I bought the CMG Ashlie because of this video. I ordered it in January this year and got it in the mail by April. Every guitar is hand made, hence why it took 4 months to build. Working with the owner, Chris Mitchell and Lane, the builder was a pleasure. We worked out what I wanted and they both were happy to answer any questions I may have had. The guitar itself? I was blown away by the quality. This guitar looks and plays like a dream. I got mine in Statesboro Blue with block inlays and a heavy duty gig bag. Total cost: $950! I've had it since April and I can honestly say, it's become one of the guitars I reach for the most. It's got that Les Paul vibe in the front, but when yo flip it over there's a belly cut, very similar to a Strat with an African Mahogany back! Beautiful wood grains. The guitar sings even when it's unplugged. This truly is a guitar I'm going to cherish for a long time!
Carvin is an underappreciated guitar maker, in my opinion. I've been playing Carvins for 35 years and they are incredibly well-made and surprisingly well-priced for the quality. In fact, my 83 CM130 Koa is worth about 3 times what I paid for it new, meaning Carvin has vintage appeal, which not all guitar makers have. Kiesel is essentially the same but they've elevated their finishes to an almost fine art level. Beautiful axes.
I just received my second guitar from Benford's shop. A custom T which is like a Telecaster actually it's not a telecaster it's more like a strat with a T pickup configuration forearm bevel belly cut quilted maple top. Both guitars I bought from Benford are absolutely amazing instruments. He hasn't got any more for sale at the moment, (I think he mostly just does custom builds). I was so lucky to pick up both of his guitars that he had for sale on the website at the time that this video was made. I bought him out at $1000 for the AshS and $1200 for the T Custom and paid the import taxes and had both guitars shipped to the UK. I rate Benford Guitars as the highest quality guitar builder that I have ever seen in my life. The instruments are amazing quality and he does custom builds for less than a grand on his price list. Highly, highly, rated builder. Great guitars, indeed. If you want a great guitar with amazing intonation, amazing resonance and choice pickups (of your choice) check out Benford guitars. I'm thinking about asking him for a third guitar as well but I'm going to wait to see what comes out of his shop next in case he has anything else custom built.
I love your channel, man. You're educational, you're eloquent, and as far as I can tell, you're honest and that's important. Grove and Will are honest as well, but it's nice to take a break from the way they do things and remember that guitars are awesome and that we all love them.
Made in America would be 100% correct. Not so much if stamped made in the USA. Considering most maple wood for guitars falls from Canada....what difference does it make :P
I agree! And Canada is a part of North American, hence they are also American. Let us be exact: there is a distinction between American made and U.S.A. made.
Well, it beats living with my mom, like you do. Also, it's "wino," unless, of course, that was some sort of failed attempt at a pun. And you're calling me an idiot? If you were legal drinking age, and not some 15 year old, pimpled-faced loser, you'd know that.
Urban dictionary? Oh, that's a reliable source. Why don't you use your brain, and think through it "logically," Nate. Do they call them winos, because they drink cheap wine to excess? Or, do they call them "whinos," which makes absolutely no sense? Jeez, dude. I'd love for you to point out my grammatical errors, Nate. Make sure that you check with Urban Dictionary first, though.
Great review. One major challenge with smaller builder guitars is the trade in/resale market is non-existent so it can make it difficult to move it on if you don't jel with it. And when you are ordering direct returns can also be problematic. In any event Keisel and Godin are phenomenal values.
I have a Benford. Steve is AWESOME to work with and I got a quality instrument built to my specs. I had custom Arcane pickups made and sent to Steve and he installed them for me. Very happy with my purchase!!
I tried a CMG Ashlee a little while ago and it was fantastic and value per dollar it punches way above its weight. The CMG came stock with DiMarzio 36th Anniversaries, TonePro hardware, etc., etc., etc. If I were looking for a new LP style guitar the Ashlee would be #1 on my list.
I've played one of the Godin Sessions, and it was amazing for a sort of mid-range Strat-style guitar. Felt amazing, epic tuning stability... Godin are hard to beat. And since I'm Canadian, I feel a kinship with the company.
After 45 years of playing every other brand, I tried a PRS and haven`t looked back. I`ve never played a bad one at any price point. The S2 Satins are a helluva lot of guitar with their own sound. The necks are amazing. Love to hear what you think.
Phillip, I just discovered your channel tonight and I want you to know I appreciate your informative an unbiased videos. I tour with my band playing my custom shop les Paul and I love learning about the other toys out there!
Hey sir, I'd just like to let you know how much I appreciate you making these videos. Very high quality and well made! This helped me very much with finding a relatively cheap, les paul style guitar. Have a good one!
Some Awesome Guitars here. One Gibson which really needs to be mentioned though is the SG Special. Its a great guitar and pretty much equals the standard other than a few minor differences and less colour choices.
Phillip, Just checking back. I'd love to hear how this ended up. I know you were planning to purchase a guitar from one of these guys. I've tried one of them with not so great results, and I've purchased a Crimson Custom for much more money,, actually two Crimson Customs with Fantastic results. they were double the price and more than double the $1000.00 price point but WOW what a great guitar and fantastic builder all but in the UK. I'm ready to try another custom build and would appreciate some feedback on how this turned out. Thank you Sir. BtW, you can get a Crimson "ONE" guitar for just about $1500.00 and some of that is because of the import duties. I think ithe actual MSRP is 850 GBP which shoud be something like 1300.00 US plus $200 Duties and tax for $1500.00. They are perfection. Just sayin.
I love Godins too. I have a Freeway Classic and a Freeway SA and both are great. Used to have an SD but it was stolen. WHich was a shame because that was my favorite of the 3 (and one of my favorites of all my guitars.)
I first heard of CMG from this video. After a few years of deliberation, I ordered an Ashlee, in Gatlin Burst with custom abalone palm tree inlays, that Chris designed. It is EXACTLY what I wanted. The inlays pushed the price a little over a thousand dollars, but is well worth it.
CMG Ashlee! I visited the shop yesterday. I met Chris and Ashlee along with all the employees making the guitars. Great people and great products both Guitars and amps.
Honestly hes already doing well in his business from my perspective, id much rather prefer if some "underdog" company could get a guitar review instead.
Im building just about 12 guitars a year. Im finding selling them online to be a challenge. Guitars are high end. I make them by hand. The instruments IMHO... Are as good as anything Ive seen in the fender custom shop. It's why I started making guitars was I couldn't afford the custom shop.. SO I made my own. But I find it tough to sell these things... For one.. They're way better then my photographs. Don't do them justice. I spend a month setting these things up. I literally play the thing for a month and work out any buzzes.. Etc.. So when you get the guitar... It's ready to go.. It's not a mess setup wise. So there's my guitar sitting there trying to sell along 2,000 plus other guitars. I mean it's on like page 8 on reverb. Im almost thinking id be better off selling them at farmers markets, fairs.. Cause you gotta play one of these things... They feel exactly like what I was trying to make... A high end fender custom level guitar. People are comfortable paying 3K for a fender cause people know them price point already established. I mean.. Im buying parts.. Ill throw $1000 just in hardware. Cause I want the best. But how do I show my customers this when all they can do is see a picture on a website with a million other guitars?
I have a Godin Session, not the custom 59, just the base Session. I bought it 4 years ago and haven't regretted it at all. It's an amazing guitar, sounds awesome, plays awesome and I haven't had a single issue with it. I've played it live and others who've played it can't believe I only paid $500 Canadian for that guitar. I'd buy another Godin in a heartbeat.
My CMG Ashlee is my favorite guitar I've ever owned. Mine was $1299 but that was because it was a "Stripey" model, which I simply had to have. Their sub $1000 guitars are equally good, IMHO. I've owned several Gibsons, American Strats, and a variety of other guitars. It's priced in the middle price point of the guitars I've owned. Also, when you correspond with them, Chris Mitchell himself is usually who you'll be dealing with and he's a really nice and helpful guy. I'm going to be getting one of their new hollow bodies soon.
Gibson Les Paul Jr. $599 with hardshell case. glossy nitro finish, no nonsense amazing guitar. I may be biased, but for 600 bucks it doesn't get much better
Noel E True, ButCanada has much better working conditions that are arguably better even the US. If anything Canadian made parts makes Godin even more impressive for the price.
Jack The muffin Who's to say fender doesn't bring truckloads of guitars from Mexico and stamp whatever they want on the headstock..money hungry businesses forgot about the small guy a long time ago.
Les Paul Jr is way under a grand. And it's hands down, one of the most aggressive sounding and delightful to play guitars they make;-) That said, I'd love to have the cash to buy a Gelvin, a Fletcher and a Crimson. Too bad, being a stay-home dad pays lousy;-)
I've owned a Benford guitar for over 10 years now. Great guitar for the money. Steve Benford makes some really affordable and quality instruments. Can't go wrong with a Benford. My buddy owns two custom Benfords that are as good as any Fender this side of the custom shop.
For acoustic guitars, the Martin Custom D is all wood and under $1000. I got one for $899 and it sounds great. I tweaked it with ebony pegs and a bone saddle.
Lets get clear about *Godin* guitars. They're all 100% Made in Canada (with the exception of couple of models assembled in New Hampshire - USA, but of Canadian made parts). They are made out of native Canadian woods (with the exception of rosewood, ebony and, the latest addition, resinator compound fretboards). Quality wise, they can easily compete with any USA made equivalent and beat all the Mexi/Asian imports hands down. Here are Canadian prices of three guitars that I own: ~ Solid body "S" type *Session* (HSS) - $ 579 CND ~ Hollow body archtop *5th Avenue CW Kingpin II* (w/ two P-90's) - $ 995 CND ~ Semi-hollow/nylon strings *Multiac Encore SG* - $ 849 CND The next on my "Must Have" list is another "S" type *Progression Plus* - $ 995 CND Pricing in US $'s can be found on *Sweetwater* website: www.sweetwater.com/ I would have to be legally declared an insane and completely dumb, if I ever pay a penny for any Squire/Mexi-Strat, or largely overpriced and overrated Gibson/Chibson imports. 🐳 ♫♫ ❀(~‿~)❀ ♫♫ P.S. See *Godin's* website for spec's/selection: www.godinguitars.com/ and/or *Long-McQuade* to confirm current (Canadian) pricing: www.long-mcquade.com/
Godin. Please check out Sublime Guitar Company. Incredible guitars at an excellent price. I purchased their Millennia Stripe model and love it. It's the only one here in Oregon as of right now.
Thank you for posting these informative videos. It is a relief that there is absolutely no BS involved. I am contemplating buying a new guitar and you have been most helpful
Hi Phillip, My nod goes to either one of the small "hands on" builders, which ever one you feel we would maybe try. You must have been a teacher of some kind because your videos are always the best, and because of your communication skills, I always come away having learned enough to impress my 25 year old "guitar virtuoso" son. I'm 63 years old, newly retired after driving a truck for 40 years. Having raised five kids working 75 hour weeks, it isn't until now I have time to learn guitar. I really need help deciding which guitar to buy. I love all kinds of music and have written lyrics for years without ever putting any to music. I feel blues or jazz would probably be most suited to my tastes these days. Another issue is I don't want to buy something my guitar playing son would feel is junk. He will end up with it of course someday. My budget is around $1000, so if you have any suggestions, I would appreciate it very much. Thanks again for all your videos, Ron
The Godin LGXT is also quite worth the money if you are ever looking for a piezo / midi option. Great feeling neck as well and I like the acoustic feel of the graphic eq when it come to the piezo feature.
What great guitars. I have one, the 45 rpm. it was a prototype. Have a custom on the way made of Elm. Can't wait. Ben is great to work with and very responsive, hands on and top quality. Theirs are a bit over the $1000.00 mark as their lower prices of 850.00 GBP is $1229.00 US plus you have shipping and customs.
Great video, and it’s cool how useful this video seems to be to so many people. Hope you are feeling better. You looked a bit under the weather a few weeks ago.
While it doesn't fit your list I would love to hear your comments/reactions to Eastman guitars. Starting to see a bunch of these showing up in Nashville pl ayers hands.
Great video. With that said, Canada is part of America, just like Mexico and all Central American/South American countries, so technically, Godin is American made. (Before you beat me up, yes, I do realize you meant "USA" made...)
Jeffrey Haefner trolling him? He is apparently battling depression. You should be ashamed. He got medical and financial issues and you try to make it even harder for him
Deathmode Official You can’t take him too seriously. I’m not sure what’s up with him. Sometimes users post some very civil comments objecting to his statements, and after a few polite exchanges, he replies all of a sudden with some obscene remark about banging your mom or something. I just laugh. I had a similar exchange with him recently, and I simply trolled him back. So something’s up in his head. But in spite of this, I still like his channel and his videos.
majav15mg the comment I'm talking about had no polite exchange, someone disagreed and his immediate response was something rude and fucked up. Can someone also tell him double cutaway guitars aren't revolutionary and neither are one piece guitars, he's literally doing things a bunch of people have done before and acts like he's better than any other company.
Deathmode Official His videos are very helpful and informative but... goddamn, the guy is unstable as hell. I don’t know if it’s a phase or what because he certainly doesn’t come across as such in his first videos. His hostility towards the slightest thing he finds dumb is just unbelievable. I just watched his Dumb Bastard of the Week (DBOTW I think) video... and it is just rife with empty insults and vulgarity towards users who merely remark upon something in a way that triggers him.
Carvin Bolt, which may be the best value of all, since you can order it in Kit form and assemble yourself. That is what I did. It was $400, but that was about five years ago I think it is more now. And with the carvin there all sorts of pickup choices, necks, and etc you can choose from. Mostly the big name low price models have little you can customize or nothing in terms of ordering the guitar. Anyway that is my vote, and my reason.
Hey Phil, what amp you suggest me for Jazz Class & Perform in an auditorium, while my favorite is Heavy Metal? Im so headache since my blackstar core20 didn't sound great in that big room
Benford. They have a standard line for $625-$800+, 1/2 custom for $975+, and full custom for $1375+. So, whatever you want for under $1001. The only stipulation I would add is that the pickups be hum canceling. The Z-coil demos sound great. Never played them myself but they are the best sounding hum canceling "single" coils I have ever heard. Love the strat neck pickup sound. Hate the hum and hiss. I also like the sound of Gretch pickups in the neck position. I prefer that bridge pickups sound loud and fat, neck pickups clear and not over powering the bridge, when played with zero distortion. Distortion adds compression so that evens things out. I like clean electric as much as full raging fuzz, but, I hate how neck pickups tend to swamp bridge pickups when played clean. Oh, and seperate volume and tone controls per pickup. Oh, and see what he can do about the heel block not being a big block that gets in the way. Maybe an SG? OK, that was 3 stipulations. Straight string pull, 4 stipulations. I like black or brown wood grain finishes. But, this is your guitar. I think I'm finally done. Can we have a bass instead?
I just bought from Benford Guitars the Jade Green Telecaster featured on the video plus his AshS Super Custom (both guitars were the only ones he had for sale after I saw this video) but he'll custom build you anything you want. The quality from Benford Guitars is absolutely amazing the tone, the woods, the accuracy of the instruments and his choice of pickups as well - the guy Steve Benford is a genius guitar builder. I've never seen such a high quality guitar in my life as he builds. Check out his website in detail he also has a video on there with a tour of his factory where he builds em. They are to be fair the best guitars I've ever seen or played in my life, bar none. Not only are they cheap, the quality is absolutely incredible. All thumbs up for Benford Guitars go and check it out !!!
Hey, great listing... Just found this out! So what was the guitar you bought? Could you update the description with a link to that guitar review? Thanks!
Thanks for the video! Very informative. Based on reseach I did, I pulled the trigger and ordered a Benford S-Standard (strat model). Will let you know how it is when I recieve it in a few weeks. Thanks again. THe information you provide in these videos is really great, especially for those of us who aren't so in the loop.
Any thoughts or opinions on Zane Guitars? I know of quite a few guitarists from different artists and bands who play custom Zane's but they have a couple models under the 1K price point and I'm curious how those compare. They are also American based in Wisconsin.
hey dude awesome videos and im just wondering have you ever heard of the peavey impact torinos i have one in brown type thing cant find much abbout them theyre a great guitar
All for seeing a Gelvin get reviewed. Also don't forget about Halo and Legator guitars. Both California made I believe and both have models under $1000
Just had a Kiesel Aries built. I own a couple of Les Pauls, a nice strat, PRS SE Tremonti and a Schecter. The Kiesel plays better than any guitar I've ever picked up. The build quality is amazing and the tone of their new pickups is fantastic. I'll keep the Les Paul because it was built well, plays almost as nice as the Kiesel but above all, it has a great tone.
If you go to Benford Guitars their standard prices for custom build starts at $600-$800 custom USA hand-built. That's as cheap as a bag of chips (as we say in the UK) or a bag of fries (as you say in the USA). And you get something so amazing and fantastic that it's worth at least 4 times the price you pay for it.
As a Canadian and Seagull s6 owner, I love Godin (Godain to pronounce it properly ;-) ) They make amazing guitars for very reasonable prices with Canadian harvested wood and built and assembled in North America. my second favorite is the CNG guitar with the stripe effect - looks amazing. Thank you for this video, I love seeing all of these amazing guitars built north of Mexico in North America for under $1000. I will consider all of these small guitar builders for a future guitar to hang with my tele, strat and Les Paul :-)
I'am canadian and i owned 6 different godin so far all amazing. I couldn't keep all those so i kept the wonderful freeway classic! I had 2 SD's 1 XTSA with Synth 1 artisan 1 LG. I'm trying to get my hands on some other models like a Radiatior or the velocity because they are great. So review those Godin!
I' love to see you do a review of the Ibanez AG95 full hollow body guitar that sells for $649. Ya, it's a Japanese design made in China but I'm amazed at the quality parts and production. None of the dealers or even the distributor here in Brazil seem interested in selling them. I had to go to the US to buy it. My buddy, who is a metal player liked it so well he bought one for himself. When I was searching for a good jazz box I wanted a true hollow body arch top, a tail piece that would be easy to change strings on, a tune-o-matic bridge so I could adjust the intonation, great alico humbucker pickups and a reasonable price. This guitar fit that list. I didn't care about wood finish but fell in love with the bubinga and the gold hardware was a huge plus also. Please check one out.
A few years ago I was at the Sam Ash music store in Charlotte North Carolina, and I saw a USA-made BC Rich Warlock made in 1988 for somewhere around $550. And when I played it there were no problems with it. You can't beat that. I regret not buying it.
