Single Cut Guitar Review - Godin Radiator - High Quality for Money!

Looking for a single cut alternative to a Les Paul that won't break the bank and is of high quality? Here's a single cut guitar review of the Godin Radiator - a guitar that delivers high quality for the money. You may not have even heard of Godin, but they make high quality guitars right in North America - specifically Canada. IMHO this is a fantastic guitar and works better than a PRS alternative if you're looking to stay close to Gibson. Great sound - even better build. Very, very comfortable neck and the best tuners ever! Definitely check it out!
Get the Godin Radiator here: imp.i114863.net/b3a1mB
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0:00 Introduction
1:05 Color Options
1:41 Chambered Body
2:11 Specs
4:03 Special Features
7:50 Sound
8:19 Clean
9:48 Dirty
11:40 High Gain
12:45 Recommendations
13:30 Blues Demo
#godin #godinguitars #markzabel

[@MarkZabel]

Get the Godin Radiator here: imp.i114863.net/b3a1mB More Gear Reviews: kzbin.info/aero/PLSVfUQKkNUqb0xIdDxT4yen6QebY_FoLD

[@charlest2341]

Just picked this guitar up today. WOW!!! I've been looking at it hanging on the wall of my local guitar shop for a while, but kept hesitating. Finally bit the bullet today and got it. I wish now I had jumped on this one when I first saw it in the store. I first played it through my Fender Mustang Micro mini amp and it sounded great, BUT when I plugged it into my Paul Reed Smith MT15 tube amp and 12" speaker cab this guitar came alive in a big way. I had a Dr. Frankenstein moment...IT'S ALIVE!!!!!!!! The cleans are super clean, the dirty is raw, and the high gain will rattle your skeleton. I have a large guitar collection with more than a few costing much more than the Godin Radiator, but this guitar holds its own against the more expensive guitars. It's a great guitar for home players, but would be equally at home on stage. It really is that good. It's a lot of guitar for the price and the quality is super impressive. The GIANT pick guard not only protects the beautiful trans cream finish, but also covers the chambered body. The chambered body really reduces the weight, making it very comfortable to hold and play for extended periods of time. The guitar is made in Canada and the quality is excellent. This is my first Godin, but now that I have experienced the Godin quality for myself I can assure you it will not be my last Godin guitar. Now I want to try out some of their other guitars. As I said earlier, I have a large guitar collection that includes Hamer USA, Halo, PRS, Fender, Gretsch, Ibanez, Squier, and others. It has been a while since I have been this excited about a new guitar. If you have looked at this guitar and hesitated, JUST DO IT! I wish I had made the jump earlier and you will too once you have it in your hands. Love, love, love this guitar. By-the-way, to make it even more fun I connected a Line 6 HX STOMP and a WAH pedal between the guitar and my PRS MT15. The result was amazing and too much fun. I officially declare tomorrow to be GUITAR DAY!

[@MarkZabel]

Awesome!! Glad you love the guitar!

[@geoffdennis8382]

Couldn't of said it any better myself. Love mine straight outta the box. Fantastic setup and the looks? ❤️ it!

[@billylongley9580]

Great demonstration! Thank you!

[@MarkZabel]

You bet!

[@ritalambert8203]

I just got this guitar and love it! I also have the Seagull and Arena, both by Godin. They do not disappoint!!

[@MarkZabel]

Great guitars!

[@rickmoore7501]

Great review Mark, thanks.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks for watching!

[@RonIrizarry]

Nice sounds! Great video as always!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks Ron! Glad you enjoyed!

[@brianhogan9011]

Great video (including audio)! I like Godin, and now I want one of these guitars. Lovely cleans, great with dirt.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks! Godin sure makes quality instruments!

[@tonepilot]

Really great, comprehensive review.

[@MarkZabel]

Glad you liked it!

[@bunnylovenuts8680]

Great review! Many thanks. I'm going to subscribe based on the quality of this review.

[@MarkZabel]

Awesome, thank you!

[@eddiet1971]

Awesome playing! Amazing guitars! Wow!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks a lot! They *are* great guitars. Very high quality!

[@fredericlinden]

Godin are truly remarkable instruments in many ways. The company does not spare a dollar to innovate, to offer quality and to make its instrument a joy to play ! It shows when a team is proud of their efforts and results

[@MarkZabel]

100% correct with Godin. Very well designed and made guitars.

[@chetcalhoun613]

@Mark Zabel, I bought a Godin SDXT about 20 years ago...my first grown up electric! Built with a maple neck and rosewood fretboard. Headstock looks like Fenders, and the tuners look like Grovers. Seymour Duncan pickups-humbucker in the neck and bridge positions and a single coil in the center. 5 position switch like a Strat, with one volume, and one tone knob. A lot of great tones! I played this one along with your ‘The Core’ video, and it nails that Clapton sound! And the neck is hot, and the bridge gives that deep, warm blues sound. One of my favorite guitars!

[@MarkZabel]

Yes, Godin guitars are great. A real secret too. They aren't cheap, but they are surely bargains, because they sound great and are built great. I mean, you're not going to get bargain basement prices, but then again you won't end up in the bargain basement either!

[@davidp7833]

Wow thats nice. I like the way that one looks. The price is nice for that. Every thing you played sounded so pretty.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks so much David! Yes, I like how it looks too. And it just feels great too. Wish I would've known about it a few years ago. Oh well, better late than never I suppose! :)

[@ericj1332]

Great review. I want one!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks ... and yeah, I hear you on that! :)

[@jamiemurphy5632]

Just bought one of these gets the job done beautiful guitar

[@MarkZabel]

Awesome! I totally agree - high quality.

[@waynemc3100]

Wow great sounding and great looking guitar....and a great review, thanks :)

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@BedeLaplume]

Great playing ,very professionnal as usual!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks a lot Bertrand!

[@fredericlinden]

You communicate extremely well. And, yes I'll say it, you have a pleasant voice. This was a great presentation and you make that guitar sound fabulous with your playing !

[@MarkZabel]

Thank you so much!

[@markpetten9777]

Great review. I’d recommend also checking out their Radium. Combines the best features of the Stadium and the Radiator.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks, will do!

[@adajay9257]

Hi Mark. Great review. Not sure if you mentioned the following. The output jack is on the top of the guitar’s body instead on the bottom side of the body as on Les Pauls. I love this because it makes it easier when sitting down the cable does not get in the way. Also the output jack is not too close to the knobs as on the SGs, making it easier to adjust the knobs while playing. Let us also not forget the strap locks which remind me of the Schaller locking ones. The finish is also “satin” and therefore the guitar is so comfortable to hold. These are small but very important details. All Godin guitars I owned are top quality, full of detail, and very inexpensive. Amazing guitars.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks Ada! You point out a couple of nice things. Godin guitars are all high quality - at least the ones I have played.

[@cherkaslord]

I’m in the market for one. My 2nd Godin. I’m proud owner of a Stadium 59. Great review you’re making it real easy for me

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks! Yes Godin are high quality instruments. And I like that it's Canada too. My feeling is that the Radiator isn't going to appeal to everyone, but if you like the looks then it's almost a no brainer. It says "quality" right when you pick it up.

[@Borghor]

If you dont like the look (I dont!... And I also own a Stadium 59 😁), look at the Summit SG or the new Summit HT. Looks awesome!

[@MarkZabel]

@@Borghor Yep. The look had grown on me BTW

[@Borghor]

@@MarkZabel yeah, I reckon it can happen 😁 I looked a couple of hours at those model in the stores and it did not happen to me. It certainly highlight the fact that Godin always looks forward, without forgetting the past. Nice and bold design and the quality is always impressive.

[@tomwhitehurst1374]

If I didn’t already own an SG, this would be my choice for a solid electric, based on this review and on my own experience with Godin - skilled guitar builders working with the best raw materials (Canadian wood). Mark showed me everything I needed to know about what this guitar will do, including twangy country sounds with the bridge pickup. I especially appreciated how Mark channeled T-Bone Walker with his clean blues at the beginning and end. Nice work.

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks! Yes, Godin makes great guitars!

[@tomwhitehurst1374]

@@MarkZabel I have two Seagulls if you count the one my daughter commandeered from me, and a 5th Avenue CW Kingpin with the two trebly P-90s.

[@MegaGuitarpicker]

Sounds much better than my Godin A6! Mine came with acoustic strings that I replaced with 9’s and did a setup to get it to play good. It always had a “plastic” sound. That one doesn’t! Sweet!

[@MarkZabel]

Yeah, I think it sounds great - especially smooth for the clean neck and middle. And dirty on the bridge is very nice!

[@The_Rude_French_Canadian]

Finally found a clean tone review for this guitar…I’ve been thinking about pulling the trigger on this guitar!

[@MarkZabel]

Glad it was helpful. Fantastic guitar. Great neck on it and really solid.

[@The_Rude_French_Canadian]

@@MarkZabel truly! I bought the bourbon one with the white pickguard, my only problem is the finish is peeling off at places where I never touch the guitar it’s a bit of a downer…

[@Tilbily]

@@The_Rude_French_Canadian peeling off the pick guard for elsewhere ?

[@The_Rude_French_Canadian]

@@Tilbily elsewhere it’s a finish problem on mine unfortunately and I had to get the nut changed but…I still love it it’s a very nice alternative to a Les Paul!

[@pieve5516]

Love your review. If you were deciding between this Godin and a high end humbucker single cut for classic rock would you change the pickups? There are incredible pickups out there like the Suhr Thornbuckers and Rail hammers for $200!

[@Anjohl]

Played one today, they play as good as a Gibson. I plugged one into a Traynor amp and Caprain Canuck appeared and gave me a pet beaver.

[@ZeppelinUK]

Hi Mark, I have to say those pickups sound as smooth as silk played clean, these Godin guitars are quality instruments!... 🙂

[@MarkZabel]

I agree. Great clean sound! And it's just guitar and amp doing that!

[@Creaulx]

Jonesing for this guitar suddenly.... 💗

[@bdg7309]

Spin It On!! wonderful!!

[@MarkZabel]

Yeah, you got it! Wonder how many people recognize that tune from Back to the Egg? Thanks for watching.

[@aleksamrkela831]

This seems like an amazing guitar. :D It seems to have everything that's great about a Gibson guitar, with none of Gibson's glaring flaws. I have a Seagull Entourage Rustic acoustic guitar that plays great and stays in tune great, so I'm pretty sure this one's rock-solid, also (especially with the Graphtech Tusq nut).

[@MarkZabel]

Totally rock-solid guitar. My original idea for the video was to directly compare to a Les Paul, but Godin balked at it. They should not have. This guitar is every bit as good and for far less. Not everyone will love the styling, but that's personal taste.

[@iannicholls7476]

Nice guitar Mark. I liked that jazzy little piece you played to demo the neck pickup clean sound. Any chance of a lesson on that?

[@MarkZabel]

Sure, sounds good. A little R&B never hurt anyone.

[@MegaGuitarpicker]

Nice pickin’ too!

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks!

[@simoneric8183]

Very interesting review, thanks ! I'm very much into guitars that stay away from the mainstream (Gibsons, Fenders...) and i'm wondering how this Godin model compares with the Reverends (Buckshot, Crosscut...).

[@MarkZabel]

You bet. Thanks for watching. I haven't played a Crosscut, but it compares well with a Buckshot. I had a Buckshot for many years (recently sold it ... great guitar though!). The Godin's tonal range isn't as great - it's not as versatile as the Buckshot. But the quality of the build is at least as good. The neck is done with more care. Whether you'd like it more depends upon the carve. (Buckshot/Reverends have thicker necks than this). The bridge is better on the Buckshot. I don't like the wraparound Jr style bridges. I also prefer the Buckshot's style, but that's subjective certainly. Thanks again for watching!

[@waynesulatyski2430]

I want one damn that sounded good.

[@MarkZabel]

I'm still digging it too! Hey, if you buy one, let them know my video helped!

[@waynesulatyski2430]

@@MarkZabel I have a Godin XTSA that weighs a ton. but I love it. I am thinking about purchasing a radiator and if I do I certainly will mention you. Thanks Mark!

[@rutiger6901]

$849 plus tax makes sure I don't go to my music store with less than a thousand dollar bill here in Saskatchewan. But even so, my lust for that very model available in store is likely going to see me an owner within days. I love all that arborite on the front and headstock. It's Godin so there's no need to try before buy. But on the other hand: I have a Squier J Mascis jazzmaster that has the Jazzmaster sigle coil pups. The Radiator has Godin custom humbuckers. Will they sound really same?? Thanx for your review. You covered all the bases. The talking part was easy listening & the playing part was easy too.

[@MarkZabel]

Glad you enjoyed the review. I have no reservations recommending this guitar. High-quality parts and workmanship, so a great value. Enjoy the guitar! If you get a chance, let Godin know where you saw it!

[@jacobbockover1628]

Also I've owned an ht 5 it find them to be a thinner amp so this is really telling me a lot about that guitars tone

[@MarkZabel]

Excellent! IMHO the clean tone is great on this guitar.

[@timelwell7002]

I want one!

[@MarkZabel]

They're great guitars. Many can't get past the design of the big pickguard ... but they're fantastic guitars!

[@pedasijeff]

Godin are great guitarra, I own a few and have sold a few. Good as my Fender & Gibson imo.

[@MarkZabel]

Yes, this isn't the first I have played, but it's very nice IMHO.

[@LookinUp2001]

Great sounding guitar. Maybe the looks would grow on me, just not sure. It sure sounds good even so.

[@MarkZabel]

The looks aren't going to be for everyone. But if you like them (in whatever color) this guitar is just a high-quality guitar. The minute you pick it up you know.

[@jacobbockover1628]

I like that its kinda shaped like my pros single cut but certainly its own thing

[@MarkZabel]

PRS maybe? Yeah, the Godin Radiator definitely has its own vibe. Some people like it, some not so much. It has grown on me!

[@jacobbockover1628]

@@MarkZabel oh I certainly like it. In fact im looking into buying one after I go camping

[@MarkZabel]

@@jacobbockover1628 awesome! If you do, please let them know you saw this video.

[@yvesschonmacker9275]

Great review and great guitar. Question: Godin uses a wraparound style bridge. Are there any problems with intonation?

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks. I didn't notice any intonation issues, but it probably wasn't perfect. The compensated saddle design works fairly well.

[@yvesschonmacker9275]

Thanks for the reply! Great review!

[@tbone2451]

Sure sounds good, the looks are well different.

[@MarkZabel]

Agree it sounds great ... and it's unique for sure. If you want more traditional looks there's the Summit Classic. Right now they aren't offering basic models, but they often sell for under $1000. www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SumCLConvGLD--godin-summit-classic-ct-convertible-gold

[@The_Rude_French_Canadian]

Bought this guitar brand new full price in January 2022 for 1000$ Canadian taxe included…went to get it setup same year October 2022 it’s now sold at 1300$ new 😂 I love this guitar!

[@MarkZabel]

It's a great guitar!

[@daniel_chayra]

OH DAMN!!!!

[@MarkZabel]

LOL!!

[@JBM_71]

Not usually a fan of humbuckers but they sound really nice clean! And, like I commented before on your interpretation of Don't let me down, and as a Beatle fan, I appreciate your little nod to Come together. (You have the anthology version too?) :)

[@MarkZabel]

Thanks John. I really like this guitar - especially clean. The only version I have of Come Together is on the original vinyl! I just wanted to play something in multiple places on the neck to show different timbre for the instrument.

[@imannonymous7707]

Nice clean tone and I'm not just saying that cuz I'm canadian ..lol They make great guitars with a nod to modern builds I'm still chasing vintage builds myself tho. But then again I'd be tickled pink if I was given one ....they're great guitars

[@MarkZabel]

Yes, they're great guitars ... hey wait, what are you asking me??? LOL!

[@imannonymous7707]

@@MarkZabel its ok mark you have already given us lots...really enjoyed the dont let me down vid ....cheers bro..thank you

[@MarkZabel]

@@imannonymous7707you're welcome!

[@ericj1332]

BTW, how do you adjust the intonation on that wrap around bridge?

[@MarkZabel]

There are 2 "grub screws" on the side that you adjust for intonation.

[@justinmckinney39]

This guitar is making me rethink Maple with flatwound strings . . . Mmm

[@MarkZabel]

I continue to enjoy the guitar. Flatwound strings might be nice to try with it.

[@brianwilliams7444]

Great guitar

[@ivanwesley8182]

I’ve been wanting a Les Paul Jr, just can’t save the cash, I think I might grab one of these instead and throw a P90 in the neck

[@MarkZabel]

It's a very nice guitar and that's a great idea!

[@someguyyouknow6420]

I pick this up at a local guitar store after watching this video, it is not lightweight at all. God if they decided to make it solid the notes would sustain forever lol Great guitar beats any standard LP any day.

[@MarkZabel]

How heavy is it?

[@someguyyouknow6420]

@@MarkZabel like a 335 not quite an LP

[@I_0..0_I]

Great guitar with a big flaw, the fixed bridge.

[@Mmtredty]

What's the fret size for this guitar?

[@MarkZabel]

Medium frets

[@rimah8412]

thinking of buying this is it worth the price ?

[@MarkZabel]

I think so. It's a high quality guitar.

[@AndyNyle]

I never seen a pick guard that comes with a full guitar

[@MarkZabel]

LOL! Yes, I hate to say it but it reminds me of Nigel Tufnel of Spinal Tap fame. I'm paraphrasing, "I look at this guitar and I ask how much more pickguard could it have. And I think 'none'. None more pickguard." You're either going to really like the looks or probably shy away. But it's unique for sure. And seriously, if you like the retro sort of vibe, this guitar is really nice!

[@AndyNyle]

@@MarkZabel I need to re-warch Spinal Tab. But also, wanted to give props to your cover of RBs solo on Since You've Been Gone. It is an incredible gem and I am amazed at how well you played it, even the fade out part is spot on!

[@glennlilley8608]

True story 20 minutes ago her majesty walked in the house after doing,,,,,something grandmas do "What you watching? " A review of a guitar! "Looks like your L6" Offs! Then you put it on the bridge pickup! Yup, I can see what they're aiming for here

[@MarkZabel]

Ha! I've never played an L6, but you're right. Have to say the neck on this guitar is very nice. It's not as chunky as Gibsons usually are (not sure if that's ideal for me, but many will like that), but man, that fretboard is a rounded as all get out!

[@glennlilley8608]

@@MarkZabel I must admit, I do like the older profile, a bit deep but not too wide, possibly because 60 odd years have passed and I don't move so well, anyway, an honest articulate review, nice one Mark

[@MarkZabel]

@@glennlilley8608 Thanks Glenn!

[@23skidoo46]

sorry, I just can't get past that big ass pickguard. lol not for me.

[@calvinevans6347]

Same for me. I don't care for pickguards that dominate the front of a guitar.

[@MarkZabel]

Yep, I get it. One wonders why the designers chose to do it. Makes it unique I guess.

[@jhkuno88]

I dont think it works on this videos model, but the black and pearl model i do like it. It really looks great.

[@pedasijeff]

Godin are great guitarra, I own a few and have sold a few. Good as my Fender & Gibson imo.

[@anthonyarnett8774]

Why did you sell them?

[@MarkZabel]

Yes, great guitars. I had an old SD24 years ago I also sold. Kind of wish I kept it! I didn't love the styling, but it was a great guitar.

[@pedasijeff]

@@anthonyarnett8774 I sold my Core's to get the newer Core CT's as they had more lower fret acess. The mutiac wasn't my cup of tea. Only complaint is after a year my Havana burst Metrópolis the bridge is lifting.