The price of the Seagull S6 acoustic guitar has seen another increase recently. The base model S6 now hovers around $799, and adding electronics pushes the cost even higher. This price point prompts a serious evaluation of what you get for your money, especially when considering alternatives in the current acoustic guitar market.
Recently, while testing guitars at Sam Ash, the experience highlighted this value question. Playing a Seagull S6, while decent, revealed an action that was a bit too high for optimal playability. In the same session, guitars from Alvarez and Martin, and even an Epiphone Masterbuilt J-45, were also tested. Having owned and enjoyed Alvarez guitars previously, the comparison was particularly insightful. The Epiphone J-45, although well-made, seemed to lack tonal openness. Ultimately, a Martin D-10e, an all-solid wood guitar that included electronics and a gig bag, proved to be the preferred choice.
In direct comparison, the sound of the Seagull S6 didn’t measure up to the Alvarez and Martin guitars tested. After spending three hours at Sam Ash, the decision became clear: at its current price, the Seagull S6 seems expensive for what it delivers in terms of sound and overall value. Adding to the discussion, the construction of Seagull necks, often set with epoxy, is a known factor that might influence some players’ preferences.
Seagull guitars, including the S6, primarily use wood sourced from Canada. Theoretically, this local sourcing should help manage costs. However, the increasing price tag forces a re-evaluation of what buyers are truly receiving, especially concerning the most crucial aspect: the sound quality. At its current price range, the Seagull S6 faces strong competition from guitars like the Alvarez and Martin Road Series, both of which offer compelling alternatives. While Seagull guitars were once highly regarded for their value, the current pricing landscape necessitates a more critical look at what your money actually buys. In a market where prices have shifted significantly, the Seagull S6’s value proposition needs careful consideration against its competitors.
