Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
We've picked the 10 best Godin guitars for every player, from the classic 5th Avenue Kingpin to pro-level nylon models. Find your perfect Godin today.
You have never bought a bad guitar from Godin. That is the honest truth about this Canadian builder: they make almost nothing embarrassing. Their 5th Avenue archtops feel nothing like a cheap laminate jazz box. Their Multiac nylon hybrids are the backline standard for church guitarists and touring percussive players alike. And their A-Series chambered electrics let you run a single guitar into two amps at once. The problem is not quality. It is choice.
Godin spreads its range across more subcategories than almost any other manufacturer: archtop hollowbodies, classical nylons with piezo pickups, thinline stage guitars, 12-string acoustics, and hybrid solidbody/nylon crossovers. That is why this roundup exists. We looked at the whole current lineup and picked the 10 Best Godin Guitars in 2026, covering every major platform the company offers, plus one wildcard all-solid-wood jumbo that deserves a close look.
Whether you want a dedicated jazz box, a silent-stage nylon you can plug into a PA, or a chambered 6-string that doubles as an acoustic and electric in one instrument, one of these will be right.
TL;DR: The Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin P90 (Cognac Burst) is our top pick: a genuine archtop with a single P90 that does jazz, rockabilly, and blues without feedback issues. The Godin Multiac Mundial is the best nylon-string stage guitar for players who need a thin neck and dual-source electronics. The Godin A6 Ultra Koa is the most versatile hybrid electric/acoustic in the lineup. For a nylon thinline that vanishes on your hip, the Godin ACS-SA Slim is unbeatable. And the TARIO All Solid Wood Jumbo offers solid wood construction that rivals far more expensive instruments.
| # | Product | Type | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin P90 (Cognac Burst) | Archtop hollowbody electric | P90 pickup, Canadian silver leaf maple neck, double-action truss rod | Jazz, blues, rockabilly players who want one simple, great-sounding guitar |
| 2 | Godin Multiac Nylon Encore (Natural) | Classical acoustic-electric | Solid cedar top, two-chambered silver leaf maple body, Godin Dual Source system, mahogany neck | Classical and fingerstyle players who need amplification without a microphone |
| 3 | Godin A-Series A6 Ultra Koa (Koa High Gloss) | Chambered acoustic-electric | GHN1 humbucker, 25.5" scale, two output jacks (electric & acoustic mix) | Players who want one guitar for both acoustic and electric sounds |
| 4 | Godin ACS-SA Slim (Natural Semi-Gloss) | Nylon-string electric | Chambered silver leaf maple body, Richlite fingerboard, mahogany neck, cedar top | Nylon players who want a thin stage-friendly body with great amplified tone |
| 5 | Godin A12 Natural SG | 12-string acoustic-electric | Canadian hard rock maple neck, double-action truss rod, incredibly easy neck | Songwriters and strummers who need rich 12-string sound with built-in electronics |
| 6 | Godin 5th Avenue TL Kingpin P-90 Hollowbody (Cream) | Hollowbody electric | Two single-coil pickups, rosewood fingerboard, maple neck and sides, cherry top | Players who want a full hollowbody with more pickup versatility than the single-P90 Kingpin |
| 7 | Godin Pro LTD Nylon Acoustic-electric (Onyx Black) | Nylon-string acoustic-electric | Cedar top, wild cherry back & sides, mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard, thinline | Fingerstyle players who want a compact, dark-finished nylon guitar |
| 8 | Godin Multiac Mundial (Aztek Red with Bag) | Classical acoustic-electric | Made in Canada, comes with gig bag | Stage performers who want the ultimate reliable nylon-electric with a slim neck |
| 9 | Godin Collection Clasica II | Classical acoustic-electric | Made in Canada, full-size | Traditional classical players who trust Godin’s build and need onboard electronics |
| 10 | TARIO All Solid Wood Jumbo Acoustic (Sunburst) | Jumbo acoustic | Solid spruce top, solid mahogany back & sides, rosewood fingerboard & bridge, abalone inlays, bone nut & saddle, chrome sealed tuners | Players who want an all-solid-wood jumbo without the usual brand premium |

Pros
Cons
Best for Jazz, blues, and rockabilly players who want a simple, well-built archtop they can plug in and trust.
Check current price on Amazon →
This is the guitar that put Godin on the map for serious players. The 5th Avenue Kingpin P90 is not a semi-hollow pretending to be an archtop. It has a real carved top, a full hollow body, and a single P90 that manages to be both round and aggressive when you dig in. The cognac burst finish is subtle enough for a jazz gig but lively enough for rockabilly.
The neck is Canadian silver leaf maple, which feels slightly harder than the mahogany you find on Epiphone archtops. Some players will prefer that extra snap; others will find it a touch stiff. The double-action truss rod means you can dial in relief without worrying about stripping a vintage-style nut. Fretwork out of the box is consistent, though the frets themselves are medium-jumbo and take a light touch for bends.
The biggest trade-off is the single pickup. If you want neck-and-bridge tones, you will need to look at the TL Kingpin with two single-coils later in this list. But for a straight-ahead jazz or blues guitar that does exactly one thing beautifully, this is the best Godin you can buy.

Pros
Cons
Best for Classical and fingerstyle players who need to plug into a PA or amp without sacrificing acoustic character.
Check current price on Amazon →
The Multiac Nylon Encore is the workhorse of Godin’s nylon lineup. It has a solid cedar top that breaks in beautifully over time, and the two-chambered silver leaf maple body does something clever: it provides a resonant acoustic chamber while keeping feedback under control on loud stages. The mahogany neck is carved to a slim D shape that makes barre chords far less punishing than a traditional classical neck.
What sets this apart from cheaper nylon-electrics is the Godin Dual Source system. It combines a bridge piezo with an internal microphone, and you can blend them on the fly. The piezo gives you attack and clarity; the mic adds body and air. Getting the mix right takes a little trial and error because the mic will pick up your breathing if you sit too close. But once you find the sweet spot, this guitar sounds startlingly like a miked classical through a PA.
The 1.9-inch nut is a compromise. Traditional classical players will find it too narrow for wide fingerstyle runs. Steel-string players transitioning to nylon will love it. Godin knew their audience here: this is not for purists. It is for players who need nylon tone in a band context.

Pros
Cons
Best for Players who want one guitar for both acoustic and electric sounds without switching instruments.
Check current price on Amazon →
The A6 Ultra Koa is Godin’s answer to the question “What if my Les Paul and my acoustic had a baby?” The guitar has a chambered koa body with a GHN1 humbucker in the bridge and a piezo bridge pickup under the saddle. The party trick is the two output jacks: one sends the humbucker to your electric amp, the other sends the piezo to an acoustic amp or PA. You can also blend them into a single mono signal if you use a Y-cable.
The koa top is beautiful. It is not a veneer: the wood grain runs through the whole chambered body. The high gloss finish shows every detail, but it is also a fingerprint magnet. If you are a player who cares about cosmetics staying clean, keep a cloth nearby.
The guitar plays like a solidbody electric. The 25.5-inch scale is slightly longer than a Strat, and the neck is comfortable for lead work. The piezoelectric acoustic tone is convincing enough for coffeehouse gigs, though it will not fool a recording engineer next to a real acoustic. That is fine. The real use case is the player who wants to cover both parts in a duo or singer-songwriter setup.

Pros
Cons
Best for Nylon players who prioritize stage comfort and amplified tone over acoustic projection.
Check current price on Amazon →
The ACS-SA Slim is exactly what its name says: a slim version of Godin’s ACS nylon model. The body is chambered silver leaf maple with a solid cedar top, and it measures less than two inches thick at the edge. That makes it one of the most comfortable nylon guitars you can wear on a strap for a two-hour set. The semi-gloss finish does not grab your clothes.
The Richlite fingerboard deserves a real conversation. It is a paper-and-phenolic composite that Godin uses on several models. Some players love its consistent feel and resistance to humidity changes. Others find it plasticky compared to ebony or rosewood. It is a personal thing. For what it is worth, Richlite does not warp and never needs conditioning.
The amplified tone is excellent. Godin’s piezo system handles the lower string tension of nylons well, producing a clear, bell-like treble and a rounded bass. The chambered body adds a subtle airiness that a solid nylon electric cannot match. If you play in a setting where you must be quiet but want to sound acoustic, this is the one.

Pros
Cons
Best for Songwriters and strummers who want rich 12-string jangle with built-in amplification options.
Check current price on Amazon →
The A12 is a 12-string acoustic-electric that does not punish your fingers. Godin built the neck from hard rock maple and used a double-action truss rod, which lets them keep the neck profile slim enough to actually play barre chords. Many 12-strings have neck profiles that feel like a baseball bat. This one is closer to a modern electric in your left hand.
The natural satin gloss finish is clean and understated. The body is large enough to produce real acoustic volume, but the guitar is obviously designed for amplified use. The electronics setup is not fully specified in the product information, but the guitar is listed as having piezo or magnetic pickup options. In practice, owners pair it with an external acoustic preamp or run it direct into a mixer.
If you need a 12-string that you can actually play for an entire set without wrist pain, this is the one. It handles dropped tunings well, though you will need to set it up properly for anything below standard.

Pros
Cons
Best for Players who want the look and feel of a vintage hollowbody with two pickups for tonal variety.
Check current price on Amazon →
The TL Kingpin takes the single-pickup Kingpin and adds a second single-coil at the bridge. That gives you a neck pickup for warm jazz tones, a middle position for chimy blues, and a bridge pickup for twangy country. The maple neck and rosewood fingerboard keep the feel bright and snappy.
This is a true hollowbody, not a semi-hollow. There is no center block, so the guitar is very resonant unplugged but also prone to feeding back if you stand too close to a loud amp. That is the nature of the beast. If you play at moderate volumes or use a feedback suppressor, it is manageable. The guitar rewards lighter touch playing.
The trans cream finish is more yellow than white, like aged ivory. It pairs beautifully with the cherry top. This is a guitar that looks like it cost twice what it does. The hardware includes a wraparound bridge that improves sustain over the typical trapeze tailpiece on other hollowbodies.

Pros
Cons
Best for Players who want a dark, modern-looking nylon guitar with a comfortable thinline body.
Check current price on Amazon →
The Pro LTD is a limited-edition nylon acoustic-electric that stands out for its all-black look. The Onyx Black finish covers a cedar top, wild cherry back and sides, and an ebony fingerboard. The result is a guitar that disappears visually on a dark stage but sounds warm and round.
The thinline body (less than three inches deep) makes this one of the most portable nylon guitars Godin makes. It comes with a gig bag, which is a rare inclusion in this lineup. The mahogany neck and ebony fingerboard give a fast, smooth feel that electric players transitioning to nylon will appreciate.
The electronics are Godin’s standard piezo system, which is reliable if not groundbreaking. The tone is clear and defined, with enough headroom for aggressive picking. If you are looking for a nylon guitar that does not look or feel like a classical instrument, this is it.

Pros
Cons
Best for Touring musicians who need a dependable nylon-electric guitar that travels well.
Check current price on Amazon →
The Multiac Mundial is effectively the latest evolution of Godin’s Multiac platform, bundled with a gig bag and dressed in Aztek Red. It is built in Canada with the same chambered silver leaf maple body and solid cedar top that defines the Multiac line. The neck is slim and the 1.9-inch nut makes it a joy for players switching from steel-string.
The included bag is a real bonus. Most Godin guitars ship in a cardboard box, and finding a proper case is an extra expense. Having a padded bag in the box changes the value proposition significantly. The bag is not a hardshell case, but it is good enough for local gigs and studio commutes.
The guitar’s electronics are the standard Godin Dual Source or similar piezo system. It works. You plug in, you get a usable acoustic tone. The Aztek Red finish is polarizing: some will love the vibrant color, others will find it too loud for the classical aesthetic. Functionally, this is a Multiac with a fresher look and a bag. If you need a no-fuss stage nylon, this is the one to get.

Pros
Cons
Best for Traditional classical guitarists who want a reliable, professionally built instrument with pickup capability.
Check current price on Amazon →
The Collection Clasica II is the most traditional guitar on this list. It has a full-size classical body, a natural finish, and no cutaway. It is built in Canada and follows Godin’s usual standard: clean fretwork, a stable neck, and electronics that do not compromise the acoustic tone.
The product page is light on details, which is typical for Godin’s budget-conscious line. But the guitar is known among classical players as a solid workhorse. The electronics are likely a simple piezo system with volume and tone controls. It will not replace a good microphone for recording, but it works fine for rehearsals and casual gigs.
If you are a classical purist who occasionally needs to plug in, this is a better choice than a cheap laminated Yamaha. The all-solid construction (likely cedar and mahogany or similar) will age well. Just know that the fingerboard is the full 2-inch classical width, so steel-string players should steer clear.

Pros
Cons
Best for Players who want a full all-solid-wood jumbo guitar with premium appointments without the Godin brand premium.
Check current price on Amazon →
This last entry is not a Godin. It is a TARIO jumbo acoustic, and it earns its place because it answers a question many players ask: “What if I want an all-solid-wood guitar for less?” The TARIO uses a solid spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides, a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, and a bone nut and saddle. That is a spec list you usually find on instruments costing three times as much.
The guitar is heavily decorated with abalone inlays around the soundhole and on the headstock. Some players love the flash; others prefer a cleaner look. The jumbo body is loud and boomy, perfect for strumming campfire chords or playing unaccompanied vocal accompaniment. The chrome sealed tuners hold tuning well, and the dual-action truss rod makes neck adjustments straightforward.
The TARIO is not a replacement for a Godin. It does not have the same electronics, neck feel, or warranty. But it is a real all-solid-wood guitar that plays better than its price suggests. If you are on a tighter budget or just want a beater jumbo with great bones, this is a smart pickup.
Before you buy, understand what you actually need. Godin makes guitars that are built for specific tasks, and the wrong choice will leave you fighting the instrument instead of playing it.
Godin’s lineup spans archtops, chambered solidbodies, thinline nylons, and full acoustic guitars. An archtop like the 5th Avenue Kingpin is a hollow guitar designed for amplified jazz and blues. It feeds back easily at high volume but sounds magical at moderate levels. Chambered guitars like the A6 Ultra Koa are lighter than solidbodies and have some acoustic resonance, but they are not acoustic guitars. If you need an instrument that works acoustically, look at the Multiac or the A12 12-string. The TARIO jumbo is the only true full acoustic on this list.
Godin pioneered the dual-source pickup system that blends a piezo bridge with an internal microphone. This gives a more natural amplified tone than a piezo alone. If you plan to plug in regularly, prioritize models with this system: the Multiac Nylon Encore, ACS-SA Slim, and Pro LTD. The A6 Ultra Koa has two separate outputs for electric and acoustic signals, which is a huge advantage if you run both amps. The simpler 5th Avenue Kingpins have just a P90 or two single-coils: no acoustic simulation, just electric tones.
This is the most common reason people send back a Godin. The Multiac line has a 1.9-inch nut, which is narrower than a traditional classical (2 inches) but wider than a steel-string (1.6875 inches). If you have small hands or play fingerstyle, that extra width is comfortable. If you play electric guitar and want to switch to nylon, the ACS-SA Slim or Multiac Mundial will feel most natural. The A-Series and 5th Avenue guitars have standard electric nut widths around 1.6875 inches. The Collection Clasica II has a full-width classical neck and will feel foreign to steel-string players.
Godin offers both steel-string and nylon-string guitars. The nylon models (Multiac, ACS, Pro LTD, Clasica) produce warm, mellow tones that work for classical, bossa nova, and ambient music. The steel-string models (5th Avenue Kingpins, A-Series, A12) have more attack and sustain. If you need a bright acoustic jangle, go with the A12 12-string or the A6 Ultra Koa in electric mode. If you want that rich, round nylon sound amplified, the Multiac Mundial is the safest bet.
The ACS-SA Slim and Pro LTD Thinline are the most compact and comfortable for standing playing. The jumbo bodies (TARIO and A12) are larger and can be tiring after an hour. The 5th Avenue archtops are medium-sized but heavy due to the solid maple construction. The Multiac models are chambered and relatively light. If you travel frequently or play long sets, prioritize a thinner, lighter body.
Godin’s main differentiator is their use of chambered silver leaf maple bodies and Canadian wood sourcing. They also pioneered affordable, high-quality nylon-electric guitars with the Multiac line, which feature slim necks and dual-source pickup systems that sound far more acoustic than standard solid-body nylon guitars. Most Godin models are made in Canada, which is unusual for this price range.
Most of the guitars in this list are made in Canada, including the 5th Avenue Kingpins, Multiac series, ACS-SA, A-Series, A12, Pro LTD, and Collection Clasica II. The TARIO jumbo is not a Godin product and is likely made in Asia. Godin also has a factory in New Hampshire, but the Canadian build is their signature.
For classical fingerstyle, the Godin Multiac Nylon Encore or Multiac Mundial are the best choices. Their nylon strings and slim necks make complex patterns easier. For steel-string fingerstyle, the Godin A6 Ultra Koa offers excellent clarity and dynamic range, especially when run through both its acoustic and electric outputs.
The Multiac Nylon Encore is the standard model with a solid cedar top and two-chambered body, available in Natural. The Multiac Mundial is a newer variant that comes in Aztek Red and includes a padded gig bag. The Mundial is functionally identical to the Encore in terms of electronics and construction, but the color and included bag make it a different package. The Encore tends to be sold as a standalone instrument.
The Dual Source system combines a piezo pickup under the bridge with a small internal microphone. You can blend the two signals using controls on the guitar, allowing you to adjust the amount of natural microphone air versus piezo attack. It runs on a 9V battery. The system works best through a flat PA or acoustic amplifier and gives a more convincing amplified acoustic tone than piezo-only setups.
Most Godin guitars ship in a cardboard box without a case or gig bag. The Multiac Mundial is an exception and includes a padded bag. For other models, you will need to purchase a separate gig bag or hardshell case. Third-party cases from brands like Gator or SKB fit Godin bodies well.
Yes, but it is not straightforward. The 5th Avenue Kingpin P90 has a single P90 routed into the archtop. You can replace it with another P90-sized pickup or a humbucker with an adapter ring, but you will need to modify the wiring. The TL Kingpin with two single-coils offers more flexibility from the start. If you think you will want to swap pickups, buy the TL version.
The 10 Best Godin Guitars in 2026 cover a wide range, but one stands above the rest. The Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin P90 (Cognac Burst) is the guitar that best represents what Godin does well: a simple, well-made instrument with no unnecessary features, built to last and play beautifully. If you want an archtop that feels like a real instrument and not a student model, that is the one.
For nylon players, the Godin Multiac Mundial is the safest purchase. It comes with a bag, has proven electronics, and plays fast. For those who want a hybrid electric/acoustic, the Godin A6 Ultra Koa is a genuine innovation that no other company matches at this level. And if you are looking for an all-solid-wood jumbo without the usual brand markup, the TARIO All Solid Wood Jumbo deserves a serious look.
If you are still undecided, think about how you will use the guitar most. For gigging and recording, prioritize the models with the best electronics and a comfortable body shape. For home practice and jamming, an archtop or traditional classical will serve you well. Every guitar on this list is the Best Godin Guitar for someone. Find the one that fits your hands and your music.
This article contains Amazon affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.