigs that weekend as well! Gonna be a bit of a juggle!
Max
The same tour also landed me as an endorsing artist for Thomastik-Infeld strings.
Truth is I would still be playing both Godin basses and TI strings regardless of endorsment deals. I believe in their products...and their stuff "works" for me. I have been offered deals with other companies, and even tried out some other gear, but have turned down the deals simply because the gear didn't "fit" with my playing. The Godin A series basses have become an essential part of my voice on the instrument. As a session player I am getting requests for sessions using these basses, and have used them for numerous gigs/sessions in a number of styles (hip-hop, gospel, rock, jazz...even doin country with Buck Owens!)
And tho I have a few basses (and recently sold off my MTD, Taylor ABG and a 69 J Bass) the only three which are getting regular use these days are my Godin A4, fretless A5 and a Lakland HB....all strung with TI flats, btw. I choose these over my 65 P, Modulus, MM or G&L. And, that same choice would remain regardless of my status as an endorsing artist. Godin basses are an exceptional bargain (partly due to the fact they grow their own wood) and their quality is much higher than one might expect for a bass in that price range. Exceptional playability, high-quality build and electronics, gorgeous tone. Who could ask for more?
Max
I am planning to be at their booth (suite) at NAMM in a couple of weeks. Not sure which day as of yet as I am booked with other gigs that weekend as well! Gonna be a bit of a juggle!
Max
Are Thomastik-Infeld flatwound strings really that good? They are much more expensive than the other brands of flats I've seen out there.
I am relatively certain (but not sure) that the Godin flats are made by D'Addario. They look, sound and feel the same as Chromes.
I am relatively certain (but not sure) that the Godin flats are made by D'Addario. They look, sound and feel the same as Chromes.
maxvalentino
Endorsing Artist Godin Guitars/ Thomastik-Infeld
Godin flats are made by D'Addario...and they are Chromes with a new package. Nice strings..but...
...yes TIs ARE that good (IMHO).
My 65 P Bass has the same set for 5 yrs now (maybe longer...hard to remember..)
They last and last, and even get better with age.
Max
...yes TIs ARE that good (IMHO).
My 65 P Bass has the same set for 5 yrs now (maybe longer...hard to remember..)
They last and last, and even get better with age.
Max
Bump for string info as well. I use Chromes and try to go for a more acoustic, upright vibe, and am open to tapewounds or any other strings than will make a positive difference with my sound.I found and acquired an Godin A4 fretless about 6 months ago after trying out a guild acoustic, a Takamine b10, and trying to get a deal on a Rob Allen. I would rush out and buy another Godin if this one disappeared. I would like to have the capital to buy another as a backup. The first night I used the bass, it was setting on stage and the opening band's tuba fell onto the top of it bangin' the tar out of it, leaving one heck of a dent.
Depends on the tone you guys want. I am a big fan of Rob Allen's special blend of LaBellas, which give a nice upright-ish tone when played near the neck joint and a hybrid acoustic electric tone roughly 1/2 way between the neck joint and bridge, with some nice snap plucked near the bridge. His version of rotosounds offer more upright tone. I have heard TIs make a nice upright tone as well.
