Godin Multiac Grand Concert SA Review #1

[@MAVIEGUITARS]

One thing didn't get mentioned is that this guitar intonation is 100% accurate which you cannot find in any another fixed bridge acoustic guitars. I've had one for 20 years and am still loving it.

[@AndrewKeeping]

I do agree.

[@jangarrack]

This video is now over 4 years old and is still by far the most helpful and informative Multiac Nylon GC review I have found anywhere. I particularly like that you have demonstrated the RMC pickups without any synth and achieved much more pleasing and natural tones than I've heard in other reviews, possibly because many of them demonstrate flamenco and Latin styles which are of less interest to me personally. I would be really interested to know how this compares with the GC Duet Ambiance for natural classical and nylon tones. Another great review, thanks.

[@AndrewKeeping]

Thanks so much Jeff. Glad you have found it useful. I have done more recent reviews also. Check out my channel.

[@ONLINEMARTY]

I just bought one at a garage sale in really good condition for 100 bucks. I have been loving it.

[@sqward]

Lucky you.

[@frolilapume]

@@sqward Really lucky. Almost stolen

[@bokhanlee4049]

It was a fun experience of playing the guitar on stage

[@ZoneTwelveOnline]

Probably the nicest neck I have ever played on a nylon string guitar of any price range.

[@Doulos367]

I own one and I was very disappointed with the battery connection wires being so short its hard to replace batteries. The other issue I have is the thiness of the sound. You can make it better with EQ but still sounds thin.

[@MichaelGrecoGuitar]

Picking mine up today! Thank you for the demonstration!

[@AndrewKeeping]

Fantastic Good luck!

[@JIMCRISP4927]

I bought one of these after watching this review and it is unbelievable how good it is for amplified work in restaurants and weddings I’ve actually just found something even better I ordered a pick up system from Paul mcgill the luthier in Nashville He calls it go acoustic audio and claimed it was a better sound than the multiac I was very sceptical It arrived and I took it to James Lister in Sheffield and he installed it in my Kevin aram guitar It works on the same principal as the grand concert deluxe with a blend between the individual string pic ups and a microphone It is unbelievable how good it is I

[@AndrewKeeping]

Sounds great. I used an LR Baggs in my Trevor Semple. I use this mainly for concert work, however i still have issues around the feedback due to the open space in the guitar body. Sounds very interesting. Will have to look into.

[@dwebster50]

Well done, I also have a Godin nylon Multi tac that I play. I too have the problem of very low action. I do Not suggest cigarette paper under the nut. One can purchase mohagany veneer that is 10 to 17 thousands of an inch thickness. With an exacto knife you can cut a shim and lightly glue that under the nut . I prefer to have 17 to 20 thousand on the 6th string and no less than 10 thousand on the 1st . Its your preference. You could not use any glue at all and experiment ...Its worth the results ...Great player here and thank for posting Cheers Alberta Dave

[@AndrewKeeping]

Thanks for the tip Dave. I will definitely give it a go.

[@deanwolfechannel]

Where could I buy mahogany veneer ?

[@trentmason009]

Very comprehensive review!

[@ayoadebiyi6121]

Hey is this a particular song or did you just come up with this at 8:19.

[@AndrewKeeping]

It's an improvised sequence of chords around a latin/spanish theme.

[@mer1red]

Such a guitar should have a perfect intonation everywhere. Have you tested it with a decent (chromatic) tuner? I am asking this because even with high end instruments of a decent brand this cannot be taken for granted.

[@victorkerberos4803]

What is the song name at 5:58 ?

[@AndrewKeeping]

Oh that was me just improvising/doodling!!

[@theHumanBryno]

I've got the 7 string version of this guitar and really enjoy it. I play a mix of classical and fingerstyle country and it suits my needs. I've had trouble getting it set up to use with my Boss GP10 though. Have you done the video about synth access set up yet? I've checked around you channel and haven't found any videos about it. Thanks for this video though, I enjoyed it.

[@TMoody]

You probably only need to slightly turn the truss rod counter clockwise to give the neck a slight relief. This will in turn cause the strings to raise a little. NEVER put paper, wood or carboard under the nut OR saddle.... sucks the tone right out of the guitar.

[@RollinElehmental]

Beautiful playing, Andrew!

[@AndrewKeeping]

Thanks a lot!

[@chryshavigneswaran4744]

my guitar teacher

[@yorman9]

Thank you…I want to return to study guitar and I wanted to know if the Godin Grand Concert performed well in classical stile…I appreciate your review!

[@AndrewKeeping]

Yes, absolutely

[@thecelturianworldofacousti5707]

What was the RME Converter you used for hooking up the godin multiac, to access KontaKt libraries.

[@AndrewKeeping]

I had to go through the Roland GR55 to convert into a midi format and then into the RME.

[@pakdmkr5532]

How to midi aplikasion

[@andrewplayer4009]

Great review. I have been considering the new Grand Concert Deluxe, which doesn't have the synth access, but should otherwise sound similarly. Your review really assuaged my concerns about having a guitar that sounds right and plays like a classical guitar should. Thank you so much for posting this review!

[@AndrewKeeping]

Glad it helped.

[@dilermandorodriguesdemelon5219]

Hi! I’m also struggling to decide between the Deluxe and this one. What do you suggest? Did you try both? I don’t have any chance to try them before order.

[@JDVillamizar]

@@dilermandorodriguesdemelon5219if you are going to use the synth access, this one the SA sounds niceeeeee. If you are NOT going to use MIDI synth world, then the Deluxe has even better guitar sound (extra lyric mic) which also picks up body-percussion hits etc.

[@naamvandegebruiker]

You are without any doubt a great guitar player. But really, i can not imagine to play on a guitar that is out of tune like that.

[@AndrewKeeping]

I understand. As a Classical Guitarist, i am pedantic about tuning, but seemed to be more interested in getting the message across in this take. It grates very time I hear it played back. sorry!

[@ziblot1235]

I know that hit a nerve.

[@steviegilmore9146]

That is not the point. it doesn't matter. I would rather listen to him advise me and be guided by that than your 'I just have to say this so that you know I am a professional guitarist too'! Why did you think that was worth pointing out? What is going on there with you Marc? By the way there is no point answering as I won't bother reading anything more anyway. I wish I hadn't looked below here at the comments as I have already waisted enough life reading your pointless comment. Keep up the good work Mr Keeping I certainly took your advice and purchased and I was not swayed until your review...I am a ridiculously picky professional guitarist (and for being in tune by the way) and this Godin instrument is the best I have ever played for staying in tune. Magnificent effort sir. PS Marc, don't feel affronted...I still admire you....but you opened that door!

[@ZakEdwardsOfficial]

They hold perfect tuning. This was all on the player.

[@riffzero5550]

Why are the older Godin grand concert sa have a darker color? This new ones have a light color on the wood

[@AndrewKeeping]

Not sure. Perhaps to identify it as a newer model. Would need to ask Godin. I will try and find out.

[@lk8192]

The 'slip in tuning' part during cavatina, it happens with me just after that when im trying to form the D shape at the E major chord with my first finger, slipping slightly trying to keep it barred, really akward fingering me thinks!

[@chitralmedia]

what is the song name at 7:33

[@AndrewKeeping]

That is the second movement from Rodrigo's Concerto D'Aranjuez

[@ronaldha]

Great review! What is the name of the song you play at 6:50?

[@AndrewKeeping]

Thanks very much Ron. The piece in question is "Cavatina" from the Deerhunter by Stanley Myers. "Cavatina" from the Deerhunter follow this link.

[@AndrewKeeping]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5app6aDltaWoas

[@lestergeez4349]

Good info. I have a Multiac Duet. Love it!

[@steby123]

Marcin No! The bridge pickup are for only classical on this model, however Godin does make a steel string version also!

[@LightsOnMultiMediaMindArts]

I play with the guitar over my left knee, the body of the guitar at a 45 degree angle or greater. Will the guitar cord(s) and my right knee have problems?

[@AndrewKeeping]

I usually play like that also and have never had any issues. Check out some of my other demonstrations of this guitar on my channel.

[@carloalbertodanieli2793]

I'd like to know whether this beautiful instrument plays unamplified or not- Thank you

[@AndrewKeeping]

Yes it does. It is not as good as a full bodied Classical Guitar but works very well for practising.

[@wckoek]

I am looking for a midi guitar and leaning toward the Grand Concert for its wider neck that I am used to, however the one I tried have a very sharp sound plugged in, and have to turn the treble all the way down. Being told the ACS have a better plugged in tone, is this your experience as well?

[@accueilt3740]

Your A string is not tuned properly. You play very well indeeed. I own this Multiac, great great piece.

[@AndrewKeeping]

I know. For someone normally pedantic about my tuning, I was more focused on getting the words message across. My apologies.

[@Kianquenseda]

acoustically how does it sound ? could I play along with steel string acoustic guitarists unplugged around the campfire ? another words am I chained to my amp ?

[@AndrewKeeping]

You can play along with other but it really does not have the acoustic qualities of a fully open classical guitar, however, it is more than enough volume for practising along to without being tied to an amplifier.

[@あらまさ-i9c]

6:49～What's the name of this song ？

[@AndrewKeeping]

Cavatina from the Deerhunter by Stanley Myers.kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJm9o2xvbL6ea6M

[@あらまさ-i9c]

@@AndrewKeeping Thank you！Beatiful guitar ✨

[@matigrob]

lacks to mention that only into this guitar you can immediately plug the polybass.com and improve the preamp and turn its lowest played string into a integrated bass (as you never get from a guitar synth)

[@AndrewKeeping]

True enough Matthias. Never tried this Polybass before so couldn't really comment on it at the time. Looks very interesting however. Well done you.

[@zygmuntlubomirski5345]

This guitar I do intend to buy. It's beautiful guitar and easy to play. Greetings.

[@AndrewKeeping]

Go for it!

[@zygmuntlubomirski5345]

@@AndrewKeeping I certainly will.

[@samsimon1120]

Is good for Flamenco musique ?

[@AndrewKeeping]

absolutely. As you can change the EQ settings to suit Classical, flamenco and Latin style guitar music.

[@MrMarcinPacyna]

Maybe this is a stupid question, but is is possible to use another strings than nylon ones?

[@AndrewKeeping]

I would guess you would be better using nylon as the pick ups are designed for that. Godin make steel string guitars with the pick ups designed to cater for them.

[@MrMojoRisinn]

Just what i was looking for... appreciate it very much, thanks. Some questions mr Ewan Mcgregor hahaha. im just looking for a classical guitar right now and i have two options in mind one is the Alhambra 6p cw (spanish guitar) and the other is Godin Multiac Grand Concert SA (both same price). i just try the 6p and its a standard industrial classical guitar with a nice tone with nice bass. i read that the Godin have cedar top and that the low E-string suffer from low dynamics, you think so?. And i was wondering (when i saw it) the same critic you said, "the low action" it seems too close. Im not a "professional" musician im student but i really want to play like some guy called Estas Tonne. So my question is the Godin gc sa could be work for play like Estas Tonne (he use many pedal effects, there are many youtubevideos of him) or its better a standart classical guitar like the Alhambra 6p?. i really like the sound of the Godin its seems smooth to play and have very good reviews like the one you made. i dont know if you can answer me but many Thanks for the video its not like all the rubbish i saw in yt.

[@AndrewKeeping]

+MrMojoRisinn Glad this was a help to you. Whilst this is a very versatile guitar, and can be used as a midi guitar and amplified at high volumes without feedback issues. Very useful indeed. It does not, however, replace the totally natural sound and nuances of a Classical Guitar like the Alhambra. I would not consider playing the Godin without amplification unless just practising. If you are looking for a good classical guitar amplified that can double up as a midi instrument, you can't do much better than the Godin. However, if you are looking for a natural classical guitar sound with consistent nylon string timbres, then the Alhambra would be a better option. All the problems that are mentioned with the Godin (i.e. action, bass string tone) can be adjusted and the pre amps are good at adjusting to a variety of tones...very similar to Estas Tonne. Estes Tonne's tone would best be achieved by raising the mid slider and bass a little, and adding some reverb. In order to get a good amplified tone on the Alhambra will cost you quite a lot in additional equipment. I hope this response helps you make the right decision for you. Good luck.

[@MrMojoRisinn]

+Andrew Keeping Very happy you answer me so precisely!. today i just try the Godin SA in the store and absolute blow my mind its sound more than great amplified (unplugged sound like a really cheap guitar or a sort of banjo). Again many thanks for your advice i think im going for the Godin. Have a good day!.

[@AndrewKeeping]

+MrMojoRisinn Excellent!! Good luck and lots of hours of fun.

[@AndrewKeeping]

Sounds impressive. Self installed...you're brave!

[@SoumyadiptaRay]

This One or Duet Ambiance??? which people prefer and plays the most??? and why???

[@AndrewKeeping]

I personally prefer this, having now tried out the Ambiance. The neck is thicker and more like a Classical Concert Guitar (which I am used to and therefore prefer to perform on).

[@ThinkingCap_]

Well done, very informative. What amp did you use to with this Godin? Please help, buying this guitar tomorrow and I have no idea which amplifier I should go with.

[@AndrewKeeping]

Thanks so much. I use and AER amp. i have a 40watt and a 60 Watt battery operated hybrid too. They are the best acoustic amps I have used. Good luck!

[@Farmer2492]

Fantastic video and playing I was going to buy Godin concert guitar but ended up buying a Maton Guitar big mistake

[@AndrewKeeping]

Thanks so much.

[@tbeau6663]

Sublime

[@AndrewKeeping]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@ozbizbozzle]

Have u done the video with the GR55 synth? ta

[@AndrewKeeping]

ozbizbozzle I have just done a midi compatible video with the Godin that you may find interesting. I will post it this week.

[@AlanMcCarthyguitar]

is this guitar easier to play than a standard classical guitar ,in term s of playing lots bar chords and fatigue ,my prob gigging with nylon strings is constant tuning ,especially on cold nights

[@AndrewKeeping]

Due to the same neck dimensions as most classical guitars and the nut size, it matches the playability. for me this what i am looking for. String tension changes could help with the fatigue. Tuning can always be an issue with nylon strings. Good luck.

[@robertalexander2478]

Can you run pedal board sounds thru it?

[@AndrewKeeping]

Absolutely. It works just like an electro acoustic classical guitar.

[@drearphones]

Here's an idea -- try tuning before you demo. Here the A is a little flat and the G is way flat. How lovely that Recuerdos might have been if the guitar had been in tune. Ditto for the Rodrigo.

[@AndrewKeeping]

You are right. I am usually pedantic about my tuning, as are most classical guitarists. It is an old video, the tuning slipped and I was more conscious of getting the video completed in one take. I did learn my lesson and have a look at the other videos on my Channel, as they have improved in audio and video quality, and...tuning.

[@nickfanzo]

How is this unplugged?

[@AndrewKeeping]

Not best suited to being unplugged. Ok for practising, but not for performing.

[@Caja1204]

which string do you use_

[@AndrewKeeping]

I use D'Addario EJ46 strings. Hard tension. Have used them consistently for the past 30 years. sometimes use D'Addarrio recording/polished strings for recordings etc. Very little fret buzz.

[@jsosthenefelixmusic]

Would you mind tell me what amplifier do you use for your godin.By the way, you are an amazing guitar player! great job!

[@AndrewKeeping]

I use an AER Compact 60 Mobile, and I also use an AER 40 watt smaller amp. Thanks for you kind remarks.

[@guitarslim56]

Less talk, more rock!

[@AndrewKeeping]

Sorry. Will try harder next time.

[@9um9um9um]

tune that thang!

[@AndrewKeeping]

I know!!!

[@evenseb7574]

Raise the nut, to get higher action? Not the right way to do it, it will only make the guitar more hard to play! (left hand wrist) - without any benefit of the action when strings are pressed. Try rather to unscrew the truss-rod nut with a unbrako ('ikea key') half a round or so, to get a tad higher action. By the way, I find it very strange that Godin did not make any bridge adjustment possibilities (height, and intonation). I have an older version SA Nylon with the un-compensated bridge, and the intonation is just horrible, constantly out of tune.. Just one mm shorter/ longer string lenght makes a big difference in the intonation. Maybe I have to contact Godin to ask for a price of a new bridge, but I'm afraid it will be expensive.. Strange, since the guitars are so good and expensive (serious), they also have the best necks.

[@AndrewKeeping]

I will give that a shot thanks.

[@AndrewKeeping]

www.upfrontguitars.com/blog/2013/12/adjusting-the-action-on-godin-multiac-guitars/

[@MegaGecas]

One string was slightly out of tune…. But otherwise very nice review. Thanks.

[@AndrewKeeping]

True enough it did slip out on the A string. My bad!!

[@lynnettefarion8049]

I played classical for 40 years and looking to expand to a different musical dimension. I was looking at the takamine hirade th5c . However, after watching this video , it seems that the multiac blows the hirade away w more creative tools at your disoposal thanks for putting this together , I look forward to watching your other video using the gr55 thanks Lynnerltte

[@AndrewKeeping]

Just brought out a new video on the Godin in midi mode.

[@alexanderismajlvo3016]

💛💛💚❤️❤️

[@guitguy99]

I can't understand how this so talented musician accept to play so detuned !!!

[@AndrewKeeping]

I know it did slip out of tune while I was playing. My bad!!

[@PaulCooijmans]

While this guitar model sounds excellent, my problems with it are that (1) it has a battery in it, which I hate, and (2) it looks very ugly.

[@AndrewKeeping]

Fair enough. Thanks for your feedback.

[@albertpsaros3435]

cant get into this instrument...have wanted to love it but still plastic to my ears

[@byronp24]

😲 when I close my 👀 it sounds exactly like the analog instruments

[@josephjames8131]

Pretty much

[@jaboomblue48]

It was worth every penny only 800 bucks. Ha

[@nikolaiturva]

Fc. hell, tune this master piece first.

[@AndrewKeeping]

You are right. I am usually pedantic about my tuning, as are most classical guitarists. It is an old video, the tuning slipped and I was more conscious of getting the video completed in one take. I did learn my lesson and have a look at the other videos on my Channel, as they have improved in audio and video quality, and...tuning.

[@nickharris9761]

Sounds out of tune

[@AndrewKeeping]

Yes sorry the 5th string slipped out of tune.

[@tradbowseven]

It’s GO-DIN , not GO-DAN

[@AndrewKeeping]

Thanks for the correction, I was told it was like the artist?

[@evenseb7574]

Canadian French prounanciation I guess?

[@jonathanstickel7479]

Wrong. It's French. From Quebec. Go-Dahn.