La Patrie Presentation

Brought new from UK dealer on Ebay. Presentation 2009 QI with added basic bridge pickup system. cedar top , mahogany neck, truss rod. rosewood fretboard, not sure whether laminate back and sides or not. On the website it says rosewood laminated, whatever that means.
But at least the guitar has a website. I would consider that a feature.
Tuners a bit cheap and no ebony fretboard - no neck strap button.
Didn't come with la patrie trig case. but a generic hard case.

I play any old trash on it kind of jazz and wonky classical. Its got a great dark sound though perhaps lacking sustain on the treble strings- not interested if it just sounds great plugged in. I like guitars that sound good alive acoustically or electrically.
The plugged in sound was suprisingly very good considering its only a piezo pickup with vol.treble and bass controls. Really good sound in the bass registers.

Action was high. Though I was tempted to keep it high for the added projection and tone, it got on my nerves after a while so I got a good reputable luthier to shave the bridge down and tweak the neck angle with the truss rod as necessary. Plays low now with no noticeable loss of tone. Every classical guitar I ever see in the shops seems to have a high action, I always get a pro setup for the action adjustment with a new guitar.
Very nice neck wide but slender and with a slight radius. Intonation was very good. Tuners aren't the best though and it does drift sometimes during a playing session.
Everything else like frets and finish, is all up together

Seems well made. If you were really bothered you might want to change the tuners if you were going to seriously gig regularly with it. Truss rod is a good sign of longevity.

No idea.

This is a great guitar with a lot of features for the price range and the sound is very rich especially acoustically , which you don't get with other cutaway crossover style nylon strings guitars in this price range. I haven't got much to compare it to apart from a martin dcx1e and and old cheap classical but its definitely got character and great playability. Just worth going that extra 5 yards and paying a little extra to get the action professionally set.

My Presentation is an FS. I got home and, dumb me, I looked in Pandora's Web mailbox, and saw all kinds of warnings about the Presentation FS. I saw Presentations with frets akimbo all over the Web, I dreamed about them. Well, one or two.

To my hands, the treble strings feel a little too solid. I use medium tension. I am afraid of getting a tension fretache.

It has a "radius" fingerboard and bridge that is curved and is supposed to be ergonomic for barres, etc. (And heavy on the et cetera.) I haven't found this to be the case, I find barres a little harder on this guitar.

I got mine because my Yamaha GC-7 has a sort of "muddy" sound sometimes. When the strings are just right, and it's in tune, nothing can beat it, but that's every bluesy tune, not every day.

The rosewood fretboard had some (red!) stains right next to the nut in a couple of places. The back isn't solid on the FS 07, the pattern is different.

I've had training as a classical player. I played a lot from age 14 then majored in classical guitar performance to 20, first used a handmade Yamahog, then got a GREAT Englemann spruce Kiboto handmade guitar, then off and on, then a few years ago, I picked the guitar up again. Back in the late 80s, my partner bought a "Koto" Yamaha. I have a lot of problems to address, as I want to add rasgueado to my "toolkit," increase left-hand strength, et cetera. My right hand has some problems due to bad habits picked up by typing.

I do some recording, I tried it with a couple of AKG C-1000S active mics and my cheapo tube preamps and I messed around with the mic stands. I got okay, results, but kept messing with mic placement, and I hit a sweet spot. I just couldn't believe it, I had not heard sounds like that before coming from a guitar. My Yamaha has a sweet, ringing sound. This has a warm, bassy sound. A PERFECT second guitar. I just hope it sounds that way coming back from the monitors when I play it and am not mixing it.

Very warm, lush.

Waaaaay up the neck is a different matter, though if you do retardando you can get an echo.

I am heartened by the reviewer who said it "opens up". If THIS thing sounds BETTER, wow. Just wow. It sounds very full when strummed, and first through seventh frets, it beats the Devil playing against Daniel Webster or whatever. If you really open it up and play with some volume, especially on the trebles, my goodness, and use a good combination of nail and flesh, this guitar will produce spectacular results there, but, the sound kind of falls off in the high registers. I am using D'addario Pro Arte medium tension strings, I immediately put them on and replaced the Godin strings they put on it in the store.

As SOON as I changed to the D'addarios, though, I got a buzz at the fourth string, seventh fret. It may have been there before and I didn't notice it. It only happens when I really pluck hard at the string, and my Yamahurl does the same thing. One of the reasons I wanted a "new ride" as I call my guitars is that the Yamaha's neck is warped. I insisted on getting a guitar with a truss rod and a thinner neck.

If you're expecting to play "Ave Maria" and sound like Parkening, and have angels at Angel Records weeping at the console, you're not going to, but if you're accompanying voice or even playing some Baroque or Renaissance seance music, then, fine. The guy who said this sounds better than a Ramirez, this guitar has a unique sound, and I couldn't afford (not by a long scale shift) a Ramirez 1A. Something tell me if THAT guy was given $5K and sat down with a Ramirez and this guitar, he'd spend the WHOLE $5k on, you guessed it, a Ramirez. Without blinking, without deleting that review. You can't make silken sounds without the right gear.

But I wanted a distinctive sound, and I got it with this guitar. A got a nice second guitar, too. My Yamaha is another guitar with a distinctive sound, in many ways a better one. With a Ramirez, I'd have a Ramirez, and I'd sound like me playing a Ramirez. I don't collect guitars, I just play them, and I wanted a second guitar that would provide a nice contrast, and that's what I got.

The action is high, higher than my old Yamahootie. Though with the slapadoodle buzzing string...(I've been working on the Yamaha bone trying to get a better action.)

As others have mentioned, the tuners are junk, I was able to twirl mine with one finger. I don't really like the style of the headstock.

I am wondering how the "FS" differs from the other non-FS models.

Also, I was on eBysmal and saw a Presentation for much less that I paid, with exterior blemishes. I don't care if it's got ZZ-top zits, I would have liked to have saved the money. Though getting a guitar on eBog is risky.

I am EXTREMELY rough on guitars, and the older I get, the rougher I am on them. I performed at a Carlevaro master class (awful), and as C. was handing the guitar back to me, it hit the music stand. I have 100% tolerance for dings, dents, scratches, total thermonuclear meltdown, everything short of splinters and the bridge flying off and hitting me on the bridge of my nose.
Music stands, guitars hitting the floor and making that "kluh!" or the dreaded "kluh, DING!" sound, I worry more about how the music sounds than how the guitar looks.

I've never dealt with the company.

I've been playing off and on for 26 years, in the middle there, for a LONG stretch, doing freelance writing and mostly off. However, during that time I wrote a lyrics.

I have a very sparse setup. I have pieced a VERY basic setup together that made some brown hair go greenish gray, and have a lot of work to do with it.

I wish I had asked what the "FS" designation in the 2007 model signified and how it differed from the baseline. I am sort of worried that I got an odd duck.

If it were stolen, I'd probably get something else, something with more zing in the upper registers. One guitar to rule them all, and all that. My favorite feature is that it plays MUSIC.

I compared it to five or six guitars, including an extremely low-end Yamaha (a $300 one, and my GC-7 went for $800 at a time when that bought MUCH more guitar) and another presentation that just didn't have the echo that this one did, and also had a satin finish. I played some slow tremelo notes, and got hookd on the Pres. (Hail to the chief.) I should have just sat there for hours and hours, but the music store guy was standing there waiting for me to make up my mind. "Excuse me, but I'd like to just sit here and play these until I decide on one, I hope you don't mind" (that I put down in words) would have gotten him out of there, and I would have been more confident that I made exactly the right choice.

I wish it had a built-in recording contract along with firm buttocks and the the ability to cross the fretboard in a single bound and a better technique.

One note about price, I asked the guy what the Yamaham was going for, and he disappeared and came back with a price, then after I decided on the Presentation, he came back and ... I ALWAYS get ripped off. He acted like he was Moses taking me to the land of milk and "Honey Pie". "I'll take one hundred off". Then he threw in a free fingerstyle XMAS carols book. Hmm.

My favorite guitar ever had to be the Kiboto, Englemann spruce top, french polished to ecstasy rosewood back and sides, I miss that guitar. The best guitar is next year's Hauseruckirez.

Finish: feather light special laquer
Body Style: Classical
Tuners: nothing special
Neck: truss rod, thin, 2 1/8 inch wide at the nut thin and easy to play
Ordered a case with it.
Solid cedar top with rose laminate back and sides
19 frets
Incredable sound, excellent volume, warmth of tome, super bass projection.
I've had the guitar for 6 years and it is holding up well. Cedar top easily damaged due to the light finish but worth is for the sound.
Wish they made a cutaway model with this finish and tone. Just bought a cutaway La Patrie with 7 coats of polished laq. It's a beautiful guitar but does not have the bass respone. Maybe different strings and age will mellow it out.

I've had over a dozen classical guitars and the Presentation model beats them all.

I play mostly gospel and folk and this sound is incredable

Factory set up a bit high. No flaws.

retro fitted the strap button with Snap Locks. very durable

No experience with the company or any warranty issues

I've been strumming for 40 years. No disicipline to pick or play scales. Own two othe Seagulls, love them. 7 other guitars of various qualities. Just bought a Walden with awesome electronics, but can't match the warmth of sound of my La Patrie Presentation.
I love this guitar.

Yup, all the features noted on earlier built models. If it's true that the first 2 numbers of the serial number are the year built than mine was built in 2007. Made in Canada of course. Solid Ceder Top(smell it), 3-ply rosewood-poplar-rosewood laminate back and sides. Rosewood fingerboard, mahog neck, truss rod (a plus), very light semi-gloss laquer finish. Tuners aren't top of the line but are smooth and seem to do hold tune so I'm not sure why some folks are complaining about them. The humble/simple looks of this guitar is a deceptive match as it has great volume/sustain and tone. The perfect combination in my humble opinion.

Super easy to play. Good action from the factory. I was looking for buzz, as with a lot of classical strings, especially used ones without truss rods, buzzing can be a problem. If you're not slapping the bass strings like Les Claypool, I think you shouldn't have any problems.
It was a toss up between the Concert model and the Presentation. The Presentations' more pronounced bassier resonance is what sold me in the end. Plus the nearly matte finish in comparison to the glossy of the Concert model gives it, in my opinion, a mellower, deeper, penetrating sound opposed to the high gloss that some say complements a brighter sounds of the treble strings.
I probably played a dozen classical guitars over the course of a week, and I honestly couldn't say that the difference in sound between the Presentation and classicals in the $1500 to $2000 was any "better".
As a rule of thumb, I suggest shopping in the most objective way possible. This means not looking at the brand or price tag. Perhaps not even trying to spit out adjectives describing the sound or looks(which should always be secondary or last) but simply deciding which sounds better overall to you. Often the "x" variable which determines how a guitar sounds is really the person playing it. So who gives a shit about price or brand (within reason). If a $450 sounds better with your skill set and playing style, than why buy something thats $550, $750 or $1000.

The action is good. If anything it could be lowered a little bit, but I'm gonna play it for a while first. The craftsmanship is very good. Seems, joints and finish are clean.
I also have a ceder top Yairi and well, Ceder dents and scratches easily. Dents and scratches are unavoidable with this wood and especially with a very light finish. It's a trade off. I think have a very light, thin finish allows for more vibration and resonance through the pores of the wood compared to something like the Concert model. That said, I can't prove it and although it sounds good, if someone told me that I'd call it B.S. So shot for paranoid and careful and settle for a dent/scratch now and then.
Played instruments pick up imperfections along the way. Letting others play your instrument, jamming at a party where animals, kids and intoxicated people are running around is all in the spirit of real music. Ceder is a soft wood. The thought of someone not being able to understand that a soft wood with a thin finish might get scratched easily sounds like a Yuppie to me. If you bought it for looks and durability, go buy a carbon fiber guitar for $3500.
Many would agree that some of the best sounding instruments are those made of good wood but that are just hanging together by a thread. If you want something hard, stiff and durable you could also consider buying an entry level plywood Costco guitar.

These guys have a good reputation and I expect mine will be no different. Tuners work fine but are mid-range (kinda like the price of the guitar).
The finish is perfect for what it is. Only time will tell.
No strap buttons present.

Never dealt with the company, but they make a series of great instruments, including the Seagulls. After reading others' experiences, I would expect great service.
I'm not aware a warranty was included from the factory and definitely not that shop I bought it from.
A factory warranty might be something to look into.

I've been playing for about 8 years off and on. Getting really into it the last 2 years. Have also fiddled with the mandolin, bass and lute-family instruments.
Own an 1982 Yairi Ceder top/burled mohag back/sides.
Used to own a nice Yamaha Classical til my sister took it back.
Within this price range ($350-500), there is no other classical I would buy. Although I might try to get my hands on a CW model or one with electronics.

rosewood, not overly glossy finish. my fingers havent made the throat greassy looking yet--fairly resiliant finish!

love the depth. not too bright, really mellow,chill sound

i dont know anything about this stuff, but anything that sounds this good looks good to me

harware is plastic in bits, makes me think it may not withstand years of tough ware. finish wont show scrapes too badly

i love this guitar. (ive been diggin it more than my DM martin lately:)

This has all been well-covered by previous reviews. Solid cedar top, rosewood back, sides, neck, and fretboard, no electronics. Price did include a case, though I think that was a mistake on the shop's part ;) And yes, the tuners seem kinda cheap, but I haven't had any problems with them. The guitar keeps excellent tune - the best of all my guitars. Mine was made (ahem, HANDmade) in 2001.

Excellent bass and midtones! Strike a low power chord in a crowded room and you will get everyone's attention. I have to agree with an earlier reviewer on the rich tone and echo you get from all the strings when it is perfectly in tune. The only problem is the sound of the first 2 strings at higher frets. They get very tinny and/or hollow-sounding with poor sustain. Other than that, you will get great sustain on all the strings. Overall a great sound. Sometimes I'll just sit with my ear close to the soundhole and strum the same notes over and over because the rich and warm tone is so pleasing.

The action is moderately set - neither high nor very low - and it is very comfortable.

See "Reliability/Durability" for my notes on the finish.

An earlier reviewer emphasized nothing but how fragile and flimsy the finish is and how it will get scratched up and ugly after a couple years even just sitting in the case. This is not true at all. I have had mine for about 3.5 years now and it is still in great condition. I have one or two extremely minor dings on the top and maybe a couple scratches on the fingerboard, that's it. It would take you a while to find them. It is true that the soft cedar top and thin finish leave the guitar a bit open to wear and tear, but if you can manage to take reasonable care of it, it will keep its simple beauty.

I haven't needed any repair work, but I did phone the company once shortly after purchase. I had heard a rumor that a recent batch of La Patrie guitars (at the time) had to be recalled because of an error in the glue manufacturing process. I spoke to a very helpful guy who explained the exact dates of models that recall applied to, which didn't include mine. He asked for my serial number and gave me the guitar's birthdate and some other cool info. Really friendly and helpful. Hope to reach that guy again if I ever have any problems.

I've been playing guitar for about 11 years now and I just turned 25. I also own an Alvarez acoustic (my first guitar), a Martin Backpacker, a Fender Strat, and a Gibson Les Paul Studio (and as of tomorrow will own a Hofner Violin Bass). As far as classical playing, I'm still a novice. My favorite thing about the La Patrie is the unexpected volume it puts out, particularly in the low and mid-ranges. The only drawback for me is the disappointing tone from the higher strings at higher frets. I still consider this guitar my best instrument, even though it was not the most expensive. I love that I own something so unique and well-made; everyone that plays or hears it is always impressed.

A 2005 model, and as others have said, cheap tuners. With the quantum EQ...

I am studying classical (for the lat 18 months) and for a low end classical guitar (price wise)it sounds better than others I have casually picked up. It has definitely improved in tone and volume over the past 18 months...however...

I am getting a buzz that comes and goes, worse on the second and fifth strings...seems to be coming from the saddle area...see comments below.

Finish is thin and scratches any time someone other than me plays it...but, I knew that going on.

The saddle was chipped on the bottom (store replaced it) and does not fit squarely into the bridge. Store shimmed it.

Action set high from factory leaving lots of room for adjustment.

As mentioned, buzzing is really runing the sound of my classical playing...trying to improve the distinct sound of notes in an arpeggio is difficult when there is a buzz coming from the saddle area.

Background...The local store immediately sent the guitar to a local luthier to inspect for a loose brace...he saw no loose braces and could not trace the buzzing source...he recommended it go back to La Patrie for warranty work. The shop sent it to La Patrie, they had it for 7 weeks without letting the local store know what was going on. Shipped it back claiming it was fixed and without any information as to what was wrong or what they did. There was a new saddle in place with very high action though. And Still buzzing...I am meeting the store owner later this week to see how he wants to proceed.

La Patrie - Very poor. As mentioned, no communication as to the problem or solution with me or with the local store, a 7 week turn around after they received the guitar with no explanation as to the delay. To quote the store owner "it seems like every time I ask them what the status of the guitar is, it just gets them irritated and they take even longer."

Local store -- well, they seem to be assisting me, but I am a little concerned why they remain a dealer and keep complaining to me about the Factory support...

After a year and a half, the sound has improved generally, however the buzzing issues have me ready to sell this guitar (time to upgrade anyway, but I will not be keeping this guitar)

Without the buzzing this would make a good first guitar for any student, but the rating reflects my specific guitar and expereince with La Patrie

Solid cedar top, laminate rosewood back and sides. The neck is a little flatter on the underside and there is a built in truss-rod - commendable and unusual in this price range. It looks a little different due to the minimalist satin finish....nice.

I tried many different guitars - Yamaha, Alvarez, Yairi etc. in this price range and slightly more. Nothing could compare with the treble bass separation and tone of the La Patrie. I will be putting in a K and K mike system [these things are great for the price]

Bought as "shop used" with several scratchy areas around the soundhole. Fretting is excellent with moderately high string set-up. No buzzing out of the box. The tuners will need replacing - 12 - 18 months.

The guitar will last - it may look the worse for wear due to the satin top and soft cedar - but I didn't buy it to hang on the wall...the more I play it the better it sounds.

Bought it from Steve's music in Montreal - good to deal with. The manufacturer's? Haven't heard bad news so I think all will be OK - The Presentation is the sort of guitar I will look after - I have local guitar making people who could help out if required - but I don't think that will be necessary.

I've been playing 30+ years. My other guitar is a cedar top Takamine EN40 - great sound. I don't collect guitars - I have a life, wife mortgage and kids. I play in the basement and record - I've done the band thing. I just love to get this guitar out and play it!

I have had my Presentation for three years. I assume it was made in 2002. I bought it new for $425, which was not a great deal at the time. La Patries are made in Canada. I have played steel string acoustic and electric for 40 years, and wanted to start playing classical. The guitar has a solid cedar top, a mahogany neck, and a laminated rosewood body. The fingerboard is rosewood, and the finish is a thinly applied satin lacquer, which makes for good sound, but it mars easliy. Tuners are OK, not great.

The sound is interesting. It has a very strong bass, and is loud... louder than my new classical, an Amalio Burguet Nogal. It was fine for beginning classical, but it doesn't have good highs, especially up the fretboard. It would be a good choise for someone who wanted to do the Willie Nelson thing, or for a a steel string player who wanted to have it as a nylon string option.

The guitar is very well made. It has a thick top, and will last forever. It has dot markers on the side of the neck, which are great for a steel string player, but a distraction now that I am used to my main classical (Burguet) which has no markers at all. (Typical of a Spanish made guitar)

It is solid and reliable. The hardware is entry level, but solid. The finish gets ugly because it is so thin. I plan on keeping the guitar as a backup.

Although I play mostly nylon string now, I still have a Martin HD-28, a Taylor 510, a Carvin AE185, and an Aria TA-100. If I had it to do over again, I wish I would have spent a more and bought an all solid wood spanish classical. But until I got better at classical, I didn't know what to look for. Or even how to hear the difference. It is a fine choice if you're simply a fingerstyle guitarist who wants a nylon string. Or the Willie Nelson thing. Not so great for Spanish classical music where you play up the neck because the highs are so so.

2005 Model.

I finally got myself one of these yesterday. Sounds Amazing. I work in a guitar shop in Sydney and have played Takamine's and Admira's worth around $1700 that are total crap next to the $675 Presentation. Yamaha's have no soul next to a Presentation. Some Admira models were ok but lacked the richness in sound coming from the La Patrie's old timbers.

A full rich sound that jumps out of the guitar. The volume of this guitar is excellent.

Set up - Perfect considering it came from a cold place to a hot Sydney summer.

Finish - For the price its 20 times better than it has to be. Once you play one of these you wont care about its cosmetics.

Nice thick solid top and a truss rod(Very cool for its price). It should last forever if correctly cared for. The tone and volume should improve considerably after a few years of playing too.

If the finish wears it doesnt matter to me. I prefer tone over pose. As most good players know, guitars get more comfortable after a bit of wear.

Excellent. In Australia It's really up to how good the customer support is at the store you purchased it from. Canada is a bit far away for warranty work.

Been playing for 16 years and play professionally for Television and Radio plus Daytime job in musical instrument store.

I needed tone and playability as most of what I do is recorded so a cheap thin sound is unusable for me. This guitar recorded with a good condensor mic in front of it is unbelievable when compared to the many other Classicals I have recorded. The playability surpasses guitars 3 times its price.

If this guitar were stolen I would find who took it, Beat them severly and take it back (and maybe take their wallet to teach them a lesson).

I have played 100's of different Classical guitars in the last few years of working in a music store. There are other guitars as good as this but the problem is that they cost $2000 AU or more.
The only one I could find to give the Presentation a run for it's money was the Admira Capricho($499AU) but it didnt quite have as rich tone as the La Patrie.

For the $$$ no other Classical can match this guitar.

2004 La Patrie Presentation Model

My main purpose in reviewing this guitar is to warn those who will potentially buy one given the glowing feedback reviews it has had.

Read my woes under 'Action, Fit & Finish'

Ive had it for around 5 months now, and to be honest the sound is ok (not FANTASTIC and certainly not better than a Ramirez as one reviewer seemed to think!). The playability is good too.

My one qualm is with the finish (or lack of it). I bought this guitar because it had a good sound for the price range, but also because it looked damn nice. The problem with the finish though, is that it is scratched just so damn easily.

Forget touching the fingerboard at any time - if you accidently let your nail touch it, you're gonna have a noticable ding in your guitar. Basically anything with a small amount of force will severely mutilate your guitar (eg fingernail, ding from a guitar case, cat/dog walks against it). The finish is just so thin that anything will scratch it. In a week I had scratches on it from who knows what - probably microbes in the air.

And its not just my guitar either, I checked with another in the store and another in a different store and they all have the delicate finish thats so easily scratched.

In 2 years this guitar will look 30 years old, and ugly too. In 10 years forget about it.

Now you might not care about the cosmetic appearance of the guitar, but in case you do, dont fool yourself into thinking you'll take good care of it and keep it safe - this thing will get scratches and dents in a padded safe.

Read my woes under 'Action, Fit & Finish'

N/A

Decent playing/sounding guitar but will only live for a couple of years cosmetically speaking (If this matters to you, which it does to me).

For what it is, it has everything it needs. Solid Cedar Top, Solid Rosewood Back, and Rosewood Sides with Poplar between the pieces of rosewood. Rosewood Bridge and Fingerboard.The bridge is nice because you can use ball end nylon strings.

This sounds incredible. It is very rich and warm. However, it is for Classical so don't try rhythm with it, the sound breaks up. But for Classical leads it is perfect. It doesn't do as good for Flamenco either, but it's not made for that. It sounds perfect for what it is made to do.

I love the satin finish. It is smooth and resonates wonderfully. This is the best playing Classical/Acoustic guitar that I have played. It is handmade in La Patrie, Quebec, Canada.

This was only $300, but I am scared of hurting it. I love this guitar. Very reliable.

Never talked to them.

Whether you are looking for a backup nylon string, or a main instrument, every Classical player should own one of these. This is easily my favorite model in the La Patrie line. They are all very nice, but this one seems the nicest. I love mine.

Not sure what year it was made, since the label just says

Model/Modelele Presentation
Handmade in La Patrie & Princeville, Quebec, Canada.
(followed by French version of above)

$349, no case, rosewood back, gold tuners

Very rich, full, expressive, romantic sounding guitar. Sounds beautiful. I have a Taylor CE310 and took it in for a string change. The shop was slow that day, so I had two hours to pick up and play every guitar they had hanging in the acoustic room (except lefties, since I am a righty) - ovations, yamahas, takamines, etc. This sounds hokey, but I just couldn't put this guitar down!

Great action, no flaws whatsoever. My fingers want to fly up and down the neck endlessly. One big difference between my Taylor CE310 and this guitar (yes, I know, comparing steel vs. nylon) is that my hands never seem to get tired or achey playing it.

Owned it for just over a month now and playing the heck out of it every single day, at least 4 hours a day, and it feels dependable. I don't do gigs or play live.

Heard good things from everyone about support, although haven't had to contact them yet.

Been playing for a few years now, other guitar is a Taylor CE310.

Love everything about the Presentation: it's got excellent sound and plays very*10 easily. I'd suggest that anyone looking for a guitar check this out... it's worth your while.

I've been visiting music stores for the past 5 months and played every single classical guitar for more hours (Total) than the owners would care to see me. This particulare model guitar too my humble ears is superior to everything I've played. I can hardly wait to purchase it next month. Don't believe me,...and forget all the reviews you're reading. Go play this La Patrie MODEL : The "Presentation". The other La Patrie models lack the rich separation of string sounds that I so love. I dislike a muffled sound. This guitar is warm, yet keeps the individual string sounds separated and beautiful. Try it, you'll like it. The Presentation is my guitar of choice until I learn a solid repertoire of Bach.

I bought my La Patrie in Honolulu Hawaii 2001. I was in a guitar shop that sold quality high end guitars and came across this guitar. I was looking for a replacement for my beginner classical guitar. I came across the Presentation La Patrie and fell in love with its sound a playability. I love it to this day.

The sound is rich, full, and carries well. When in full tune it vibrates and hums with a deep resonant echo. All strings when in tune will vibrate slightly and it gives this rich, deep, and powerful sound.

I tend to have short and stubby hands. This guitar has the best action of any guitar I've own. I've owned guite a few. Generic Classical, Fender Steel String (California), Gibson Les Paul Standard, Fender Strat, Indiana Steel String, Herb Ellis Hollow Body Electric, Epiphone Electric Hard Body, and others. This is by far the easiest and most comfortable to play.

I've incountered a few dings over the time that I've owned it. Minor dings on the top. Could be from the light finish, or from cats that like to explore guitar cases. Overal I've been happy with its ability to maintain tonation in varying climates.

I've been playing guitar off and on for about 15yrs. If this guitar were stollen I would definatly look to replace it. Out of all the guitars I own and have owned, I value this guitar the most. I love it's tone and playability. It is a guitar that makes you want to continue playing. I hate the fact that I'm an amature player and can't show the true capability and beauty of this guitar. My favorite feature is probably the neck. It's thin and narrow making it easy to negotiate. I did compare this guitar to others. I played Martin, Guild, Takamine, Yahmaha, Gibson, Fender, Washburn, Ibanez, Tacoma, and others. I liked this guitar the most. I choose this guitar because of its looks, sound quality, playability, and price. Out of all the guitars I've ever played, this guitar is the one I enjoy playing the most.

2001 Model. Made in Quebec, Canada. Solid Cedar top, laminated rosewood sides, and get this - SOLID Rosewood back. Contrary to the brochures, I heard that all Presentations have solid rosewood backs. If you are uncertain, check the grain patterns between the inside and outside of the back. No electronics, no cutaway - the way guitars should be.

The Sound - is it better than the high end Takamines? Yes. Yamaha? Yes. Ramirez? Yes. Oribes? Maybe. Esteve? Maybe. It blows away those new Taylor Nylons (NS32, NS42, NS62, NS72) series everyone seem to love. In other words, it can compete and exceed top production guitars. I even played it against a local very high quality hand-made luthier guitar with Engelmann Spruce and Brazilian Rosewood. The sound was about the same. Must be something with this thin finish the guitars in Lasido are known for.

Setup is good. Workmanship is good - it's a beautiful guitar, especially for the price. I'm getting a little bit of buzzing in the 4th string after changing the old strings. I think it's seasonal though, but I will have it adjusted by the seller.

I'm sure I can depend on this guitar for years to come. It's built solidly.

Haven't dealt with the company, but I've heard a little bit about their customer support - which is pretty good.

I've been playing for 20 years. Have several Taylor guitars and some Fender electrics. If lost of stolen, I would buy the Presentation or it's gloss counterpart, the Collection. I love this guitar because of the great sound and even better price. You can't go wrong with any of the LaPatrie guitars. If I were to choose another Classical, it will be a handmade one with an insane price. But I'll be perfectly satisfied with this Classical guitar if it will be the only one I'll have my entire life.

Bought new July 2002 for $380 including the case, made by Lasido in Canada. Solid cedar top, rosewood back/sides, low gloss finish. Gold colored tuners, no electronics though it is an option for $150. Hard case with nice soft interior.

The sound! Being a beginning guitarist, I was looking for an entry-level solid top. I played the Yamaha, Cordoba, Takamine, and Alvarez, but the La Patrie series had the best tone. I ended up with the Presentation rather than the Etude since I wanted the rosewood. Incredible sound for the price.

The finish is a low gloss, not shiny, and looks great. The back seam is very slightly off center. The set-up/action is perfect, but the tuners are a bit sub-standard with one being a little too loose. The frets are even, very easy to play.

The top feels fragile, this could be due to the thin finish, but I believe that just adds to the sound. The neck feels solid. I'm looking forward to this guitar aging and the sound getting even better!

It comes with a warranty, and I've heard the company is very good to deal with.

I bought it frm musiciansbuy.com, they were very helpful with the purchase and they had the best price I could find. I would definately buy from them again.

I've been playing for 6 months, and I'm planning on playing this guitar for a long time. If it were stolen I'd get another from the same place, and probably spring for the electronics. I'm very happy with this purchase, it's a great guitar for the money and probably worth much more...

As a beginner, I relied on this site to focus on the LaPatrie guitars as a possible choice. When I went to my local music store, I was able to play several brands of guitar - both Spanish and Japanese. The LaPatrie was the best value for the money, and it's sound matched or exceeded that of the other guitars in the store.

I am a beginner, and the hand-me-down Japanese made guitar that I was using did not motivate me to learn. The Presentation has a rich, sweet sound. I am getting a little buzz when I am lazy with the 6th string, but I am sure that is user error.

The guitar was in excellent shape when purhcased. The finish is beautiful and natural looking. The top, sides and back are flawless. I may consider installing a better set of tuners once I have been playing longer.

The retailer will back this guitar, but not too sure about the factory.

It has a ceder top with rosewood back and sides. The fretboard, and bridge is rosewood also. The year of mine is 1998. The first two numbers of the serial number tell you. It doesn't have a pickup or any electronics at all. It would be a crime to do anything such as that. It a has a satin or very thin finsh. I like the look, which it said in the manual that it helps the tone of the guitar. Which is very true. It doesn't have that glossy look most classical guitar have like Yamaha. The only problem is the cheap tuners. That way I didn't give a ten.

I has the most amazing sound. Nice full and beautiful. Depending on the room it has a very boomy sound. Very defind sound. Nothing is clutered and you can hear every note you play. I love every sound that comes out of it.

The action was great. The frets were beautifully done and had no buzzing. There were no flaws at all. The tuners were crap that was the only problem. The nut was nicly cut. Everything was perfect. Except the tuners

I had rent a La Patrie guitar before and I found the cedar top to be incredably delicate. I had the guitar in the cheap case they gave me and it sliped out of my hand. It was say 4cm away from the floor and it put a crack it the top. Also it is very easy to scrach the top or even to put a finger nail or pick right though. The tuners like I keep saying were bad. Mostly put on to keep the cost down. I don't think I would need a back up.

Only work I had done on it was the tuners being replaced. I had no problems at all.

I would give it top value because it is amazing. I would by another one if it got stolen or lost. I have been Playing for three years. I going to college for classical guitar. The only things I don't like is the delicate cedar top and the tuners. I think they were around $85. I would tell anyone and everyone who was thinking of buying a classical to buy this brand.

I bought my Presentation new in March 2000. It was made in Quebec, Canada probably late in 1999 by Lasido. They are the people who also make Godin, Seagull, Norman, Simon & Patrick and Art & Lutherie guitars.

The Presentation is a full-size hand-made classical with solid cedar top, rosewood back, sides and fingerboard, and mahogany neck. The cedar has quite a tight grain. The finish is satin - but it looks and feels like unfinished wood. Very nice! And it smells like cedar.

The neck is of medium thickness, in spite of the adjustable truss rod. The first time I held it, the neck felt natural.

This guitar has everything you need to play beautiful classical music, and nothing more. Unnecessary extras would only spoil the classic look. A saddle pickup option is available, if you need it.

This is the same guitar as the Etude, but with rosewood instead of mahogany for the back and sides. If you like a gloss finish, they have an identical model (rosewood/cedar) called the Collection. I think the glossy Etude (mahogany) is called the Concert.

Magic! I tried a number of guitars, mostly Spanish and Japanese, of various prices, and was not particularly impressed. But one strum on the Presentation and I was in love. I had to have it. The tone is sweet like honey. I have had it since March and play a lot, and I still have to smile every time I play it. It's painful to play any other guitar now - even at three times the price.

The sound is deep and resonant, with great sustain. I'm told that's a characteristic of cedar-top guitars. Most other guitars sound harsh to me now. The Presentation produces good volume.

I haven't measured the action, but it feels great. There are no buzzes anywhere on the fingerboard. The intonation is perfect (bearing in mind the straight saddle). The woodwork is flawless. The joins of the book-matching are undetectable. In three months of use and close inspection, I have managed to find three specks of dust in the finish (not visible). Where the neck meets the body, a small amount of adhesive is visible if you look for it.

The tuning assemblies (gold-plated) look a little cheap, but I have had no problems with them. The guitar holds its tune. The original strings looked questionable (oxidized), so I replaced them with d'Addario from the start.

Overall, this guitar is hand-made, and it shows.

No problems so far. The satin finish would probably hide most minor scratches. The adjustable truss rod would compensate if the neck were to bend - nice feature! I expect that the plastic heads of the tuning keys might break at some stage - not a major problem.

I emailed their office in Quebec and their local distributor (here in New Zealand). Both were courteous and very helpful. The local distributor was very quick, but Quebec took a couple days due to volume of email traffic.

Mine came with a one-year warranty, which I haven't had to use.

I haven't found a guitar I'd rather play - at any price. Before you buy any classical guitar, you must try this one! The sound alone will knock your socks off. And the quality of a hand-made guitar is immediately apparent.

I paid NZ$579 (US$280) without the case. They could charge double for the Presentation, and it would still be good value. Get yours before Lasido wake up and raise the price.