Godin Multiac Gypsy Jazz ... Anyone tried one

[Jim Soloway]

I am definitely not a Gypsy Jazz player but the specs on this guitar really got my attention. The nut with is 1.8" and the scale length is 26". Both of those definitely appeal to me. Has anyone tried one of these in person?

Multiac Gypsy Jazz Natural HG | Godin Guitars

[JSanta]

I was debating between this guitar and one from AJL in Finland for a dedicated travel instrument (went with the AJL because it comes apart and fits in a violin case and is quieter than an unplugged Strat when played), but my friends in the Gypsy guitar camp have given me mixed reviews, but I think that really comes down to not really sounding the part. Denis Chang helped Godin design the instrument, and his feedback (Played a Godin Gypsy Jazz Guitar today - Page 2 — DjangoBooks Forum) might be a big help for you!

There was also a post here a couple years back (Godin Multiac Gypsy Jazz) that may be helpful as well.

I think that if you are not going for an authentic Gypsy guitar sound, this would be a killer instrument given your preferences.

[floatingpickup]

I tied one when they first came out. I thought it would be good for live gigs, because traditional Gypsy jazz guitars are a little tricky to amplify. I found that the Godin amplified well and had lots of flexibility with the the ability to blend the different pickups. Having said that, I didn’t think it had the authentic sound of a selmer style guitar. I decided to just stay with my Dupont MD-50 and work with the limitations of the various pickups that are designed for those guitars.
Keith

[mr. beaumont]

I'm guessing "authentic Selmer sound" isn't even on Jim's list.

I haven't tried one, but I've been very impressed with Godin's pickup systems.

[NSJ]

I had one, sold it. I wanted to get one “acoustic steel string guitar”, since I didn’t own one. It was going to be a dreadnought or a gypsy jazz. I didn’t really bond with it. It had a lot of voicing and pickup options. Since then, I’ve moved on from most 6 string guitars. I kept three six string guitars: one archtop (Sadowsky JH); one flamenco guitar and one sold body (PRS John Mayer Silver Sky).

The one interesting sidenote to this: I lent it to one of the best musicians in Chicago, a great cat named Tim Fitzgerald. He was recording a record with Telly Savalas daughter and she wanted a gypsy jazz number, and only a gypsy jazz guitar would do. (She was hearing with her eyes, clearly).

Then I wound up selling it. I can now count the number of total guitars with the fingers of two hands.

PS: everyone should go hear Tim Fitgerald’s new album of Wes tunes. SO GREAT!!!!

[Jim Soloway]

I'm guessing "authentic Selmer sound" isn't even on Jim's list.

I haven't tried one, but I've been very impressed with Godin's pickup systems.

Absolutely right. The scale length, nut width, radius, body size and shape are the source of the attraction. I watched the video on how to use the switching system and I thought the lipstick pickup sounded really good, both on it's own and with a bit of acoustic sound blended in.

[NSJ]

This reminds me that Tim Lerch, who plays in a Django style band, bought one, originally. And, like me, sold it in short order. His opinion is probably more impactful.

[floatingpickup]

I'm guessing "authentic Selmer sound" isn't even on Jim's list.

I haven't tried one, but I've been very impressed with Godin's pickup systems.

I agree, that Godin’s pickup systems are excellent and they make so many great models of guitars. My feeling was just that, unless you’re a strict Gypsy jazz player, maybe one of their other guitars would make more sense. This model seemed to be somewhere between a gypsy jazz guitar and a regular electric/acoustic guitar. I always try to think about how easy it will be to sell a guitar if I change my mind. The Godin Gypsy Jazz model would probably appeal to a smaller market than one of their more common models.
Keith

[Jim Soloway]

I agree, that Godin’s pickup systems are excellent and they make so many great models of guitars. My feeling was just that, unless you’re a strict Gypsy jazz player, maybe one of their other guitars would make more sense. This model seemed to be somewhere between a gypsy jazz guitar and a regular electric/acoustic guitar. I always try to think about how easy it will be to sell a guitar if I change my mind. The Godin Gypsy Jazz model would probably appeal to a smaller market than one of their more common models.
Keith

Unfortunately I believe this is the only model they made with the specs that attracted me: the 1.8" nut width and 26" scale length. Those make a perfect platform for playing fingerstyle tuned down to D-standard (my primary setup for several years)

[osloutah]

Is weight an issue for you, Jim? I've had three Godins over the years--an old Montreal, a Multiac Jazz, and some sort of strat. They were all very well built, sounded good, played great, and were heavy. I couldn't get any of them to sit right in the lap or on a strap.

[floatingpickup]

Unfortunately I believe this is the only model they made with the specs that attracted me: the 1.8" nut width and 26" scale length. Those make a perfect platform for playing fingerstyle tuned down to D-standard (my primary setup for several years)

Well, you might really like the guitar then. I didn’t mean to sound critical of it. I quite liked it, especially the pickup system. I was originally thinking I might buy one as a replacement for my DuPont, for the occasional Gypsy jazz gig. After playing the Godin, I just decided it was a little different than a Selmer style guitar and decided to keep my Dupont and try a few different options for amplifying it. The Godin, though, certainly had some advantages for playing amplified.
Keith