Godin Montreal – Natural Mahogany – 2008 – Dual Output - Original Hard Case – Used Excellent
Every year for two weeks in July the city of Montreal transforms into the world's largest jazz club, and it was that city's deep love affair with the music that inspired this guitar's creation. The original Godin Montreal — the predecessor to the current Montreal Premiere and a distinctly different instrument — is one of the most thoughtfully designed dual-voice electrics ever built, and it has developed a devoted following among players who have discovered what it can do. The two-chamber body is carved from a solid block of mahogany and capped with a carved solid mahogany top adorned with f-holes and cream binding — genuine carved solid mahogany throughout, not laminate, which gives the instrument a warmth and resonance that is immediately apparent the moment you plug in. The 22-fret mahogany neck is shaped by Godin's ergocut technique, leaving the back of the neck a comfortable modern C shape while angling the front, fretboard edge, and frets slightly inward for a playing feel that is genuinely unlike anything else — fast, comfortable, and immediately intuitive. The rosewood fingerboard runs a 24-3/4 inch scale with a 12-inch radius, and the recessed pickups and bridge plus sculpted bolt-on neck joint keep the playing surface clean and unobtrusive.
The electronics are where this guitar truly distinguishes itself. Two Godin humbuckers feed a special 5-way switch that provides five distinct magnetic tones on their own — a range that covers everything from warm jazz neck tones to punchy bridge sounds with three blended positions in between. Layer on top of that the L.R. Baggs transducer saddles loaded in the bridge, feeding an onboard preamp, and the tonal palette becomes extraordinary. The two separate outputs allow the magnetic and acoustic voices to be run independently to two different amps or channels, or blended inside the guitar through a single cable — a system that rewards creative players and makes this one of the most versatile instruments you can own at any price. For jazz, blues, fusion, or any style where tonal variety and a warm, resonant voice are assets, this guitar delivers in a way that very few instruments can match.
This 2008 example is in superb shape — just set up through our shop, no fret wear, electronics all fully functioning including the piezo system. Minimal signs of play, excellent condition throughout with very minor hardware tarnish consistent with age. A unique, versatile, and genuinely fun instrument with tons of tonal possibilities, in a case that is in excellent shape.
- Make: Godin
- Model: Montreal (original, pre-Premiere)
- Year: 2008 (serial number 077443940)
- Country of origin: Canada / USA (Berlin, NH assembly)
- Body: 2-chamber carved solid mahogany, carved solid mahogany top
- F-holes: Yes, with cream binding
- Finish: Natural high gloss
- Neck: Mahogany, ergocut C shape, bolt-on
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Fingerboard radius: 12"
- Scale length: 24-3/4"
- Frets: 22
- Pickups: 2 Godin humbuckers
- Bridge: L.R. Baggs transducer saddles with onboard preamp
- Controls: 5-way switch, volume, tone, blend
- Outputs: Dual — magnetic (1/4") and acoustic/piezo (1/4")
- Hardware: Black and gold, minor tarnish consistent with age
- Modifications: None
- Condition: Used Excellent – minimal signs of play, very minor hardware tarnish, no fret wear, all electronics fully functioning
- Includes: Original hard case (excellent shape)
Ships carefully packed and insured for full value. International buyers are welcome — please contact us for a shipping quote before purchasing.
About Mill River Music
Mill River Music is an independent, human-powered music shop located in downtown Northampton, MA, run by a team of players, enthusiasts, and certified repair technicians. Every piece of used gear we sell is personally inspected, tested, and set up before it ships — we don't list it until we'd be happy to play it ourselves.
As Martin and Taylor certified techs, we hold our guitar work to a high standard, and we're committed to full transparency about the condition of everything we sell. No surprises.
When you buy from Mill River, you're supporting an independent local business that genuinely cares — about gear, about players, and about doing things right. We're here every step of the way. Reach out anytime.
