TEST: Godin Summit Classic SG Matte Green

There are companies that have somehow always been there, but hardly anyone has really taken note of them. I ask to consider this sentence completely value-free, but when I have heard the name Godin in my meanwhile already quite long career, the instruments, especially in the acoustic range were quite a concept to me, yet I could not have prayed down any type designation or other details. To remind ill-informed noses like me, the Canadian company, which after all was founded by Robert Godin almost 5 decades ago, has launched the Godin Summit Classic SG Matte Green, an instrument that will stay in my memory in more ways than one.

The construction of the Godin Summit Classic SG Matte Green

Despite its gigantic spatial expanse, Canada is a comparatively small light on the international electric guitar market, unlike its loud rumbling neighbor to the south. This means that due to the significantly less pronounced globalization mania, one sometimes draws attention to oneself with very interesting detailed solutions, but sometimes also comes around the corner with unusual woodsman ideas. In the case of the Godin Summit Classic SG Matte Green, both are true in my opinion.

First of all, the standards. Even the layman will easily recognize who was the godfather for the layout of the Godin Summit Classic SG Matte Green. The Les Paul shape is obvious and if the instrument would have 2 P-90 style single coil pickups, the association with the Les Paul Special would be perfect due to the "unadorned" finish. However, there are some points, which are clearly above the LP Special league, from therefore one should put the comparison also immediately again to the files.

The Hardware

First of all, let's start with the big plus points of the Godin Summit Classic SG Matte Green, which is especially reflected in the hardware. Besides two Schaller strap pins (nothing special as far as that goes), the instrument features an extremely massive bridge with the monster name of "one-piece Graphtech Resomax Sonic 1 Nickel Wrap Around Bridge", which plays into the hands of the instrument's sustain. Although you can only move the octave purity as a whole by means of two side-mounted thumbscrews, the lack of moving parts, on the other hand, ensures a minimum of absorption of the strings' vibrational energy. If you play standard string sets, the fixed milled grooves should not be a problem with regard to the octave purity, with special sets, e.g. Light Top Heavy Bottom or similar, you should check in advance to be on the safe side. Likewise, sets with a wound G-string are completely out of the question due to the string offset.

Another highlight are the tuners from our own production, which shine with a detail that I have not come across before. While the bass tuners of the 3:3 headstock run with an 18:1 ratio, the treble tuners have the much finer 26:1 ratio. A very practical design, considering that especially the unwound strings react very sensitively to the well-tempered tuning and allow a very highly graduated implementation with this ratio.

The attachment of the cable socket also offers a special feature. I have never seen a solution where a comparatively small metal plate holds the jack, which is then anchored to the side with 2 small wood screws at an angle of about 45 degrees. The result is a very nice detail solution, which on the one hand does without the failure-prone sleeve bushings and on the other hand eliminates the constantly breaking plastic plates. A very discreet and extremely successful detail solution.

The pickups

As already mentioned, the Godin Summit Classic SG Matte Green has 2 humbuckers, also from our own production, which are not split. To add to the Gibson touch, an optical replica of the Zebra pickups (one black and one white coil each) were made, the coil coloring that was discovered only by accident on the legendary Paulas of 58 - 60, after some musicians removed the chrome caps to minimize the feedback behavior of the pickups. The controls available are one volume and one tone knob per pickup, switched by a three-way switch in the classic LP position.

The wood selection of the Godin Summit Classic SG Matte Green

When it comes to wood selection, Godin once again takes the "support your local dealer" approach by using Canadian Laurentian basswood for the body. Basswood is comparatively rarely used as a tonewood, but this does not represent any kind of valuation. In this context, we refer once again to the wonderfully enlightening article by Walter Kraushaar at this link - https://www.kraushaar-gitarren.de/cms/tonholz.html - which many a "guitar expert" would like to delete from the Internet.

The glued-in neck is once again made of the popular maple and has been fitted with a rosewood fingerboard. The neck was apparently stained and gives a "roasted" look, but I have no documentation regarding a special heat treatment. The short scale length with a slight extension of 629 mm is used, with a fingerboard radius of 305 mm and a nut width of 419 mm. To minimize the frictional resistance in the saddle, a Graphtech saddle was used. The instrument comes with a sturdy upscale gig bag.

Oha ...

Have I forgotten anything? Oh yes, there was something else. After a long list of good to very good points, I have long thought about how best to formulate it, but unfortunately I could not think of a gentle formulation, so out freely. I know, tastes are different and there may be one or the other lone warrior who also likes to white his instruments in the camouflage color of his work tool, but what Godin was thinking with this finish will forever remain a mystery to me.

The Nato-olive, even more so in a matte finish, has the charm of a Leopard 2 on a military training ground, despite the impeccable finish. There may be one or two representatives of the metal camp who would like to add a touch of army romance to their camouflage stage outfit, but in this case the rest of the guitar is visually diametrically opposed. Whoever at Godin headquarters had the idea for this paint job will, in my opinion, have to answer for the expected sales figures. But as I said, it's all a matter of taste.

The Godin Summit Classic SG Matte Green in practice

What immediately jumps acoustically into the ear at the first notes is the incredible sustain of the guitar, which is otherwise reserved only for the representatives of a continuous neck. The solid construction and especially the outstanding hardware of the Godin Summit Classic SG Matte Green have truly paid off. The result is an incredibly stable tone, far from any deadspots or resonance exaggerations. The attack behavior is very good, the overall vibration behavior exemplary.

The combination with the in-house Godin pickups is interesting. Much like the Gibson role model from the late seventies / early eighties, the combination leaves an outstanding impression in the crunch range. Carried rock riffs in the AOR / classic rock area suit the instrument very well and leave a lasting impression. The basic sound is rather treble reduced, of course depending on amp, speaker and pedals, but very tasteful. Classic triad riffing and the sun rises!

Of course, the Godin Summit Classic SG Matte Green is also capable of the other two ends of the scale, i.e. clean and high gain, but I would not necessarily see the high gain range in particular as the instrument's parade discipline. The clean range is convincingly performed, as long as you can dynamically gain something from the one or other saturation in your sound image. The sound is expressive, voluminous and very pleasing.

The high-gain range, on the other hand, quickly runs the risk of drifting into muddiness due to the reduced treble image, but let's be honest, anyone who buys the Godin Summit Classic SG Matte Green for high-gain drop tunings doesn't know what they're doing anyway.

Conclusion

With the Godin Summit Classic SG Matte Green, the Canadian manufacturer has an outstandingly crafted and sonically excellent instrument in its ranks, which attracts attention with excellent detail solutions, voluminous sound and the ugliest finish I have ever seen in my life.

If you have a different opinion about the finish and are looking for an instrument that is outrageously priced for what it offers, you should definitely give it a try.

Additional Informations:

- Godin Guitars is a Canadian company that has been producing high-quality guitars for over three decades. Founded in 1987 by Robert Godin, the company has established a reputation for innovation and craftsmanship, and its guitars are played by musicians around the world.
One of the defining features of Godin Guitars is its commitment to using sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. The company sources its wood from responsibly managed forests, and it uses a variety of alternative materials, such as carbon fiber and composite materials, to reduce its environmental impact.

Godin Guitars offers a wide range of guitar models, each with its own unique features and characteristics. The company's flagship brand, Seagull, is known for its handcrafted guitars, which are made from high-quality woods and feature innovative design elements such as the Integrated Set Neck system, which ensures a stable and responsive playing experience.
Another popular brand under the Godin umbrella is Art & Lutherie, which offers affordable, handcrafted guitars made from locally sourced materials. These guitars feature a rustic aesthetic and a warm, vintage sound that appeals to players of all levels.

Godin Guitars also produces several electric guitar brands, including Godin, which offers a range of innovative models that incorporate features such as MIDI capabilities and multiple pickups for a versatile playing experience. The company's other electric guitar brands include Norman, Simon & Patrick, and La Patrie, each with its own unique design and features.

One of the most innovative features of Godin Guitars is its use of a unique guitar building process called "breathe-through" technology. This process involves carving out chambers inside the guitar body, which helps to reduce the weight of the instrument and improve its resonance and sustain.
In addition to its commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability, Godin Guitars is also known for its support of local musicians and music communities. The company sponsors several music festivals and events throughout Canada, and it has a strong presence in the Canadian music scene.

In conclusion, Godin Guitars is a company that combines innovation and craftsmanship to produce high-quality guitars that are both environmentally friendly and musically versatile. Its commitment to sustainability and community involvement sets it apart from other guitar manufacturers, and its wide range of brands and models ensures that there is a Godin guitar to suit every player's needs and preferences.

- Single Cut Guitars are a classic design that has been around for over 60 years, and they continue to be popular with musicians of all genres. This style of guitar is characterized by its single-cutaway body shape, which is designed to provide easy access to the upper frets while maintaining a traditional look and feel.

The most famous example of a single cut guitar is the Gibson Les Paul, which was first introduced in the early 1950s. The Les Paul's iconic design, with its single-cutaway body and dual humbucking pickups, has become a symbol of rock and roll and is still favored by many guitarists today.

In addition to the Les Paul, there are many other brands and models of single cut guitars available on the market. These guitars come in a range of styles and price points, from affordable beginner models to high-end custom instruments.

One of the advantages of the single cut guitar design is its versatility. The thick, mahogany body of the Les Paul produces a warm, rich tone that is ideal for rock and blues music, while other single cut guitars, such as the PRS Singlecut, offer a more versatile sound that can be used for a variety of musical styles.

Single cut guitars also offer a number of practical benefits for guitar players. The single cutaway design provides easy access to the upper frets, making it easier to play complex chord shapes and lead lines. The thick body of the guitar also provides a solid platform for the bridge and pickups, which helps to reduce unwanted vibrations and improves sustain.

Despite its many advantages, the single cut guitar design is not without its drawbacks. The thick body can make the guitar heavy and uncomfortable to play for extended periods, and the single cutaway can limit access to the highest frets.

In conclusion, Single Cut Guitars are a classic design that continues to be popular with musicians of all genres. Their versatile sound, easy access to the upper frets, and solid construction make them a popular choice for guitar players. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, a single cut guitar is a great option that will provide you with years of playing enjoyment.