Godin A12 12-String - Natural Review

A Vibe All Its Own....

As regards overall quality, this is a finely crafted, well put together instrument that comes ready to play. A PDF manual is easily available on-line at Godin's website. It must be said that this is an "electro-acoustic," as opposed to "acoustic-electric," guitar. It handles like an electric guitar, about as heavy as a solid-body, with an action almost as easy -- no small feat… read more for a 12-string. The tone is altogether unique, at least at the relatively low volumes at which I play. It doesn't have the kind of tone that one would expect from a full hollow-body acoustic 12--but that was not what I was looking for, and, as far as I'm concerned, anyway, that is not a bad thing. The active preamp is powerful. It does have a lush, full tone all its own, hard to describe, somewhat "resonatorish," at least at low volumes, but with the balance, fullness, and range across the frequencies you would expect from a 12-string. And, last but definitely not least, for my money, anyway: plugged in, the low end on this guitar is nothing short of fabulous, in and of itself worth the price of the instrument; it adds a dimension to walking bass lines and basic progressions that is hard to find in a more conventional instrument. I find that it serves me well as a singer-songwriter who can play well enough to accompany himself. As for the virtuoso guitarist--well, check out Doyle Dykes' enthusiastic review-demonstration of this same instrument, easily attainable on line. Overall a versatile instrument with almost unlimited potential applications. It comes with a capacious gig-bag, with room for all accessories, which makes for easy transport to gigs. Sweetwater's customer service, especially as delivered by Phill Potts, far exceeds expectations.

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A Keeper

First and foremost A Huge Huge Thank You to Tina and Paul Allen for there patience with me over the years, (This is my 1st review comment} I know I know?? I have had about 15 12 strings over the years, still have 2 others, A Northwood and a 1980 Washburn, This Godin is a keeper. The comfort level is top notch. I would prefer a slightly smaller nut width but you can't get everything.… read more My first thin body style acoustic 12 and it is more than I expected in playability. Thank You Tina and Paul

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Great Guitar

Fit, finish, detail is all excellent. I now have 4 Godin guitars and their quality is consistent. This 12 string plays as well as any other guitar that I own (Gretsch Country Gentleman, Gibson Les Paul, Martin custom dreadnaught and others). The acoustic sound is just enough to practice without disturbing family members or neighbors. Plug this guitar ina and wow!! The sound… read more is powerful and balanced. I played it through a Schertler David, Fender Blues Delux, and a Bose S1. It just plain sounds good. Made well, easy to play, intonation up and down the fingerboard is very good, it sounds beautiful. You get the idea. This is a great guitar.

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Godin A12

blew away my martin GPCPA4 12 STRING ! the kneck on this plays like a strat- can't believe how slick - quick it is , sound of electronics also better ! extremely happy !

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Easiest 12 string to play, for real!

This REALLY is the best playing 12 string out there! Thanks to Ikes and the team at Sweetwater!

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