Seagull S6+ Cutaway Acoustic

Not sure of the year, likely early 90s; made in Quebec, Canada. Frets number 20-ish, with the cutaway giving fair access to about 15-17, depending on what you want to do. Charlie covered many features well, and wood details are on Seagull's website (via lasido.com). My LRBaggs has volume, treble and bass controls; I'd prefer the slider-type controls, and maybe a 3-channel EQ, but the electronics sound great, and give some varied tone, and I've gotten a lot of complements on the sound, even plugged direct into recording systems. I've only found 1 battery in mine (now I'm worried), and the access is a pain, as you can only really change it with the strings off; they do last awhile, tho. Finish is light, which is nice for a purer look, as I personally don't like "shiny" acoustics. Tuners are basic and solid, no problems so far. I bought an SKG case seperate, and had the retailer's shop put on a strap pin at the base of the neck, as it didn't come with one. The acoustic-electric jack comes through the bottom strap pin, so be wary: putting straplocks on is not viable unless you have a new hole drilled for the jack to be moved to. In my case, I rigged a leather strip around the pin to hold tight, and tied my strap to that; I have to keep an eye on it, but it's holding up OK. Overall, it's not fancy, but it's got what I want, and got it good.

I play rhythmically and generally very aggressively, and the 'gull sounds good acoustically and plugged in. It can carry its own very well with the slower, fingerpicked stuff, as well, especially with the tone controls, but it has a pretty big and warm sound for strummed playing. I wanted a middle-o-the-road guitar that could work well acoustic or electric, for gigs or recording, and stand up decently in a wide variety of conditions, and this one, I think, fits the bill. I have hit some limits with more experimental sounds, such as percussive work and percussive harmonics (a la Michael Hedges style). In this regard the guitar does OK, but doesn't stand well against my friend's beat-up Sigma (Martin copy). Ideally, I wish that department was better. I have had a little trouble with buzzing now and again, but am trying to compensate with my hand-strength and playing (see below).

I can't seperate factory setup and setup done by the retailer, but this one was fine from the jump. I didn't find any sign of trouble; no cracks, solid frets, beautiful woodwork, solid nut and bridge, rock-solid construction. The decoration around the soundhole isn't inlayed, but is silkscreened; despite that fact, it's done very well and seems to hold up well. The guitar's dox say nothing heavier than mediums, and I believe it. I keep 12's on mine (usually Martin 80/20 bronze-wound light gague), and it's a good balance between workable action and breaking strings, which has been a problem for me on any guitar. Like Charlie, I've gotten the cramps with bar and even power chords, but never dared lighter due to string-breakage. I sometimes have a little trouble with the neck finish feeling "sticky", but with a quick wipedown and clean hands, it can hold its own for speedy chord changes.

I beat the hell out of my 'gull, and I hope it knows I care. *grin* I've had it about 2 years, now, and it's standing up fairly well. The cedar top is soft, and the pickguard is insufficient for hard strumming, so be ready to scratch it up. I'm personally on my way toward the Amy Ray look, including nearing the comma-shaped soundhole due to wearing away the wood, but even at that the silkscreening around the soundhole is still intact (durable!) and, despite occasional body and string percussion, the overall guitar is still rock-solid. The hardware, nut, bridge and strap pins all have held up with minimal maintanance as well. The guitar even holds tune well, considering how I bang on it; watch those temperature changes, tho! I have also, however, noticed a good degree of fret-wear. Again, I play fairly hard, but was nonetheless somewhat dissapointed in the visible wearing of the frets in commonly-fingered locations. I don't know if this contributes to the occasional buzzing I get, but I haven't lost any notes yet, so it seems to be holding up OK. I'm hoping I can go awhile before I have to consider a re-fretting. Overall, the guitar is a solid player, and, with the exception of breaking strings (which I know from playing other guitars is my fault), I can rely on it.

Similarly, no need here. The web page is handy for reference, but I wouldn't mind a little more technical data (like specs for truss adjustment, maintanance tips, etc) just in case I ever do decide I need it.

I've been playing as an amateur for almost 10 years, and semi-professionally now for about 3 or 4. I've played a few different instruments over time, but the 'gull was my first serious guitar, and I'm grateful for finding it. In the store my friend and informal consultant(a long-time guitar teacher and music store owner) compared the sound and feel as standing up well against a Martin, but, of course, at less than half the price. For general playing across wide circumstances, it does very well: it is the working-man's quality guitar. The only thing I would consider replacing it with would be something clearly high-end with superior sound and workmanship, like a Martin, for example. Until I'm ready to spend that kind of money, not to mention have the skill to appreciate the higher-end instrument, I can't say I've seen another pick; even after buying something upper-end, I would still seriously consider the 'gull for toting around and general use. As Charlie said, and as I've heard just about everywhere, it's a great guitar for the money. What would I change? Keep electronics sound, but in different config so battery access was easier and knobs were sliders, instead; move pickup jack out of strap pin to body OR design straplock that works with jack pin; design frets for less wear. Do that, and you've got a working pro-level guitar I'd solidly recommend to ANYONE, hands down. All told, it's my first guitar and it's only been a few years, but I expect to seriously play this instrument for the rest of my life.

Well, how many features can an acoustic. Solid Cedar Top, Cherry back and sides, LR Baggs Preamp and bridge pickup system, Bolt on neck, single cutaway. Matte finish. Bone bridge and nut. Indian rosewood Fretboard. Good quality tuners. Hardshell Case. Neck seems a little thick to me, but I'd been playing and Ovation prior. The preamp has adjustments for level, bass, middle, and treble. Only drawback s it takes two batteries and you have the only access is through the soundhole. They last a long time though, so no big deal.

I wanted a reasonably priced amplified acoustic cutaway so I could do the unplugged type thing. Price was a big factor for me. This guitar has a very warm sound. It's not great on its own, but not bad either. It sounds decent acoustically, but don't expect it to sound like a martin or anything. However, amplified, it sounds GREAT. The Baggs system is A+ IMO.

Action is Excellent. Better set up from the factory than MANY much more expensives acoustics I tried including Martin and Taylor. No flaws. The only problem I've had is that you have to set it up with at least 12's or the intonation is off above the 12th fret noticibly on the G string. I just adjusted to the heavier strings and went on. It sounds better with them anyway. I'm not sure if I should dock points for this, as I've heard that this can be a problem with even the best acoustics sue to the lack of an adjustable bridge. Also, if I play barre chords extensively, I get hand cramps. May be the neck shape, hard to say, but I never had this problem with my Ovation. Of course I used lighter strings on it so sho knows.

Seems very solid. I'll give it the benefit of the doubt.

Don't know. Haven't needed any.

I've been playing for 20 years or so. I'd definitely buy it again. I haven't seen anything else in it's price range that could touch it. I love the Baggs system. Very sweet. I like the action. I wish I could string it with 11's and not screw up the intonation. Wish the neck was a little thinner (or my hand was a little stronger). A GREAT guitar for the money, and a better than decent guitar with cost being no object. I would recommend one to both the beginner and professional who doesn't want to bang around an expensive acoustic at a bar gig, but wants something that plays and sounds good.