Godin LG SP90

You can read the reviews for features, the other reviews are very thorough. Basic tele/lp hybrid styling w/2 seymour duncan p90s. 2knobs and a three way switch.
mahogany neck, rosewood board, mahogany body.
mines satin red transparent.
it gets a 10 'cause i like em simple.

i play rock, blues, 60s 70s 80s 90s 00s and I write what today would be called altrock.
it sounded very good out a the box smooth w/great sustain and a lot of crunch w/the amp turned up. I play thru a fender blues junior w/no effects. I did wish for a bit more treble as I found that w/a full band i missed a little bite. So i changed the pots and switch to fender usa models (500k instead of the stock 250k). Huge difference, I recommend this upgrade to everyone. I turns a great sounding git to an awesome sounding git. The guitar drives the amp way better sounds fuller, warmer, and brighter all at the same time. It sounds like more frequencies and gain are getting thru to the amp. Do it, do it, do it. What a difference.

as good as it gets. amazing for the price!

don't know yet.

never had to use 'em

been playing 13 yrs and this guitar is a keeper. I have warmoth tele that I love and is complimented very well w/the lg. If it were stolen i'd replace it w/a similar spec warmoth creation. I love putting 'em together, of course it would cost triple but it would be the only one around!

It's a cross between a LP Jr and a tele.

Features, Eh...? This is kind of a weird way to rank a guitar.. to me, 2 knobs and a switch is far, far better than 40 switches and knobs.. it is a spartan, no frills, players guitar. It sounds great, not just great for the money, but great.

What year was it made? 2002?
Where was is made? Canada-U.S.
How many frets? 24
Looks like 3 pieces of Mahogany
Controls: volume, tone, 3-way
Pickup configuration? 2x Duncan p90's
Finish: cherry red, like an lp jr
Body style: single cutaway allowed comfortable access to all 24 frets.
Bridge style: Tune-O-Matic + String-thru body
Neck: Mahogany
Scale: 24-3/4
Accessories: Case

How does it suit your music style?: I play b-side classic rock and roots, so it fits great. Complements my teles. My favorite players use the guitar as a means to an end, the end being "creating good songs". The late Joe Strummer, Cobaine, Lennon, Jimi (yes, Jimi), Eldon Shamblin & Junior Barnard & Tiny Moore, Chuck Berry, T-Bone Walker, Albert King, Freddie King, Scotty, Luther, Django.. geez you GOT to have a wide palette!!! No locking whammys or pointy headstocks or 7 strings (unless you count George VanEpps [and maybe Uli Roth]) on the list.

Amps and effects: LG/Tele --> digitech whammy --> fulltone deja'vibe2 --> vox clyde wah wah --> fulltone '69 --> sometimes an echo or chorus --> fender hot rod deluxe or '64 bassman into a 212 cab

Is it noisy: yes, because it has single coil pickups

Rich/Full sound? Yes

What kind of sounds can the guitar make? How much variety? It does what it does very well.. you wouldn't buy this to get LP/tele/acoustic sounds in one package. Get the upscale LGX for that.

Likes and dislikes? everything/nothing

How well was the guitar set-up at the factory? I wouldn't know, but at Libertyville music it was in good shape. Grubby fingerprints from teenagers rubbed right off.

How was the action? Action is fine. Probably the same as every other production guitar at every music store in the country. Players get too hung up on action, microadjustments. I play it, it sings. "It's a poor workman who blames his tools" -- Jeff "Skunk" Baxter

Properly routed bridge? Yes, string line-up and intonation on target. But then, most guitars are made with computer controlled precision routers these days. The average quality level for most instruments is way up from when I was a tyke in the '70's.

Properly bookmatched top? Nah, the poorly matched 3-piece mahogany body looks cheesy. Not as bad as some 70's LP's, though.

One minor complaint: The case BARELY fits. I guess Godin didn't want to spend a lot on cases for a budget guitar (and now I hear they're switching to godless communist gigbags.. YYEECCHHHH). But you gotta wonder if just a simple, rectangular black-tolex fender-style case wouldn't have been a better idea than the one they're selling.

No other flaws.

Will this guitar withstand live playing? Probably

Does the hardware seem like it will last? Probably

Is the finish good enough to last, or does it seem thin and easy to wear off with lots of playing? Nah, seems like a good solid finish. But then, these questions can't be answered for at least a few years now, can they?

Are the strap buttons solid? Yep.

Can you depend on it? Probably

Would you use it on a gig without a backup? I'd never gig ANY guitar without a backup!

Here's where I'm extremely impressed. After buying this inexpensive guitar, I emailed Godin twice with question.. each time "Carlos" answered promptly, and the second time put me in touch with a sales rep so I can track down another model I'm interested in looking at for possible purchase.

How long have you been playing? 25 years or so

What other gear do you own? Aforementioned amps and pedals, several teles, warmoth custom guitars with barden pickups. Over the years, I've had boatloads of gibsons, fenders and others.. some expensive and fancy, some bare-bones. Keeping it simple works a hell of a lot better. But then, Jesus, Lord Buddha, Mark Twain and John Steinbeck were trying to tell us that all along. In fact, they may be trying to tell me that again!

Is there something you wish you had asked before buying this guitar? "Can I have another?"

If it were stolen or lost, would you buy it again or get something else? I'm not waiting for that! I'll soon be trading a least-loved "parts" tele for another Godin LG SP90.. probably not in red, though; Black or Gold looks good. We'll see what's available.

What do you love about it? It's simple, just like a tele. Just plug in and go. It took a little amp adjusting the first time out, because I usually play teles. But I like it a lot.

What do you hate? The case is awkward, and the multi-piece body could have been better matched for a uniform look.

What is your favorite feature? s-i-m-p-l-i-c-i-t-y The cause of suffering is desire. Desire less, feel more joy.

Did you compare it to other guitars? Which ones? Why did you choose this one? Over the years I've played a lot of guitars, so I know what to expect from certain features and combinations of woods, hardware, etc. I've seen this in magazines and stores for a while now, and it delivered what I wanted it to deliver.

Anything you wish it had? A twin sister?

Anything else you'd like to share? World Peace. But it looks like that's on hold for at least a couple of years, eh? Play music, reduce hate, make world better.

Impeccable, tout tres propre et bien reglee d'origine. Juste les potars qu'il faut, 1 volume, 1 tone et basta. L'ampli gere le reste (aigus et graves).
Comme disait un americain, pas de Floyd, pas de table AAA flamee, que le strict necessaire, c'est une guitare a jouer et pas a collectionner...

Apres 10 ans de basse je demarre la guitare (1 heure par jour mini depuis 2 mois)...
Un peu de jazz, bcp de blues, du rock...
C'est vraiment une guitare de rock-blues-jazz. Sur un ampli a lampes, le son clair fait merveille sur les 3 positions de micros. En sature, ca donne du crunch bien agreable pour les plans a la BB King, tout en finesse, beaucoup de sustain (cordes qui passent dans le corps). Les notes bleues ss'enchainent sans probleme.
En grosse saturation, bien agreable aussi, sans etre aussi envahissant et destructeurs que des humbunckers. Un type m'a dit "si tu aimes les P90, t'aimeras pas autre chose". Gagne.
Les hum de chez Gibson, ca sonne bordelique en son clair. Les P90, c'est mon St Graal de son...
Le seul hic, c'est quand meme un peu bruyant, mais j'ai aussi le probleme avec une de mes Warwick bien plus chere, sur scene, on peut vivre avec :)

Tres bien reglee d'origine, cordes souples qui vont bien, bends et pull offs faciles.

Je pense qu'elle est indestructible. Je n'emmenerai pas de back up en concert sauf pour avoir un autre son. Peut etre qu'un changmenet de cordes serait laborieux avec ce systeme qui passe dans le corps (Tele). J'ai pas encore essaye, en depit de mon acharnement sur cette gratte, mes cordes ne vieillissent pas :)

Envoye un mail, jamais de reponse...no comment

Assurement une valeur cachee pour ce qu'on veut en faire, si pas de metal, tout est ok !
Pour mon cas personnel, j'ai l'impresion d'avoir joue toute ma vie dessus, j'y passe meme plus de temps qu'avec mes basses et pourtant j'aime ca... Le manche est incroyable de confort, c'est comme retrouver un ami en rentrant le soir du boulot... Franchement grandiose cette gratte !

I was looking for a second guitar for "other" tones than my G&L Strat style. I had a Les Paul Jr (double cutaway) 20 years ago and felt that would be a suitable 2nd. I found a few in my area (So Cal) but the music shops wanted too much. I had read a great review on the Godin LG a few months back in Guitar Player, but no one carried them, so I forgot about it - until I visited Guitar Resurrection in Austin. They had a Congac finish LG on the wall, I played it, and fell in love. I did check out the other stores there and saw LP Jr's, but I went back and bought the Godin (and saved 800 bucks). It looked gorgeous, played great, and sounded great through a Rivera Knucklehead. The strings through the body add so much to the tone. The guitar came with a decent hardshell case. The hardware is black (tuners, volume/tone nob, bridge, pick-ups) and it came with the Duncan P90's. They are a bit noisey when overdriven real hard, but that's rock n roll. I am putting Fralin P90's in it soon because they have a hum cancelling feature when both pickups are on, and I've read great reviews about them. For what I saved by buying this I can afford to upgrade a bit. I did have to replace the nut because the strings were catching and causing tuning problems. Thus, a 9.

My style is what ever the gig calls for. I've played with different groups that range from 60's, straight ahead rock, Cumbia/Salsa, and on the worship team at my church. I play through either a Peavey Classic 50 thru 2 12's, or a Laney AC30 copy with 4 10's. My pedal board has a Fulltone Fulldrive and Distortion Pro, Voodoo Labs Sparkle Drive and Microvibe, Boss tremelo and harmonizer pedal. I also have a Digitech Legend which goes thru the effects loop (mainly for the delay - I don't have a good practical pedal yet). I have to adjust my volume and treble at gig's because the Godin is "hotter" and brighter than my G&L (with Fralins also). The Godin resonates like an acoustic, notes seem to sing out, and sustain?.....wonderful. I am used to Sperzel locking tuners on my G&L so I may put them on the Godin also. I does go out a bit when playing hard. Again, a 9.

The guitar had new strings on it (9's) when I took it off the wall (I put 10's on it when I got it home. Much better).The action was perfect for me, the pickups were set up great, and I saw no flaws in the finish or frets. It was beautiful. The screw that tightens the tone nob was loose, but the salesman tightend it right there, and checked out everything else. No problems. The 3 way switch seems cheap but I've had no problems.

I tend to use this guitar for more of the "harder" gigs along with my G&L. At church the stage lights interfere with the P90's sometimes. I am carefull to roll back the volume when a song is over. I always take both guitars when I gig, but on quite a few occasions I have started with the Godin and played 2 sets without touching the G&L. All I had to do was fine-tune for the slower/quieter songs. I give it a 9 because of the tuning.

N/A. I've never had to call.

I've been playing for about 30 years. I play to have fun. I will sit in with anyone who would ask - whether it's acoustic or electric (county, rock, blues). I'd probably starve if I had to play for a living. If this guitar was stolen I'd drive back to Texas to get another one. I did play a few Les Paul Jr's and the new ones for the price didn't compete with the Godin. The old/used ones I saw were too much $ for what you got. I have received nothing but compliments from the other guitarist's who have heard this axe.

My LG SP90 ($535) was, like all, assembled in new hampshire of canadian parts. 22 fret rosewood with mahogany neck/bod. 1 vol, 1 tone, 3 way selector, 2 creeeamy Duncan SP90's(drool). i got the satin natural finish-very simple but purty. Kind of Les Paulish body style. Bolt on, but felt/sounded like a glue in. Simple string through bridge. HAd a nice wide thin neck. I didnt get the case, so i paid a little less. I give this guitar a 10, not because it had tons of features but because for what it DID have, it was useful and simple. I can't stand crap with quilted tops, tap switches and bells and whistles that serve little purpose because the guitar is toneless. In this respect, the LG was perfect.

I play a lot of classic rock, blues some hard rock and lately, a little jazz. This guitar's tone was FLAWLESS in all styles mentioned. I play through a twin 'verb for my cleaner stuff and a plexi reissue for the higher gain stuff. The LG obviously hums a tad on higher gain settings. Very full sounding guitar, almost no dead spots and i couldn't fret out if i wanted to. Neck pickup with moderate gain/mid settings almost (ALMOST) sounds stratty in the upper register (think SRV.) Overall the tone was awesome and well balanced in any pickup position.

Factory fresh action was actually quite comfortable. I felt like i could play anything on it. Pickups were PERFECTLY balanced and i havent touched them yet. I dig the reccess bridge/pu's- allows for a very comfortable feel

Probably a 2001 LG since I picked it up used. It's a joint US/Canada affair, components crafted in Canada and assembled in the States. It's a solid, three piece mahogany body (single cutaway, half way between a Les Paul and a Telecaster) finished in "cognac burst." The neck is mahogany (a sort of shallow "C" shape) with a satin-like finish, rosewood fingerboard, 24 frets, and a 24.75" scale. The tuners are apparently Godin's own non-locking type. The bridge is a Tune-O-Matic type...but instead of the usual stop bar, it's string-thru-body like a Telecaster. One volume, tone tone, 3 way pickup selector. All hardware is black. It's straplock ready. Seymour Duncan SP-90's are onboard for your picking pleasure. I bought it used and it came with a Godin case.

Synth access? No.
Piezo saddles? No.
Locking Floyd-type bridge? No.
Flame top? No.
Tons of binding and fancy inlays? No.

Everything I need and nothing I don't? Yes. But I will "only" give it an 8 since it is intended to be a fairly straight-forward guitar.

I play just about anything I can hack away at: rock, blues, jazz, rockabilly, classical, ska/reggae/dub, swing, metal, and everything else under the sun. I play it through a Peavey Classic 30 and a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe. These are P-90's, so I expected some noise. The middle position on the 3 way switch is NOT hum-cancelling.

The magazine reviews of these guitars tend to focus on the clean tones, and I can tell why. The clean tone is marvelous. Full, round, and warm with the neck pickup. A biting but not overly "honky" bridge pickup sound, and with both pickups engaged it's just a big clean sound with ample bass, a full midrange, and cutting highs that aren't piercing.

However, don't think this guitar is an angel. Once you get some overdrive on these pickups, they give that lovely P-90 raunch. They give a simply amazing distorted tone. The neck has the "woman tone" down, but with a little more attitude. The bridge has a good biting treble, and plenty of "body." The middle position is my favorite in distorted mode...just a beautifully balanced sound.

Overall, the LG has a fairly rich sound, but with enough highs to not make it dull or muddy.

This guitar makes all the tones I want it to. I think it truly will do well on just about any genre you throw at it.

This was a used guitar, so I can't comment on how well a job Godin did on the original set-up. The action was very comfortable...maybe even a little low for me. The routs were all done masterfully, everything is tight. The neck pocket is as tight as you'll find anywhere. The pickups were adjusted well and the output was even.

However, you can definitely count the number of pieces of wood used for the body. This isn't from bad craftmanship, but just the grain patterns of the wood. The finish has a few scuffs on it, and the headstock is a little scratched. This is a used guitar, so I'm rating it as one. The action is great, the fit is amazing, but the finish has some abuse...but it still looks very, very good.

This guitar will definitely withstand some abuse. The hardware is very solid. Although there are some scuffs on the finish, it is still very thick. The strap-lock ready strapbuttons are solid.

I'd gig confidently without a backup with this.

I've e-mailed LaSiDo a couple of times. Sometimes they've answered, sometimes they haven't. The dealer has always been helpful.

I've been playing over eight years now, and I gigged out professionally for three. This is my 14th guitar. I own Fender, Godin and Seagull, Tacmoa, Takamine/Jasmine, and other mongrel breeds. I talked down the price just a little, from $365 to $350. I compared this with other mahogany, Gibson-esque guitars, PRS, and also a Godin Flat Five X (which I wrote another review for). The Flat Five X was probably the best guitar I played. This LG came in second, yet I really, really liked it. I came back another time to play it and was impressed. I came back again, and had to have it. I simply fell in love with this guitar. It looks beautiful, sounds beautiful, and plays beautifully. I would definitely replace this guitar if stolen. I haven't played another P-90 equipped guitar that I have liked more. The only thing I wished this guitar had is a 25.5" scale, since I'm used to Fenders. But I own other 24.75" scale guitars and it's a non-issue when going from instrument to instrument now. I was in the market for a single cutaway, mahogany, P-90 guitar. This one was head and shoulders above anything else. Godin makes incredible instruments. This is my second one, and I know I will buy more in the future. I truly believe that LG's (and pretty much all LaSiDo products) deserve the rave reviews they get.

This is a 2001 LG SP90. It has a 24&3/4 inch scale on a mahogany body and neck with a transparent cherry finish. It sports two Seymour Duncan SP-90s with a three-way selector switch and one volume and tone control. The strings pull through the body over a tune-o-matic type bridge. This is a simple, beautiful guitar.

The LG has a very woody, warm tone. The P-90s in a mahogany body sound great through my Fender Deville amp. I run the guitar through a Fulltone wah, Fulltone Fulldrive II, Keeley TS-9 and a Keeley modified Rat pedal. The P-90s are fairly quiet through all the pedals. The LG sounds great through all my effects, even with the heavier drive of the Rat pedal! Hit the G string above the 12th fret and listen to the beautiful, smooth overdriven tone! I must mention, the Keeley modified TS-9 and Rat pedals sound terrific as well. I have never heard a better P-90 tone.

The guitar needed a small neck adjustment, but otherwise was set up very well. The 24&3/4 inch scale and low action make it a joy to play. The pickups were set well and sound great. Again, the guitar is beautiful.

The LG is simple and will last with proper care. I have seen no problems with reliability or durability.

I have spoken with a Godin Rep in the store and he was very nice and informative. I have not needed to call or e-mail the company for any reason.

I have been playing off and on for 28 years on many different guitars. I currently own a Strat, G&L ASAT, Carvin DC 135 and the Godin LG. The LG is a great playing, sounding guitar. I love the P-90 tone in the mahogany body! I plan to keep it and would certainly replace it if needed. Give it a try!

2002 LG made in Canada/USA,mahogany body in cognac burst high-gloss, 24-fret,mahogany neck,24&3/4"scale,16"radius,1&11/16"nut-width,carve is new,thicker than original LG shape(might bother some, not me,I'm
6'7"),tune-o-matic w/ string-thru body,2 Duncan SP90 soapbars,3-way switch,1 vol.,1 tone, non-locking tuners(Gotoh design?),hsc included,w/ new,cooler Godin logo. No flashy features, along the vein of LP Junior,minimalist,functional,attractive.

I play literally everything but rap and perhaps Botswainian top 40. This guitar has a magnificent clarity that suits many styles. It doesn't suit "nu-metal",but nothing should,for that matter. The low end seems round and focused,the mids smooth and singing,the highs
clear and sweet. Played standard,it sounds great,but lay a slide to it,and it kills(in a good way). Who needs a vocalist? It sings like a canary! It retains a very acoustic quality,even with a moderate amount of overdrive. It can become quite noisy with high-gain circuits,or an abundance of effects,and the middle positon does not cancel hum,but who cares? Plug straight in to a bassman or AC30, and watch jaws dislocate!

This is actually my 2nd LG. The 1st I had for 3 days. The pickup selector was defective, and there was some sort of grounding problem
that resulted in a loud hum and a mild shock each time I touched the hardware. Nobody could figure out what was causing it(not even Godin), so they sent me a new one.It took forever to arrive(they said they were building it;none in stock at the factory?),but it rules! It plays well,the top pieces are almost perfectly matched,the finish is flawless.It would be a ten,but what was the deal with the 1st one?

It's a rock.I can't dent it,and I drop things like leatherman tools on my guitars,because I have a terrible grip on that sort of thing,
and that seems to be the only I can find with which I can work on my guitars(prepositions suck).

They gave me a new one,no questions asked,instead of trying to repair the old one or blame the problem on me. It took a few weeks, but still,they get a ten.

I'm 18 yrs. old,and have played hourly for 3 yrs. What? 18&into low wattage? Yes,it happens. I run my guitars through a Mesa Maverick 4x10. I also have an Ibanez S2020xAV,GRX20DX,some Kent solid,and am working on an ES-137 Custom,a Mcinturff Taurus,a Larrivee DV-10,and
and a 1934 L-5 RI(anyone want to help?).I'm a young collecting freak, and it is a solid tonal investment for any collection(and it's quite affordable). I would replace it,were it lost or stolen but only after I got the other stuff I want,which could take awhile.

Read the previous reviews or check the website! I give it an 8 because it doesn't have any whistles or bells - just plain and simple - LOTS OF TONE!

I play classic rock from the 70's and up. Contrary to the Guitar Player Magazine's review - this guitar can scream! Depending on your amps tone and your fingers - you can do anything except whammy bar stuff! It's fairly quiet. I onw many guitars and this is fast becoming one of my favorites. I had some concern about getting a bolt on neck, but Godin's "got it down". that neck is tighter than any set neck and probably just as strong as a neck-through. the mahogany neck and body give it a real unique andwoody tone. this guitar has convinced me that Mahognay IS the only wood to make an electric guitar out of. Top the mahogany off with maple and you lower the resonance of the guitar. The Duncan's were specifically designed for this guitar's tone and resonance. INCREDIBLE!

Beatiful construction throughout! Excellent hardware, Pups, and fretwork. Strapolcks included! '-) Can't find a flaw anywhere. I don't believe any guitar comes from the factory set up for your individual playing. mine needed some minor tweaks to make it the way I like it. If you're a shredder - don't bother. this guitar is a TONE MACNINE. Even with the limited 3 pickup combination, by manipulating the volume and tone controls - it's all there. Great job Godin!!

Like anything else - if you take care of it - it will last! Clean and polish it, keep it in the case or on a stand - don't spill beer on it, or use it for a baseball bat! Keep it warm when it's cold, and cool when it's hot - Duh!!! ;-) I've gigged with it about 20 times in 2 months - excellent!

Tim Dion @ Godin will do anything he can to help the customer. I don't forsee any problems but feel confident they will support theire product. These guitars are the best kept secret in the guitar world.

I've been playing for about 35 years. I use Mesa amps exclusively! I've owned over 250 quality guitars in that time - just about every brand and model made. This, with out a doubt, one of the best made, playing and SOUNDING guitars I've owned. It's not a beautiful AAA quilt top toneless piece of furniture - it's warm, smooth, toneful, impeccably made MUSICAL INSTRUMENT. You owe it to yourself to play one, own one. Would replace it in a heartbeat.

Made in Canada/USA in 2000? 24 frets. Solid top. SP90/SP90. It's neck and body are made from mahogany. For the rest just go to the web site. I bought it for the SP-90s but it is one of the coolest guitars on the market for the price. I'd say the best features are the recessed tune-o-matic bridge and pickups. Note to all you sore wrist players: The wide flat neck and recessed features make it a very comfortable guitar to play.

From the web site: "The hand crafted mahogany neck of the LG sits in a deep pocket in the mahogany body. This crucial connection provides excellent energy transfer between neck and body. Pulling the strings through the body increases resonance even further. In other words, this is one lively guitar."

I got the high gloss Deep Gold because it was on sale. I wanted the Trans. Red. The lighter finish probably resonates even better.

The SP90s are nice and not noisy. Great smooth P-90 sound. Great for gain or clean. I'm using a Fender Deluxe and a Laney 15R. Both sound really good with this guitar. The only thing I can say negative is the intonation does seem to be off slightly on the higher frets but I'm really stretching to find any faults.

Action is perfect (after my own adjustment.) I'm using .009 thru .046 gauge D'Addario strings. I did adjust the action and truss rod when I got it but I do that with all of my guitars, including my two PRS guitars. The construction is absolutely top-of-the-line. Nut, Bridge, neck/body joint and finish are perfect. Much better than I would have expected from a guitar in this price range. I've never owned a 24 fret guitar but I have found it usefull.

Solid well built guitar. It's all good!

I did try to get the store where I bought it to adjust the neck for fret buzz, and they didn't do much good. I ended up doing it myself. I think it's really the only way your going to get it the way you like it. I didn't notice much fret buzz after I adjusted it.

Otherwise, I've never talked to Godin.

I've been playing for many years and own too much gear to mention. I will say I have two PRS guitars that I will not review cause them because the reviews are redundant. PRS makes great guitars and everyone knows it. But not everyone knows what a value the Godin LG sP90 is so that is why I'm reviewing it. I would replace it if it were stolen - and I don't know if that is true about anything else I own (other than my Toyota pickup.) I love the quality of construction and the smooth p90 sound. I can't say I wish for any additional features except for an additional vol. and tone knobs for each pickup. If you have tried a Godin LG SP90 and you like it - BUY IT!