New Acoustic (Well on layaway)

[pes_laul]

So me and my dad took a trip down to the music store to look for a new acoustic guitar. Well I originally was looking at an Ibanez AEL20 but then something else caught my eye. http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Seagull-The-Original-S6-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=512120 Well after playing a few Seagulls I decided on this one.

My dad put 100$ on it and I have about 150$ so I still got a little more to go.

[hubberjub]

VERY good choice. Seagull makes some great acoustics. I have two friends who have the Ibanez AEL20 and it's a horrible excuse for an acoustic guitar. They are all plywood and have very little unamplified volume. I'm not trying to put down Ibanez because they make some very good electrics. You're going to love the Seagull. A nice solid top and made in Canada.

[luvmyshiner]

Very nice Pes! Welcome to the . . . um . . . "not dark" side.:AOK:

[street music]

Pes! I'm shocked that you have grown to respect the acoustic guitar. JUST KIDDIN' , I find that I pick up my Takamine as much or more than any of my electric and many times I plug in with it.

[duhvoodooman]

I've hear great things about that model--really excellent value, comparable in tone & playability to much more expensive instruments. GOOD CHOICE!! :AOK:

[ted s]

:AOK: Pes

[Kazz]

Pes....did you get the Cedar top? I looked at a Cedar top and have had serious regrets about not buying that one, until I got my Washburn d46 for Father's Day last year.

[pes_laul]

Pes....did you get the Cedar top? I looked at a Cedar top and have had serious regrets about not buying that one, until I got my Washburn d46 for Father's Day last year.
Yeah I got the cedar top. Man the thing just sounded beautiful at the music store.

And street: hmm it's funny that you say that, I actually probably play more acoustic then electric (when I had one):dude:

But all in all I can't wait to get it and I must say my dad is like the coolest person ever for putting money on it and supporting my music hobby:AOK:

[luvmyshiner]

But all in all I can't wait to get it and I must say my dad is like the coolest person ever for putting money on it and supporting my music hobby:AOK:

:AOK:

Remember that the next time he asks you to take out the garbage.:poke:

[MichaelE]

Seagull makes a very nice affordable guitar. I have an S6+ with the cedar top. I've had it since just after they started selling here in the States. I think I bought it around '94???

As nice as it is, I find the tone a bit warm for my taste due to the cedar top. It's difficult to pull it up out of a mix and doesn't really have the crisp highs I like in an acoustic.

It plays nicely and is well built.

[evenkeel]

Very cool. :bravo:

Next thing you know young pes you'll be talkin 000's, slope shoulders, jumbos. Dangerous road over here on the lite side. But they all do sound the same :poke:

[Zip]

There's one for sale locally on CL for 325, with a case:

http://greenville.craigslist.org/msg/1296059251.html

Want me to see if he'll go lower?

[Algonquin]

Nice choice Pes... take good care of it and you'll be passing it onto your own kids one day in the far, far, far off future!

Here's some good reading on caring for an acoustic with a solid top.
http://www.larrivee.com/features/humidity.php

Cheers :beer: (rootbeer) :D

[pes_laul]

There's one for sale locally on CL for 325, with a case:

http://greenville.craigslist.org/msg/1296059251.html

Want me to see if he'll go lower?
Thanks for the offer bro but I already put a hundred bucks down on it soIf I was to take it back and get that I would be losing money.

But the store who is selling us got it about 50 bucks cheaper then it is on MF.

[Zip]

No problem...just saw it listed on CL 10 minutes after I read this thread!

You'll enjoy it. Start saving now, though, for a new case....and glass slide...and footrest...oh yeah, polish & cloth & humidifier & picks & strings & strap & lemon oil for the fretboard & & & & :rotflmao:

[Algonquin]

You will likely want to save for a case for your new guitar too Kris, and don't forget the humidifier which is a must for this guitar. I'm using one of these which is doing a decent job, but have a search around here for what the folks in the know are using... but this one does a decent job
http://oasishumidifiers.com/original.html

Again... congrats! :AOK:

[pes_laul]

I've never really even considered a humidifier.

Could you elaborate a bit?

[tjcurtin1]

The humidifier keeps the solid top from danger of cracking - not a problem in this humid summer weather, but during heating season it's important. I have a $7 Planet Wave model that seems to work fine.

BTW, I love the warmth of a cedar top myself, and I hear nothing but good about this guitar (I have it's cousin by Art & Lutherie), but the cedar is incredibly soft and will ding with your fingernail (maybe not quite so easily if this has a gloss top).

[Zip]

The first neck reset I ever did was on a beautiful old Madeira (Guild™). Lack of humidity had caused the neck to literally pull away from the body. The bracing had turned to crap, too. So yeah, a humidifier is a must-have.:poke:

[wingsdad]

A soundhole or other type of body humidifier is particularly important with a solid top acoustic like the S6, especially with a relatively 'soft' or porous wood like Cedar -- more so than with a laminated top like the aforementioneds Ibanez AEL series model.

It's not all that critical if you live in an area with fairly constant Relative Humidity of around 50%, +/- a few points, or if your house maintains that level, because that, and a room temp of around 68-70 degrees F are what you want to keep the thing 'in shape'.

Never leave it sealed up in its case for hours in a hot car in the summer, or out in freezing temps in the winter.

[Kazz]

+1 on the planet waves humidifier....I know must of the Washburn transfers use those. You will definitely want a hardshell case to store the Seagull in Kris. That Cedar top produces such a sweet tone....this will be one of "the" guitars that you never get rid of.

[wingsdad]

After using the old-school 'Dampit' (looks like a green worm) for years, I came to use these Kyser (the capo company) LifeGuard soundhole things in my acoustics...in the ones they fit in. Some soundholes are oval-shaped (like a Washburn Festival Series EA20), but for your Seagull, they'll work. I still use Dampits in f-holes and tiny soundholes (Epi Casino, mando, uke)

They come in 2 diameters ( smaller one for Classicals or similar size hole). They also have an adapter ring for slightly odd diameters. What I especially like is that they from a nice tight seal over the hole to keep the humidity in. The added benefit is they act as a 'volume mute' if you need to practice somewhat quietly.

You still need to hydrate them (in the desert I live in, weekly, at least. Tip: buy a gallon of distilled water at your local supermarket for a buck or less. It will be less corrosive to the foam rubber core of the humidifier, and last a year. Pour some in a bowl, lay the LifeGuard in it for a minute to soak, then squeeze or shake out the excess water and wipe the edges dry before popping it in place.

At Sweetwater, no tax and shipping is free:

Kyser LifeGuard Humidifiers at Sweetwater (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/search.php?s=Kyser+Lifeguard&go=Go%21)

[Tynee]

Congrats, Pes. I too have the Art & Lutherie cousin to this one (the Cedar Sunrise), and I love it. I liked the looks of the Seagull better, but while I hemmed and hawed over the price, they sold the last one on me.

[pes_laul]

So I got another question about acoustics,

What type of gauge strings should I use and maybe suggest a good brand?

I know generally people like to use heavier gauge strings but I'm not quite to sure about things.

[wingsdad]

Godin, Seagull's 'parent' company, has a deal with D'addario so their strings are actually D'addario. Your guitar will be strung with what's commonly called 'Light Gauge' ... .012-.053. Here's the link to Seagull's string page on their website:
http://www.seagullguitars.com/strings.htm

They're actually these strings, if you bought them over-the-counter
D'addario EJ16 (http://store.daddario.com/category/144849/EJ16_Light_12-53)

Because I play about 60/40 acoustics/electrics, I prefer to keep at least one acoustic strung with 'Extra Light' -- .010.047, because they feel and play close to my electrics, which I string with .010-.046, making the switch back & forth less dramatic. They give a little less volume, but IMO, the tone's still there, maybe just a bitt less bottom end...with the cedar top of your S6, that might be worth considering:

D'addario EJ15 (http://store.daddario.com/category/144848/EJ15_Extra_Light_10-47)

My choice for electrics:
D'addario EXL110 (http://store.daddario.com/category/145784/EXL110_Regular_Light_10-46)

But just as some players (self included) prefer nickel wound electric strings and some prefer other windings, you will definitely get different degrees of brightness or 'warmth' with different formula winding acoustic strings. The Phosphor Bronze of EJ's is a good type to start with, because they're fairly bright...a good match, IMO, for your cedar top. (I have a solid cedar top Takamine...with EJ16's).

[MichaelE]

I like and use GHS White Bronze for recording. Although they don't help the cedar top Seagull in a mix, they are a generally bright, clear, ringing string that is very good.

They last a long time and tune well.

I really wish I'd bought a spruce topped Seagull. I'm sure I'd like it a lot more than I do my cedar topped model.

Still a very nice guitar.

[tjcurtin1]

I've tried quite a few brands of string on the A&L cedar top and like these best:

Martin SP 4100 Phos Bronze (not coated) - a nice clear sound with rich ringing harmonics

Dean Markley GoldPhos coated strings - a real big warm sound from these, and they last a long time (but are more expensive). their regular PhosBronze are good too, and cost less.

[tot_Ou_tard]

I still use Dampits in f-holes and tiny soundholes (Epi Casino, mando, uke)

I am not using a humidifier in my Godin 5th avenue. It is an all laminate hollow archtop with f-holes. I keep it out in the basement.


I suppose I should get a dampit. They make different sizes--which one should I get? Do I just dangle the worm in the hole? (Settle down boys :D). I keep the guitar in a stand ready for playing.

[street music]

I would not use any strings above a medium light on your acoustic as you damage the saddle or cause it to lift from the wood, as it is designed to be played with light strings. I play the light and they produce great tone and not hard on the fingers and i'm sure you will want to bend too-so stick to the light.

[pes_laul]

I know on my dad's twelve string he run's 9's on it. But then again that's alot of dang strings and a lot extra tension.

[wingsdad]

I am not using a humidifier in my Godin 5th avenue. It is an all laminate hollow archtop with f-holes. I keep it out in the basement.


I suppose I should get a dampit. They make different sizes--which one should I get? Do I just dangle the worm in the hole? (Settle down boys :D). I keep the guitar in a stand ready for playing.
All laminate...not too much to be concerned about...laminate is inherently inflexible, unlike solid woods. But yes, Dampits are made in various sizes to fit violins (I use one on my mando) to double basses. Yes, I just dangle the worm in the hole. :rotflmao: I dangle one through one of the epaulet soundholes in my solid top Ovation. They make one for acoustic guitars comes with a clear plastic soundhole cover...the worm clips onto a string and suspends inside the guitar. The cover has the paper Dampit humidity gauge on it...generally useless. There's a bunch of Dampit clone brands, too.

[tot_Ou_tard]

All laminate...not too much to be concerned about...laminate is inherently inflexible, unlike solid woods. But yes, Dampits are made in various sizes to fit violins (I use one on my mando) to double basses. Yes, I just dangle the worm in the hole. :rotflmao: I dangle one through one of the epaulet soundholes in my solid top Ovation. They make one for acoustic guitars comes with a clear plastic soundhole cover...the worm clips onto a string and suspends inside the guitar. The cover has the paper Dampit humidity gauge on it...generally useless. There's a bunch of Dampit clone brands, too.
Thanks Wingsdad.

It's 3-ply laminate, rather than 5-ply. I don't know whether that makes a difference. To dangle the worm, does the guitar have to be lying down or can I do the dangle standing up ;)? In other words, do I have to avoid having the worm touch the body of the guitar.

[wingsdad]

To dangle the worm, does the guitar have to be lying down or can I do the dangle standing up ;)? In other words, do I have to avoid having the worm touch the body of the guitar.
Standing up or hanging. Just stick the Dampit in the f-hole so that the worm's black 'head' cap is in a position to keep it from falling through. The worm's body won't touch the guitar's body, but it's butt-end tip might, and as long as you wiped the worm's butt, you're fine.

[R.B. Huckleberry]

Excellent choice! That's my next acoustic. I played a LOT of acoustics while I was shopping for one. If a buddy of mine didn't offer me my D-15 at his cost, I would have gotten the Seagull.

Seriously, it was in the top 2. I still paid twice as much for teh Martin as I would have for the Seagull, but normally the Martin is 4 times the price of the Seagull. So really, it was a matter of a unique opportunity presenting itself that led to my final purchase.

But the Seagulls had a vibe that I still think of...

[pes_laul]

Well after saving my pennies me and my dad took another trip to the music store to pay for the rest of my guitar and take it home.

After we got home I got it out of the box right away and started playing. For having older strings it sounds great but I should change them soon. Also the actions just a tad bit hig http://www.zzounds.com/item--DADDGS15h for me so I'm gonna file down the bridge piece (white piece) But it does sound awesome.

Also I learned that you can't put strap button in it or it will void the warranty so I picked up one of these http://www.zzounds.com/item--DADDGS15 haven't used it yet but it looks pretty good.

Will have pics up later :DR <--me

[sunvalleylaw]

Congrats! NGDs are good!

[luvmyshiner]

WOO HOO Pes! Can't wait to see the pics dude.:master:

By the way, that bridge piece is called the saddle (gots to teach you the new lingo). No problem with taking it down, but be careful and check it often. You can always take more off, but ya can't put it back on. It's not the end of the world if you get it to low, because it's relatively easy to get a new one. In fact, I don't know if your saddle is bone, but you might want to consider an upgrade if it isn't. Makes all the difference in the world.:beer:

Now if you need to shave your nut, I have a little experience in that department as well.:messedup:

[pes_laul]

Probably gonnahave to wait tomorrow for pics due to the gay rain and sattelite internet :reallymad:

[ted s]

Now if you need to shave your nut, I have a little experience in that department as well.:messedup:

Just one Shiner ? What are you saying here ?

[luvmyshiner]

Just one Shiner ? What are you saying here ?

Just one at a time Ted, just one at a time.:AOK:

[just strum]

...due to the gay rain and ...

Huh?

[luvmyshiner]

Huh?

Oh come on Strum, you know gay rain. . . it sucks . . .

Ok, that may have been a little much . . . sorry mods.:thwap:

[just strum]

Oh come on Strum, you know gay rain. . . it sucks . . .

Ok, that may have been a little much . . . sorry mods.:thwap:

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h16/auroraohio/Smiley/ban_smilie.gif