Seagull Coastline S12 Cedar

I was searching for my first 12-string in the music stores in Houston, TX. This was back in 1993 or 94. The retail price was around $600. I had looked at several dozen guitars and had narrowed my choices to the Seagull or a used Martin for about the same price. I settled on the Seagull because it had the same sound quality as the Martin and was easier to play than the Martin.

This guitar has a big, mellow sound. I play with several worship teams at church, and this 12-string is a perfect accompaniment instrument for vocal solos and small groups. Sound and playability are both enhanced by the use of Martin Silk-&-Steel strings. Bruce Petros (Petros guitars, Kaukauna, WI) reworked the bridge and added a Fishman bridge pickup. Using a Fishman preamp and one of Bruce's acoustic Soundboard amplifiers duplicates the sound and creates the illusion of two 12-string guitars in unison...a wonderful sound for vocal accompaniment in larger spaces or with large groups.

No dislikes.

I've used this Seagull S12 for about 10 years now. The neck has not deformed and the body construction is still solid...no buzz. It holds its tuning very well (especially for a 12-string). The 12-coat alcohol-based lacquer leaves the wood able to resonate for a really big sound.

Of the 12-strings I played before I chose this Seagull, this was definitely the best sound for the price. The test of time has not degraded the sound or the playability. If you want to spend several thousand dollars, you can find better guitars, but for well under a thousand the Seagull is a great choice.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

The Seagull Coastline Ceder 12 string guitar is an overall great 12 string guitar. Seagull prides themselves on making high quality hand made guitars, and this one of my favorites that they make. It is not an acoustic-electric, so it does not have any pick ups or setting controls. The neck is made out of silver leaf maple and has a great feel to it.

UTILIZATION

The neck of the Seagull Coastline 12 string guitar is easy to play and overall has a great feel to it. It is easy to play all around the neck, but I usually don't play too many high notes when I am playing a 12 string guitar. It is a light guitar in terms of weight and has a pretty basic shape. The inherent sound of this 12 string is great and I consider it one of the best 12 string guitars for your buck.

SOUNDS

The Seagull Coastline 12 string guitar is great for all types of music that you would want to use an acoustic 12 string guitar, but I have used it mostly in rock and pop music with good results. I have only used this guitar in the studio for recording overdubs, and whenever I use it I come away with a good sound. Since it is easy to play, it makes it easy to get a tone that I am happy with. Theres nothing like a great 12 string guitar part and this guitar definitely has the capabilities to make some great 12 string parts.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using the Seagull Coastline 12 string guitar for recording for about a year and have been thoroughly impressed with this guitar, especially considering how inexpensive and well made they are. This isn't as great as a classic Martin 12 string, but for the price it is a great option that won't break the bank. I love the overall sound and feel of this 12 string and I'm a really big fan of 12 strings in general due to their full and unique tone. If you are interested in getting a reasonable priced 12 string guitar that is much cheaper than you would think, this is absolutely worth a look.

(Originally written by leruisseau/translated from Audiofanzine FR)

Made in Canada.
Massive cedar top, cherrywood back and sides, silver maple neck, rosewood fingerboard. There's also a peamp version available.
Classic dimensions for a dreadnought model. Plain and natural finish.

UTILIZATION

Round and comfortable neck. It's my first 12-string and I was afraid I would have difficulties playing it but it's not the case. It's even easier to play open chords than with a 6-string. The guitar stays in tune but you'll have to tune it again if you transport it, even if in a hard case. Easy to reach the 15th fret, but it isn't as easy to get to the 17th. But this is quite normal since the guitar has no cutaway.

SOUNDS

I find the sound very nice: It can be light and crystal-clear when you play it soft and it becomes fuller when you play it harder. The sound seems well balanced to me. It's great for arpeggios and rhythm guitar. Be careful because the sound is much bigger than that of a 6-string and it can fill up a room easily. It's exactly the sound I was looking for.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using it for 3 months and I'd say it's a good 12-string guitar for beginners (like me). I don't really have anything to criticize and I haven't had any ugly surprises for the time being. I believe the guitar is great for the money! Then again, I couldn't really compare it to other models so my opinion is quite biased.

(update from 11/06/2008: after nearly one year of use, I still have nothing to criticize and I like the sound more and more. Arpeggio playing is interesting but not for every song. It's good to also have a 6-string for "standard" playing. In short, the sound is powerful and it's a real pleasure!

quality GODIN: CANADA hand crafted, cedar table, box cherry, maple neck, satin varnish finish. Godin preamp, small, simple but effective, integrated (very, very useful on a 12-string) tuner.

UTILIZATION

My first criterion for selection of a 12-string was easy to handle: certe wide and flat, but easy to play, thanks to a factory set low action. BRAVO Canadian luthiers!

SOUNDS

My second selection criterion: the sound! here is magic, his brilliant and flute, very balanced, rich in harmonics, mediums oriented as I like. The sustain is there, comparable to my foot .. Taylor dynamic to play or picking arpeggios.
Guitar plugged directly Soundcraft + Mackie srm 450: same sound, same charm, with comparatively less feedback on the system Taylor.

OVERALL OPINION

I have since one month, but this is my 2nd SEAGULL 12 STRING, sold there qques years for a Takamine, what a mistake! J have since tried several 12 strings: CORT WASHBURN LAG TAKA MARTIN GUILD, I have hesitated with Martin dx1 12 closer round, but its unfortunately too Guild to its huge but equally huge inning.
special that you love the most: its very rewarding.
price / quality: excellent for a Canadian Handmade guitar.


With experience, you do again this choice? yes and I prove.