Godin Through The Years
It was 50 years ago, with a passion for music, and a sharp eye for detail, that Robert Godin began hand-crafting guitars in Québec, Canada. Since 1972, that small family business has grown to be one of the largest and most dynamic guitar manufacturers in North America.
First Factory in La Patrie, Quebec
It began with the goal to build high-quality, hand-crafted guitars in Québec Canada, at an affordable price for all musicians.
1972First Factory in La Patrie, Quebec
Norman
Introduces Norman steel-string acoustics, our first acoustic brand founded in La Patrie Quebec, and still part of our production line-up.
1972Norman
Second Factory
With growing product demands, Robert sees the need to open a second factory in La Patrie, Quebec.
1978Second Factory
Kamouraska
Introduces the Kamouraska nylon string guitars, the first nylon string brand to be produced by Godin.
1978Kamouraska
LYS
With strong market growth in France, and a customer base wanting a new steel string guitar, Godin introduces the LYS acoustic line.
1980LYS
L'Etude
Introduces the l'Etude nylon string classical, a quality guitar intended to meet the demands of the North American market, at an affordable price.
1982L'Etude
Seagull
Introduces the Seagull S6, with its iconic straight-pull headstock, responsive semi-gloss finish, and use of local tone-woods. Godin revolutionized modern-day acoustic guitar construction using innovations in design and materials.
1982Seagull
Simon & Patrick
Introduces the Simon & Patrick Steel String Acoustics targeting a new level of player in the world’s guitar market and solidifying Godin’s reputation for hand-crafting great-sounding acoustic guitars, which age beautifully over time.
1986Simon & Patrick
Acousticaster
Introduces the Godin Acousticaster with a desire to improve ‘plugged-in’ acoustic sound for live performances, boasting an innovative chambered body design with 18-tuned metal tines, integrated bridge pickup, and built-in EQ.
1988Acousticaster
Expands Factory
Expands the upper factory in La Patrie, Quebec to meet the growing demand of the steel string acoustic guitar market.
1989Expands Factory
Artisan
Introduces the Artisan Series, Godin's first lineup of solid-body electric guitars.
1992Artisan
First Head Office
Opens the Montreal, Quebec head office, centralizing the global Sales & Marketing team.
1992First Head Office
Third Factory
Opens the Berlin, New Hampshire USA factory and expands solid-body electric production and distribution.
1993Third Factory
Multiac Nylon SA
Introduces the revolutionary Godin Multiac – the first production guitar with multi-voice synth-access. This nylon-string semi-acoustic, with its state-of-the-art bridge sensors, built-in EQ, and a direct 13-pin output changed the way musician's craft their music.
1993Multiac Nylon SA
Winter NAMM
The Godin Guitar Bar at Winter NAMM makes history with nightly performances by Godin endorsing artists, showcasing their music to industry peers.
1995Winter NAMM
Fourth Factory
Opens the Princeville, Quebec factory to meet global market demands for high-quality, affordable acoustics.
1995Fourth Factory
LGX-SA/LGXT
Introduces the Godin LGX Series incorporating synth-ready guitar technology into a new lineup of solid-body electrics, reaching world-wide recognition for innovation and lightening-fast synth-tracking.
1996LGX-SA/LGXT
Art & Lutherie
Introduces the Art & Lutherie Acoustics - affordable high-quality Canadian-made steel and nylon string guitars, appealing to wide range of players.
1996Art & Lutherie
Second Head Office
Expands the Montreal Head Office to meet company growth in Sales & Marketing, Customer Service and Administration.
1998Second Head Office
First Automation Introduced
First CNC factory automation introduced as production expands and technological advancements provide precision accuracy with minimal waste.
1998First Automation Introduced
Glissentar
Introduces the Godin Glissentar - where East meets West - in an 11-string nylon fretless semi-acoustic, influenced by the Oud, supporting World Music musicians globally.
2000Glissentar
Fifth Factory
Opens the Richmond, Quebec factory - pairing production innovations with precision craftsmanship - to match its 'Canadian Made' reputation for building high-quality guitars at an affordable price.
2002Fifth Factory
TRIC
Introduces the revolutionary TRIC (Thermally Regulated Instrument Case) after three years of design and development, incorporating auto-industry materials and techniques (think 'car bumpers') offering unparalleled instrument protection.
2002TRIC
Expands Factory
Expands the Richmond, Quebec factory as global demand continues and product lineup expands.
2005Expands Factory
5th Avenue
Introduces the Godin 5th Avenue - after many years of research and development, the goal to build an affordable semi-acoustic archtop guitar with high-quality components for the mass-market was met with overwhelming success.
20085th Avenue
Richmond
Introduces the Richmond Solid-Body Electrics - as a high-quality 'retro-style' guitar - for players looking for a 'vintage' vibe in a Godin-quality instrument.
2008Richmond
First Set-Neck Solid-Body Electric
Introduces the first Godin SET-NECK solid-body electric guitar after several years of research and development. The investment in tooling and production innovations opened to door for many affordable set-neck models to follow.
2011First Set-Neck Solid-Body Electric
Multioud
Introduces the Godin Multioud to meet the needs of musician's looking for a semi-acoustic Oud, with the 'live' plugged-in quality and playability Godin is known for.
2011Multioud
Merlin
Introduces the dulcimer inspired Seagull Merlin, expanding on the world-music line-up of instruments.
2013Merlin
Montreal Premiere
Introduces the Godin Montreal Premiere - a thin-line arch-top following in the footsteps of the highly successful 5th Avenue Series, that paved the way with its design and innovation.
2014Montreal Premiere
Honorary Doctor of Music Degree
Robert Godin is the recipient of Honorary Doctor of Music Degree from McGill University for his inspiration and leadership.
2015Honorary Doctor of Music Degree
Robert Passes The Torch
Simon and Patrick Godin, Robert's two sons, make the transition to lead the company into the next generation.
2019Robert Passes The Torch
Godin Acoustic
After 2 years of product design and development, Simon Godin launches the first ever Godin Acoustic line
2019Godin Acoustic
Order Of Canada Honour
Robert Godin receives the Order Of Canada Honour (C.M.) by the Governor General for his research and development activities in guitar manufacturing.
2020Order Of Canada Honour
Godin Nylon's
La Patrie Nylon's are Re-Branded as Godin Nylon's offering musician's a complete range of guitars in the Godin Guitar product lineup.
2020
