AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Godin Jazz Guitars 2026
The top pick is Godin 5th Avenue CW Kingpin II ($1,349). Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 7 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Top 7
Full detail for the 7 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Godin 5th Avenue CW Kingpin II
5th Ave Kingpin II VB · Godin
30 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width44 mm (1.73")
- Scale631 mm (24.84")
- Fingerboard radius406 mm (15.98")
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
The 5th Ave Kingpin II VB is a seriously cool guitar. That wild cherry body and the P90s give it a vintage vibe with a real punch – think blues, rockabilly, and classic rock. It’s a premium-priced instrument that delivers a lot of character and quality for the money, perfect for players wanting a unique, expressive voice.
Pros
- Canadian wild cherry body delivers rich, resonant, and warm tonal character.
- Kingpin P90s offer a unique blend of grit, clarity, and surprising articulation.
- Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard provides comfortable playability and classic feel.
Cons
- Wild cherry can be a bit harder to work with, potentially limiting finish options.
- P90 pickups, while versatile, aren't ideal for super-clean, modern tones.
78AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,349 now$1,349€1,199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Godin 5th Avenue CW Kingpin II
5th Ave CW Kingpin II HB · Godin
30 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width44 mm (1.73")
- Scale631 mm (24.84")
- Frets21 frets
The 5th Ave Kingpin II HB is a beautifully crafted archtop that nails that vintage vibe. The wild cherry gives it a uniquely mellow voice, while the humbuckers add a surprising amount of grit when you need it. This is a fantastic choice for jazz, blues, and classic rock players who appreciate quality construction and a comfortable playing experience.
Pros
- Canadian wild cherry back and top deliver a warm, resonant tone.
- Silver leaf horn neck offers exceptional stability and a comfortable feel.
- Godin Custom humbuckers provide a versatile range from blues to rock.
Cons
- Wild cherry can be prone to minor checking with significant temperature changes.
- 16-inch radius fretboard might feel less familiar to players used to flatter profiles.
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,237 now$1,237€1,099 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Godin 5th Avenue Uptown Custom
5th Avenue Uptown Custom BR · Godin
11 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width43.7 mm (1.72")
- Scale631 mm (24.84")
- Frets21 frets
This 5th Avenue Uptown Custom BR is a fantastic choice for jazz, blues, and rock players seeking a semi-hollow body with vintage vibe. The combination of the P90 and humbucker pickups offers a surprisingly wide range of tones, and the Bigsby adds a touch of class. It’s a premium-priced instrument that delivers a lot of quality for the money.
Pros
- Wild cherry top provides exceptional warmth and resonance.
- Kingpin P90/’59 Duncan combo delivers versatile tonal options.
- Silver leaf horn neck offers a comfortable, vintage-feeling profile.
Cons
- Wild cherry can be prone to checking with humidity fluctuations.
- The Uptown’s shorter scale may feel cramped for larger hands.
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,574 now$1,574€1,399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Godin 5th Avenue TL Thinline Kingpin P90
5th Ave Kingpin P90 VB · Godin
3 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width44 mm (1.73")
- Scale632 mm (24.88")
- Fingerboard radius406 mm (15.98")
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This 5th Ave Kingpin P90 VB is a seriously cool instrument. The hollow body and P90 pickup deliver a vintage vibe, and the Canadian build quality is top-notch. It's a fantastic choice for players craving a warm, expressive tone for blues, rock, and jazz – a real sweet spot for that classic, semi-hollow feel.
Pros
- Wild cherry body delivers warm, resonant tones with excellent sustain.
- Kingpin P90 provides a thick, gritty voice ideal for blues and rock.
- Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard offers comfortable playability and warmth.
Cons
- Hollow body construction makes it somewhat less feedback-resistant at high volumes.
- P90 pickup’s tone is less versatile compared to humbuckers or single-coil sets.
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,237 now$1,237€1,099 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Godin 5th Avenue TL Thinline Kingpin P90
5th Ave TL Kingpin P90 OC · Godin
3 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width43.7 mm (1.72")
- Scale631 mm (24.84")
- Fingerboard radius406 mm (15.98")
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
The 5th Ave TL Kingpin P90 OC is a seriously cool guitar – that Ozark Cream finish is gorgeous, and the Kingpin P90s deliver a vintage-inspired tone with plenty of grit. It’s a premium-priced instrument, but the build quality and unique character make it a fantastic choice for blues, rock, and jazz players who want something a little different.
Pros
- Wild cherry body delivers rich, warm, and resonant tonal character.
- Kingpin P90s provide a thick, gritty tone ideal for blues and rock.
- Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard offers comfortable playability and sustain.
Cons
- Hollow body construction makes it somewhat heavier than solid-body guitars.
- P90 pickups can be noisy at higher gain settings – expect some hum.
50AudioFu
Index↓ 3.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,754 · Aug 17$1,687 now$1,687€1,499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43.7 mm (1.72")
- Scale630 mm (24.8")
- Frets21 frets
- Fingerboard radius406 mm (15.98")
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This 5th Ave Jumbo P90 is a real treat – a beautifully made, archtop guitar with a seriously cool vintage vibe. The P90s give it that raw, powerful tone that's perfect for blues, rockabilly, and classic rock. It’s a fantastic option for players wanting a distinctive look and feel without venturing into high-end territory.
Pros
- Canadian wild cherry top delivers rich, warm, and resonant tonal character.
- Kingpin P90s offer a thick, gritty tone ideal for blues, rock, and roots.
- Satin neck profile provides exceptional playability and comfortable access.
Cons
- Archtop design limits versatility compared to more modern guitar shapes.
- Harvest Gold finish may not appeal to all aesthetic preferences.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,339 now$1,339€1,190 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43.7 mm (1.72")
- Scale631 mm (24.84")
- Frets21 frets
The 5th Avenue Kingpin is a seriously cool archtop, nailing that classic jazz and blues vibe. The Kingpin P90 is a real standout – warm, punchy, and full of character. It's a fantastic choice for players wanting a vintage feel without the vintage price tag.
Pros
- Kingpin P90 delivers a thick, creamy vintage tone.
- Cherry body provides warmth and sustain.
- Maple neck offers comfortable playability and stability.
Cons
- P90 pickup can be noisy at higher gain settings.
- Archtop design limits versatility for modern genres.
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,102 now$1,102€979 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Jazz Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 52 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,484 — half of all jazz guitars here cost less.
median of 43 models · 42.8 mm (1.69")–44 mm (1.73")
median of 50 models · 628 mm (24.72")–648 mm (25.51")
most common · 34 models
median of 29 models · 20–22
How to choose the best jazz guitars
Build Quality & Materials
Godin's a bit of a secret weapon here. They use high-grade Canadian tonewoods - often figured maple and mahogany - that feel solid and resonant. The necks are consistently well-done, and the hardware is generally reliable, though some of the entry-level models might have a slightly less refined finish than their higher-end counterparts.
Tone Characteristics
That's where Godin really stands out. You're not getting a straight-up vintage vibe. Expect a more articulate, focused tone with a lovely, woody character. The mahogany bodies often impart a warmth and sustain that cuts through a mix, and the maple tops add a touch of brightness - it's a sweet spot for comping and soloing without getting harsh. That fat midrange honk is definitely present.
Godin's HAler Pickups
These are signature to Godin, and they're a big part of their sound. They're designed to offer clarity and output without sacrificing warmth. They're not going to give you the thick, woolly low-end of a PAF, but they've got enough beef to handle most jazz styles, and they articulate beautifully - you'll hear every note.
Ergonomics & Neck Profile
Godin necks are generally comfortable, with a few different profiles available. They tend to be a bit slimmer than vintage Fender necks, which makes them a breeze to play, especially for faster lines. The body shapes are well-balanced, too - these guitars feel good after a long gig.
Value Proposition
Let's be honest, you're getting a lot of guitar for the money. Godin offers a level of build quality and tone that often surpasses instruments costing significantly more. It's not a 'cheap' guitar, but it's a smart buy if you're looking for performance without breaking the bank.
Buying guide
So, you're looking at a Godin jazz guitar? Smart move. They've carved out a unique space - not quite Fender, not quite Gibson, but with a Canadian sensibility that delivers a really usable, often overlooked, tone. If you're tired of the same old vintage-style jazz boxes and want something with a little more personality and a surprisingly modern feel, Godin deserves a serious look.
Don't expect a Godin to be a direct clone of a vintage Fender or Gibson. They have their own voice, and that's what makes them appealing. Entry-level models (like the Valor series) are great, but you might notice slightly less refined finishes or basic hardware.
Stepping up to the Stadium or Symphony series unlocks that extra level of quality and those signature HAler pickups - definitely worth the investment if you're serious about your jazz tone.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 10 jazz guitars from the Thomann catalogue (of 52 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are Godin guitars easy to set up?
Generally, yes. The necks are stable and well-constructed. However, like any guitar, a proper setup is crucial. A pro setup will really unlock their potential - get the action comfortable and the intonation spot-on.
How do Godin HAler pickups compare to other jazz pickups?
They sit somewhere between a vintage PAF and a modern, high-output pickup. They offer clarity and articulation, but with a warmer, more balanced tone than many modern options. They won't give you that ice-picky high end, but they'll still cut through a mix.
What's the difference between the Stadium and Symphony series?
The Symphony series generally features higher-grade woods and more refined appointments, like upgraded hardware and binding. The Stadium series is a step up from the entry-level, offering a great balance of quality and price.
Can I use a wide neck with these guitars?
Most Godin models have a comfortable C-shape neck profile, suitable for a variety of playing styles. While they're not specifically designed for extremely wide necks, most players find them very playable. Check the specific model's neck dimensions if you have a very particular preference.
Are Godin guitars suitable for recording?
Absolutely. Their articulate tone and balanced frequency response make them incredibly versatile in the studio. They record well both clean and with a little bit of breakup - you'll get a usable sound in a variety of genres.
