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Godin Arena CW Q1T Natural Acoustic B-Stock *Authorized Dealer*

   
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Handcrafted in the iconic village in Quebec, the Godin Nylon Arena series features pressure-tested solid Spruce tops, Godin QIT electronics, and fully adjustable classical necks in a comfortable thinline package. This particular Arena has Wild Cherry back and sides that enhances the guitar's attack and clarity. Whether you are a classical aficionado or a nylon newcomer, the LaPatrie Arena will impress you as a stage-ready package for crossover players and traditionalists.

The LaPatrie Arena CW guitar features:

  • Pressure tested solid Spruce Top
  • Wild Cherry back and sides
  • 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
  • Optional La Patrie Gig Bag

Test gear: Hughes and Kettner Era-1 acoustic amplifier

There is a lot of depth and history to the Godin family of brands. Previously branded LaPatrie after the village where they are made, Godin 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 mahogany and feature double function truss rods for adjustment capabilities that today's players are accustomed to. Plus the Godin Arena 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 CW is impressive. It has a neatly applied thin satin finish, and the cutaway thinline body is very comfortable sitting or standing. The top is solid pressure-tested Sitka Spruce and the back and sides are a special 3-part laminate of Wild Cherry. Spruce tops are the norm on acoustics for their bright snappy response, but Wild Cherry is an excellent alternative tone wood that Godin has used with great success. Cherry wood has a tonal profile somewhere in the middle of Mahogany and Maple. Combining the Spruce top and the "maple-esque" properties of Cherry make the high end of the Arena "pop", which brings out great dynamics especially suitable for finger pickers. The thinline body focuses the sound and adds a surprising amount of punch; and while it doesn't have the natural low end of a full-bodied nylon, that's where the electronics come into play. If you are coming from the electric guitar world, the classically wide 2" nut and flat fingerboard may take some getting used to, but classically trained players will feel right at home.

The Godin QIT electronics on the Arena are straightforward 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 with a little tweaking settled into a warm and detailed nylon ambiance that is very convincing. The Spruce/Cherry duo has a lot of natural attack, and given the high end extension of the H&K we found that moderate amounts of high end attenuation on the guitar and amplifier yielded the best results. The QIT electronics are piezo-based, and over enthusiasm on the treble side will exaggerate the plucking and finger noise.

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