GODIN A6 ULTRA: The Best Strings

After owning this guitar for a while, I came across a revelation that the best strings for it defies a lot of the suggestions made on KZbin and random forums throughout the internet--including my original suggestion! Haha. Strung it up with some DR Veritas Acoustic strings and it sounds awesome through both piezo AND magnetic humbucker!!! I KNOW RIGHT?!?! Haha. Check it out and please like and sub if you deem it worthy! Thanks so much

[@lafforsigh]

Thanks! This is so informative and something I would have never imagined to be the case. The humbucker sounds unbelievable with the the bronze strings -Wild!

[@MrW1NN3R]

Very helpful review and test. Really appreciate the detailed info and the wave comparison. Well done sir.

[@sussezqt.1439]

Thank you so much.. I love my Seagull, Simon and Patrick and Godin 5th Ave. guitar...Thinking of getting an A6.. and was interested in all the chatter about strings. Your suggestion sounds awesome. Much appreciated!

[@wmrustycox]

Thanx for the info... sounds great on each or both pickups ! I'll have to try those on my original Acousticaster ! Thanx again !!!

[@paulsalyers4421]

This is a great, thorough video, thanks for doing it. I do like the way the humbucker sounds great with those strings through your amp. I typically run two cables from my A6 Ultra: one to PA, clean through a DI; the other straight to my Vox AV30 amp. I suppose when running two cords to two different sound sources, the evenness you describe between the two pickups may be eliminated or a non issue. I use my humbucker a lot.... so not sure the veritas would work for me. But great info.

[@BenjiBartlett]

Sincere gratitude amigo! Re-strung my Godin A6 Ultra with those today. Perfection! ;o)

[@icomedia1]

BenjiBartlett nice!!! Best wishes, man!!

[@r19096]

Nice demo Vincent , I like when you play full piezo and 1/2 humbucker the most with those strings .

[@babaoriley124]

I have been playing a Multiac Slim for a few years and just bought the A6 Ultra. Unbelievable guitars both!

[@BIGJOCKHERE]

I've done this based on your video, and they are indeed superb. I put on 11's and the tone through a small tube amp is beautiful. Thanks for your advice

[@icomedia1]

Martin Gibney very cool! I love the guitar with those strings!

[@magic8161]

Yup!! Put them on my Godin A6 Koa today and BANG!! Perfect acoustic tone. Just what I was looking for. I was so close to selling this Godin because Every string I tried was a fail. Thanks for the Video.

[@icomedia1]

Jimmy Prince duuude! Good to hear, man!

[@allanstuckey5944]

Thanks for your excellent video. I bought an A6 left hand last week. I was immediately concerned about the strings that came standard with the guitar. Following your findings in this review I changed the strings to Elixa Phos Bronze.11s In my opinion l prefer these strings although some loss of output from the electric pick up.

[@macstil585]

Awesome video love my A6 even more now🎵🎵🎵

[@Johnlowery_music]

Great video! I recently picked up a Godin A6 and it came already set up with phosphor bronze D'addorio EJ26 11's which sound great, but not as good as these. I think I'm going to pick up a pair and give them a try. I personally think you would have a very hard time getting a good acoustic sound using electric strings of any kind on this guitar. I'd rather sacrifice the humbucker to get a more natural acoustic sound, but somehow these strings sound fantastic with the humbucker too in this video. Hope you're not tricking us - haha.

[@commonsensedefense]

Good demo. Most people that demo these play them like an electric using the piezo pickup. Very rare to hear a good demo of one of these strummed. Thanks.

[@icomedia1]

Roy Alderman thanks Roy. I’ve gotten criticized in this for taking too long and other stupid stuff. Trying to be thorough so thanks for your time and kind words! ✌🏻

[@im58woody]

They sound great! I just bought the GHS white bronze and they are pretty good but not sounding as acoustic as these. I’m going to get a set and try them out. I like the Roland amp as well.

[@kenaull3765]

I have now used DR Veritas for about 3 months. When I bought them, I saw that the package said something like last 4 times. I thought well, we will see about that. I HATE dead strings so I change at least every month depending on gig load. I haven't changed these out. I probably got one more gig in them but I have said that the last three gigs. Now I am hand washer before I play any guitar which I learned as a wee lad but I had no idea a string could be this good....and I have played since 1978. Also, there is a funky C-tech Sonny Boy pedal that I have had since 1990. I just scored another. Put it on the Roadhouse setting and your Godin becomes a tube overdriven Telecaster......That is the second best thing called Roadhouse!

[@rtkpatriot53]

These are great strings with a great sound...and I will use these exclusively during the fall, winter and spring...but in the summer with the humidity, I've had to put a new set on every week...they just rust out very quickly...but these make the A6 sound like a true acoustic...Thanks for the advise!

[@icomedia1]

Rick Kostanski thanks dude. Yea the strings are awesome. I’m not noticing quick rust on mine but pH is different with everyone. A new set a week is $$. Take care

[@rtkpatriot53]

I've been doing outdoor gigs for the past couple months and the humidity is brutal on them...I use Elixirs on another guitar and those are ok...These rusted over a couple days...as soon as the humidity goes away, I'm sure they'll be fine. They really do sound great...

[@kenaull3765]

I did a TON of research to decide if I wanted to buy this guitar. I did not need it. I now LOVE my A6 Ultra and for two reasons I did not think that I would. I love playing it unplugged when people are sleeping and I love the combination of the pickups! I bought DR Veritas strings and I love them too. I gigged first time tonight and love the sound. I am going to put them on my tanglewood acoustic as well. Great recommendation and thank you for helping me make an informed decision. I also have a Yamaha silent guitar, the Godin is a much more useful to me now.

[@icomedia1]

Great to hear you dig the axe and strings dude!! Best wishes!

[@kenaull3765]

@@icomedia1 Thank you again for posting great informative video.

[@kenaull3765]

I discovered something I really like with the Godin! I come out of the Godin Mix single cable and into a Boss TU-3. I run one cable output of the tuner to a Boss RC-3 input A. I then run Tuner Bypass out thru a GT-1 and then into input B of RC-3. I control the GT-1 with the volume pedal. This gives me like a three stage amp effect. I get clean board with the ability to mix electric signal and acoustic, then I can totally go electric with my presets for GT-1. I like this better than running two cables and losing the jazz box type mix into the board.

[@donly8408]

Wait...that shirt!!! That's where I graduated from 👍

[@shawnlyons895]

Hey thanks for the video. I just bought a godin xtsa. Did you like the ve it’s acoustics would sound good on this guitar with the godin pickups

[@jahstix]

do u ever have issues with the lower strings sounding too bassy? like its overcompensating

[@thetiler]

What are the best magnetic strings for a Fishman TriplePlay midi acoustical guitar? When I think of Godin. I think midi but I guess your Godin isn’t a midi guitar?

[@tone569]

How do you like this guitar? How's the action i am think on buying one butt i like low string action

[@paiolmanufaturas2366]

boa tarde tenho uma godin xtsa e não sei que cordas eu devo usar por favor me ajude

[@musicrockinrobin]

If you run separate signals to two amps the signals will not cancel each other like that, I think that would be the best way to use it.

[@69lespaul]

I don't know if you are still seeing these comments since this post is nearly two years old, but THANK YOU! On the strength of your initial video review of the Godin A6 I bought one. (Natural model) I play rhythm in a variety band (R&B, Motown, Pop and classic rock) and was constantly switching from acoustic to electric. I tried a Carvin AE185 (electric was great, piezo sucked), an EPI Masterbilt DR-500MCE (shadow mag was great, Nano mag sucked), and a Tele Nashville Deluxe with Fishman (piezo was so so, the rest was great ) but it was heavy as hell. I ordered a used Godin SXTA to try it out but it arrived with the head stock snapped off. I kept looking and found your review of the A6. It arrived three days ago and I am in love with it. I also took your advice and added my favorite Elixir nanoweb phosphor strings. I run it dual out into an electric Fly Rig, and an Acoustic Fly rig, direct to a powered speaker or the PA depending on the gig. I am so pleased now with this set up. One guitar, a small pedal board and a few cables. Easy Peasy. Works great with my dual wireless from the guitar to the pedal board. Thanks so much.

[@icomedia1]

Michael McCartney still here dude! Haha. Glad it’s working out well for you! 👍🏻

[@69lespaul]

@@icomedia1 thanks again. :)

[@brentbreedveld3070]

To anyone seeing this old post. I tried these Veritas strings in this gauge and it wasn’t good. Not only were my 6th 5th and 4th string lower in volume (dead) this was too heavy a string for this guitar. Playability was significantly worse. I used DR Nicole wound jazz 11- 49. Acoustically still sounds great but made a world of improvement for anything I do with the humbucker. Interesting test but I’m out the 15$ for strings on this failed experiment.

[@JoeAse]

Use an acoustic guitar amp for the bridge piezo to blossom and a good electric tube amp for the neck humbucker. Then you'll be amazed at the timbre of sound...

[@michaelcooper4429]

Thanks for this post Vincent. I'm considering the purchase of an A6 but I'm wondering if using say the Zebra's with a plain G string will affect the tone or intonation negatively? I want to use the guitar for lead (some string bending) as well as for acoustic work. do you have any experience using a plain G on this guitar?

[@mr.i2371]

Michael Cooper I think it will work fine

[@DavidPickett88]

I was a dedicated Zebra user as well, but it's been a while since I've been able to find them - don't know if it's supply chain problems or if they just stopped making them. I tried a couple of phosphor bronze sets, including Veritas - worked fine for a gig, but I missed what I'll describe as the midrange scoop and sparkle of the Zebras. I recently tried Martin Retro Monel strings, and I'm happy with the way they sound on both the piezo and humbucker. It's not quite as natural an acoustic sound as either the Zebras or the Veritas strings, but it's working for me. I can even throw a distortion pedal in the mix and use it with the humbucker with decent results.

[@InGrindWeCrust2010]

Zebras are discontinued. Have you tried the pure nickel acoustic strings by John Pearse?

[@DavidPickett88]

Hadn't heard of those, but I'll give them a try. Thanks for the tip.

[@skyblue021]

Hey, this is really interesting stuff. I recently bought A6 and can't find the right sounds and I'm a bit of sounds freak. I've changed by now probably like 5 sets of strings, exploring around Daddario NYXL but this guitar needs .12 strings. Must try these too, will try to remember this video and share how it sounds. Cheers

[@icomedia1]

Milan Tomin yeah man. So far I’ve found them to be the best for balance and have acoustic feel. Def cheaper than NYXL too.

[@sasham6640]

Great demo Vincent. I had to lower humbucker quite a bit in order to get same levels with EJ21. Have to try DR Veritas. What is the hight of your humbucker when using Veritas?

[@icomedia1]

Sasha M stock height. I haven’t experimented with that yet. Maybe i will now! 🤘🏻

[@Welesly77]

Hey, just curious if these strings are still your go to? Do all of the strings sound balanced volume wise when using just the humbucker? They seem to be from your recording, but wanted to ask. I put a set of d'addario EXP10 coated 80/20 acoustic strings on mine and it sounds great acoustically, but the two unwound strings have noticeably more volume than the wound strings with the humbucker only (straight electric sound). It's only an issue when I use the humbucker exclusively though. With a blend of the two pickups, I am usually only at 1/2 volume at most with the humbucker, full volume on UST so not noticeable then. Another thing to mention, volume seems nearly equal between the UST and the humbucker so no issues there like with the standard strings, just the two unwound strings when using the humbucker only. For guys using the a6 mainly as an acoustic, they are another good option, I think (my go to, thus far). They sound very acoustic and last a long time. I have just been trying to make use of the electric tones recently and noticed the volume difference on the unwound strings. Was wondering what your experiences were? Were the DR Zebras as good tonally, good balance, just had a heavier feel? Or is your acoustic tone decisively better with the Veritas? Anyway, thanks again for the great videos.

[@icomedia1]

Welesly77 yeah, my absolute go to Strings. They really are balanced. I haven’t had to adjust pickup height so i guess I was lucky with that.

[@kjlee2112]

This is a big deal for me. Using white bronze 11s on my a6... I am not fully satisfied and it is getting frustrating for me. I got the A6 so I didn't have to bring my martin out live. Im not looking for exact but usable... and I always feel like I'm struggling to cut through without feedback occuring on the A6. I am DEFINITELY trying this before ditching. I want the a6 to be my main gigging acoustic...not particularly concerned w humbucker except for extra fullness when needed. So...going to give it a go. Thanks for posting this!

[@icomedia1]

Kevin Buzby same reasons for me buying the a6! Year try the Veritas. It seems to be the best set I’ve used on it so far.

[@thewarmantrio]

I did not like the strings that came with my a6. 12s are just to thick for me. so I put on 10s zebras and they were good but still not my favorite. i put the veritas 10s on and I like them the best so far. but I did have to raise up the bass side of the humbucker because my high E and B strings sounded just a little louder. its a good guitar and im happy I bought it. but the acoustic side isn't near as good as my Gibson hummingbird pro, and the electric side isn't near as good as my Strat. or tele. its just a compromise I guess

[@WilliamWSmith-yb2fl]

Great demo, very helpful. Wondering how you turned the piezo completely off while playing the humbucker? I cannot do that on my A6 without using two amps.

[@icomedia1]

William W. Smith the blend output is what I use. I think it’s the one closest to the strap button. The top and bottom sliders control the pickups

[@joshofofw945]

i tried that its not bad its kinda muddy

[@unicorneggspam]

Hey I’m just wondering. When you blended the pickups it seemed to get much smaller. I’m wondering if maybe the signals were out of phase?

[@icomedia1]

unicorneggspam possible but this is my second one and both were the same with a lower signal when used together.

[@unicorneggspam]

I don’t think it’d be the guitar, it’d be the amp and interface. I’d be interested to see if it changes if you can flip the phase on the interface for one of the pickups. Sounds great regardless. Hope you enjoy it

[@iomoonshack]

i'VE got a GOdin Spectrum that comes with piezo + LiPstick pickup...will you suggest these strings too?

[@icomedia1]

Roscoe TeleShack will def work for piezo but never tried it with lipstick. I’d imagine lipstick will make it too bright which may be your thing. Maybe GHS white bronze would be better? Sorry dude. I really can’t say

sorry to say about it, spectrum's piezo worst i've ever seen. overdrive tones or some effect pedals always noise. can not understand why Godin include this type of pickup? i sold that spectrum immediately. acoustic side, 13 pin side are perfect but suggest you stay away lipstick sound. :(

[@muzikgarage]

BRILLIANT REVIEW VINCENT...i have few questions can i mail you?

[@icomedia1]

Message me through youtube

[@tobytyner1163]

I'm new to anything except straight up acoustic-electric. I put my normal acoustic Elixir strings on my Godin, and the piezo pickup is getting nothing. Did I screw up the piezo, or is it the type of strings?

[@icomedia1]

Toby Tyner for the piezo? That’s weird. There may be something wrong with the under-saddle transducer. I’d understand if it were the humbucker. Sorry dude, I don’t know what to tell you.

[@tobytyner1163]

@@icomedia1 I appreciate your response. I think it was a battery issue. I'm going to switch over to the Veritas you demoed here. My Elixirs aren't getting me anything like the output you show here. Thanks for putting all this out here!

[@jeffs5720]

Hi! Thanks for the great review! Very helpful. I just bought this guitar and have a few questions: 1. How long do the veritas last? 2. Have you changed the factory setup action? 3. Did 11s (tried those on other strings too?) just lose most of the tone? Thanks!

[@icomedia1]

Jeff S hey Jeff. First off, awesome on the guitar! It’s def a good piece! How long they last is relative to how much you play. I say you’ll need a change after a three week period of practicing at home and 2 gigs (ours are usually 3 hours). They still play and dont rust on me if I stretch it longer but they do lose a little snap. Def wipe them down after each use tho. I haven’t had to adjust the neck yet. I would however lube the nut or shave the slots it if the strings are tight on them. 11’s keep their tone well too. Veritas did the best with tone and feel. I’d say the GHS white bronze is a good 2nd and Zebras are 3rd only because they feel thicker than the gauge says. Hope this helps dude! Good luck!

[@jeffs5720]

Cool. The veritas are great but a lil squeaky after playing elixirs for so long :) I asked about 11s because I'm looking for less tension (bending) but don't want tinny/bright tone.

[@icomedia1]

Jeff S the good thing about the a6 is that you have good EQ controls too to compensate tone a bit. For me, elixirs aren’t a good match. They are def smoother feeling but to my ears, they lose tone also. Not as quick (of course) but def not worth the extra $ and the coating peels off after a while too. Everyone pH is different too.

[@jeffs5720]

Hey Vince, since I'm trying to use this guitar as my onstage acoustic and electric (travel a lot), I'm really trying to find the best sound for both. Tried the almost-dead veritas strings through a line 6 effect pedal and that was amazing on the electric side. Coming out of a Fishman Loudbox mini! Although I found my humbucker string volume unbalanced on the low end side. Raised it up a little bit. By its self out of the Fishman, the guitar rings true acoustically, too. Sweet tone. So far veritas is in the lead. Still experimenting, though. Curious, ever try D'Addario nickel bronze strings? Bought a pair yesterday. Gonna try them today. Also bought Martin Retro with monel--not good to my ears!

[@icomedia1]

Jeff S hey man. Yea I’ve tried the D’Addario nickel bronze. Wasn’t into them. Because they had a pretty noticeable volume difference between piezo and humbucker. Also, my pH somehow kills them too fast. The martin retros aren’t for me either. They feel too soft to the touch. Maybe try the martin SP? I used to use them on my acoustics and they sound awesome like that. Not sure how they will behave thru A6 humbucker tho. Good luck man. Let me know what you come up with? ✌🏻👍🏻🤘🏻

[@Classicjam1]

Hello great video my friend. I plan on using the but then a six has mostly single picking solo guitar playing what gauge strings do you use

[@icomedia1]

Classicjam 1 thanks man. 11-50’s dr Veritas with the xenon treble strings. 👍🏻🤘🏻✌🏻

[@Classicjam1]

@@icomedia1 thanks very much my good friend for the great info!

[@Classicjam1]

One other question after researching the strings... So you are saying I should just go with the electric strings rather than the acoustic?

[@icomedia1]

Classicjam 1 it depends on your preference. I use the acoustic strings because it’s more important for me to have a solid acoustic sound. However, these strings are passable if used through magnetic pickup as an electric guitar with some dirt. Electric guitar strings will be opposite and have better electric tone but weak acoustic tone

[@johnmorrell]

It's been a while since you made this video, are you still using this guitar and these strings, or has anything changed? Thanks.

[@icomedia1]

Hey man. Yes I still have the guitar but don’t use it too much mostly bc we eliminated most of our acoustic songs from our set list. I still feel it’s an awesome guitar and I still use the DR Veritas on them and all of my electrics!

[@garethtravis1786]

@@icomedia1 quick question - u talk about using veritas 11s on this godin but on screen u hold up a set of 12s - silly question but which is it? You also mention daddario jazz with wound G having a volume difference but surely this 11 set also has a wound 22 G stg? Thanks for an interesting video 👍

[@icomedia1]

@@garethtravis1786 hey man. Not a silly question at all, especially if I wasn’t clear. Umm…I don’t remember what my preferences were when I made the video but around that time, I was experimenting with lots of different strings and gauges. I was holding up 12’s likely because I usually used 12’s on one of my acoustics then and had extra sets. But for sure, I use 11’s on the A6 now since that’s my gigging guitar and my electrics are all 11’s. I play less acoustic these days so 11’s are more comfortable. But I still use DR Veritas on everything. I stopped using the Zebras. Thanks man!

[@Welesly77]

Hey thanks again for sharing this info. I have a set of Elixir 80/20 bronze on mine that seem to work pretty well also between the two pickups. Just curious what you set your guitar EQ at for what you feel is your best acoustic tone? Are the flat settings you use here your preference? I usually use full piezo and about 1/4 to 3/8 in on the humbucker for added fullness. Can't seem to dial in the EQ well though to my ear.

[@icomedia1]

Welesly77 hey man. I’m pretty boring. I leave it all flat usually. I don’t blend both piezo and humbucker but there is a sweet spot about 1/4 up with humbucker seems cool but any further lowers output. If I used this as my solo acoustic axe then I’d dial in more but I’m always in a band mix.

[@Welesly77]

: ) yeah, maybe I'm overthinking it. I have a Breedlove stage concert CE that I keep comparing it to (plugged in sound only). Breedlove always seems to have a decisive edge in tone. I probably should be focusing on (and impressed by) the fact that it's even close, being a thinline. I do plan to use it in a band mix, so maybe the subtle difference will be lost on the audience anyway.

[@Whitty43]

You say you have put on 11's but the box is for 12's. Would this guitar handle 12's or do you think too heavy? Cheers

[@icomedia1]

Whitty I use 12’s now (of the Veritas). I started with 11’s to get a feel for the guitar and since then have switched 🤘🏻

[@Whitty43]

@@icomedia1 thanks for quick reply, still loving the sound of the Veritas? I just got guitar last weekend and going to change the electric strings that it came with.

[@icomedia1]

Whitty dude. I love the Veritas! Maybe start with 11’s

[@quellbrunn6]

Hi Vincent I appreciate your vids and I also bought an A6 based on the reviews here, however my experience with the strings differ so I thought I would write a few lines just in case anyone else has the same issues. I also want the guitar mainly for solo acoustic gigs so I took your advice and changed the strings to Veritas 12s. I tried them for a week and found them very hard to play and thought they altered the whole characteristics of the guitar, they also pulled the neck forward substantially making it almost impossible to play past the fifth fret, and the Humbucker just didn’t sound right anymore. I then contacted Godin to get their opinion and they said they would not recommend putting Phospor bronze strings on the A6. Anyway I then put the stock strings back on. The neck pulled back making the action much more acceptable and, to be honest, playing through my Schertler JAM 150 I did not notice any major impact on the acoustic sound and the Humbucker was back to having that lovely warm sound which in small amounts adds nicely to the Piezo. I’ve now put the Veritas on my Alvarez! Hope this helps anyone else who is thinking about changing the strings. It works for you Vincent but it didn’t work for me.

[@mr.i2371]

Heinz Janko that’s crazy your neck came forward and that Godin doesn’t recommend phosphor bronze. Their videos encouraged the ability to do that to boast the A6’s versatility. I’ve never had that issue. I have Veritas 11’s on mine now never having to adjust the truss rod to compensate for the tension. I’m glad the stock D’Addario worked for you. On my guitar, the humbucker was significantly softer with them and according to Godin, they were designed like that which seems stupid to me. I think they play on your doubts to avoid warranty service. I bought my first A6 and returned it because the pickup was too soft thinking it was a defect. Got a new one then same results. I found the Veritas to be the best to remedy that. I tried D’Addario Jazz Strings with wound 3rd, DR Zebras, and GHS White Bronze but the Veritas worked best for me. Good luck with the guitar Heinz. It definitely is a cool piece despite our experiences. 👍🏻

[@hotwired]

I have only had mine on for a few hours but the first thing I noticed is that because they're bronze wound (vs nickle electric like the A6 comes with), the 3d, 4th and 5th strings have much less volume thru the humbucker. The "bare" metal (and much more magnetic) e and b strings had about double the volume when picked.

[@OutpourEast]

I had absolutely no interest in buying this guitar... and I bought one today. Great video! they should pay you haha

[@GregoryGuay]

LOL> I was interested in the Fender Acoustasonic but the price of the Godin was much better! Now I have two GOdins and I'm def happy w/ the A6 for gigging around town!

[@user-eu3yg5xh7p]

Hello. My father wants buy the guitar in this video from you. He wants to know if you want to sell it. Please reply to this comment to let me know whether you want to sell it or not. Thank you.

[@JTB--]

You don't want Bronze strings for a hybrid guitar like this. You want Nickel so the pickups can do their thing.

[@tinybike]

Interesting! I recently got an A6 Ultra and I've also been trying to figure out the strings situation. After watching your vid, I may put some regular acoustic strings on mine and see how it sounds. Have you tried different string gauges at all? I experimented a bit with different string gauges (kzbin.info/www/bejne/anbOYoZ9m796obs) and liked the 10 gauge strings the best, although I only tried 8s, 9s, and 10s. I wonder how 10 gauge phosphor bronze strings would sound 🤔

[@icomedia1]

I’m very comfortable with the Veritas Acoustic 11’s. I may have put 10’s on it here and there but I like the feel of 11’s because I’m mostly tuned down a 1/2 step. If in standard, I’d probably use 10’s. Yeah, surprisingly, they work great with the neck pickup too! Good luck. Let me know what you come up with?

[@Tomac7905]

lots of talking takes a while to get to the point

[@TMoody]

Them Zebras SUCK,