Seagull M6 Cedar

Cedar top with very close grain lines, literally hundreds, and it's sad that an old tree died for this. Thin non-glossy finish. Mahogany laminate sides & back. Mahogany neck. Rosewood fingerboard and bridge. Tusq saddle and nut. Brown single ply plasticky body binding. No pickup. Very light, noticeably ligher than S6 with pickup. Lightly braced, cannot take heavier than 12 guage strings (instruction book. Body shape ugly and uninspiring: the waist/shoulder area is flat looking so the sexy lady curves we all love in a guitar aren't there. I have a Seagull S6 GT which does have the curves. Ugly triangular headstock, functional in reducing friction at nut but butt ugly. I think the M6 is a clumsy looking design. Several mods should be taken to make it (and most if not all guitars) sound MUCH better. Did I say MUCH better? Read on. Rating is based on Chinese made guitars being better featured for price.

Off the shelf it sounds dark and bassy with thin treble. The bass is warm and woody though but I'm a fingerpicker who needs a much more responsive and louder treble. (The S6 cedar with cherry back is much brighter with thinner bass). I made these mods: Bone saddle & nut, rosewood pins for the bass, buffalo horn (or bone) pins for the treble, slotting the pin holes all the way through to the bridge plate which allows the string to slot into and attach to the bridgeplate better. Turn pins 180 degrees so slits face backwards. The bone is translucent and fibrous (held up to light) which gives a bright quacking treble and punchy, tighter bass (still boomy though) than dense bone which is better suited to bright guitars (I initially tried dense bone which gave enormous bass that overwhelmed the thinner treble which had no quack). It's still warm and bassy but the treble is so much better. The balance is nice now. I've tried much higher range guitars in shops that don't sound any better and the ones that do generally have more complexity and definition in bass and better sweetness overall. I'm not saying it's necessarily better than some of those because modding those guitars will give better results too. But now I have no desire to spend over $2000 on an upgrade because the warmth and responsiveness lull me into delighted music making without any nagging doubts that it's missing anything. The guitar feels like an extension of me now rather than an object I need to control. Weird but cool eh? Rating of 6 is based on $6000 guitar I once heard which was a 10.

Action, fretwork poor. Nut was right handed (I'm lefty) and ok for slide only. Saddle high, neck too concave. Some frets uncrowned, one fret raised slightly but not buzzing. The fret work is unforgiveable but the action is only a problem for rank beginner or lazy sod. You should know how to set action yourself. Look it up, info's free and easy now.

Thin finish less durable than gloss but does not show finger marks. Instruction sheet recommends nothing heavier than 12 guage strings due to light bracing. Well this is a light guitar and I wonder if it will last decades on without the top buckling so I'm helping it by detuning half step which is less loud but easier to bend and which I prefer tonally now. I don't gig but would have no problems taking it if I did, it has internal kerfed linings (like most guitars except one I know of) so it won't come apart if I knock it.

I phoned the distributor in Sydney, Dynamic Music, about the fretwork, who were very helpful in offering to pay for the shipping and repair. Nice bloke who runs it I think. I decided not to bother though and fixed it myself. I'm not rating this because I did not deal with Seagull directly.

I started playing about 15 years ago and have taken acoustic steel string playing more seriously over the past 2 years, fingerpicking. I've tried only one other M6 Cedar which had far fewer grain lines (less dense, more like a spruce top but darker) and sounded a bit brighter but much less warm and bassy. I thought I could make a good guitar of it but it would sound somewhat different to my M6. In other words, I can only recommend a particular guitar I've played, but would certainly recommend anyone checking them out. I will say, though, that no Seagull I've tried sounded great to me off the rack; they're a bit constricted, but most have had a good underlying tone which I thought could be brought out with mods. I would not buy one online, or indeed any acoustic guitar given their individual differences, unless it was a rank bargain worth the risk. My M6 was a bargain for the money (on special) but it doesn't have magic and if I had to replace it I'd go for a solid back and sides in decent rosewood, perhaps spruce top, something much more expensive with a chance of magical tone.

This was the first guitar that I have ever purchased. I bought about 7 months ago. It is made in Quebec, Canada.It is just the basic model, it has no special features, but its what I wanted. It has a lacquer finsh that dents very easily. The strings are spaced the way I like for fingerpicking, and the neck is thin and wide which makes it easy to play. It deliveres what it's intended to.

The sound is exceptional! I have not played another guitar that sounds as good as this one. It has a rich/full sound and very warm.

This guitar is very well made. I haven't been able to find a flaw in craftsmanship. The action is slightly higher down towards the 10th fret and on, but would probably be suitable for most people.

The top is very soft and dents easy. But if you careful she does just fine. You can't bang on it or anything. Everything is made very solid and sturdy.

I bought the foam case that goes with it. It wore down the edge of my guitar after rubbing on it from closing it. So I took it back exchanged it for a hardcase. I probably would never use their cases again.

I am very glad I bought this guitar. I will only buy Seagull from now on. In fact, I am already going to purchase the S6 CW Cedar QII. I would recommend Seagull to everyone player, regardless of skill.

This is the bare bones entry model for the Seagull guitars. No internal pickup. I am left handed and this model was sitting at a dealer for a very long time and he gave me a very good deal on it. Mine is an unglossy cedar top. These guitars are made in Canada. The manufacturing appears flawless.

I've played nylon string classical guitars for many years. I wanted a steel string guitar to start experimenting with. I demo'ed several very high end guitars (Martins, Taylors, Guilds) but decided that before I invested all of that money I needed to see if I really was going to be serious about steel strings. This guitar sounds very good, has excellent tone specially in the bass and treble ranges. It is NOT however a Martin, nor does it aspires to be. If you play the two side by side, there is no comparison. However, I compared it against tons of other entry level guitars (Fenders, Ibanez, Yamaha) and the Seagulls are way above in both acoustics, ease of playing and quality of the manufacturing.

Wonderful action, lovely coutour on the neck makes it very easy for a classically trained guy like me to experiment with steel string folk guitars. My only complaint would be that the unglossy finish is very sensitive to damage; you have to babysit this thing, even a button on a long sleeve shirt can scratch the very soft finish.

I've been playing for over 15 years. I own 4 other guitars, all nylon strings. I play and record through a California Blonde acoustic amp and a Focusrite preamp and Shure mics. To be honest, I've had trouble capturing the tone of the Seagull in recording through a microphone. You might want to invest in the model with the internal pickup.

2003, Canadian Made, Solid Cedar Top, Laminated mahogany and cherry sides and back. I think it's a satin finish; very soft look. Dreadnought. 2 inch wide nut.

I am into folk and celtic music. The sound of this guitar popped out at me right away in the shop. For the first time in my life, I wasn't impulsive and took my time (about 2 months) to find the guitar that was for me. I looked at Tacomas, Blueridge, Washburns, Lower end Martins, Cort, Epiphones, semi and hollowbody electrics. I could have gotten a Tacoma EM9 at cost for $500 out the door, but after playing this Seagull, the sound and the very warm feel of the guitar made the decision easy. Very bright trebles, great sustain, bass is very mellow and deep.

Some problems w/ set-up from factory. there was some fret on the lower strings. Chicago Music Exchange (where I got it) set it up for me, but there is still a little buzz on the 5th string.

The cedar top is wonderful, and the more i've played it, the more cedar i smell. But, it is fragile. it will get dinged, but I would take some dings any day over a high gloss.

everything else seems fine.

Everything is stable on this guitar and I'm hoping it will last me for years. obviously, the lack of a high polished gloss shell will expose it to deterioration faster, but it is nice enough to always remind me to take care of it.

if i was decent enough to play live, i would take this in a heartbeat.

Never had to deal with them. but i hear the canadians are real nice.

I've been playing for about a year now. Having just gotten married 10/02 and the lack of a television catapulted me into this endeavor. Also have a Martin Backpacker and an old Alvarez piece of @*#%. Would definitely look at Seagulls again if something happened to this.

I must say, one of my favorite features of Seagulls in general is the neck. The back of the neck is much flatter than most other guitars. I don't know why, but i much prefer this. Also the fretboard is quite a bit wider than most. Helps cause I have large hands and fingers. Makes making an "A shape" much easier.

I compared this to tons of other guitars. I visited almost every shop in Chicago, and except for the Tacoma EM9, this was the hands down favorite. Since I've bought it, I have been back to shops a few times looking for a 1/4 size for my nephew and I've played $1,200 Martins and others - but when I get home to my M6, I know that's where my hands belong.

Seagull M6 solid-top Cedar, with mahogany back and sides, and mahogany neck. Semi-gloss laquer finish...MAGNIFICIENT sound! I bought it just today and fell in love with it the moment I picked it up and played it in the store. A salesman pointed me to the Seagull line and I couldn't be more thankful.

This is probably the best sounding guitar I've ever owned. The lows are not muddy, and the highs are not twangy....very smooth and rich. (especially for a $300 guitar!:-) )

Not a bad looking guitar, though I plan to be careful with it. The action is quite smooth, though the strings are set a little high for my liking. Neck feels nice and solid, though after 2 or 3 hours of playing it, either the neck or my left hand got a little grippy *shrugs* Thats ok though

Like I said, I plan to be careful with it, I'm not sure it's ding-resistant. Sound-wise, I'm sure it will deliver for a long time.

I've been playing for 5 years, I own two electrics (an internet Kramer and an Ibanez) and I decided to start a new direction with my guitar playing by purchasing this guitar. I'm convinced that I've made a sound decision, and if something were to happen to this guitar, I would certainly look into Seagull again. Good stuff, excellent value!

This guitar sounds very good for the price. I like to play it hard and feel the bass vibration on my chest. Very powerfull, clear and warm.

The factory set-up was ok but there was a fret buzz on one string. After a setup from the store where I bought it, the action is a little high but the buzz is gone. The cedar top and the overall finish is quite fragile but the assembly is well done.

This is probably the kind of guitar that will looks like 15 years old in 5 years because of the cheap finish but it's not important for me as long as the sound is good.

Great. Just compare with other guitars and you will hear the difference.

6 string solid cedar top. Mahogany sides and back.
ummmm... it's like a guitar or something.
BEST THING- it's inexpensive.
2nd best thing- it's inexpensive.
Play one and you will keep looking at the price tag in disbelief.

Full. Not too boomy, not too bright. Juuuust right and not lacking in either. Many Spruce guitars twang and are too ear splitting in the high register. Of course if you own Yoko Ono's full CD set then quit reading now because you are a lost cause....

I SAID QUIT!

Ok Then....


Many Cedar tops are dull. Not this one. It sounds ....really nice. Balanced and FULL. Some chords just resonate and sustain and sustain and sustain and.......
Especially nice for fingerpickin and a grinnin.

No fret buzz. Great neck and playability. good neck. Stays in TUNE! I don't know if this is because of the headstock being thin or the tuners. Doesn't matter. It is wonderful to play. Plus no freakin sound deadening laquer all over it. Basic and simple and wonderful to hold in you hands. Wife is jeleous. Good luck.

Very solid. Weighted just right. Cedar wood is soft by its' very nature. Don't use it as a hammer. If you want it to look good forever take a picture. Go buy yourself some yamaha or what not with more laquer than my grandmothers antique hutch if you need a shiney toy that will never be touched much less played because it sounds horrible plays horrible no matter your playing ability.

can't talk ...to busy playing.

This thing rocks in all depts. Strum it hard- no buzz and distinct clarity. Pick it and you won't quite until the sun comes up. Wonderful full sound. Stays in tune. Wanna know how they sell it so cheap? - The Canadian Government subsidizes this company. So the materials are basically free. You pay for the labor and wonderful workmanship. Pay more for a name if you want... and that is all you'll get.

Canadian crafted in 2002. Guitar features; 21 frets with 14 clear for easy playing, solid ceadar top, Indian rosewood fingerboard and bridge, with wild cherry back & sides laminated with mahogany. reading through Seagull's site I found that this guitar is not totally built by hand but cut by computers then ASSEMBLED by hand. Think of it as putting together a new dresser or entertainment center, so in a way it is ''hand crafted'' as Seagull puts it.

Killer sound!!! A big bang for the buck in this guitar. The bass is awesome, but the treble lacks good sustain. Easy to look over considering you are getting a good solid guitar for a fraction of the price of an equal guitar from a more well known company. Guitar performs well for the hard strummer, and equally well for the soft jazzy type. String buzz was there but not enough to ''fret'' over.

Solid top, kinda plain looking though. Good grain quality, but the semi-gloss finish looks uneven. I like smelling acoustics, not one hint of Elmers in this guitar, which is a good thing. The rosewood fingerboard is nice, dry as the Sahara though. This guitar has killer action, and a nice Martin-like tone. Hell, it played better than the $2,000 guild hanging next to it. I paid $250 but i knew the guy in the store. It retailed for $300

I am a hard player and I had more expensive guitars foul-up on me. I dont think this Seagull will though. Like i said the finish is paper thin, so that will probably wear. In my own opinion i think that is cool though, it kinda makes it like a fingerprint. One and only. the tuners are good. One thing that i think is awesome. I plat for about 6 hours a day and play hard, but usually only have to tune it once. I strongly suggest getting a bone nut on the neck and bridge.

No need to contact Seagull. If you are buying one check out their site, it's pretty good. I sent them an E-mail with acclaim on their product

I have been playing for 14 years and im 20. I started on a junk-ass Yamaha. I currently own a Martin, 2 Guilds, Stratocaster, and a Seagull. Nothing takes the place of my Martin but Seagull comes close. Note Seagulls are so low in price because they have alot of land and use mostly their own wood coupled with the fact they keep advertising to a minium. BUY IT

For some reason this originally got placed in the s6+ cedar review area but its actully an m6 cedar. I believe it's 2001 but not sure. Handmade in Canada.Mahogany Back & Sides, Semi-Gloss Lacquer Finish, Mahogany Neck, Indian Rosewood Fingerboard & Bridge, Solid Cedar Top
I bought a soft case for an additional $30 and they tossed in some free picks and strings.

The sound is brillant and yet has a nice low mellow tone. I played lots of different guitars at the shop and even some $1,000 ones and this seagull guitar sounded as good or better then them all. I play all sorts of different music.

Action was perfect, not to low and not high. No complaints.

The finish is pretty thin. It's almost like straight wood but the sound makes up for it. The neck seems a little dry but after you play it for awhile the oil from your fingers turns it into a smooth finish. I wonder if thats what they had in mind all along?

I've been playing for 6 years and starting playing electric first then acoustic. I heard about seagull guitars from a friend and when I checked them out I liked them so much I bought one!!!!

Solid Cedar Top
Semi-Gloss Lacquer Finish
Mahogany Back & Sides
Mahogany Neck
Indian Rosewood Fingerboard & Bridge

I just bought this guitar after playing an old Angelica classical. What an amazing difference. I play just about everything I can. I've never taken lessons, but I'll continue teaching myself for as long as I can. This guitar sounds amazing. Much better than the S6's that I tried, and for not much more money. A full range of sound, lots of bass, and lots of highs.

The guitar was virtually perfect from the factory. The action perfect, frets straight, everything as it should be. The only problem is that the fretboard seemed a bit dry (almost dusty looking). Nothing a drop of the proper oil won't fix

I haven't had this guitar for long, but I'm sure it would last fine. I hear the cedar top is quite soft, so scratches and dents will come easily.

1 yr parts warranty.

This is one great guitar. I had my sights set on the S6 cedar, but I saw this one hanging beside it. $40 more, but much nicer sounding.