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Godin Dorchester bass

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Page last updated Aug 11, 2025

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Description

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Experience the harmonious blend of vintage appeal and modern craftsmanship with the Godin Dorchester bass. This electric bass guitar stands out with its distinctive semi-hollow design, which not only provides a visually striking profile but also contributes to a resonant and rich tonal quality. Designed for both comfort and performance, the Dorchester features a short scale length that makes it incredibly easy to play, perfect for both seasoned bassists and those new to the instrument.

The Dorchester is equipped with two Godin passive pickups that deliver a versatile sound palette, from deep, throaty lows to bright, punchy highs. These pickups are controlled through a simple yet effective setup of volume and tone knobs, allowing you to dial in your desired sound with precision. Its maple neck and rosewood fingerboard provide smooth playability, ensuring that your fingers glide effortlessly across the frets.

This bass is not just about looks and sound; it's built for reliability. The high-quality hardware ensures stable tuning, even during the most demanding performances. Whether you’re laying down the groove in a live setting or recording in the studio, the Godin Dorchester bass is a solid choice for any musician who values quality and style.

Key Features:

Semi-hollow body design for enhanced resonance
Short scale length for easy playability
Two Godin passive pickups for versatile sound
Simple volume and tone control knobs
Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
High-quality hardware for stable tuning

Videos

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Alberto Rigoni

Godin Dorchester 4 string bass - review

Alberto Rigoni

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Godin Dorchester Short Scale Bass - UpFront Guitars

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Godin Dorchester Short Scale Bass - Cosmo Music at NAMM 2018

Cosmo Music - The Musical Instrument Superstore!

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Godin Dorchester bass.

Comparisons

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Owners compare its tone to a Rickenbacker, offering a "growly and deep" sound with less jangle.
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Build quality

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Made in Canada with maple wood, it feels as solid as a MiA Fender.
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Features and functionality

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Equipped with P90 pickups, offering a unique tonal character different from more common setups.
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The bass has been noted for its responsive controls, allowing for precise tonal adjustments, which is beneficial in studio settings.
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Use cases and applications

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While expected for vintage 60s rock and blues, its tone is versatile enough for heavy genres similar to early Metallica.
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The Godin Dorchester bass is praised for its versatility, being suitable not only for 60s rock and blues but also for experimental and diverse genres.
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Value and pricing

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Discontinued, but available under MSRP, with some owners acquiring them for around $600 to $750.
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User experience

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Some find it uncomfortable for live use, but ideal for studio sessions due to its tonal quality.
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One owner mentions the Dorchester’s short scale as a positive feature, making it ideal for those looking for comfort and ease of playability.
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Setup and maintenance

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Action is slightly higher than preferred, but it comes well-intonated from the factory.
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Some owners have noticed the factory setup may have high action, recommending adjustments to lower it for better playability.
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Mods and upgrades

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Users suggest replacing the stock bridge with a heavier model for improved sustain and tuning stability.
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Critic Reviews

Godin Richmond Series Belmont & Dorchester Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Godin Dorchester bass showcases impressive craftsmanship and unique design, but its tonal performance leaves much to be desired. While it boasts a comfortable playability and sleek retro aesthetics, the sound lacks the depth and character expected from an instrument in its price range. Additionally, concerns about build quality and the potential for microphonic feedback detract from its overall appeal. Musicians looking for a reliable workhorse might find it falls short, despite its attractive price point.

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