Given its ease of play and its price, the Seagull S6 may very well be the ultimate beginner’s acoustic guitar, though seasoned players will love its warm, versatile tone.
Seagull acoustics might very well be the best secret in the acoustic guitar business. Crafted in Canada under the leadership of master luthier Robert Godin (of celebrated Godin guitars fame), they represent excellent value for the money. Our review model, the S6, is one their most popular models, and after spending some time with it up close, we see why, since it is easily one of the best-playing acoustic guitars we’ve ever seen.
Specifications
The Seagull S6 features a solid cedar top with wild cherry back and sides. Both the fingerboard and bridge are made of rosewood, and the guitar’s finish is a semi-gloss lacquer. It also sports a Tusq nut and compensated saddle.
Performance
When you play a Seagull S6, the first thing you’ll likely notice is just how smooth the action is. This is an acoustic guitar that plays better than most electrics you’ll find. Everything from complex chording to single-note runs play smoothly and easily. You don’t want to put the S6 down once you start playing it.
Due to the cedar and cherry wood, the sound of the S6 is dark, deep, and warm, perfect for fingerstyle guitar. For someone interested in rock and blues looking for an acoustic to cut through a crowded mix, the S6 is probably not the right choice (though Seagull does offer guitars that fit those needs). The S6 is best suited for fingerstyle guitarists and solo accompanyists. This isn’t a criticism but merely a recognition of the guitar’s strengths. The S6 sounds absolutely beautiful and plays like a dream, but it has its intended niche, which isn’t a bad thing.
We tried the Seagull S6 with a variety of microphones, from a Shure SM57 to a Blue Bottle, and couldn’t get a bad sound out of the S6. It records very well and is “microphone friendly.”
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a solid acoustic guitar that plays and sounds well for not a ton of cash, the Seagull S6 is definitely worth a look. With a street price of under $400, there’s no reason not to love the Seagull S6 acoustic guitar. Given its ease of play and its price, the Seagull S6 may very well be the ultimate beginner’s acoustic guitar, though seasoned players will love its warm, versatile tone.
Name of Gear: Seagull S6
List Price: $497.00
Manufacturer Info: The Godin Guitar Company; seagullguitars.com
Pros: Excellent value; warm, beautiful tone; wonderful playability
Cons: None
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