Pricing and availability

Average Price: $450

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Godin Richmond Empire is a bold statement in the world of solid body electric guitars, blending classic design with modern craftsmanship. Made with a mahogany body, this guitar delivers a rich and lively tone, perfect for musicians seeking versatility and depth in their sound. The pairing of a low-noise single-coil pickup at the neck and a custom humbucker at the bridge offers a dynamic range of tonal possibilities—from jangly and bright to deep and growling, making it ideal for a variety of genres from classic rock to blues.

What truly sets the Empire apart is Godin's proprietary Ergocut shaping technique, which refines the neck's contour for an incredibly smooth playing experience. This innovative design, combined with a 24.75" scale length and a rosewood fingerboard, ensures comfort whether you're playing intricate solos or powerful chords. The retro-inspired look is complemented by high-ratio tuning machines, a chrome wraparound bridge, and a black pickguard, making it as visually striking as it is sonically impressive.

This guitar is not just about looks and sound; it's also about value. Complete with a deluxe gig bag, the Godin Richmond Empire is ready to be your go-to guitar, whether on stage or in the studio.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body for rich, resonant tones
  • 24.75" scale length
  • Ergocut rosewood fingerboard for enhanced playability
  • Low-noise single-coil neck pickup and custom humbucker bridge pickup
  • High-ratio tuning machines and chrome wraparound bridge
  • Includes deluxe gig bag

Product specs

Brand Godin
Model Richmond Empire
Finish Black with White Pickguard
Year 2010s
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Godin Richmond Empire use?

The Godin Richmond Empire in Black features two Custom Godin humbuckers, providing a rich, full sound suitable for various music styles.

Is the Godin Richmond Empire suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Godin Richmond Empire is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable single cutaway body and ergonomic design, making it easy to play.

What is the neck construction of the Godin Richmond Empire?

The Godin Richmond Empire features a bolt-on mahogany neck, which offers a sturdy feel and contributes to the guitar's bright tone.

How does the Godin Richmond Empire's scale length affect playability?

The 24.75" scale length of the Godin Richmond Empire provides a slightly shorter fret spacing, making it easier for players with smaller hands to navigate the fretboard.

What kind of bridge does the Godin Richmond Empire have?

The Godin Richmond Empire is equipped with a chrome wraparound bridge, which offers stable tuning and easy intonation adjustments.

Guitares Godin Officiel / Godin Guitars Official

Guitares Godin Officiel / Godin Guitars Official

Richmond Empire by Godin

Video thumbnail for Richmond Empire by Godin by Guitares Godin Officiel / Godin Guitars Official

Richmond Empire by Godin

Guitares Godin Officiel / Godin Guitars Official

Guitares Godin Officiel / Godin Guitars Official

Video thumbnail for Godin Richmond Empire under $500! by Guitar Player Magazine

Godin Richmond Empire under $500!

Guitar Player Magazine

Guitar Player Magazine

Video thumbnail for Godin Richmond Empire by David Sheldon / Exes For Eyes

Godin Richmond Empire

David Sheldon / Exes For Eyes

David Sheldon / Exes For Eyes

Video thumbnail for Richmond Empire by Godin - en Francais by Guitares Godin Officiel / Godin Guitars Official

Richmond Empire by Godin - en Francais

Guitares Godin Officiel / Godin Guitars Official

Guitares Godin Officiel / Godin Guitars Official

Reviews

Critic Reviews

Richmond Empire Mahogany Electric Guitar Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

Richmond's Empire combines budget-friendly pricing with solid craftsmanship, reminiscent of classic guitars like the Gibson Melody Maker. Its lightweight mahogany body and simple controls deliver impressive resonance and a versatile tonal range thanks to a humbucker and a single-coil pickup. The guitar excels in punk, garage, and blues-rock styles, providing snappy responses and sustain that can enhance fuzz effects. However, the lack of adjustable saddles raises concerns about future intonation issues and the Kluson-style tuners could complicate string changes. Still, for $500, the Empire is an exceptional value that delivers a wealth of sound and comfort, making it a worthy addition for players seeking a straightforward rock machine.

positive

Richmond Empire | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

The Richmond Empire combines retro aesthetics with modern craftsmanship, showcasing a well-constructed body and comfortable neck that resonate beautifully. While its tones are versatile and engaging—blending old-school vibes with contemporary grit—the instrument may feel limited in its intermediate-grade stature. The single-coil and humbucker pickups deliver solid sound, especially for genres like blues and punk. However, players seeking extreme tonal versatility or aggressive output might find themselves wanting more. Overall, for its price, the Empire is a fun, stylish option that can hold its own in various settings, even if it has its quirks.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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hollywoodcrash

A truly great Canadian-made guitar.

This is the third guitar I've had with the wrap-around bridge, and this is the best of the lot. My palm does not get abraded by the string ends, the guitar intonates well, straightest neck possible, and the P90's (by Godin) sound great. Light body, good balance, great tuners, and I personally like the location of the pick-up selector switch. The pick guard does show signs of wear after many hours playing.

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