Godin A6 Ultra VS Taylor T5 (Comparison)
Our pick: The Taylor T5
While both guitars are similarly built, we thought the Taylor T5 sounded better than the Godin A6 and did a better job handling purely acoustic tones.
The T5 vs A6: It sounds like we're comparing Terminator models.
The Godin A6 Ultra and Taylor T5 are both acoustic guitars with pickups installed to give them an electric guitar flavor. They're thinner than a traditional acoustic guitar, and can sound like an electric or acoustic depending on which pickup you have selected and how you handle the onboard EQ.
In a direct comparison, we thought the T5 sounded better, particularly on the acoustic-only sounds.
This is not surprising, given the prestige Taylor commands when it comes to acoustic tones.
The T5 also adds the body sensor pickup which gives you some added articulation and flexibility.
They're both fantastic guitars, but we like the T5 better.
Read more: Acoustic guitars with pickups
Godin A6 Ultra VS Taylor T5 Comparison Tool
We've covered some basic acoustic guitar comparisons, as well as the price difference. You can also use the Sweetwater buttons to browse full product descriptions and more photos. Those links help support our site but at no extra cost to you, so consider shopping through them if you get gear from Sweetwater.
GUITAR | Title | Rated | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Godin A6 Ultra | n/a | |
| Taylor T5 Classic | n/a |
In the audio demos you can hear the tone quality coming out of the Taylor T5 Classic. We think it sounds better than the A6, though it's worth noting the Godin demo (strangely) uses an electric guitar amplifier, while the Chicago Music Exchange demo uses a Fishman acoustic combo.
In a perfect comparison, we could test audio for both guitars with the exact same rig. Keep in mind, that did not happen with these two demos.
Also note that the pickup on the A6 is placed further down the body in the neck position, while the Taylor pickup is closer to the bridge.
Specs Sheet Side by Side
We like the Maple and Cedar tonewood combination in the A6, though we'd argue you get a nicer set of electronics in the T5 Classic. It's a good spec sheet comparison though because you can easily see the several major differences between the two guitars. Tonewood, electronics, and controls all differ to an extent.
Header | A6 | T5 |
|---|---|---|
Body Type | Acoustic hollowbody | Acoustic hollowbody |
Body Material (back and sides) | Chambered Silver Leaf Maple | Sapele |
Top Material | Solid Cedar | Mahogany |
Bridge Material | Richlite | Ebony/Saddle, Compensated Acoustic |
Electronics (pickups) | GHN1 Humbucker, Piezo bridge | Hidden Samarium Cobalt Humbucker, Dynamic Body Sensor, Samarium Cobalt Humbucker |
Controls | Independent volume, treble, and bass controls for both the acoustic and the electric voices | 1 x Volume, 2 x Tone, 5-way Pickup Switch |
Nut Width | 1.69" | 1.6875" |
Scale Length | 25.5" | 24.875" |
Frets | 22 | 21 |
Normally we prefer a cedar top, which Godin gives us. But it's still hard to get away from the crisp and inviting tone of Taylor acoustics. They're just tough to beat.
Conclusion
Taylor acoustics are just really tough to beat.
Even with an acoustic guitar that leans into electric tones, Taylor's reputation for quality wins us over pretty easily. Yes, it's the more expensive guitar of the two, but we'd argue that you can get your money's worth in a more versatile tone profile, better quality acoustic sounds, and a higher-grade instrument that gets some pristine and style points over the competition.
Yes, the Godin A6 is still a great guitar, but it doesn't do enough (or knock the price low enough) for us to put it before the T5.
In a one-to-one comparison, we'll take the T5 and feel good about it.
Questions about the T5 and A6
Do you have questions about either the T5 or A6?
Maybe you disagree with our comparison and want to tell us how you feel about it? We get it, and that's totally fine.
Leave questions and other thoughts in the comments section below.
We especially want to hear from you if you've owned or played one of these guitars in the past.
See you there.
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Written by Bobby on Acoustics and Comparisons
Written by Bobby on Acoustics and Roundups
After listening to the Taylor I found the sounds to be harsh. I prefer the sounds of the Godin A6 Ultra. I’ve even played one at a Sweetwater store in the greater Cincinnati area this past week while on my 40th wedding anniversary trip with my drummer hubby. I like the smooth clarity of the Godin. I find that it’s sound lends itself better to my church praise team group. Church is not a bar or a hunky tonk where I feel that the Taylor you featured is better suited. In the end these two guitars come down to how each feel in the player’s hands and for what purpose they are using them.
I’ve been playing guitar for 58 years and many of those years professionally. The Taylor is the prettier of the two but I tried them both out 13 years ago through the same amp and everything considered, (sound, playability, comfort) opted for the Godin.
Andre – thanks for sharing your experience. Godin/Seagull has always really impressed me.
Yo tengo taylor t5 c1 2007. Y debo decir que es impresionante el tono que saca y lo cómoda que es de tocar.
La Godín a6 no la conozco y no puedo opinar.
También debo de decir que tengo la Godín gran concierto nylon midi y también es inmejorable.
Estoy con esos 2 modelos muy contento por los sonidos que puedo alcanzar.
Las 2 marcas son muy buena elección.
Can’t go wrong with either one. Enjoy the T5.
I’ve had both of these, and I believe you are wrong in your conclusion, and the reason is that the Godin was used through an electric amp… if both were used in the same amplifier, the A6 would outperform the T5 with regard to acoustic only tones.
Thanks for sharing your perspective. Out of curiosity, which amp did you use with the A6?