Godin Exit 22

2004 model with black hardware, 24 3/4 scale with 22 frets, mahogany body, maple neck and fingerboard, non-locking tuners, S/S/H configuration (for now), natural satin finish, fixed bridge, deluxe gig bag included (suitable for short trips).

This was a present from me to me for my upcoming mid-life crisis (I turn 40 this year).

I'm still leaning how to play so I'm not the best judge on what may be good or not, especially since I've already gutted the electronics and the wiring! I've replaced the 250K linear pots with 500K audio log pots, replaced the unshielded single coil pickup wires with shielded Canare microphone cable, and eliminated the ground loops. The single coils are still a bit noisy when played through my Roland Micro-Cube (replaced the 4 ohm no-name Chinese made driver with an 8 ohm Jensen Acoustic 5" all-purpose driver -- more bass, less squealing, not as loud but still loud enough), but use the mid and neck together or the humbucker on its own and they're dead silent.

The single coils really have some nice tones either played separately or combined, slightly bright but still rich sounding. The humbucker produces enough distorsion for my needs without it sounding like it's made for a heavy metal band. I'm toying with the idea of making my own stacked humbuckers for the neck and mid positions just to hear what I can get and to get rid of any residual hum. The bridge humbucker however may be left alone considering I really like how it sounds and it's already dead quiet.

Again, I'm still new at this, but I find maple fingerboards less distracting while learning how to play. Before replacing the electronics, the pickups were indeed well balanced between them. After replacing the pots and wiring, the pickups were still very well balanced. In terms of fit and finish, I really have no complaints. The guitar was beautiful right off the rack with an impeccable finish and very solid construction. Even the three-piece body was matched well enough that you can miss where the sections are connected together.

My main beef was truly with the electronics which were I'm sorry to say a bit substandard. The pots were noisy and unmanageable, the wires were unshielded, there were ground loops everywhere, it was simply not a very decent set-up. But since electronics are very easy to replace and I'm pretty handy with a soldering iron, I pretty much "upgraded" the guitar myself. I didn't penalize too much on this aspect since the guitar itself was still in excellent condition, and that's what makes it sing.

It survived my gutting it! That's saying a lot! But honestly, it's built like a wooden tank and should survive my tinkering for years to come. Eventually, I'll learn how to play it! :-). And will I gig with it? Probably. I'm not the kind of person who will feel the need to buy a new guitar just because it sounds different. With my abilities in basic electronics, I'll simply wind new pickups whenever I feel like it.

Considering I've already worked on the guitar mnyself, the warranty is pretty much shot. But at this cheap price, losing the guitar would be no worse than a night at the casino. :-)

This is a perfect guitar for someone who not only wants to learn how to play the guitar, but also wants to learn how they're built and want to experiment with different components. Since it's not too expensive, anyone who'se used to "upgrading" their possessions won't worry too much about making a mistake that might ruin the guitar and make them lose a huge chunk of money. There are computer components out there that are more expensive than this guitar! Besides, it can really handle a certain amount of abuse without any trouble. Another reason not to worry too much. And if Heavens Forbid I do have an "accident" or even worse it's stolen, I'll most likely buy it again.

It's a keeper!

Made in 2004. Parts made in Canada assembeled in U.S.A. 22 frets 2 singles one hum. Very nice maple neck and comes with a much better than average gigbag. Very simple looks and very simple controls which is good.

I play blues, classic rock and some retro metal. I play through a Hughs and Kettner Edition Blue 30 and I must say that this guitar sounds great. The pickups are balanced beautifuly and are much warmer than a tele in my opinion.

The action on this neck is awesome. Really low with no buzz up and down. The frets are a bit rough on the ends but I realize this is not a $1000.00 gibson. The glowing part of the review ends here. When I got this guit home and plugged it in I was bummed to find out the volume pot did not work. It was just on full bore no matter what. I live about a 45 minute drive from the store so I took it back and after a couple of days I was called back and told it was fixed. After making the trek there I tested it out and took it back home. The very next day it quit working again! I took it back again and the dealer replaced it with an aftermarket pot that works geat but with a washer looks ugly as hell. I wrote the Godin to express my displeasure and a sales person named Michel said that they were having problems with the volume pots and tone pots ( yes, mine is scratchy) but offered no solution. I wrote him back and asked if he could just send me a stock pot that I could install myself and he sent a terse response stating that all warranty parts would have to be ordered through the dealer even though he was aware that I have already made 4 round trips!. I guess I'll live with the ugly vol pot to avoid the drive and replace the tone pot myself but what a pain in the ass.

Once I get the electronics resolved this will be a great guitar. Despite my being upset with the customer service I love the way this plays and sounds. And since that should be all that matters I can live with the rest.

Please read above

I am basically a hack that has been playing as a hobby and a vice for over 30 years. I have owned more guitars than I can remember with my fave being an early 70's Tele. If it were stolen or lost I would look hard for another brand to fill the bill for $400.00 but I have a feeling I would come back to this one.

Bolt-on rock maple neck with 22 frets, parts and wood from Canada assembled in US!

Mahogany solid body, S-S-H Godin pickups with 5 way selector.
Mine is 04 Silver hardware with Rosewood Fretboard. Cut away body with jumbo frets and quite flat fingerboard. Godin brushed silver tuners. 04 version with 1 volume and 1 tone control.
Fixed bridge with brushed silver hardware. Comes complete with solid Godin gig bag and allen keys. Beautiful matt finish (satin)

Fantastic variable tone - cannot commend highly enough. Good action out of the box and sounds great unplugged - better than my Semi.

Straight out of box - is very well setup. Bit of lemon on teh rosewood fretboard and some FastFret and you're off!

No flaws noted. Cannot be faulted for build quality and finish.

Seems to be very solid indeed. FInish looks good and the guitar looks dependable to play live. Would I gig without a backup? - maybe not :)but I wouldn't anyway in any case.

No opersonal opinion. Heard they are great - haven't had to deal with them and hopefully won;t have to. One year warranty out of box.

Playing for last (geez) 22 years. Own an nice old EKO acoustic htat is currently under repair and a Hohner ES335 semi.
I researched the guitar well on here and elsewhere and hav yet to find someone who really dislikes it. I wish Godin had a better profile here in the UK as they REALLY deserve it. Maybe it is starting to happen. As a Luthier said to last week they are guitars made for guitarists who know a quality build and who don't just want a well-known name on the headstock. Well put. Perfect for me!

Godin Exit 22: bolt-on maple neck with 22 frets, natural mahogany string-through solid body, single-single-humbucker Godin pickups with 5 way selector plus volume and tone controls. Comes with excellent Godin gig bag. No tremelo option.

Unbelievable range of sounds available......the single coils will cover everything an American Strat will do but the bridge humbucker just sings. Imagine a slightly brighter Les Paul sound with every bit as much sustain.....very clean without the high end harshness. The pickup output is really well-balanced across all 6 strings. Even sounds great at low volumes. I play it through a small Fender Champion 110 and a '65 Twin Reverb and it performs well in both!

Everybody knows Godin makes quality instruments and this is so exception. The neck is superb with expert fretwork and great fits. I cannot find a flaw anywhere. The parts are made in Canada and the guitars are built in New England and it shows! The quality and feel is very similar to that of a G&L Legacy Special I once owned. If you like the feel of Fender necks you'll like this guitar. The action is fast, low, and flawless. The fret edges are clean and smooth. The mahogany body is contoured on the back making it comfortable to play.
The woodgrain on the mahogany is fairly wild but it looks good on the minimalist body (no pickguard, no pickup covers, no pickup surrounds)

This thing is built like a rock with quality parts and workmanship...I now use this as my main guitar and my American Strat has become the backup.

Never had to deal with the company but I understand that some people have called there and actually have spoken to Mr. Godin himself.

I have been playing for 40 years and currently own an American Strat, an American Tele, a Rickenbacker 330, a '65 Fender Jaguar, an Ibanez Artcore, and a Dean XM. If I had to rank this guitar it would be right up there with an old G&L Legacy Special I once owned (a $1000+ guitar). Where else can you get a North-American built instrument for under $400? I bought it based on the review and Editor's Pick Award it received in Guitar Player...I'd buy another in a heartbeat.

This is a very basic guitar. Two Godin single coils, one Godin humbucker pickup, a five position switch, rosewood fingerboard and and a very nice gig bag.

I play a variety of styles and this guitar provides the tones. I play through a Traynor Custom 40 tube combo straight with no effects. This guitar sings in all positions in my opinion. Others have mentioned the eveness in volume between pickups and I have to agree. Even though it can sound like many different guitars this Godin has it's own character if you lean into it I find.

I tried a few in the store. All had the rosewood fingerboard but I prefer that anyways. The setup varied between all three I tried but all three were setup nice. Incredible for the money.

I've own a Godin LGX and it was excellent as well. I have no worries when it comes to reliability or durability. This company cares about their product.

Can't say as I've never had to deal with them.

I've been playing over 30 years. Been there done that. I also own a 1976 Ibanez Destroyer original from my youth. I have a Larrivee D-03 acoustic. Overs the years I've bought some pretty expensive equipment. Numerous Marshall, Hi-Watt, Boogie amps. Numerous guitars including Fender Strats, PRS, etc. I just jam with friends now for the fun of it and also do some writing and recording with my computer. I can pretty well afford any guitar or amp right now but I've come to believe that you don't have to or shouldn't have to spend a fortune on quality equipment. This Godin Exit22 guitar is a great guitar period regardless of price and I would highly recommend it to anyone regardless of what they can afford. If you want a nice affordable tube amp then chek out the Traynor Custom series. Another great canadian value that competes with much higher price amps.

2004 Godin Exit22 w/gig bag
Pickups: Godin single-single-hum(passive)
5-way selector volume and tone control
Body: mahogany
Neck: maple (1 pc)
Fretboard: rosewood
Bridge: string through
It has everything I like in a guitar.....simplicity.

Sound is good and clear. I play mainly rock and rhythms played with lead notes and everything is very apparent. No muddy sound at all really, good crunch but lacks a little in the clean dept. Quite impressed with the stock pickups.

Factory setup was okay. Intonation was perfect, strings were just a bit high so the action suffered a bit until I got it home. Pickups were a tad low as well. With a quick change of strings to 11-48s, lowering of the saddles, struss adjustment, pickup adj. and intonation check this guitar was ready to go.
I must add that this guitar has very very little string buzz whatsoever.
Guitar finish is low gloss, but still a very attractive guitar and the back of the body near the cutaway is contoured for a very comfortable fit with your palm. Very nice craftsmanship.

I can't really say anything bad about this guitar. Maybe a bigger flange on the strap buttons.... but that's being picky.

Haven't dealt with them....haven't had to. But I hear great things.

I've been playing for over 13 years. Semi-pro. I actually bought this as a starter guitar for my wife but I quickly fell in love with it. I honestly can't beleive the quality for the money I paid.
No flaws whatsoever. I compared this to a Fender highway 1 tele and strat and the same Exit22 w maple fretboard. I'd buy this guitar again in a second!
I'm simply amazed at the quality. I've been playing a fender tele deluxe(japanese) and a 1979 Gibson SG custom and I'd rate it BETTER than any tele other than the american deluxe and not far from my SG custom.
Simply....I don't think anyone makes a guitar that even comes close to the quality for the cost of this guitar. Buy it!!!!

As all above. Bought new, 2004 model with silver hardware.

Wonderful balance between pickups, all voiced well. I play mostly indie and rock along with some jazz and the Godin does it all effortlessly. Only loses one point in comparison to my tele and les paul which i have fitted with bareknuckle pickups (see separate review) and so sound out of this world.

Could not be better made. Everything is quality from the chunky 5 way selector switch to the beatifully slinky neck and perfectly formed body. Often have to blink in disbelief at how little this thing cost.

Still fairly new, but I would be astoundingly surprised if anything went wrong. Built like a tank. Though with somewhat more finesse.

N/A

I bought this guitar on the strength of reviews as a back up guitar. It is so good that is rapidly becoming my main guitar, feeling and sounding better than guitars many times its price. I have been playing for close to 20 years now and have owned a wide range of instruments. No exaggeration to say that this is by far the best vale guitar ever.

Just got it last week. s/s/h pickups volume, tone, 5 way switch. Beautifully satin finished mahogany body and a similarly finished maple neck with a rosewood fretboard. Neck is nice a slender also. Got probably the best gig bag I've ever seen with it.

What I like is how the volume stays relatively constant when you switch pickups. I prefer blues and I get great sounds from the single coils and good solid rock sounds form the hum. Very mellow, rich sound thru my little 15w orange amp.

Everything seems to fit perfectly on this guitar. I couldn't ask for a better finish (I prefer satin finished woods to high gloss finishes). Everything seems to be adusted well. I may go up to a .010 on the e string.

don't know yet, but seems well built.

Got a 2 year warranty from Godin and a 1 year from the shop where I got it (restring, setup, etc. service stuff).

I just started playing again from 20 years ago. I would definitly buy another. My wife even noticed how good it sounds

Mahoghany body, maple neck, Hmb/s/s pups, string-thru-body design, 24 3/4 scale, 22 frets, 5-way switch, black hardware. No trem so I can't give it more than 8.

I play mostly blues and rock (hendrix, SRV, ZZ top, Gilmour, etc.). A
versatile guitar in terms of the range of sounds one can get. I changed
the strings to a regular set of .10's and that improved things quite a
bit. My main guitar is an american strat with lindy Fralin Blues special
pickups. The exit 22 does not rival my main strat but for the price, I
think it sounds great and really is an excellent buy. For the high sound-to-price ratio, I give it a 10.

I'm really impressed here. This guitar is really well-made. Again,
quality/price ratio is such that I give a 10. That said, the exit 22 I
bought sounded a lot better than another one in the store (which still sounded good). So, I don't know how uniform the production is.

This guitar really seems built to last. Have not had it long enough
to comment.

Sent email to the company twice and they replied very quickly (even though the web site says that it could take a while). They were
helpful both times.

I went to the store to try semi-hollow Gibsons. I saw a bunch of Godins on the wall and tried them out. Normally I would not have tried them because they were too cheap (I'm a snob and I'm not proud of it). However, I saw some good reviews so gave them a try. I tried a few different models in their "performance" line (the cheap ones) and I was really impressed. The guitar I picked sounded terrific and I just went to the counter, bought it and went home. I'll get that semi-hollow another time (that one will put a hole in my wallet). If you are looking for a first guitar, I really, really recommend the exit 22. If you can, go to the store and take them for a spin. As I said above, the exit 22 I bought sounded a lot better than another exit 22 in the store.

Godin guitars are CANADIAN made, assembled in America. That means that the necks and bodies are handcrafted up north, in Quebec. The brains behind the company, Richard Godin, keeps the Godin headquarters in the west side of the city of Montreal, in a small little suburb called Baie d'Urfe. I have tremendous respect for American guitars, but give credit where it's due, Godin's a Canadian guitar.