Seagull Guitars

[KatyMan]

I'm posting here, because the Musician's group can be a little slow traffic wise:

I'm currently between guitars, and am looking for an acoustic. A poster on another board, who's opinion I trust, recommended Seagull, I've been looking into them. My budget is around $500, and I was looking at the Entourage Rustic Mini Jumbo or the Coastline Cedar Grand, and was curious if anyone had any comments. I'm probably gonna duck into Guitar Center this weekend and play around with whatever Seagulls they have to get a feel for how they play. I'm leaning toward the Entourage because I kind of want a jumbo (or mini jumbo in this case)

What I'm looking for is a nice acoustic within my budget, but not your typical blonde Yamaha/Fender/etc, but something with a little more character. Being in Texas, I'd like to buy from a Texas small business type luthier, but with only a $500 budget, it's probably not likely I'd find anything. I want the guitar to have electronics and a tuner (which is cool, I didn't know they came that way these days--I had my last acoustic for 10 years, so I haven't been paying attention). I've been playing for 25 years, not in a band, don't jam with anyone, and the only audience I have is my wife and our cats, so I don't need a performance capable guitar.

Also, I'm more than happy to support my local merchant, so if anyone has a rec for a music store on the far west side of Houston, I'm open to checking them out (might as well spend my money with the little guy).

Anyway, any thoughts, recommendations?

[Amerigo Vespucci]

1. I prefer Ovation (I've played both)

I like the Ovation because on certain songs you want a very specific attack, such as a Neil Young or Stephen Stills chord where you hit it just right and it goes "boom" and the sustain and fade is even and perfect. It's not limited to that one kind of sound, of course, but I found it to be versatile and had no interest in becoming Nigel Tufnel with 200 guitars, one for every song I want to play.

The Seagull, I think lends itself more to finger-picking and strumming and less "boom."

Best advice I can give is to think first about the kind of music you like, do a little research into what those artists play, and aim in that direction. Obviously, with CSNY and the Dead and Jefferson Airplane and the artists I like, my first choice could have been a vintage Martin. One look at the price tag makes it a "wish list" item and not a reality. That's why I settled on the Ovation.

:toast:

[no name no slogan]

2. I just bought a Takamine G Series acoustic/electric last weekend at GC

±$400, maple body, rosewood fingerboard. Sounds good unplugged or plugged in (I've recorded a couple demos with it). It also has a tuner, too. Mine has a medium-red finish, and looks very striking. I don't have any photos yet, but it's a nice guitar for the price.

The bass player in my band has a Takimine 12-string he's owned for years, and it is also a very nice guitar for its price.


Takamine G Series

[mulsh]

3. I've been impressed with Seagull Guitars for many years.

I own way too many guitars and was lucky enough to find a couple of fantastic acoustics when I started playing that I've never had to replace. Over the years I've helped many people select a guitar. Every time I've encountered a Seagull guitar it's gone home with one of these people. The instruments are well made, every one I've played over the years has balanced tone and nicely finished frets. I say if you find one you like buy it.

[KatyMan]

8. Thanks mulsh.

That's the sort of comment I've been reading all over the place. The proof is in the playing, of course, but Seagull is on the top of my list now.

[Blue-Jay]

4. I like Seagull guitars.

I don't own one, but I've played a few and found them to be pretty good (bang-for-your-buck-wise). They seem to have OK intonation up and down the fretboard, but tend to sound a little thin when you're not playing chords with open strings. If you're looking at a jumbo model (I've not played one of those, mind you), you might happier with the lower-end resonance.

My advice: Before you decide on a particular guitar, bring an experienced guitar-playing friend with you. Have him/her play it for a while - bring or borrow a tuner to check the intonation. Then, have one of the salespersons (every music store has at least two decent guitarists) play it, while you and your fried sit at least 10-20 feet away and evaluate the sound. Don't let the salesperson try to dazzle you with his/her expertise; make them play chords up and down the fretboard and listen. Listen.

Did I mention that you should listen to it with a more experienced friend? Do that.

Regarding an integrated tuner: Those are handy I guess, but you should not consider that a selling point. You can buy a tuner for 15-20 bucks: no big deal.

Regarding other parts: I'd recommend Grover® tuners, and Fishman® pickups (if you're looking for an electric/acoustic).

There's my two cents. Your mileage may vary.

PS - Did I mention that you should take an experienced guitar player with you? I think I did. The shape/finish/color/etc mean nothing unless you're happy with the sound/intonation/ease of playing. Take somebody with you who knows their shit. Don't get distracted by any bells and whistles.

Good luck!

[KatyMan]

12. Actually

I'm the experienced guitar player I'll be bringing with me :) I'm not dazzled by bells and whistles, so I think I'll make it--my idea of the perfect electric is a Telecaster, can't get much more basic than that! :)
I like the idea of the onboard tuner from a gizmo standpoint, but i want electronics built in because I like to record and I think it's easier to just plug straight in than try to set up a mike and all. Again, I'm no pro, so I would tend toward ease of use.
And now, because of your user name, I have the song Blue Jay Way stuck in my head...!

[BrickOriginal]

5. Seagull guitars

My life revolves around guitars, I play them, I build them, I research them and I have never heard of Seagull guitars

[Blue-Jay]

6. here you go, maestro:

http://tinyurl.com/ljkvwb

[old mark]

7. I got my first guitar over 50 years ago, and I really like Yamahas.

They do have various models, to avoid the "plain ol'" look...

ADDED: Whetever you decide, PLAY IT and choose what sounds and plays best for you - you are the one who should be happy with it, and believe me you will play it more if you really like it.


mark

[MGKrebs]

10. I like my Yamaha too.

It's a sort of thinnish body so it probably wouldn't be too good for an acoustic stage performance, but it's got pickups anyway, and it sounds great just plunking in the house. The thinner body means it's comfortable to hold, and it's easy to play, just about like an electric. And I think it was only about $200. APX series.

[old mark]

11. My wife and I have matching Yamaha full size flattops,

I don't know the model offhand, but they are beautiful to play and have great tone. My wife played a Gibson Jumbo for over 40 years, and preferred the Yamaha so much she sold the Gibson...FWIW, the Gibson hard coffin case sells for more than the Yamaha guitar.

mark

[Symarip]

9. Real men play trombone.

Just sayin'.

[Mopar151]

15. Didja find that new one? n/t

[Symarip]

16. I bought a used King 2b

Turned out, I liked my old Yamaha Pro Series better. Youtube 'The Moderators Ska' to hear me play it. :)

[Paladin]

13. Google "Guitars made in Texas" and take a look..... (n/t)

[Paladin]

14. Google "Guitars made in Texas" and take a look..... (n/t)