Seagull Guitars

[KatyMan]

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?

[Bonhomme Richard]

1. The guy I play with in an acoustic act uses a Seagull and loves it.

We each would bring 2 acoustics. I played a Martin D-18 and an Ovation 1770. He brought his Martin D-28 and the Seagull. I'm not sure what model he had but it wasn't the jumbo.
Not a bad guitar for the money.

[countryken]

2. Seagull or ...

I don't think you can really go wrong with a Seagull. I've played a few. They have chunky necks (which I kinda like) and they have solid tops and you're supporting the North American economy. I bet you can find a Martin 15 series guitar used in that price range. They're all solid, and they sure have character. Blueridge guitars give you a lot of bang for the buck, and they sound great, but aside from being typically blonde like you're not looking for, they have all that ornate stuff on 'em.

Good luck with your search. The lookin' is as much fun as the buyin'.

[WV_Biker]

3. Seagull is a good guitar

I have played a few Seagulls and liked them. The necks are a little chunky but you get used to that. The Silver Creek guitars are getting good reviews on the Martin Guitar Forum www.umgf.com I have not played one personally, but respect the opinion of a lot of the people who have. I think Musicians Friend is the only place that sells them. Also you can probably get a used Ovation for around that or less if you can deal with the round back. Good luck the search is have the fun. lol


Jeff

[ProfessorGAC]

4. Two Things

Seagulls are quiet nice and have a good sound. They lack a little "boom" for me. They sound a little bright and not "woody" enough for me, but they play great and have great tonal balance. It's just the overall tone that doesn't flip my whistle.

Another thought though: Look into Takamine. They have a Natural line. Fairly low on ornamentation (even the high end stuff) so the price you pay is mostly on good woods, and solid construction. I've got one. It's got a cutaway, built in pickup with EQ, has a spruce top and mahogany back and sides.

It doesn't sound like my Martin, but pretty darned good. I keep it tuned to a Dm7. It's a fun tuning for morose slide and drone chords.
GAC

[Tunkamerica]

5. I got a mini jumbo elec/acc last year and it's been good

the only problem i had was some of the finish immediately started peeling next to the soundhole. It got to a certain point and stopped (maybe 1/2 inch by 3/4 inch). It's just cosmetic and doesn't bother me. But the sound is nice, not quite as full as some other guitars but nice. And it was pretty cheap, i got it as a scratch and dent (couldn't see anything wrong with it, maybe it was the finish) for $299 or so.