Thoughts On The Godin Multiac Nylon?

[keener]

I've been happy with my Godin Multiac SA, which has the PMC pickups. It plays easily, although that is likely because Buster B adjusted it for me (I got it through him, and he adjusted it and played it a few weeks to ensure it was a "good 'un" ... he said he adjusted it so you could just look at it and it would play an E7 )

Overall I am pleased with the sound it produces. It has a hollow and flat sound in some of the more recent of my video recordings, but that's because my recording software was set to use the computer's built-in mic and to use Automatic Volume Control ... if you listen to most of my recordings, including the most recent 4, I think you would agree that it has a good sound (even with dead strings).

If I could afford one on my retirement budget, I would opt for a Kirk Sands model. I've never played one, but since all the pros seem to have one, it would seem to have their votes for the best.

I had one of the first Studio Classics ... in fact, it was one of the first 100 made, because it came with a signed letter from Chet and also with a certificate. For years it was my favorite guitar. Then, about 20 years or so ago, times got bad and I sold it for $500. Mistake. Wish I still had it.

The Godin is heavy, and if you like to play unamplified, it doesn't have much volume, but at least you can play it unamplified. My Studio Classic had NO volume at all when not amplified.

[RonBloor]

Simon, I really like the sound of my Godin Multiac through my Roland Micro-Cube, which I run through either my home stereo system or the various church p.a. systems that I play through. My only complaint is that I owned a Kirk Sand for 11 years and was spoiled when it comes to the action. My Godin is too high for my tastes and tends to prevent me from playing some of the faster songs such as "Dizzy Fingers" as well as I'm used to when my time between notes isn't taken up with having to press the strings down that much further to reach the fretboard. I know that some on this board are guitar technicians but that's not me. I just play them.

One of the best things about the Multiac vs similar Sand or Gibson guitars, is the bolt on neck.. It is very easy to pull the neck and shim it to get the action just the way you want. Just a little strip of emery paper/cloth under the neck joint can really change the angle and action. Just after I got my Multiac (used), I pulled the neck and their was a strip of emery paper/cloth under the joint. It was most likely that way from the factory. Anyway, I just experimented until it practically played itself Unlike Bruce, I didn't know Buster, so I did it myself, but it wasn't all that difficult... I really hate fighting a guitar because it needs a little bit of setup. I need all the help I can get playing them

[smokymtguitar09]

Ron,
I did the same thing on a previous Godin Grand Concert that had a 'bad' neck set. At that time I contacted Godin support and they suggested trying various thickness sand paper cut to fit the space where the neck joints the body. It worked like a charm and played much easier without any fret buzz. The current Godin Grand Concert SA was perfect for me from the factory and no adjustment was necessary. It has become my main guitar for public performance.

I use the 13 pin synth output with a Roland GR33 sometimes when recording. I still have concerns about the soft Godin case, which is handy to throw over my shoulder for transport but it is coming a part at the seams. Godin needs to address that situation for sure.

I'm posting a link to a YouTube cut that features my Gretsch CG with the backup done with the Godin & Roland synth along with Alesis SR16.

Thanks! "I Can't Stop Loving You" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqQkd0i_2gs

[RonBloor]

Thanks Ronnie, that's a beautiful arrangement of "I Can't Stop Loving You". The backup (well all of it) sounds full and rich. Really nice.

[smokymtguitar09]

Ron,
I appreciate the comment on "I Can't Stop Loving You". I was surprised how well the arrangement has been received. It is hard to mess up such a beautiful song written by Don Gibson. I played it today live without backup, and I could see listeners mouthing the words as I played the instrumental. That is very gratifying when that happens.

Thanks!