So, you’re wondering about the Seagull S6 Acoustic Guitar? It’s a common question, and as someone who’s played a few Seagulls over the years, I can offer some insights based on my own experience. While I can’t definitively say if it’s the right guitar for you, I can share my thoughts on what to expect, especially if you’re familiar with the brand’s reputation.
I’ve owned a few Seagulls spanning different models, including some that share similarities with the S6 Original. My first Seagull was a Folk model, a real workhorse for many years. I also have an S6 12-string dreadnought in my collection. Both of these guitars embody that classic Seagull construction: cherry laminate back and sides paired with a cedar top – a recipe that I believe the S6 Original still largely follows. However, my older models have a shorter scale length (under 25 inches), whereas Seagull shifted to a longer 25.5-inch scale for later models, and there might be other subtle changes in the current S6.
One thing I’ve consistently found with these cedar-top Seagulls is their warm and responsive sound. They shine with lighter to medium playing styles. If you have a very aggressive attack or tend to strum heavily, they might not be the ideal choice, as they respond best to a more nuanced touch. They also seem to perform well with lighter gauge strings, which can contribute to their comfortable playability.
The necks on my older Seagulls are quite substantial – wider and deeper profiles that I personally find very comfortable. Neck preference is subjective though; some players might find this style of neck less appealing. It’s definitely something to consider based on your hand size and playing style.
I also own a Seagull M6 dreadnought, which features a spruce top and mahogany back and sides. Interestingly, it shares a similar neck profile to my other Seagulls. The spruce top gives it a different character, and this one handles my heavier flatpicking and cross-picking attack a bit better than the cedar tops.
Seagull guitars, particularly the S6, often get labeled as “great value for the money.” This can sometimes be interpreted as them being a stepping stone to “better,” more expensive guitars. While there are certainly higher-priced instruments out there, my experience with Seagulls hasn’t led me to see them as inferior. They possess their own distinct sound and feel, which is different, but not necessarily worse, than more costly guitars in my collection, like my Guild 12-string jumbo or my Martin 00-15.
Ultimately, whether you’ll love a Seagull S6 acoustic guitar comes down to personal preference. The neck profile is a key factor – you might love it, or you might not. The sound and how it responds to your playing style are also crucial. If you have a lighter touch and appreciate a warm tone, it could be a great fit. If you’re a very aggressive player, it might be worth exploring other options. The best advice is always to try one out yourself if you can and see how it feels and sounds in your hands.
