Seagull S6 Incredible Guitar Review

In 1982, Robert Godin set out on a mission. To create a guitar that not only sounded great, but was also sustainable and well-crafted.

Fast-forward to today, and the Seagull S6 has become a household name in the world of acoustic guitars. It truly is beloved by beginners and pros alike.

But what makes the S6 so special? From locally-sourced wood to impeccable construction. This guitar is a testament to Godin’s unwavering commitment to quality. So, get ready to dive into our review and discover why the Seagull S6 is a cut above the rest.

Overview

The S6 is Seagull’s flagship model and is an award-winning acoustic guitar! All with its solid wood, quality construction, and North American craftsmanship. This guitar is sure to impress you.

It comes in 9 different versions. Each with different looks, electronics, and more. The tone and feel of this guitar are certainly pushing premium status.

But for a price that is comparatively lower than premium guitars! It is also one of the more popular choices among entry-level acoustics.

Features

Let’s take a look at some key features of the Seagull S6 Acoustic guitar.

• Pressure treated solid cedar top.
• Laminated wild cherry back and sides.
• Silver leaf maple neck.
• Rosewood finger board.
• Well known body shape.
• 25.5 inch scale with 21 frets.
• Excellent build quality.

Who Is This Guitar For?

The build quality of this guitar is so good! I would suggest that it’s great for most people looking for an acoustic guitar. For the price point, it’s best suited for beginners, students, and intermediate players.

But this is a unique situation. Where a company has developed a guitar that even seasoned guitarists have come to love. They also last decades as the quality is above average.

Sound Performance

So, now that you know a bit about the guitar, the question is, how does it sound? Well, let’s get right into it. The tone of the S6 just can not be compared to other acoustic guitars in this price range.

Seagull has truly flexed their engineering muscle here. They provided a guitar that has a warm timbre with a rich shimmer. The cedar top projects sound very well and as you play it, the tone just continues to get better as it ages.

It has a present bass response but is not overbearing. It’s bright but not harsh, mid-frequencies are strong, and the sustain is perfect. Likewise, it’s the kind of sound that one would think came from a more expensive acoustic.

I was most impressed with how deep and warm it sounded. But once you strum more aggressively, it produced different overtones. It is a unique acoustic guitar that sounds so good it competes with more expensive models. This video will put it all into perspective for you.

Guitar Body

The S6 body has a pressure-treated solid cedar top. This is to ensure its highest level of rigidity and stiffness. This also allows for maximum harmonic vibration.

It will benefit players with a better experience. Projection and tone will be enhanced. It will also increase the lifespan of the instrument.

The cedar top will also produce a warm tone, and because it’s solid, it will vibrate more than a laminated version. This results in a better dynamic range, a richer sound, and just a larger tone.

Another benefit to a cedar top is that it will age faster. As it does, it will begin to sound better as it’s played. Their laminated wild cherry back and sides look very nice. It just adds to the level of quality in Seagull’s craftsmanship.

Cherry laminate also adds a crisp mid-range in the sound. The body is then finished with a natural semi gloss. Plus a red pick guard to add to the brilliant look of this acoustic guitar.

Neck and Head stock

The S6 neck is made with silver leaf maple. It features a rosewood fretboard, 21 frets, and a 25.5-inch scale length. The neck feels great and is very easy to play. It also has a nut width of 1.8 inches and a nice matte finish for comfortable playing.

The headstock itself is tapered to provide a straight string pull. This minimizes any neck twist effects and insures that your guitar will be easy to tune and keep it that way! The neck on the S6 has been engineered to include 3 key ingredients: comfort, sound, and stability.

Hardware

The S6 comes with a Tusq nut, saddle, and bridge pins made by Graphtech. Tusq, according to Graphtec, will help create a better frequency response. The mid and upper harmonics will be way more lively as a result of using Tusq.

And with how beautifully rich and balanced the guitar sounds, I tend to think this may hold true. The compensated saddle on the S6 is designed to keep the acoustic in tune at every fret of the fingerboard. I know guitarists will like this.

It is actually quite impressive at the price point of this guitar. The machine heads are of good quality and keep tuning very well.

The S6 does not come with any electronics. There are electronics in higher-priced Seagull S6 versions. If you have a few extra dollars to invest, you will find them in another model.

Playability

Before even comparing it to any others, picking it up, and playing it, there is a natural feel to this acoustic. It sort of begins to inspire me immediately. The neck is not super thick, which makes it easy to move around with amazing playability.

The resonance and vibrant shimmer with each strum play like a more expensive guitar. It was comfortable and resonated through the neck with each strum. It even feels unique somehow, which was most impressive.

Classic Black A/E Model

Seagull has introduced an addition to the lineup. It’s called the S6 Classic Black A/E. This guitar is simply stunning! Like the rest of the S6 guitars in the series, the playability and sound from the Classic Black are amazing.

The cedar top on the Classic Black A/E has a semi-gloss finish that is breathtaking with the white pickguard. The wild cherry sides and back are black-washed with a superb wood finish that will really catch your eye.

This guitar features a Fishman Sonitone preamp system. So the price will be slightly larger than the S6 Original.

But it is worth mentioning this guitar, as it’s amazing. And for a few bucks more, it is worth considering if you can make it work. Electric options can benefit many guitarists, making this gig ready.

With this model, I tested the electronics using a Fender Acoustasonic guitar amp. It’s chimey and full, like you would expect after hearing it unplugged. The electronics pick up the sound wonderfully, making this one special acoustic guitar.

Cost and Value

Currently, the S6 original goes for just under $800. The price has increased over the last couple of years due to material costs. But it’s still an incredible value and a purchase you will appreciate for years to come.

Because it plays so well and is crafted with quality materials, the guitar will hold its value. This will allow you to recoup your investment should you want to upgrade.

Seagull Guitars At The NAMM Show

Seagull guitars can be found at the NAMM show each year. Being part of the Godin brand, they are nothing short of amazing. It is always a real treat to visit their booth and see what they have on display. Finding an S6 is no problem as it’s a very popular guitar.

Notable Alternatives to Consider

If the Seagull S6 isn’t a good fit for you, here are some alternatives that you should consider. And, they are all in the same price range!

Epiphone Hummingbird Pro

The Epiphone Hummingbird PRO is a beautiful and classic-looking acoustic guitar. It exudes elegance and quality at every corner. The Hummingbird PRO features a solid spruce top that produces a bright and articulate sound. It, too, is perfect for strumming or fingerpicking.

The back and sides are made from select mahogany. They aid in providing a warm and balanced tone. The rosewood fingerboard adds to the guitar’s overall richness. It’s adorned with split parallelogram inlays, adding to its classic aesthetic. It’s look and sound differ from the Seagull S6.

Yamaha FG850

The Yamaha FG850 is an acoustic guitar that boasts exceptional sound quality and playability. Its solid Sitka spruce top produces a bright and clear tone.

All while its mahogany back and sides provide warmth and depth. Its traditional western body shape provides ample volume and projection. This makes it ideal for both strumming and fingerpicking styles.

The scalloped bracing pattern enhances the guitar’s resonance and sustain. Thus delivering a full and balanced sound.

Additionally, the FG850’s die-cast tuning machines ensure precise tuning and stability. It differs from the S6 in both sound and aesthetics. Check out our full review for more information and my thoughts.

Final Thoughts

There are great acoustics in this price range available. They play and sound amazing, it’s true. The Seagull S6 is an entry-level guitar, that has the qualities of a higher-end instrument. But is so affordable.

From the design, build quality, and tone to the way it feels and the comfort it offers, I am truly a fan of this guitar.

As a guitarist of nearly 20 years, I know what is a good fit for me and my style. The S6 check many of those boxes. Comfort, versatility, adaptability and great sound are just a few main points for me.

So, for what it can offer a beginner or even experienced player, this guitar is worth having. I highly recommend it!

FAQs

Is The Seagull S6 good for finger picking?

Yes, the Seagull S6 models are perfect for finger picking as well as using a plectrum. It’s easy to hold and when in the right position can be a very good guitar for this technique. The fullness of the sound is also a finger-picker’s dream, making this one versatile guitar.

There is a person who bought the S6 and left a review online. Here is what he said:

It has a wider neck and smaller body than the average dreadnought, which really lends itself to folk and fingerstyle guitar playing.

Ben – S6 Owner.

Are Seagull guitars good quality?

Seagull guitars offer incredible quality and playability. The materials they are made from are above average. Quality control is of great importance to the manufacturer. Robert Godin’s dedication to a quality product also gives a limited lifetime warranty. It’s hard to beat!

Is a Seagull guitar worth it?

The Seagull S6 has impressed guitarists worldwide. All with their above-average quality and sound. What they have to offer at the price they are sold is quite remarkable. Their sound is that of which you would only find at higher-priced guitars.

Many players have sold more expensive models to get one. All because the Seagull guitars are of such good value and quality.