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Description
Discover a unique blend of tradition and innovation with the Godin Glissentar, a modern take on the ancient oud. This 11-string instrument breaks new ground by combining the familiar playability of a guitar with the enchanting sound of the oud. Perfect for guitarists and oud players alike, the Glissentar offers a seamless transition into the world of world music, allowing for exploration of diverse musical landscapes.
Crafted with precision, the Glissentar features a chambered body design that minimizes feedback and enhances resonance, making it ideal for both live performances and studio recordings. Its nylon strings produce a warm, rich tone that is both authentic and versatile, capable of capturing the nuances of various musical genres. The fretless neck invites expressive slides and microtonal melodies, expanding your creative potential.
Made by Godin, a brand renowned for its quality craftsmanship and innovative designs, the Glissentar is a testament to their commitment to excellence in musical instrument production. Whether you're looking to expand your musical horizons or add a distinctive sound to your ensemble, the Glissentar offers a truly captivating experience.
Key Features:
- 11 nylon strings for a robust and authentic sound
- Chambered body design for reduced feedback
- Fretless neck for microtonal expression
- Combines the playability of a guitar with the sound of an oud
- Ideal for both live and studio settings
- Quality construction by Godin, a leader in musical instrument innovation
Product specs
| Brand | Godin |
| Model | A11 Glissentar 11-String Fretless with Electronics |
| Finish | Natural |
| Year | 2010s |
| Categories | Acoustic-Electric Guitars |
| Active Preamp | Yes |
| Back Material | Maple |
| Color Family | Natural, Tan |
| Fretboard Material | Composite |
| Frets | Fretless |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Strings | 11-String |
| Pickup | Hybrid System |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Sides Material | Maple |
| String Type | Nylon |
| Top Material | Cedar |
FAQs
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What makes the Godin Glissentar different from a traditional oud?
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The Godin Glissentar combines the traditional oud's fretless neck and nylon strings with modern guitar elements, including a hybrid pickup system and active preamp, making it ideal for both acoustic and amplified performances.
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Is the Godin Glissentar suitable for beginners?
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While the Glissentar offers a unique playing experience, its fretless neck may present a challenge for beginners. It is more suited for players familiar with fretless instruments or those willing to explore microtonal music.
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What type of music is the Godin Glissentar best suited for?
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The Glissentar is ideal for Middle Eastern, North African, and world music styles that utilize microtonal scales, but its unique sound can also complement jazz and experimental genres.
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Does the Godin Glissentar require any special maintenance due to its fretless neck?
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The fretless composite fretboard requires regular cleaning to prevent residue build-up. Additionally, players should monitor string wear, as nylon strings can wear down the fretboard over time.
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Can the Godin Glissentar be played through an amplifier?
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Yes, the Glissentar features a hybrid pickup system and an active preamp, allowing it to be easily amplified for live performances or recording.
Videos
MusicStoreTV
GODIN Glissentar Demonstration (Oud Lute Guitar) english
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Godin Glissentar.
Comparisons
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The Godin Glissentar is recommended over a pulled-frets acoustic due to its oud-inspired design, aligning more closely with Middle Eastern musical styles.
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Value and pricing
Setup and maintenance
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Pulling frets from a cheap guitar is a viable option, but it requires filling slots and adjusting the guitar for optimal playability.
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Features and functionality
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The Godin Glissentar features nylon strings and an 11-string setup, similar to a 12-string guitar but with a single low E string.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
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From the Metalsucks article Rigged: Nile’s Karl Sanders: "This unique fretless instrument is designed to allow guitarists to achieve Middle Eastern oud-like sounds in a guitar-like format. This wonderful secret weapon can be heard on plenty of Nile tracks, most notably “Those Whom the Gods Detest” and “Ethnomusicological Cannibalisms."
The Godin Glissentar. I first came across this around 2000 and I had to try it. It is modeled on the oud, which I love the sound of. And I loved the string configuration: Eleven strings in six groups. The top five strings are doubled in unison and the low string is on it's own. I had never played a fretless instrument before and felt a bit dubious about taking it on now. I had heard so many different musicians complaining about fretless bass players that played out of tune. But... screw it, I had to try this guy and ordered one. It wasn't so hard to play in tune at all. OK, I'm sure I am not perfect on it and I can totally hear when I am really out, but it is wonderfully fun to play. I tune it in fifths like a cello so the low string is a C. Oh wait, no it isn't. I tune it down a whole step from that, so the low string is a Bb. That is pretty weird for me, but it works. The thing I like most about it is that it makes me think and hear so much more melodically than any other instrument. Plus it is real ear opener to to hear what a true major 3rd or minor 7th sounds like. You can't do that on a fretted instrument
Album Usage
The Godin Glissentar has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Godin Glissentar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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