La Patrie Etude

Made in Canada, satin top, great smell, bought it new in 2002 for $300
No electronics, but that means nothing to me.

This is where the Etude shines. It is truly a giant killer, i was ready to drop 900 dollars on some other name beand guitars, BUT the second i played this one, i instantly knew from the first chord i strummed, that this guitar stomped the yamahas and takamines i was ready to fork ovder more cash for.

First classical guitar I have owned, and it will probably be my last. The finish is strange at first but nice and smooth when playing, and the smell of cedar is just fantastic. Neck was a little difficult to get adjusted to, but still plays well.

The only Beef i have with this ax is how easily the top gets scratched. mine has a couple of battle scars, and you must be gentle. I would use this guitar anywhere, anytime. The tuners and bridge, nut seem ok.

Never dealt with them

ive been playing for about 10 years, and I am VERY picky (and frugal), this guitar is the best bang for the buck. You WILL NOT find a better sound for under $1000, and this thing costs about $300. If i needed to buy another classical, I would definitly stick with Etude. Quality sound and good price. Simply a great guitar.

Newer model (2005?)- made in Canada, basically featureless?but that?s the point right? Best feature of the guitar would have to be a solid cedar top and a price tag under 300 bones. The back and sides are a mahogany laminate. The neck is also mahogany, with a rosewood fretboard. The neck has been described as thinner than many classicals, but this is more in profile-- thee's still adequate spacing between the strings. This model has a flat fingerboard end as opposed to the rounded end (cut to contour the soundhole) that you see on many classicals (and older model Etudes, I think?) not as pretty, but what difference does it make?

The whole reason for owning this instrument. The lasido company (Seagull, La Patrie, et al) has found a way to make affordable instruments that sound comparable to many double and triple their price. A new set of strings and good posture and this baby really sings. Way nicer than anything in it?s price range?How my neighbors to the north haven?t completely monopolized the acoustic market by now is a mystery to me.
I'd say the Etude has basically a very balanced tone, the lows are rich, not boomy, the trebles are clear and bright. no one string dominates the other, although the tone is greatly enhanced by correct right hand technique. I've also played it with a pick for jazz styles, but this guitar sounds much better under the fingers.

Action: Near perfect for my playing tastes, that?s why it came home with me on the spot. The addition of a truss rod (not seen on a lot of classicals, especially in THIS price range) makes it a little more adjustable than others. I need to preach a little here though-- never adjust the truss rod to adjust action! If you don?t know how to handle a bridge saddle (or if you?re afraid to screw it up, like me) take it to somebody who knows what they?re doing. Truss rods are for seasonal tweaking to adjust the neck profile ONLY. Okay, I?m done. As far as the finish, this is the only place I can deduct points. I like the looks of the satin finish (sometimes a gloss finish makes a cheap guitar look cheaper) but cedar is a pretty soft wood, and it will be dented and scratched rather easily if I?m not careful. If it?s gonna leave the house a lot, get a hardshell case, or a really super-duper padded gig bag. A little love and she?ll last a long time. On a pleasant note, i was nicely surprised when i encountered one of these in a store (world folk music company in beverly, chicago--support small business!) because of the color of the mahogany. most of the pictures online have washed out the color of the mahogany, showing it as a honey-ish color not much different from the cedar top. in person, it's definitely a more "mahogany" color, about the tone of bass ale. this is purely cosmetic, i know, but us guitar players are a shallow lot.

Again, the finish is the only thing I can think of. I?ve heard people complain about the tuners, but they seem fine to me-- granted, on a nylon string instrument you're usually loking at a week or so before a new set of strings will stabilize-- so if slippage is a worry, give it a little time.

No experience. I?ve owned a steel string Seagull for 10 years and I?ve never needed any support, so I?m crossing my fingers that the quality has crossed over to their other brand lines along with the great sound.

I've been playing for 15 years, and this is the second nylon string guitar i've bought. the first was a no namer, and it was a piece of junk-- totally turned me off to the classical lessons i had been taking. i switched to jazz, and never looked back. my tastes now are more in the experimental vein, using a lot of electronics and processing to create backdrops to improvise over (i'm very heavily influnced by miles davis' "in a silent way" and the work of derek bailey.)The etude will serve as another texture in the mix, especially chordally, comping bossa-esque rhythms beneath the other sounds. all in all, it's just a really nice bare bones guitar. I plan on enjoying it for quite a while.

1999 Model Made in Canada. Has a solid Cedar top with Mahogany/Poplar/Mahogany laminate back & sides. Solid Mahogany neck. Satin Finish & gold colored tuners w. white buttons. Has an adjustable neck w. truss rod. I agree w. the previous reviewer, the neck on La Patrie's is thinner than most Classicals. Its not a thin neck overall just thinner than most Classicals. Its Acoustic Only Non Electric.

This is where this guitar excells! The sound is amazing for this price. There is a lot of bass and the sustain is very good especially for open chords. It is a very full sound. I played many of the Yamaha, Ibanez, & Raimundo models at GC & Sam Ash and this guitar sounds way better. You will not be disappointed by the sound.

The guitar came set up w. Medium action so I left it that way. The grain on the neck on mine has some prominent grain lines in it that I first thought were cracks but they are wood grain. The top is beautiful and has a pleasant Cedar aroma especially if you play open chords. The back & sides look amazing and really give you the impression of solid mahogany. The finish is satin and is very very thin. I bumped the top on the corner of my cushioned couch and it made a tiny pin head sized ding in the top. The finish is real delicate but I believe that it is the key to the deep sound of the Etude. The tuners are average at best. They work but are not the most precise or smooth and one of my tuner buttons has a crack in it. Many complain of the rosette but mine is perfectly centered and looks great. If you look real real close you can see that it is computer generated but it looks fine to me. Mine also has the end of the neck cut to match the curve of the sound hole. Many of the newer Etudes I have seen have the end of the neck hanging slightly over the sound hole. Mine came with a hardshell case which I highly recommend on this model.

Can't give this a 10 as the Satin Finish really makes this guitar delicate. I would view this guitar as a good practice or home recording guitar. I would use this to take to friend's houses or lessons but I wouldn't gig with it. If you plan to use this as a main guitar replace the tuners, they suck.

Haven't had to use this (knock on wood) so I can't comment. Warranty appears to be

Been Playing for 18 years. I would buy another if it were stolen but I might opt for the gloss/lacquer finish. I like the sound, the adjustable neck, solid cedar top, & the aroma of cedar when you play. Buy this guitar if you are looking for a good sounding Classical and you are on a budget. Don't let the Satin finish turn you away.

This guitar has a solid top. It is a simple acoustic classical without a pickup, but what it does it does PERFECTLY.

I play latin guitar styles as well as classical and this guitar is perfectly suited for those styles.

The guitar has no imperfections that I can see---and I've had it for six months. There are no painting imperfections, no scratches, string spacing is perfect, the binding is fantastic.

This guitar is very dependable as I've used it on stage various times. It is light, rigid, but by no means is it meant to be thrown around like some toy. It is an instrument and if you treat is as such then you are a perfect match for this one.

Have not had any problems that neededed addressing but I did talk to them once to see what other products they offered and they were extremely helpful and courteous. Excellent:)

If you're looking for a great guitar without spending all that dough, play this guitar and see what you think. Remember, the action can be adjusted to whatever you wish to, but concentrate on the sound and the responsiveness of this guitar. In my humble opinion it is a magnificent
instrument for advanced guitarists as well as beginners.

Bought this guitar for 260.00 Can. at Long Mcquade last November. It has a solid cedar top and laminated mahogany back and sides. I believe it was made in Feburary 2004. It has a satin lacquer finish and is a rather plain looking guitar. It is a solidly built guitar with very good woods.

I spent a lot of time in music stores playing different guitars in around the 500.00 to 750.00 price range. Nothing came close to the sound of this guitar. I played Tak's, Yamahas, even a 1200.00 Ramirez and it blew them all away. An amazing guitar for 260.00 bucks. I'm using Savarez Alliance hard tension strings on it and the projection is unbelievable.

The factory setup on this guitar was good from the factory. Still not convinced if a bolt on neck works on a classical guitar. I've played a few La Patries with haywire neck pitch angles. Only time will tell. Slight finish flaw on back of guitar and crappy tuning machines. Mickey mouse decal rosette.

I've had no problems to date with this guitar. I baby my guitars so even though the finish is very light i've had no problems. The soft cedar top won't take any abuse. I would'nt recommend playing with a pick.

I've had no problems with this guitar so i have'nt dealt with them. I've heard there a little slow answering e-mails.

I've been playing guitar for sixteen years and own an Almansa and La Patrie Collection. Also just bought a Simon & Patrick Mini-Jumbo with a B-Band 3.2 pickup system in it.The etude is not comparible to my Almansa but i paid 1800.00 for it. For the money there's nothing out there comparible. PERIOD!!! Buy the way, my La Patrie Collection is prettier but not better. Without a doubt the best buy in a classical guitar for under 500.00.

It was made in 2002. Same features as everyone else's. I really like the satin finish, I think it makes it unique instead of those shiny ones.

It is the most amazing-sounding guitar I have played in my life, I tells ya. It blew me away the first time I picked it up.

Everything was great for 3 years. I then changed the strings myself (yes, after 3 years when it still sounded great) and there was quite a bit of buzzing. I don't know what the heck is going on, but I am planning on buying a la patrie presentation and planning on letting professional string it from now on. The top is easily scratched, but that is only because someone with a pick played mine.

I have been playing for 4 years. I started out with a steel string, but I think this guitar is the only reason I switched. I swear all I play on it is Classical Gas, about 10 times a day, but It sounds so awesome on this guitar that I just can't stop.

I bought one on Thursday and liked it so much that I bought the only other one at the same store on Saturday --- I wanted one for home and one for my music school so's I don't have to lug it back and forth--- hey, for the cheapo price tag of around $250 sometimes with sometimes without a case (I got one with for $235 'cause I'm friends with the salesman and one for $240 without the case from the store manager)---the store manager said that they only get 2 or 3 a year and they have to wait a long time for them -- No Frills -- Plain Jane -- Just what I wanted -- Nothing about it is offensive. looking at all!!! Adjustable truss rod is a plus on a nylon string for inevitable and expected seasonal warpage resulting in action changes/ and buzzzz.......

The one that's been played for a while in the store sounds a little brighter than the one that's been in the stockroom sleeping in the case for months. I know that will change as I wake it up on a daily basis. The sleeper has a bit more midrange -- some notes like the A on the G string and the G , A & B on the D string actually "leap" out at you. This doesn't happen as much on the one that's been more played -- maybe it's just that they are 2 different pieces of wood and it could have nothing to do with the sleeping vs. played more theory. My nails are short but when I can catch a nail on a string....WOW instant volume -- A good reason to stop biting has finally come.

The action on one was a "tad' lower than the other but the neck profiles are the same---a "tad" CLUBBY ---the strings are spaced a little wider than the usual steel string acoustic but I'm guessing it was done for right and left hand technique involved with "classical finger style" pieces. Then again, Seagulls (the sister brand) are known for theeir wider at the nut set ups. One has a tightly grained CEDAR top and one has a widely spaced CEDAR grain. I've heard that it takes longer for the tighter grain to age whereas the wider grain has more exposer to be able to dry out and age quicker. I don't know how true this is but it sounds like it makes sense.

I knew that if I had to keep taking one guitar back and forth that it would get road scars from tranporting to and from home and work so I figured what the hey........get two for the price of one...and they would be in great shape because they would each be staying in one place.

Don't know and Hope I never have to-------although the little info brocure that comes with it HIGHLY RECOMMENDS to GET A soundhole HUMIDIFIER and keep it in the body when not in use. I suppose I'll have to get a couple.

This/These are the 1st Nylon string guitars I've actually bought although I've dabbled in classical guitar playing on and off (on my many electric guitars)during my 41 years of playing. I went looking for a nylon string cheapo about a year ago and NOTHING FOR $250 COULD EVEN COME CLOSE TO THIS GUITAR in every category. Easily rated a BEST BUY ----ESPECIALLY for S-O-U-N-D!!! I usually never write reviews about any products - This make & model really deserves praise. I love these 2 guitars especially because of the LOW price and HIGH QUALITY. That seems to be VERRRRY unusual these days.....

Classical Guitar handmade in Quebec Canada. Beautiful mahogany neck and body and kinda matte solid cedar top. Rosewood fretboard and bridge. I think it has 19 frets. Initially it looks crappy because of the non-shiny deck, but after owning it for a couple years it has grown on me, it stands out from your everyday, run of the mill poly stained laminated top classical guitars; besides, the mahogany is stunning. Besides the solid top, another great feature is the neck design. I never had a problem with classical necks, but this one is much more playable than most, not big and fat so you cant wrap your thumb around.

I try to play yngwie-style classical on this thing, but for the greater part of the past 2 years this has been my only guitar, so I played everything on it. Obviously you cant play slipknot on it (mind you older, better composed metal like megadeth/metallica sounds fantastic on a classical) The look of this guitar may not be for some, but for the price this has to be the best sounding guitar I have ever heard, no joke. Audiophiles will tell you that the solid top and laquer finish will give you many different advantages in tone, all I know is that harmonics ring off this thing like nothing I have heard, chords therfore sound fuller, and individual note phrasing sounds more alive. The sound is where this guitar really shines.

Everything was set up great, good action for an acoustic. I dont know how it works for classical guitars, but I find the high e tuner stiff, and the g string always raises pitch after bending for a while, so maybe some nut sauce and new tuners are in order.

As before, the tuners arent the greatest (but I dont know if there are any good aftermarket classical tuners out there.) The biggest complaint about this guitar I have is the strength. The solid cedar top gives outstanding tone (minimum weight too-very light!!!), and strength against deck warping due to string tension. Unfortunately, the solid top is succeptible to breakage in the other direction. I dropped the guitar from about 2 feet onto my floor, this resulted in a $50 CDN repair and a big ugly mark.

never dealt with them

sound wise this is a giant slayer. Many of my rich boy acquaintances bring over their fancy expensive guitars, but after they get over the look of mine they cant put it down. If you can baby your guitar the rigidity issue dissolves, and if you fall in love with this guitar (as you undoubtedly will) you can get over the plain boring looking laquer job.

Very Spartan in appearance. It's all about the sound. Decent tuning machines. Rosette appears to be a decal of some sort. Satin finish/soft cedar top combination is susceptible to dings.

Clear highs, and rich booming bass. Think of Willie Nelson's old Martin (that he calls "Trigger"), before it got all beat up. This guitar is all about the sound, and it is awesome.

Action is good. This guitar has a truss rod, which is unusual for a classical. Top has good bookmatching, back and sides look very nice. Fretwork is excellent.

Guitar doesn't weigh much, but feels solid all around. If I gigged, I'd be comfortable using it without a backup.

Have only dealt with La Patrie/Seagull once or twice via email. Now there is no email contact information on their website. I've never had to call them about this guitar, or my Seagull 12 (both have been perfect since I bought them, so no need), so I'm going with no opinion on this category.

This guitar is a stone cold killer axe. I got an incredible deal buying it used, and if a car ran over it tomorrow I'd shed a tear and gladly plunk down $300 or more for a new one. The only thing I'm considering is the addition of a Baggs I-Beam onboard pickup so I can play it plugged in. It sounds great miked, but I'd like a pickup. It can be purchased with a B-Band onboard system if you can find one.

My La Patrie Etude was made in 1999 in Canada.

It has a solid cedar top and mahogany back and sides. The fretboard is rosewood, with a rosewood veneer on the headstock and heel. The nut and saddle appear to be bone. The body has a very attractive creamy white binding.

The top and body have a thin satin finish. The neck also has a satin finish, which I think provides better playability than a glossy finish.

The rosette is a cheap decal, and not centered very well on the soundhole, at least on my example. Also, as others have mentioned, the end of the fretboard is not well finished to the curve of the soundhole. For the cost of this guitar, I consider these to be minor issues.

This guitar sounds far better than it should for its modest cost. It compares very favorably to entry level solid top guitars from makers such as Takamine and Yamaha, and is significantly louder due to the thin satin finish on the top.

Notes are full with good sustain, and the overall sound is well-balanced between treble and bass.

I don't think you could do much better as far as quality of sound vs cost.

The action and set-up was excellent from the factory. No buzzes or intonation problems.

As mentioned previously, the rosette decal is poorly centered, and the fretboard and soundhole are not well finished where they meet.

The frets are well dressed. All joints are extremely well finished and smooth. The bridge is very basic and unadorned, but works fine. The tuners are fairly cheap, but work fine.

This is a classical guitar and needs to be handled with care, as they all do.

It was not designed to withstand abuse. The satin finish on these Etudes is not as forgiving as the thick glossy finish found on most other entry level classicals, so some extra care is necessary if you expect to keep it looking pristine.

I have been playing classical guitar for 27 years. I purchased this guitar to carry around and not worry about too much.

I bought it because of all the good things I read about how it sounds, and I was not dissapointed.

One important issue about this guitar is the shape of the neck. Although it is classical in width, the neck profile is significantly thinner than most classicals. If you have large hands, this may not be the most comfortable neck for you.

I do have large hands, but I have adjusted to the neck fairly well. I would prefer it to have a more traditional thicker profile, however.