(see rating details)

I am already very familiar with the Seagull brand and own 2 of them already. They make guitars of exceptional quality considering their price. Everything they make would cost an extra couple hundred bucks if they were any other more well-known brand. With that in mind, I already had high expectations for this guitar. I wanted a small body that I could take on hiking and camping trips, but also something nice enough to perform with if needed. The craftsmanship as far as construction is stellar. This is a very very well put together guitar. The finish is a thinner matte which has a little bit of the grain poking through (which is intentional from what I understand) which gives it a bit of a folky vibe. Some people may not like if you're used to the more pristine matte finishes on Taylors (etc). I was surprised at how loud this little thing is. It really projects. I was also surprised by how well balanced the tone is. Some small bodies can sound very boxy and muddy, but this still maintains a brilliant and balanced sound, but still with that focused midrange that you'd expect. I am also loving the Fishman Sonitone pickup. I am using it with a Boss EQ and Fishman Aura and it sounds great. I had not intended this, but it may have just become my new, main acoustic guitar on stage. The controls are simple, just a volume and "tone" (high end roll off) which may annoy some people, but I personally prefer to use my pedals for tone shaping anyway, but I can see how that might deter some people who go direct in and would prefer more on board EQ. Plus, this little thing is just fun to play. The shorter scale length makes for a little less tension so the strings are a little looser feeling, plus the neck profile and body contours are very comfortable. I find myself sitting on my couch and strumming away for hours. Overall just a great guitar and I have been very pleased with the purchase. I only knocked off one star on the WOW Factor category because the piece of spruce used for the top is not the prettiest. It's not ugly, but it has some grain inconsistencies that make it a little less good looking.

Musical Background: