Godin Etude Clasica II Classical

The "Godin Etude Clasica II" (also often referred to simply as "Godin Etude Clasica") is an acoustic-electric classical guitar model from Godin's La Patrie line, or simply branded under Godin. It builds upon the popular Etude model by incorporating a built-in pickup and preamp system, making it stage-ready. It's a Canadian-made instrument known for its excellent value, responsive tone, and playability for students and intermediate players.

Here's a breakdown of its key features:

• Made in Canada: A significant point of pride for Godin, indicating high standards of craftsmanship and material selection.

• Body:

  • Body Shape: Traditional full-size classical guitar shape, typically without a cutaway (though some specific variations might exist). It matches the full-size body specifications of the acoustic-only Etude model.

  • Top Wood: Solid Cedar Top. Cedar is highly favored for classical guitars due to its warm, rich, and responsive tone, which develops beautifully with age. Godin often uses "Pressure Tested Solid Tops," meaning the wood is tested for optimal rigidity and harmonic vibration, enhancing projection and sustain.

  • Back & Sides Wood: Canadian Wild Cherry. This tonewood offers a balanced sound, often described as having characteristics between the brightness of maple and the warmth of mahogany, contributing to a clear and resonant voice.

  • Finish: Features a Custom Polished Semi-Gloss finish. This very thin finish allows the wood to resonate more freely, enhancing the guitar's dynamic range and responsiveness, giving it a natural, "played-in" feel.

  • Color: Typically Natural, showcasing the natural grain of the cedar top and wild cherry back/sides.

• Neck & Fingerboard:

  • Neck Material: Mahogany, known for its stability and contribution to warm tones.

  • Neck Profile: A comfortable classical neck profile, which is wider and flatter than steel-string necks, providing ample string spacing for classical and fingerstyle techniques.

  • Scale Length: 25.66" (651.764 mm), a standard full-size classical scale length.

  • Fingerboard Material: Rosewood. Rosewood is a durable and smooth material that contributes to the guitar's warm tone.

  • Fingerboard Radius: 24" (609.6 mm), a flat radius typical of classical guitars.

  • Nut Width: 2" (50.8 mm), a standard classical guitar nut width, providing generous string spacing for intricate fingerwork.

  • Nut Type: Graphtech Tusq, a synthetic material designed to enhance sustain and tuning stability.

  • Frets: 19 frets.

  • Machine Head Ratio: 14:1, ensuring precise and stable tuning.

• Electronics (Clasica II):

  • Pickup System: The "Clasica II" in the name specifically refers to the onboard electronics. It is typically equipped with a Fishman Clasica II preamp system (or a Godin-branded equivalent based on Fishman technology).

  • Controls: This preamp usually includes:

    • Volume control

    • 3-band EQ (Bass, Middle, Treble) for comprehensive tone shaping

    • Phase switch (to help with feedback control)

    • Built-in chromatic tuner with an LED display.

  • Output: Standard 1/4" output jack for connecting to amplifiers or PA systems.

• Hardware:

  • Bridge: Rosewood.

  • String Set: Typically comes with HTC Nylon strings (High Tension Classical).

  • Tuners: Classical open-gear tuners, often with white or pearloid buttons, for a traditional look and reliable tuning.

• Other Features:

  • Truss Rod: Godin classical guitars, including the Etude, often feature a double-action truss rod, which is a practical addition for neck stability and adjustability, not always found on traditional classical instruments.

  • Case/Gig Bag: Typically, a case or gig bag is sold separately.

The Godin Etude Clasica II is highly regarded for its ability to deliver a rich, resonant, and dynamic classical guitar tone, both acoustically and when amplified. Its comfortable playability and robust, integrated electronics make it an excellent choice for students progressing to performance, as well as for gigging musicians seeking a reliable and great-sounding nylon-string guitar.