Seagull

(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!

The Seagull Entourage Mini Jumbo is a standard jumbo acoustic guitar that in my opinion is one of the best you can get for the price. The guitar isn’t an acoustic/electric, but I do believe that Seagull offers an option for adding electronics if you want, although the stock version doesn’t come with any pick ups. The guitar has 22 frets and has a rosewood finger board and a rustic burst custom finish. UTILIZATION The Seagull Entourage Mini Jumbo really has a nice overall feel as it’s a really easy guitar to play. I can’t believe how cheap this guitar is considering the price, as it’s really the perfect beginner’s guitar to learn on as it’s got a very accurate feel even for more experienced players. There aren’t controls to worry about here since it’s just an acoustic. SOUNDS The sound of the Seagull Entourage Mini Jumbo is full bodied and not too tinny and bright like most of the acoustic guitars in this price range. I haven’t done any recording with the guitar as I’ve only used it for practicing and playing around, but I would imagine that this full sound would translate pretty well. I really can’t get over the sound of this guitar considering the low price tag. OVERALL OPINION The Seagull Entourage Mini Jumbo is truly one of the best guitars for this price. It’s really astounding and I’m not sure how Seagull does it. In general they make high quality guitars at prices that won’t get you too much with other brands. This is not only the perfect guitar for beginners but is great for experienced players who are looking to save some money for an acoustic as well. Seagull isn’t very well known, but do yourself a big favor and try this guitar out for yourself to see what I’m talking about.

Maple top with light mahogany sides, inlay at the opening, steel strings. I grew up in a family that was surrounded by music of all types and styles. I have been playing guitar for over 40 years. I started in the 4th grade as a way to help in the development of my eye-hand coordination. In the 6th grade, I had my first garage band playing a Decca solid body electric. By high school, I was writing original songs and performing country rock and folk cover music for my own enjoyment and at the assorted coffee houses. I was playing a six string nylon Greco classical guitar. I added an Appalachian dulcimer with pressure pegs and a Fender 5 string banjo to my self taught list of instruments. In college, I sometimes played instruments on stage as a part of a performing arts group producing original musical comedies. Since then, I pick up the guitar or banjo when I have the notion. My daughter had been learning to play on my old nylon string guitar and it was time to get her a steel string acoustic. The occasion was her 16th birthday. When she first showed interest in guitars (about 2 years ago) I had the opportunity to try a number of acoustic guitars of all types and price ranges. I remember playing a Seagull and was impressed by the sound and its reasonable price range. When I was ready to buy my daughter the guitar, I returned to the music store. Unfortunately they had discontinued carrying Seagulls in favor of the more expensive Martins and Gibsons. We searched and found that Guitar Center carried Seagull. We tried a full range of acoustics and found the Seagull S6 has the best sound, easiest to play and at $499 was of incredible value. The tone is sweet and clear with qualities that equal or exceed the Gibson Songbird. The neck is perfect for my daughter's smaller hands but is also very easy for me to play. The $499 for a Seagull S6 sounds the same if not better than the $1,599 used Gibson Songbird or new Martin (you know, the ones they keep in the humidity controlled rooms). I appreciate value and quality, more than name or reputation. My daughter and I have no negative comments to say about the guitar. Solid wood sides, top, bottom & neck. Not veneered, laminated or multi-plied. If you are looking for a great guitar with an amazing tone,try a Seagull. You do not have to purchase based upon price or name. Purchase based on sound, playability and tone. Try it out and you will be amazed. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

The S6 "Slim" is the slimmer neck version of the well known S6 Original dreadnaught. The nut width of the Slim is 1.72", while the width of the Original is 1.78". With the Slim model, there is a slight difference in the soundhole rosette, the top binding and it does not have a pick guard. Otherwise, the Slim is identical to the Original. I have since added a nice pickguard to it from Terrapin Guitars, a great source for acoustic pickguards. The top is solid cedar, the back and sides are laminated wild cherry. The finish is a satin laquer which is very thin, so be careful. But, at least fingerprint smudges don't show. It has a nice, natural and understated look. The tuners are decent and hold tuning well. I'm not a gigging musician, I just play for pleasure and with freinds, and have played almost forty years. I play British Invasion, folk, early blues and some Indie stuff. I picked this up in the local GC for $399. Could have gotten a better deal on EBay, but then, after shipping and insurance, probably be about the same $$. I have been interested in the S6 for a couple of years, since hearing a freinds. His is a lefty, so I could only bumble around with it, but I loved the tone and neck feel. After noodling around in the acoustic room at GC, I settled on the S6 Slim. I like the tone, projection (yes, it can get loud...without being boomy), and sustain. Express yourself with your fingers and it answers. I was considering a Takimine EAN 30, a wonderful guitar, but I couldn't justify the extra expense. The Seagull's neck feel and sonic ability just covers all the bases for me. I don't mind the headstock shape, though some people seem to have an issue with it. I think it's refresingly different. HOWEVER, I would prefer the headstock with it's natural wood showing, not the dark brown laminate they put on it. It's not butt-ugly, but it would sure enhance the natural wood tones found on the rest of the guitar. Just a minor peeve. Taken as a whole, it is decent quality. The kerfing and braces I could see are as clean as others costing more. The outside fit quality is very good, no noticible gaps. No unpleasant woodgrain variations or touch-ups. The laquer is not impressive. No noticible bulge on the lower bout from bridge-pull. The fretboard has a small bevel on the sides and is comfortable. The fretwork is good; after filing the nut a bit I have a nice, low action without having to bother with a luthier. The bridge saddle and nut are a synthetic bone which is not bad. I have no plan to change it. The intonation is fine. The S6 is not a stunner to look at, but it is a great, versitle, bang for the buck, guitar. It is simple and honest. It plays and sounds great. I have seven guitars and two amps. If my house caught fire and I could only grab one of these, it would be the Seagull. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I've been playing acoustic guitars for almost 5 years now. I was raised with an old Yamaha acoustic guitar, and for a while I thought this would be my last guitar. I'm into classical music, country, and other types of rock. I bought the Seagull S6 GT Burst at a local Century Music store and paid around $450 plus the case. Perhaps the most amazing thing about the guitar itself is the finish. The burst gives off a unique high gloss luster in a genuine lacquer finish. This guitar really stands out! Also the action, the neck, and the overall sound of the guitar give the guitar the awesome quality's that every guitar should have. The price was also very reasonable. Nothing as of this day. This guitar is fantastic. Lots of guitars out there offer different perspectives on what they feel their guitars can do. From my point of view, for great sound, great construction, and great performance, the best guitar for my buck was the Burst GT. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I bought my Seagull S6+ Spruce at a local shop in Southern Utah. It was on sale, and I got it for about $350 (listed at $375-$425). I had heard that it was a good guitar, and I was looking for one, since I had just been using my dad's old one, which wasn't too good. So between the sale and recommendations from both the merchant and my teacher, I decided to buy it. Beautiful sound gets better with age, much easier to tune than guitars in the same price range, full sound. Basically: I love it. No significant problems. But there are no third and ninth fret marks and it's a little wide in the neck. After playing more, I would prefer a cedar top, but that's a personal preferance issue. I've heard they hold up well, and mine is in great condition, but I baby it. One problem is the softness of the top. great guitar, great line, great manufacturer: buy it! This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I recently purchased a Seagull S-6 Spruce with the optinal EQ system and I've never been more impressed with an acoustic/electric than I am with this guitar. Having played it side-by-side with a Gibson Sheryl Crow Edition, the Seagull was so much more playable and sounded so much better (plugged and unplugged) the choice was easy. Even though the Gibson cost four times what the Seagull did, the overall fit, finish and playability of the Seagull mad it worth twice the price of the Gibson. Twenty minutes with my local guitar pro had the action down to the point that this is a very fast guitar. Playing through a power mixer, I found a sweeter, richer sounding axe that the best custom pieces. True, the finish is plain and there are no flashy inlays but my Seagull far outshines anything else under $3000. I highly reccommend you look into it. The playability and the sound, amplified and unamplified. The finish is un-inspired. The very best Canadian hardwoods. Great axe! I'd buy it at twice the price. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I purchased this fine "parlor" sized guitar at my local music store. I wanted a smaller acoustic to play anywhere without any worries. I paid about $300.00. The comfortable size and portability of this guitar are the features I like the most. It also sounds very nice, and that is the bonus I was not expecting. It is nicely crafted, which I find typical of all Seagull products. No fear taking it outside for some open air playing. I thought the action was a little high, but went right to work on the saddle and with a little careful sanding (150 grit paper), had it adjusted to my liking in no time. Due to the price paid for it, I am not afraid to do some set up work myself. The Seagull demonstrates first rate construction and quality. I look at the nut first, and it is very clean with the strings sitting at just the right position in the nut. The finish is clean, and the cedar top is prone to small nicks etc., but that is what cedar is all about. Inside the guitar is spotless, with no evidence of glue, shavings or other signs of shoddy work. Great instrument that is easy to play, looks nice and sounds great. I reach for this guitar first. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I set out to find a unique guitar that best fit my style of play tone preferences. I was originally looking at the Martin 0028EC, OM28V, and Taylor 614CE. I you know these guitars they both sell for over $2000. My friend suggested I try a Seagull, they're S6 sparked interest and through my research I found the Cameo CW. I finally found it at a local shop and got the guitar and case for $950 new. First of all I was looking at high end Martin's and Taylor's, and I bought this guitar, that should tell you something. The tone is even throughout the strings much like a Martin, but bright like a Taylor. For the price you can't beat it, and I would put it against the Taylor 614CE any day. The guitar is gorgeous, the Flame Maple back is a unique look and produces a bold and bright tone. The craftsmanship is beautiful, it's a real looker. Beyond that, I just really enjoy playing the guitar. I am very happy with my purchase and in my satsfaction has stopped pursuing the Martin and Taylor. I was thinking about getting one of them after I bought my seagull. Action comes a little high, but nothing that can't easily be fixed. This model is hard to find. The construction is flawless, Beleive me I've spent plenty of time just staring at this beautiful instrument and can't find any blemishes. No pick gaurd, but I'm not a hard strummer. Handmade, and with pride at that. Bottom line is if your looking for an awesome sounding guitar of any price, and you happen to see this guitar, get it. You'll be happy you saved money, and extra happy you bought a guitar that is fun to play and one that you can be proud of. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I needed another acoustic because my washburn was about shot, I saw the Seagull and fell inlove with it, after I played it the love grew even more. I purchased it at Music Land in Bel Air MD for $299.99 Everything, at first I looked at the Standard S6 model but it had no gloss so I ruled that out, but after the store got the High Gloss S6+ I had to buy it...It has a deep warm tone, the wood is beutifull, Stays in tune, Action is low but doesn't buzz...Its perfect. Seagull guitars have a wider neck then other acoustics and I didn't think I would like that, but after playing it for a few days I got used to it and I like it wide now. Wonderfull Handcrafted in Canada...Great wood quaility These guitars play wonderfully, look great, and aren'[t really expensive for what they are...Go out and buy one. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I puchased this guitar from a local music shop after traveling far and wide for a good entry-level guitar. I paid $300 for the guitar & some entry stuff like a strap and a set of new strings. Beautiful deep tones and a quiet, understated appearance. I love the no-gloss finish on the guitar- It gives it a subtle-yet-powerful type of feel. The action is easy and comfortable- a perfect guitar for unplugged worship or fireside picking. I played some 20 guitars at 6 different shops from $150-$600 and this one blew me away, even without the low price tag. I also played the spruce version of this guitar, but I like the deep tone of the cedar better. For that price? Nothing. Because there isn't any glossy protective laquer/finish on the top of this guitar, it picks up nicks and scratches easily. If you really care that much about the actual outer appearance of the guitar, that could be a downside- but it hasn't affected the sound at all. It has gone everywhere I have in the last 7 months and taken its share of abuse... no change at all in the sound or any other construction element of the guitar itself. Beauty! This guitar has to be one of the best out there for entry players, and I would challenge even a $1000 martin player to stand his guitar up to this one in terms of sound and durability. It's not flashy, but it really gets the job done. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

Bought the guitar from "Rokas" denmark street in London. Price of the guitar was £980 although i part exchanged my ole acoustic so had a good discount. First of all the guitar looks fantastic. The tapered stock give a nice line to the overall appearance to the guitar. I had tryed a few other guitars, takamine's and alike, but when i finally came around to trying the seagull i knew it was the one straight away. A beautiful rich deep sound was omitted with the first chord. Need i say anymore. The tunning machines on the artist series "which incidently is the top end of the Seagull range" are pearl effect which are very plastiky. A shame as the lower end seagulls have better looking tunning pegs. Solid cedar top, solid mahogany back, laminated mahogany sides. Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiul! The Seagull artist is truly a beautiful piece of equipment. Every review i have read on this gets better. I would like to say that one day i could trade up for that Gibson, Taylor or Martin, but i think i'll stick with what i've got as this guitar comes very close. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com