Godin A12 Natural SG

Best 12-String I've ever played. (I've owned 4 +) Recently I returned a new Rickenbacker 12-string costing 3X as much as my A-12 Godin. (I prefer Godin's thin satin neck feel and playability over Ricki's deeper hi-gloss design ) The Godin's action and intonation was spot on , right out of the box. It sounds a lot like the Guild 12-String I owned in 1974...bright- wooden instrument sound..like the sound from the Roof Top Singers or New Christy Minstrels. It holds tune very well. I recently ordered some Flatwound La Bella strings which I suspect will soften the bright sparkly sound towards a more "electric" voicing....we'll see. I like both qualities. Build and finish of the A-12 (like all Godins) is equivalent to guitars costing many hundreds $ more.

Had to send the first one back, as the 9v battery only lasts for hours, not even days. When I emailed a Godin rep, he said "this is a defect, it happens now and again. Probably the preamp needs replacing." The supplier, guitarVault, can't even assure me the next one arriving won't have the same problem! Still, the guitar is a dream to play, hands down the easiest to navigate leads on. I've been playing a Taylor 150e for 7 years on a solo gig, so it's an interesting comparison of the DI-ed sound, which is very important on my gigs: I actually prefer the sound of the Taylor, but I can approach that sound with the Godin A12. Unplugged, the A12 has a much more brash sound and is louder to the player; this makes it difficult to know if my tone adjustments tame the sound. So the 2nd A12 is coming tomorrow, 8/4, and I'll play a gig and let you know if this 2nd one has the battery depletion problem. 8/5/20: The 2nd A12 arrived with a dead battery. So I will assume ALL A12s have this defect. I may return this and wait for them to fix this across the board. I will call Godin rep, 8/6 - 8/7: I sent the 2nd one back, and Godin says they will drop-ship me one w/o the problem soon. ***GuitarVault has been GREAT about the whole thing. Great seller!*** Godin indicated the older A12s had the problem. 8/11/20: One final entry then I'm out...Godin replies that they don't have any A12s to drop-ship so GuitarVault will refund me. I really want a working A12 dangit! ..but will wait. I will rate it to 3 stars for it's easy playing

Ive been playing 12 string guitar for two years now in an acoustic band and the Godin is a dream to play. I have a Gibson Hummingbird Pro, Martin Performing Artist Series and a Taylor 458e but the Godin outplays them all. Pair the A12 with a Fishman Loudbox amplifier and you will have one beautiful sounding 12string acoustic!

Arrived on time and without defects. The finish on this guitar is simple and beautiful. Extremely pleased with the playability of this guitar, on a par with a much more expensive Guild 12 string. Plug it into an amp as it was meant to be played and it sounds full and resonant, with plenty of smooth low end sustain.

After owning a wonderful hybrid six string guitar, I have been in love with Godin. This 12 string guitar arrived with visible structural problems (i.e.,two inner braces were visible on the face). Still, I was inclined, with difficulty, to believe the instrument was dropped in transit, although the bottom padding seemed more than adequate. The real hurt was, knowing tuning a 12 string can be trying, I thought this was too tight spacing AND it sounded too tinny! God, I hoped it was my mood, so I put it aside. Sadly, it sounded just as bad the next day. It very hard to criticize Godin, particularly when- out of affection- I still ponder purchasing an Oud.

So far this is the best 12 string guitar I ever tried . Can play 5 hrs. without my left hand and fingers get tired . Perfect finish , sounds great with and without an amp . Highly recommended . Best value for the money .

Awesome full tone and playability is top rate!

Excellent guitar and seller!

Excellent quality, good price. Very comfortable neck great playability