Godin Nylon Arena Mahogany CW Q1T

The LaPatrie Arena Mahogany guitar features:

• Pressure tested solid Spruce Top
• Solid Mahogany back and sides
• Honduran Mahogany neck
• Rosewood fingerboard and bridge, 25.5" scale, 2" nut width
• Godin Q1T electronics and tuner
• Classical slotted tuners
• Tusq Nut and Saddle by Graphtech
• Dual Action truss rod
• Hand-crafted in Quebec, Canada

There is a lot of depth and history to the Godin family of brands. Named after the village in Quebec where Godin has been crafting guitars for over 30 years, LaPatrie has mastered the art of making classical instruments for the modern player. Each guitar features a pressure tested cedar or spruce top from fallen trees averaging 800 years of age and are finished with a 19th century inspired finish that lets the guitar breath and naturally age into a richer sounding instrument. Their necks are solid mahogany and feature double function truss rods for adjustment capabilities that today's players are accustomed to. On top of that, every LaPatrie guitar comes stage-ready, fitted with Godin's Q1T electronics and tuner. It's never been easier to go classical.

Before you even pick it up, the Arena Mahogany is a clear winner. Its high gloss finish has a subtle, old school look and the cutaway thinline body is a paragon of comfort. The top is solid pressure-tested Spruce and the back and sides are solid Mahogany. Spruce is known for its bright snappy response, and combining it with the resonant warmth of Mahogany is a true "best of both worlds" scenario. The thinline body focuses the sound and adds a surprising amount of punch; and while it doesn't project like a full-bodied acoustic it doesn't lack for pleasant unplugged tone. The midrange frequencies are assertive, and the clear high end makes for a balanced and dynamic instrument. The traditional classic neck will satisfy purists, and having access to the high frets via the cutaway inspires you to play nylon like you never have before.

The Godin QIT electronics on the LaPatrie are subtle and effective. Not your usual fat, rectangular cutout, the panel is a stylish tear drop shape and features Volume, Treble, Bass controls and an on board tuner. We tested it through our Hughes & Kettner Era 1 Acoustic Amp and it does the trick nicely, with more than ample EQ adjustment range, and a natural tone that is devoid of piezo crack and crackle.

We have been fans of Godin's nylon guitars from the get-go, but the LaPatrie Arena opens a whole new avenue. These guitars play like true classical instruments while offering player's modern versatility and comfort. Staying true to the Godin brand value, LaPatrie is the perfect entry to the nylon world for players of every discipline.