GODIN 19717 Details
Fretless Natural High Gloss includes VBGAC Gig Bag
The Multiac Series instruments are nylon and steel strung acoustic guitars designed to meet the demands of modern performing and recording. Designed to be plugged in, these guitars feature the very best acoustic guitar electronics impeccably integrated in these new concept instruments
Synth Access
Multiac Nylon Fretless SA, Two Voice
The Multiac Fretless is an instrument like no other. Nylon strings work beautifully with a fretless fingerboard producing a singing tone that has a lot in common with that of a fretless bass. The Multiac Fretless is also deceptively easy to play due to the nylon strings, which respond well to a light touch, and are slightly more forgiving—than steel strings—for intonation. This combination of nylon strings on a fretless guitar represents a powerful musical tool on its own. The added possibilities provided by the Multiac's on-board synth access truly put it over the top. For example, bowed instrument, brass, and woodwind sounds can be played with exceptional nuance
The SA (synth access)
The Multiacs that use the RMC Polydrive TM system can be recognized by the individual transducer saddles under each string. This system not only produces superb amplified sound, but also produces a hexaphonic output through a 13-pin connector, which provides these guitars with direct access to Roland TM GR-Series synthesizers. The RMC TM system with synth access is featured in the Multiac Nylon SA, the Grand Concert SA, the Multiac Steel SA, ACS-SA, ACS Slim, the Multiac Fretless and the Multiac Jazz. The key to the exceptional synth tracking of the Multiac lies not just in the electronics but also in the carefully selected and balanced blend of different wood used in its design. All of the materials used are the result of extensive prototype testing to achieve the best possible combination of plugged-in guitar sound and synth tracking.
Synth Access
The first Multiac Nylon prototypes were already nearing completion when we became intrigued by the possibilities presented by Roland's GR-1 guitar synth system. Guitars had already been triggering synths for many years but they were either very expensive and not really guitars but guitar-like triggering devices or they just didn't work very well. The GR-1 made the guitar/synth connection available to guitar players of all budgets and abilities. However, using the GR still involved attaching a significant amount of hardware to your existing guitar. So we began experimenting with the idea of a guitar built from the ground up with synth tracking in mind. Our old friend Richard McLish of the RMC pickup company already had developed a hexaphonic pickup and preamp system called the RMC Polydrive and we asked him to work on a version of his system customized for our new guitar, which we called the Multiac. Richard's system worked beautifully, however, we discovered that we could impact the tracking of the system with fundamental changes to the guitar itself. Bracing, scale length, string tension and wood selection all had some effect on the response time (tracking) of the synth. After about twelve prototypes we not only had achieved superb guitar synth tracking but we'd done it in a nylon string guitar. Several years have passed since the first Multiac made its debut and we continue to refine our designs and explore new possibilities such as the new Multiac Fretless. There are now nine Godin models that include synth access.
GODIN 19717 FAQs
Are our guitars MIDI capable?
No, at least not on their own. Several guitars in the Godin lineup provide hexaphonic output, in other words, a separate signal for each string. The LGX-SA, LGXT, xtSA, Multiac (steel, nylon, Jazz) and the ACS all include this feature. This divided output signal is a key element in the interface between guitars and synths. The synth output on our guitars comes from a 13-pin connector (MIDI is 5-pin) and is matched for the Roland GR-Series guitar synths. We matched our guitars with the Roland synths because they are affordable, easy to use, sound great, and are supported by Roland's long-term commitment to guitar synths. Of course once you are connected to the guitar synth you can use the MIDI output from there to connect to other synths, sound modules, sequencers etc. Also note that Roland's GI20 interface provides a USB connection to your computer which eliminates the need for a MIDI interface.
What is tracking?
Tracking refers to the speed at which the synth is able to recognize the pitches being played and convert them into voltages. The pickup type and related electronics play a big role in this however, wood selection, scale, and setup all have a significant impact on tracking as well.
So how good is the tracking?
Most players rate our guitars tracking as the fastest available -see users list.
Will I have to adjust my technique?
Certainly a big part of the appeal of this system is that players at any level can plug it in and have fun with it immediately. However, minor adjustments in technique are inevitable. The biggest adjustments are required when playing synth sounds in context. For example when you are triggering a violin sound it becomes necessary to phrase like a violin player, and your violin phrasing may not work well with a percussive instrument such as a marimba. Many players find themselves focusing most of their effort on a handful of sounds because these are the sounds that they really learn to play.
What about other modules and computers?
Sure, just take the MIDI out from the Roland GR synth into whatever MIDI devise you are triggering or into a PC for sequencing. Note: you may find that more dramatic adjustments to technique and possibly data filtering become necessary when using a guitar trigger for sequencing purposes.
Do I have the choice between a Flame or Quilted Maple top on my LGX / LGX-SA?
No. Right now we have an excellent supply of flame only.
What kind of strings do we use?
We use our own Godin strings on all of our guitars. For models/gauges see the Godin string chart .
What are the Seymour Duncan pickups that are being used in the LGX, LGX-SA & LGXT?
Seymour himself selected these pickups for us and chose a Jazz II for the neck position and put a new magnet in the Custom Custom for the bridge position. This pickup is unique to Godin and is arguably a Custom Custom Custom.
What is Phantom Power and what does it do for my Multiac Duet?
Phantom power is most commonly used to provide the current used in condenser microphones. The power typically comes from a phantom power capable mixer and arrives at the mic via one of the three pins - called XLR connectors -in a standard mic cable. The under-saddle transducer and the I-Beam transducer in the Multiac Duet require active electronics, which means that they require power to operate. This is true of most pickup-equipped acoustic guitars and the power typically comes from a 9volt battery. The Multiac Duets offer you the choice of powering the guitar via the standard 9volt battery along with a standard guitar cord and from there into the amp of your choice, or you can use a standard mic cord to plug the guitar directly into a mixer and draw power back into the guitar and bypass the need for a battery. The advantages of this approach are that the mic cable is shielded against outside interference - such as radio frequencies - and the XLR connection locks the cable in place avoiding any accidental disconnections. Note: Not all mixers produce phantom power check your mixer owner's manual if you are unsure about this.
What is a truss rod?
A truss rod is an adjustable metal rod that sits inside of the neck, underneath the fingerboard.
When should the truss rod be adjusted?
The short answer is that your truss rod should be adjusted when your neck develops a bit of a bow in it. The reason for the bow is a combination of the string tension that is constantly applied to the neck along with changes in relative humidity. Humidity is the most important part of this equation. Wood reacts to changes in relative humidity when it absorbs or loses moisture. Absorbing moisture causes the neck to expand which results in a back-bow in this case loosening the truss rod slightly will allow the neck to return to its original form. When a neck dries out it will under bow, which can be treated by slightly tightening the truss rod. The neck on all Godin Guitars is reinforced by a double-action truss rod system. Click here for adjustment details.(pdf) WARNING: Over adjusting your truss rod can cause irreparable damage to your guitar and therefore should only be handled by a qualified guitar technician.
The fret edges are sticking out of the side of the neck. Why? And what should I do?
This is not nearly as big a problem as some people make it out to be. Once again the culprit here is humidity. In the case of the protruding fret edges this is because the fingerboard has dried out slightly and shrunk. The frets are metal (nickel/silver) and do not shrink from a change in humidity. The problem is easily fixed by a good guitar tech with a file.
GODIN MULTIAC FRETLESS 
ONSTAGE GS 7462B Guitar Stand
FENDER CABLE ELECTROVOLT 18' GTR
Fender Tuner PT100 Pedal 
