Godin Multiac Nylon Duet

The features of the Godin Duet are described on the godin web site and mainly relate to the pickup system. However, there are several main features I like: 1) The cutaway body makes it unusually easy to play on the higher parts of the neck, due to the thin body design. 2) The mix slider, which allows you to blend the two pickups (bridge and mic) is very useful. 3) Two outputs are available, one 1/4 inch jack and XLR, the latter provides phantom power so you don't have to worry about the battery going dead. There are also volume and three tone sliders, volume, and three pods (see their web site).

After reading some reviews I was a bit skeptical and was totally thrilled when I got and played the guitar. For an amp I use the Roland AC 90 (another winner - see that review if you are thinking of adding an amp to your Godin). The guitar sounds very very nice and during gigs I have not had any problems with feedback. I played around with recording this direct and using a handmade classical with two Neuman KM184 in X configuration. You cannot compete with the real classical if you are an audiophile, but you can fool many people to think that the Godin was the real deal. The sounds is fantastic. For stage and playing along with your favorite artists I cannot think of a better guitar.

Some comments about amps: Don't repeat my mistakes! I first played it though a small Peavey Classic, then lugged a Boogie Mark IV and finally schlepped the Matchless DC/30. However, it was not until I bought a Roland AC 90 that I realized how much difference in sound an acoustic amp makes (not to mention the light weight and tri-pot stand setup). I felt rather stupid for having thought the "clean" tube amps would be just fine.

The action is fantastic and it is easier to play than my handmade classical! The pickup system is very smooth and ideal for finger playing and picks. It is amazing how well balanced the sound is when playing soft or hard (I mainly use my fingers). I read some reviews that criticized the action etc. but I cannot second this, i.e., mine seems ideal and is right up there with my other guitars that have been professionally set up. Incidentally, a couple of years ago I bought an Art Lutherie guitar and it sounds just as good as my Martins. So the consistency of my personal experience with Godin products gave me high confidence. By the way, the craftsmanship appears very good down to the last detail.

One point deduction for style (or lack off :), as I would have much more preferred the looks of a standard classical guitar over the somewhat modern-looking shape. This of course is subjective.

Time will tell. I don't know how much the previous owner used the guitar. By the way, the hardshell case appears very sturdy and mine seems to have been around a bit.

Had some questions that I directed to Godin via email and received satisfactory replies. Good sign.

This is an absolute keeper! The sounds is as good as it gets without dealing with a high-end mic setup (which will cause nothing but trouble on stage). I play different kinds of music and this one is for some jazz and Latin.

If you don't use a PA or a good acoustic amp, then disregard all comments about sound. It is not a classical to be played without amplification, even though it has quite some volume on its own. However, unamplified it cannot compete with a classical guitar (as the previous reviewer correctly pointed out).

The strength of the Godin Duet is absolute great sound (PA or acoustic amp) with incredible feedback tolerance. However, be aware that this guitar is not immune to feedback, e.g., it still feeds back when you play loud having the transducer control highly biased towards the mic. Compared to my steel string (Martin J40 with Highlander IP-2 setup) it is however almost immune to feedback.

By the way I found out about this guitar during a business trip to Brazil. Every band I saw had a guitarist playing this guitar.

Same features as described on the website www.godinguitars.com the guitar is well crafted, you can notice it's a "nice" mass production stuff, some little very little details on the finish (at least mine)

BE AWARE, this is NOT a concert Guitar, if you have spent your life studying classical music, you might not like this guitar, if you want a Concert Guitar, get one. Now If you are an electric Guitarrist and your style falls into pop, rock, Jazz, latin this guitar is VERY versatile, the sound system is high tech stuff, and it soiunds lovely thru acoustic amps, really great for fingerstyle, sounds little boxie for chord struming, I have a marshall AS100D Comboa nd this sounds just LOVELY, you can ajust the sound to your needs easily (if you have a basic knowledge about EQ). remember this guitar is designed for live and recording situations, I gave it a 10 because it does the job perfectly and remember THIS IS NOT A CONCERT GUITAR

Action came perfect from the afctori, not as high as normal classical guitars, not low as electric i think it is just great, it is very comfortable for playing and carryingm, as i said before mine came with very little finish details (very tiny)

Have Only owned for few days.. seems very well carfted, no cheap parts, nice gig bag ... I think it is great for stage .. looks strong and it is very practical.

These people were really helpful with me asking 100000 questions everyday, and i received my answers 1 by 1 with very useful imformation that helped me to make my decission. at some point i felt bad cause i was being very anying asquing every little thing, so i wrote kinda appologizing for so many e-mails , the answer i got was. "No problem dude, that is what we are here for... keep asking until you are satisfied"

Very nice product, i have been playing for 24 years, 16 professionaly, i have owned many other guitars, I always research a lot before buying... I was looking for some good sound for stage or recording, and i got it, I do recomend this product.