Godin A-6 Acoustic/Electric

The color of this guitar is beautiful! It always turns heads!The neck feels great. I love the light weight and the fact that it has no sound hole. The EQ is very good as well.

I love the sound. It's very distinguishable. I can hear a Godin sometimes just by hearing it being played in a band. LOL. Depending on how you set up your amp you can get a deep rich sound or twangy. I love the rich and sound and you can mix the acoustic bridge sound with the magnetic pickup to get a = unique sound.

The action was perfect and the store I bough it from (Glades Guitars in Hollywood, FL) they did a free setup for me and everything. They are very cool guys there. I found no flaws in the paint or body at all.

It is very durable but you have to take very good care of it as with any guitar. Everything seems solid.

Like I said the guys at Glades Guitars in Hollywood, FL have been awesome! And since they are authorized dealers they get quick response times from Godin.

I LOVE MY GODIN A6 ULTRA!!

Features have been well covered. I got this A6 new back in 2005, deeply discounted because of "demo" dings and such. The mom-and-pop music store here was basically trying to move it out for newer (Godin) inventory. I played on it for almost a year at that store, everytime I went in for strings and stuff - plugging it in different amps and effects. The sales guy noticed my fondness for this guitar and made the offer. I decided I couldn't pass up the discount for this baby. Pretty basic electronics, considering what's out there currently. But it's all you need for this guitar. I have the natural satin finish - which over time, seems to be getting glossy in spots... maybe 'cause I'm wiping it down too often? This axe is pretty nifty and versatile for most types of music I play. The included gig bag is decent enough, but very little protection for real gigging. I'm still looking for a hard case... it's shaped like a Telecaster, but will not fit standard electric cases made for Strats/Teles. I emailed Godin and they said they don't make a hard case for the A6.. which is BULL, because I've seen the A6 on eBay that included the original Godin A6 hard case. So for "acoustic" gigs, I've been using my Godin Flat Five X hard case with extra foam inside to keep the A6 from sliding around. Yeah, I got the Flat Five X too... but that's another review.

I play through a (discontinued) Marshall AS80R and a Fishman Loudbox 100. Sounds Great plugged straight in to either. Prefer the Loudbox. Very rich sounding acoustic voice all its own. I won't compare it to any other standard acoustic guitar.. because it's not one. And of course through effects, you can make it sound almost like any other electric guitar. The under saddle pickup is extremely sensitive, though you've got to turn down most of the mids and some bass off for a convincing acoustic tone. There's NO feedback problem because there's NO soundhole - which I love! I've experimented with various strings on this axe. Godin recommends Electric 10's, which feel a little loose and buzzy. With Elixir acoustic light gauge (12-53) it has a very tight feel in standard tuning which is fine for Drop D and other alternate tunings. With Elixir custom lights (11-52), it's not as tight - but still doesn't feel right - same with Elixir extra lights. I've finally settled with Elixir electric mediums exclusively (11-49), giving enough heft and bend-ability. I use Elixirs 'cause they last longer, reduces string squeak and they just feel good (to me). Your mileage may vary.

I was initially impressed with the "minimal esthetic's" on this guitar. It's not too fancy or "loud looking", basic electronics and a nice fit and feel. With each string set type, I had to tweak the truss rod. With my final string choice (Elixir Electric Mediums), the action is perfect. Enough heft and playability for jazz chords and lead runs. Neck is fast, smooth and comfortable. Except for the "demo dings", finish is okay. Like I mentioned, it's starting to look glossy in spots.

This definitely holds up on gigs... many, many gigs! I use it mainly as a backup/addition to my Taylor 514ce, on acoustic songs that "require" more lead work. And with effects, this axe does convincing blues and rock sounds too. For my playing style - this hybrid of an axe is indispensable for performing! It's not a T5 - but it gets the job done! The strap buttons were Schaller Strap-Lock ready too - Way Cool!

As mentioned, I emailed Godin about a hard case - they could have said that they've discontinued it or it's not currently available. But it was a crock for them to say that they don't make one for this guitar, when I've seen the item before. Maybe the guy was new..

Gonna be 49.. been playing over 35 years.. lots and lots of gear over the years.. good stuff, crappy stuff and in-between stuff. The Godin A6 has proved to be some of the good stuff in my inventory. Currently, I wouldn't gig without it! Fit, feel, looks and sound - The overall quality is excellent - and for the price.. it's even better!

You know all the specifics by now.

I have the natural - satin finish version.

I replaced the electric strings with a set of Martin SP Extra Lights - they added a much better "acoustic" sound to the guitar.

I wish the preamp had a battery power indicator, and possibly a built in tuner, but this is no biggie. The A6 has everything I need.

If you are looking for a guitar to play unplugged, this is definately not the guitar you should be looking at. But, if you are looking for a great sounding guitar to plug-in and record or perform live with....WOW!

This A6 has a beautiful full tone. You do need to EQ out the midrange quite a bit, but so do most piezo pick-ups. I ususally play direct to the board via a DI box. I've been told that this guitar sounds better plugged-in than my Martin DC16RGTE. I have received nothing but accolades about the sound of the A6.

Absolutely no problems here. The A6 is a very sharp looking, quality made guitar.

It plays better than a lot of electrics I have played. The wood is pristine and very smooth. The hard mable kneck with rosewood fretboard is very comfortable and fast. The frets are dressed very nicely. The set-up from the factory is spot-on. No buzzing anywhere.

This is a well built guitar, I don't suspect any issues here. I take real good care of my guitars, but I am not afraid to take the A6 out live and have some fun with it.

I have never had to deal with Godin guitars, but the dealer I purchased the guitar from, was great and stands by this guitar 100%. I don't expect to have any problems with the A6.

I have been playing for about 25 years. I play mainly contemporary Christan music.

I love this guitar, I prefer to play this one over my other acoustics. It plays like an electric and sounds like a dreamy acoustic...can't get any better than that.

If this guitar was stolen, after I got done crying, I would immediately dry my eyes and go out to buy another one.

Satin finish, LR Baggs pickup, 22 frets,active pickup. It came with a padded Godin case nice but I would not throw anything heavy on it. Other features have been described in earlier posts. I love the neck on this thing ,plays great !

I find it has a very clear sound.The eq makes it possible to get a good acoustic tone. You can really crank the volume on this baby without the fear of feedback, one has to be careful with the bottom end so it doesn't become boomy. i have had other acoustic guitars and really enjoy playing this one the most.

The guitar was set up very well. I did not see any flaws and it's a good looking guitar

I would take care with any guitar I play but it seems durable . A friend has one and he plays quite hard and over the years this guitar seems to take the abuse and he is abusive with it-no case,leaves it in the bar at night, bangs on it etc..

Never had to deal with Godin. Dealer warranties his stuff. No worries here

I have had other acoustic guitars and am am loving this one the most. It came with electric strings which Godin recommends, and it did sound good, but I changed to acoustic strings and feel that it sounds much better. Sure it doesn't sound like a Taylor unplugged but that's not what this guitar is about. You won't get any other acoustic to sound this good and loud without a major amount of eq ing etc.. I LOVE the neck on this guitar I find it so comfortable and it's nice being able to reach all the frets above the 12 fret without having to have a large hand. The sound is excellent and I constanly get people telling me how good this guitar sounds, I know that's why I bought it since a fiend had one and I was impressed with the sound he was getting. The neck is kinda like an ovation but better and I always hated the round body thing-could never get used to that. If you play electric guitar you will really like this guitar-sound wise,playability etc...

I am basically redoing this review, since my last one wound up with so many spelling mistakes it was embarrassing.
Finish: Black high gloss, single cutaway reminiscent of a telecaster
Acoustic guitar style bridge
Godin sealed tuners (six-a-side)
Neck 25.5 inch scale, 16inch radius, 1 11/16 inch nut width, rosewood fingerboard, medium frets.
Woods: Two chambered silver leaf maple body, solid cedar top, mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard
Volume, bass, middle and treble slider controls
Pickup: LR Baggs undersaddle transducer
Electronics: Active
Strings: Martin Bronze 12 to 53
Came with well padded gig bag, allen key

I play a wide range of music ranging from middle of the road ballads, Blues (Bonnie Raitt), folk (James Taylor), classic rock and blues and sentimental classics. I also play in a progressive rock band (Jethro Tull, Steely Dan, Toto, Eagles).

I have found the sound of my A6 extremely good, if slightly short of brilliant. Unplugged it sounds a little reedy. However, this instrument was not designed to be played unplugged, so that comment is inappropriate.

Plugged in, it has a better sound. The frequencies of the equaliser sliders have been carefully chosen so as to accentuate the sound quality. And it produces quite a nice tone, as long as you do not strum too hard, when the piezo quack kicks in.

However, plugged in through a Fishman Aura - now we are in a different world entirely. The Aura takes the piezo output and adds to it a sound image. Not all the images complement the A6, but image number 9 in program 13 is incredibly beautiful. I have tweaked the Aurain terms of the sound balance between aura and pick-up and I am frankly amazed with the sound I am getting.

The bronze acoustic strings (12 to 53) make the guitar feel like a proper acoustic, so you can that tactile feedback, whilst the effectively solid body renders feedback close to non-existent. Certainly in my hands feedback is eliminated. Sounds I just can not get from my Tayor 710ce or Taylor T5 (which is more of an electric guitar really).

The guitar was set up a little high at the factory, especially on the higher frets. My guitar tech sorted it out and now it feels great to play. No buzzing or string choke, just beautiful.

There is only one undersaddle pick up ??? which works fine with acoustic guitar strings and it sounds great. The bridge is properly routed and the fret wire looks very good. Indeed the guitar is finished so beautifully that many high end manufacturers would be proud of it. Bracing was aligned, frets were very nicely dressed, the finish was nice and the woods were good quality. Hardware seems fine with rust or oxidation. Tuning pegs are fine, as are the well cut nut and nicely fitting saddle.

I am sure it will withstand live gigging. I do it all the time. I am happy with the hardware, finish and strap buttons which all appear robust to me, but then I do not use it to attack people in pub-brawls.

It has been very dependable. It is easy as pie to get that beautiful sound out of her, and I would definitely depend on her for a gig. In fact I do not carry another acoustic guitar to my gigs.

Support: Never contacted them ??? I would not know. My dealer has been very helpful though.

I have been playing for 34 years. I asked mountains of questions before I bought this guitar. My main consideration was feedback resistance and I therefore short-listed a few guitars including
1. The Anderson Crowdster
2. The Yamaha Silent Guitar
3. The Kramer Condor
4. Gibson / Epiphone Chet Atkins SST

But I must say I am absolutely thrilled with the natural acoustic guitar sound I get with my Godin A6 (with my Fishman Aura of course, without which it would sound nice rather than spectacular).

If it were stolen I would buy another in a heartbeat.

I love the fact, that it feels natural, like a real acoustic guitar to play (heavy (12 to 54) strings. Also the neck is supposedly like an electric guitar (I am used to Taylor acoustic and Ibanez wizard necks) and this Godin A6 neck suits me just fine.

My favourite feature is the feedback resistance. I can get an equally good sound with my Taylor 710ce (proper dreadnought), but nowhere near the volume before feedback. And my T5 does not even come close.

A body selection switch like on the Variax would be lovely ??? and would expand the tonal palette of this guitar. But then, the Variax is more of a computer than a guitar???

Try on through a Fishman Aura, Program 13. You will be amazed.

Black high gloss finish, single cutaway reminiscent of a telecaster
Acoustic guitar style bridge
Godin sealed tuners (six-a-side)
Neck 25.5inch scale, 16inch radius, 1 11/16 inch nut width, rosewood fingerboard, medium frets.
Woods: Two chambered silver leaf maple body, Solid cedar top, Mahogany neck, Rosewood fingerboard
Volume, bass, middle and treble slider controls
Pickup: LR Baggs undersaddle transducer
Electronics: Active
Strings: Martin Bronze 12 to 54
Came with well padded gig bag, allen key

I play a wide range of music ranging from middle of the road ballads, Blues (Bonnie Raitt), folk (James Taylor), classic rock and blues and sentimental classics. I also play in a progressive rock band (Jethro Tull, Steely Dan, Toto, Eagles).

I have found the sound of my A6 extremely good, if not brilliant. Unplugged it sounds a little reedy (but this instrument was never designed to be played they was, so the comment is inappropriate)

Plugged in, it is a better sound. The frequencies of the equaliser sliders have been carefully chosen so as to accentuate the sound quality. And it procduces a passable tone, as long as you don???t slam hard, when the piezo quack kicks in???

Plugged in through a Fishman Aura - now we are in a different world. The sound is spectacular! The Aura takes the piezo output and matches it to a sound image. Not all the images all guitars but image number 9 (program 13 factory set up) is incredibly beautiful. I have tweaked the aura improving the sound balance between aura and pick-up and I am amazed with the soundd I am getting. The bronze acoustic strings (12 ??? 54) make it feel like a proper acoustic, so you can that tactile feedback, whilst the effectively solid body renders feedback close to non-existent, I say that because I???m sure one of you guys will be able to produce one that feeds back???! In my hands feedback is eliminated. Sounds I just don???t get from my Tayor710ce or Taylor T5 (which is more an electric guitar).

With the Aura, the sound is a 10. On its own the A6 is an 8.

The guitar was set up a little high at the factory, especially on the higher frets. My guitar tech sorted it out and now it feel great to play ??? no buzzing, string choke ??? just beautiful.

There???s only one undersaddle pick up ??? with work fine with acoustic guitar strings and it sounds great. The bridge was properly routed and the fret wire looked great ??? indeed the guitar was finished so beautifully that many manufacturers would be proud of it. Bracing was aligned, frets were very nicely dressed, the finish was nice and the woods were good quality. Hardware seem fine with no rust or oxidation (but its realy days yet...!). Tuning pegs are fine, as are the well cut nut, nicely fitting saddle.

I???m sure it will withstand live gigging; I use it all the time. I???m happy with the hardware, finish and strap buttons which all appear appear robust to me, but I don???t use it to attack people in pub-brawls.

It has been very dependable. Its easy as pie to get that same sound out of her???and I would definitely depend on her for a gig. If fact I don???t carry another acoustic guitar to my gigs.

Never contacted them ??? I wouldn???t know. My dealer has been very helpful though.

I???ve been playing 34 years. I asked mountains of questions before I bought this guitar. My main consideration was feedback resistance and I therefore short-listed a few guitars including
1. The Anderson Crowdster
2. The Yamaha Silent Guitar
3. The Kramer Condor
4. The Godin Multian Steel
5. Gibson / Epiphone Chet Atkins SST and a few others.

But I must say I am absolutely thrilled with the natural acoustic guitar sound I get with my Godin A6 (plus of course my Fishman Aura, without which it would sound reasonable, but not spectacular).

If it were stolen I???d buy another in a heartbeat.
I love the fact, that it feels natural, like a real acoustic guitar to play (heavy (12 ??? 54) strings. Also the neck is supposedly like an electric guitar (I???m used to Taylor acoustic and Ibanez wizard necks) and this Godin A6 neck suits me just fine.

My favourite feature is its feedback resistance. I can get an equally good sound with my Taylor 710ce (proper dreadnought), but nowhere near the volume before feedback. My T5 doesn???t even come close...!

A body selection switch like on the Variax would be lovely ??? and would expand the tonal palette of this guitar. But then, the variax is more of a computer than a guitar???

Try on through a Fishman Aura
Program 13
Go for it???!

Approximately mid-to-late '90s production, chambered maple body, cedar top, L.R. Baggs transducer, etc...all the typical A6 fare.

Some of you guys are funny in saying that the A6 sounds bad when not plugged in. No kidding, you bunch of rocket scientists, it's not an acoustic guitar but a chambered solidbody with transducers and on-board pre-amp. Didn't the absence of a SOUNDHOLE give you a clue?
Maybe a search of the Godin website that clearly states that the string of choice for this non-acoustic instrument are ELECTRIC GUITAR STRINGS would have been another big flashing neon sign...yet I digress.
Yes, unplugged it sounds like a banjo with a towel thrown over it.
But plugged in it sounds beautful...or at least as beautiful as a satin-finished chambered maple/cedar guitar can sound through a more-than adequate L.R. Baggs transducer system.
The 3 band eq makes dialing in for most any amp/p.a. system a breeze.
I have never not gotten a very good acoustic sound and usually get an excellent acoustic sound.
It's not a campfire guitar...it's not a Hank Williams wanna-be guitar...it IS a plugged-in acoustic player's dream.

Distortion? You're serious? BWHAHAHAHAHAHA! Buy a Kramer if you want to play with distortion. Or buy that cheap-but-overpriced Line6 Variax...support the Korean and Chinese manufacturers some more...maybe Wal-Mart will start selling them soon, hoss.
Always low prices...always.

I bought the guitar used but it was in very good condition.
The only flaw was a cold solder on the bass control pot.
I fixed it myself and it's been perfect for years.
Action was good when purchased. A recent fret dress and set-up made it even a greater joy to play.

It's a well-built guitar as most of the Godin brand and associated brand instruments have a reputation as such.
I've added Schaller strap locks (it was already equipped with the buttons) and ebony bridge pins.
The guitar is a workhorse. It's put up with at least a couple hundred live shows to date and aside from the fret dress it's required no maintenance except strings...duh.
FYI: ELECTRIC strings (for those who didn't already know)

Godin/lasido has improved their customer support over the years as people slowly discover what an amazing deal their instruments really are.
I've never had to contact them regarding this guitar but I'm sure they'd be cool if I did.
Rober Godin is one of the nicest people in the musical instrument manufacturing business I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.
He stands behind the products that bear his name and I'm very proud to play several of them.

I've been playing for 27 years, 26 of them professionally. I've played literally thousands upon thousands of gigs, have several album credits and still play out at least 3 times each week as well as teach guitar 2 nights/week.
I'm a guitar player through and through, owning a bunch of different stringed instruments including mandolins, a banjo, a bass, a lap steel and a bunch of 6 stringed guitars from Gibson, Fender, ESP and Godin/Seagull.
This A6 is in the A-list rotation with no excuses. It is a confidence-lending instrument. I've taken it to gigs as my ONLY guitar with no worries. It plays like my Les Paul yet sounds like my Seagull acoustic.
I think I paid a bit too much for it used but I really don't care. This axe has made me money time and time again and it's not ever leaving my stable of axes so it was a worthy investment.
If it was lost or stolen, I'd get another in an instant.

(from Godin website)
Mahogany neck - Rosewood Fingerboard
16" fingerboard radius
25 1/2" Scale
1 11/16" nut width
Two-Chamber Silver Leaf Maple body
Solid Cedar Top
LR Baggs Ribbon Transducer and custom preamp
Volume, Mid, Treble and Bass controls
Natural Semi-Gloss Finish

Does not sound like a good acoustic guitar. My takamine eg-240 sounds whole lot better than the A6, and the takamine only cost me 200 instead of 610 dollars

the action was just like my epiphone les paul
nice and low

seems very fragile.

i dont like it much

all they offer is a e-mail adress which they say they might not even answer you back

I have been playing for about 5 years. I would never even think about buying another one. I am going to sell it and buy me a breedlove.

Built in Canada in I'm guessing 2002. It's your typical Multiac style acoustic from Godin. Flat top (I think Ceader), sealed back godin tuners, peizo pickup system, 3 band EQ + voulme located in upper bout. Single jack pin thats not bulit into the strap button!

Battery is changed by a flip top in the back instead of inside a sound hole '(which this guitar is missing anyways!)

The neck feels great, its a solid peice of Canadian Mahogany with a rosewood board with mini frett markers. The Fretts are a little small for an acoustic guitar, but it plays like an electric so I don't mind that they seem like they came off a Fender.

Came with a gig bag, but it wasn't the fancy Godin gig bags their doing now but a slightly more basic one. Still gives a lot of padding.

Good acoustic for the money and the design. Would have liked a built in tuner.

Unplugged it sounds like shit. Very little volume. It audibly reminds me of one of those Walmart bought guitars that have no real feel to them when you strum it. But thats not what this guitar is about!

Plugged in the A6 gives off this great deep woody tone that feels full and relaxed. Notes just seem to jump out at you as you play and the well roundedness of the sounds it makes are just great for me.

I mostly play Alt rock and have had lots of problems with my Tak's on stage for feed back and the end pin jack breaking on me, but this guitar is solid and can be turned up quite a lot without that evil squell.

The finish has been worn since it was played pretty heavily before I got my hands on it. The neck still feels great, and the frets are nicely broken in. No need to set it up for it was great off the shelf, and Im guessing it was probably never setup with the previous owner for the truss asembly plate screw looks untouched. That and Godin do such a great job before it leaves the factory!

This guitar is built for the stage, that much is obvious; so I hope that it will stand up to night after night of playing better than my Takamine's.

The end pin is in a Telecaster position, which is nice because I don't have to fear that the plug will be damaged by the strap anytime soon.

Would take it around in a molded case for tour though... but it would be the only acoustic I would bring with me!

Godin is a great company to deal with, albiet very slow. With what information I needed from them they were really quick to get to me, and with previous guitars that I owned and needed service tips for, their information was very helpful and informative. The people that work for Robert are just so friendly too!

I've been long searching for an Acoustic guitar that would work well for me on stage, and I think I finally found it! After years of playing with a couple of Takamine's I have had tons of problems with relibablity. I always wanted a Larrivee, but could never afford one. This little beauty is all I need now! It's so well balanced when you got it plugged into something, and thats all I really need.

For my altrock style, there is no better stage acoustic under $1k that I've seen latley. So this one takes the cake!

I bought it brand-new last week 29th of January 2005. Made in Canada I think, although I believe Godin have an assembly factory in the USA. Price included very nice gig bag, screwdriver, allen key, set of 12's strings [guitar designed for 10's, so I gave them to the Salesman].

Natural finish, rosewood fingerboard, solid top.
I don't know the make and model of pickups/pre-amp but would like to for future reference.

I play Country, Frontman, so mainly rhythm, light touch, on a Simon and Patrick Jumbo fitted with a Mimosis pickup, which is a great guitar, especially for the price, and beautiful sound, sometimes through a zoom 504[2] acoustic pedal, using a Marshall AS50R amp with line out to the PA. The band are old players from way back, and just want to enjoy music, so a most of our gigs are for various charities.
As we lost our lead player, [not dead, just lost], I have to put in a few runs/riffs to add to the Steel players input, so went for the Godin A6 as easier to play and control than the Jumbo.

The distortion is such that the instrument is not usable. Can get away with single strings although the fuzz is still there, but chords are just a jangle no matter how lightly played or at what volume/tone selected. The seems to intensify after time. [I did change the battery by the way!].

The action was high, but lowered satisfactorily by the dealer.
The manufacture and finish is excellent. One very slight 'dip' in the top, in the same place as another in the shop, but less.

Everything about this guitar suggests high class manufacture and it is particularly good looking and handles beautifully, so it would seem to be extremely long lasting, unfortunately the output is so awful that it can never be tested [by me]on stage, and of course it was not intended to be played acoustically so it is basically useless.

The dealer has been very helpful, but another A6 in the shop is the same, except slightly less trebly, due perhaps to not having the lower setup.

Godin don't give the opportunity to discuss problems on their website, just a contact mainly so they can put their dealers in touch, probably as a sales aid, and no Address or Telephone Number either in the UK or Canada.

I have been playing since 1960, started in cabaret playing semi-pro duo work in top northern clubs, and gradually worked my way down. I have an old Tokai strat, an old Fender strat, new Behringer PA, [which arrived with faults and had to be repaired], a Peavey 150 Special guitar amp and various other bits and pieces.

It could easily get lost, and I wouldn't replace it!

Unfortunately I bought it, and the only future I can see for it is to change the electrics or put it well out of sight and try to forget the #580.00!

Rated 2 because it looks and feels nice, but because it isn't acoustic, it is as useful as an ashtray on a motor cycle.

Wonder which guitar the very nice gig bag will fit?

I compared it to several including the Line 6 modelling guitar which had great sounds, but the Godin had a better feel to me, very similar to my beautiful Simon and Patrick, so knowing the quality of Godin personally I chose it....Line 6, all is forgiven.

Joking aside, I had great hopes for this guitar, really looked forward to playing a little more in the band, and am very, very, disappointed.