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“I’m really not sure about which Multiac to choose. Could you please help me to understand the differences between the various models?” This is a very frequently asked question at Godin Guitars, so we decided to write a brief guide to help you in making your choice.
Before we dive in, it’s good for you to know that all Godin guitars, including the Multiac Series are proudly made in Canada, in our Richmond, Québec factory. All models within the Series, regardless of features or price range, are subject to the same exacting build and quality assurance processes. Also, unless otherwise stated in the name (ex.: the Multiac Steel), all Multiacs are equipped with Custom Nylon strings.
Please note that we do not recommended the use of steel strings on Nylon Multiacs! The instrument is not designed for this and could be damaged beyond repair.
The price differences are due to the design of the instrument, the woods used, and the type and complexity of the on-board electronics. To differentiate our models, we use many acronyms and descriptions. These can sometimes be depending on the model you are looking for, and this short guide will help you to understand them better.
SA: Stands for Synth Access. All guitars with SA in the description are equipped with a 13-pin MIDI system that is compatible with Roland GR55 MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) devices. A notable exception is the Multiac Nylon, SKU 004690, the founding instrument of the line, which is equipped with an SA system not mentioned in the model’s name. Note also that the ACS models have this MIDI / SA technology.
To achieve the best output results, we recommend the use of updated Roland MIDI devices, like the GR-55, with your Multiac SA. Our electronics keep pace with technological developments, therefore some older devices like the Roland GR-20 or GR-33 may not work optimally with a newer Multiac. Our electronics have been designed specifically to work well with Roland device, but could also work with other brands. However, we cannot guarantee full compatibility with non-Roland equipment.
ACS: ACS stands for ACoustic Solid, combining the characteristics of classical guitars with those of solid body guitars. Each ACS Multiac has acoustic chambers, just like other Multiacs, but is mounted with a thicker top. This unique design results in an instrument that is virtually free of feedback, making it perfectly suited for live performance. All ACS are equipped with a MIDI system (SA – Synth Access).
Grand Concert: The Grand Concert models offer the same features as the regular models, but with a wider body size for a more traditional classical guitar-like playing experience. The nut width of the Grand Concert models is 2″ (50.8 mm). In comparison, regular models are 1.9″ (48.26 mm), and Slim models are 1.7″ (43.18 mm). In addition, the fingerboard radius of the Grand Concert is 24″, with a neck joined to the body at the 12th fret. In comparison, the regular Multiac has a 16″ fingerboard radius and the neck/body joint is at the 16th fret. Finally, the Grand Concert can be equipped with the SA, Deluxe or Encore system.
Deluxe: Deluxe models are equipped with modern electronics designed specifically for Godin by L.R. Baggs. This innovative system has two sound sources that can be combined: six HEX pickups, one per string, and the Lyric pickup located inside the guitar. The Deluxe models are designed for guitarists who want a pure, unadulterated nylon sound. This model is also popular with percussive players, as the Lyric pickup accurately reproduces the vibrations of the soundboard. Deluxe models do not have SA capability.
Encore: The Encore system is a dual-source electronic system that drives a pickup under the saddle and two sensors placed in the body. It is a simpler and more affordable electronics than the Deluxe models. The Encore Multiacs do not have MIDI / SA – Synth Access capability.
HG : for High-Gloss. HG guitars are finished with a high gloss varnish.
SG : for Semi-Gloss. SG guitars are finished with a semi-gloss varnish.
Slim : Slim means that the width of the nut is reduced to 1.7″ (43.18 mm). The regular models have a 1.9″ (48.26 mm) nut, while the Grand Concert is 2″ (50.8 mm).
Mundial : The Multiac Mundial is equipped with the Godin Double Source Custom preamp, the same as on the Encore models. This allows you to mix the under saddle pickup with the sensors in the guitar. The Multiac Mundial also comes in a variety of original high gloss colors, and does not have SA capabilities.
Multiac Series (models no longer in production) :
- Multiac Nylon Duet (1995-2009): L.R. Baggs Duet. Early model had a foam-encased microphone. Later models used the I-Beam (I-beam duet). XLR output and phantom power.
- Multiac Nylon Duet Custom Shop (1995-1999): Same as above with detailed Abalone inlays. Ebony fingerboard.
- Multiac Grand Concert Duet (2000-2009): L.R. Baggs duet. Early model had a foam-encased microphone. Later models used the I-Beam (I-beam duet). XLR output and phantom power.
- Multiac Steel Duet (1995-2009): L.R. Baggs duet. Early model had a foam-encased microphone. Later models used the I-Beam ((I-beam duet). XLR output and phantom power.
- Multiac Steel Duet Custom Shop (1995-2000): Same as above with detailed abalone inlays. Ebony fingerboard.
- Multiac Steel SA (1994-2009): RMC 13 pin system. Although discontinued in 2009, these were built on special-order into 2010.
- Multiac Jazz (2002-2011): Synth access – 3 voice. Body: Silver Leaf Maple, Carved Flame Maple, or Natural Spruce Top, High Gloss. Neck: Silver Leaf Maple, 1.715” nut, 25-/12” scale. Fingerboard: Ebony. Electronics: Custom RMC electronics; 1 x Godin GJN1 mini-humbucker, transducer bridge. 1 x vol, 1 x tone, 13 pin output.
- Multiac Nylon SA Fretless (2002-2012): Chambered mahogany body, solid spruce top, mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard, 25 ½” scale, 1.9” nut width, RMC electronics with 13 pin output.
- ACS-SA USB (2010-2012)
- MultiOud Ambiance (2013-2015) back from 2018: Spruce top, chambered mahogany body, mahogany fretless neck, ebony fingerboard and bridge, Fishman electronics.
- Inuk Ambiance (2013-2015): Spruce top, chambered mahogany body, mahogany fretted neck, ebony fingerboard and bridge, Fishman electronics.
- INUK Ambiance HG (2013-2018): same with high gloss finish.
- Inuk Encore (2014-2020): Two-chambered Canadian Laurentian Basswood, Solid Spruce top, Mahogany neck, width at nut 1.6″, 23.03″ scale, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, Q1T electronics.
- Multiac Steel Duet Ambiance (2012-2018): solid spruce top, chambered mahogany body, mahogany neck, 25.5″ scale, ebony fingerboard, Fishman electronics.
- Multiac Grand Concert 7 (2013-2018) same as Grand Concert SA, but in a 7 string version.
- Multiac Spectrum (2008-2018): solid spruce top, chambered mahogany body, mahogany neck, 25.5″ scale, ebony fingerboard, RMC electronics, Godin lipstick pickup.
- Multiac Cavaquinho Steel (2015-2018): Two Chambered Canadian Laurentian Basswood body, Solid Spruce top, Mahogany neck, width at nut: 1 3/16” , 13 3/8” scale, Rosewood fingerboard and bridge, Custom Fishman electronics.
- Multi Uke (2013-2019): Tenor size, Chambered Spanish Cedar body, Natural – Solid Cedar top, Burst – Solid Spruce top, Mahogany neck, width at nut 1.375″, 17″ scale, Rosewood fingerboard and bridge, Custom RMC electronics.
- Multiac Nylon Duet Ambiance (2010-2021): Two-chambered Mahogany, Solid Spruce top, Mahogany neck, Width at nut = 1.9″, 25 ½” scale, Richlite fingerboard, Fishman electronics.
- Multiac Grand Concert Duet Ambiance (2009-2021): Two-chambered Mahogany, Solid Cedar top, Mahogany neck, Width at nut = 2″, 25.59″ scale, Richlite fingerboard, Fishman electronics.
- Multiac Steel Doyle Dykes Signature (2018-2021): Two-chambered Mahogany body, Solid Spruce top, Mahogany neck, 25 ½” scale, 16″ radius, Width at nut = 1.715″, Richlite fingerboard, LR Baggs electronics with LB6 piezo.
- Multiac Gypsy Jazz (2018-2021): Similar to the Multiac Steel, but in a Gypsy Jazz format. Two-chambered Mahogany body, Solid Arched Spruce top, Mahogany neck, 26″ scale, 16″ radius, Width at nut = 1.8″, LR Baggs electronics, Seymour Duncan lipstick pickup.
- Multiac Nylon Encore 7 (2015-2021): Two chambered Silver Leaf Maple body w/Laurentian Basswood wings, Solid Cedar top, Neck – Mahogany, Width at nut = 2.36″, 25.66″ scale Rosewood Fingerboard, Custom Godin Dual Source System Includes body sensors and under saddle piezo.
- Multiac Steel Natural HG (2019-2021): Mahogany body, Solid Sitka Spruce Top, Mahogany neck, scale 25.5″, 16″ radius, Richlite fingerboard, Seymour Duncan lipstick pickup, Custom Voiced LR Baggs On-board preamp.
