After twenty years of playing amplified acoustic music at least a couple of times a week and using every preamp, pickup, blender, dual-source, amp, loudbox, expression system, etc., from Takamine to Taylor, Trace Elliott to Genz Benz, I can state unequivocally that Godin offers one of the simplest solutions for achieving a good, useable live, acoustic sound. Just plug it in and go. If you have a good pre or tube DI, even better. With that said, I would place the Godin mandolin at the top of the heap when it comes to the "Godin sound". While there guitars are good, the mando's even better. This little guy sounds good, comes through loud and clear, has a very tweakable eq and imparts the right amount of air and percussion to make it sound exciting like a mando should - and not a guitar being played in the upper ocatves. I have had mine for 7 or 8 years now and have never had a problem. This mandolin is not loud enough for straight acoustic use. It's definitely okay for practice but you won't cut it next to an acoustic guitar unless you plug it in. So plug it in!

I purchased this mandolin after a long wait. Because the mandolins available in this price range are so ordinary in comparison to Godin. Once used to the heavenly sound of a Gibson A type mandolin, the only other mandolin I wanted to buy would have been an F-type Gibson ranging between 6-7 K minimum. Then I came across this mandolin priced at about 700's. It has amazing versatility, sounds good even without the amp and once attached to the amp, it has this fascinating bold sound, with even base frequencies. The eq allows wide range of adjustments and top of all, the ease of playing is great! I comfortably recommend this mandolin to both new players and professionals alike. After searching for 25 years, I have something other than Gibson that can be recommended!

The Godin A8 mandolin is a quality instrument, great for practicing when unplugged or jamming with a soft group of players. It rocks when plugged into a amp. The neck is thinner than a Gibson A, the body is comfortable, and string spacing and neck width are great. The equalizer sliders don't have much effect but are useful for slight trimming. I have the hard shell case which is excellent and protects the instrument, I don't like gig bags. I've had several electric mandolins, including a Gibson Florintine and the A8 is right there with it note for note. The A8 is real bargin in sound and price and is very well built.

The reason for this low rating has only to do with the unadjustable bridge. The action is too high on the upper registers and can not be lowered except maybe by shimming the neck. If godin would put an adjustable bridge on it I'd buy one in a heartbeat, the sound amp'd can not be beat

I have played a several electric mandolins, but none compare to the quality of sound that comes from this instrument. It has the best features that any musican could ask. If you are looking at buying an electric mandolin this is the one to buy!