Seagull vs Gibson ... Acoustic guitar shootout.........RESULTS

Here are the results from the Seagull vs. Gibson Acoustic guitar shootout. Dave Whipple

[@williamwisemusic8864]

Still love my Seagull S6. Bought it in 1991 and it spent many years under my bed in the 2000's. But now that its out and back in service again, I'm glad I had hung onto it. Still sounds and plays great after thirty years.

[@MelodyMaker]

No more putting it under your bed...ok.

[@subterfusion4005]

ive got an S6 spruce gt acoustic/electric. Has the Godin electronics. Its super fun to play. Thanks for the great videos.

[@contact4mwy7]

I have Medium gauge Martin 80/20 Bronze strings on my Seagull S6 and have had many compliments on the tone and loudness they give. Highly recommend!

[@tacov3410]

The headstock was a give away

[@rtubbs0]

Aye!

[@malachilawrence3809]

Aye!

[@willwilburn9473]

I had a Seagull years ago, in the 1990's and loved it. I just bought a new Seagull Artist Studio CW Element and remember why I loved my other seagull so much. I also had a 1970's Gibson Hummingbird. As far as sound, I would put this new Seagull in a class with my old Gibson any day.

[@arthurpendragon1610]

What you look for in an acoustic guitar is the sound of a lively well tuned top which "tunes to a pitch" as the string tension stresses it into a taut state. This gives an impression of clarity/power/vitality to the notes. It should do this while also being well set up with proper action, not just when the strings are a mile off the neck. High action gives tension/power, but makes it hard to play. What you WANT is high tension and comfortably low action together! The Gibson does that. The Seagull does it---a little, but it is much less "taut" and sounds muddy in comparison. So there's a reason you typically pay the big bucks for better tone. Been selling guitars for over 55 years, that's the deal. I personally own both a vintage Gibson Advanced Jumbo and also own a Seagull and was a dealer for both.

[@yannlaliberte8407]

I bought my Seagull M6 20 years ago and I still love it.

[@KillingerUSA]

These videos are great man!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks K!!!

[@elanabethfariss117]

This was fun, I have a seagull performer. It's wild cherry back and sides and a cedar top which gives the warm sound I like. I did get it right, because the sound was familiar to me. I feel so fortunate to have found these Seagulls cause I play left handed. When I bought it, the store manager played his custom Taylor against my new Seagull, there again its a close match. His Taylor was thousands of dollars versus 600 paid for mine, just amazing.

[@amnumber3]

I own a seagull, and I picked B instantly. When I was looking for a guitar, I couldn’t believe the number of great reviews for the Seagull. One after the other touted its excellence. It’s been a fantastic guitar for me.

[@burritobeau]

Love your videos. Keep it up!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

THANKS!

[@mattevans1643]

The Gibson has such a stronger tone to it, but the Seagull is more clear and it doesn't all mesh together. It's hard to decide which is better. They both have a such a unique sound, and are good in their own right. Depending on the song would decide which is better.

[@seanodonnell9826]

They both sound excellent to me actually. The Seagull would be great paired with the Gibson in the mix. I like what you said about different tools being right for the job.

[@zacharyohare2118]

God bless.... I was wrong. I love the seagulls balance and bottom end. Lots of clarity no brassiness

[@cmeimgee]

I've had a Seagull S6 for 20 years. My dad bought it for me for $400 plus a discount for a minor spider web on the finish. That guitar was perfectly set up, with amazing low action, no buzzing, and just a beautiful sound with its cedar top. I recently got my dream guitar (so I thought!), an HD-28. The HD-28 has amazing sustain and sounds great itself, but for an almost $2000 price difference? I'm thinking of selling it. Don't sleep on Seagull guitars!!!

[@jordangraham2942]

Oh my gosh, I picked B everytime as being the Gibson!! Seagull sounds amazing.

[@blathy2]

3 months ago my son and I went to the local guitar shop to purchase a new acoustic. This was a multi visit process but finally came to the last visit. I picked 4 guitars that I had researched and played previously. 2 Gibsons ( J35 , G45 ) Epiphone Master and a Seagull Coastline. Did some cord progression, finger picking and strumming, while my son was listening. The Eppy was removed. Then more strumming. In the end it came down to the 35 and the Coastline.. the 35 was sounding a little fuller. He picked the 35. I said ok now here is the pricing.. the 35 was almost 2.5 times the price. He said and being 13 yrs old. "The price difference isn't justified by the sound difference". We left with the Gull and will soon buy another. Love them that much

[@roneilken6668]

When I took up guitar my Canadian wife blessed me with an s6! I have since bought a Taylor 414 and okayed many Martins etc and even purchased an artist mosaic but darn- every time I pick up my beat up S6 it has some of the richest sounds! The S6 is really an amazing guitar! We

[@DiMo28]

Thank you, thank you very much.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks

[@ianroberts4981]

I always really look forward to Whip's videos. He's absolutely right, good sound is good sound.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks Ian!

[@friedrich1957]

I own an s6. It's great. I thought your gibson sounded a little fuller in the low end. You said it was an early 70's? The wood has aged longer. Love your channel. A good sound is all that's really important. I agree we are in "the golden age" of low end, quality guitar. CNC machines at all guitar plants. Peavey silverstripe bandit? Check. Please continue, your take is valued and needed.

[@RaphaelNano]

Through my computer speakers, the seagull wins, but using my mixing headphones, the seagull sounds boxy and needs EQing where's the Gibson is just more balanced. Both sound amazing and different tho. I'm getting a seagull S6 tomorrow for $200 Canadian so I'm not complaining at all haha. Great video!

[@captainpiefox9133]

I thought the seagull sounded pretty great honestly. For that price, it's an incredible guitar

[@Gtdad2]

Fooled me, great video Whip! I will be checking out some Seagulls.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Right on!

[@rockinfender93]

I like them both but I think I like the seagull more

[@luismedina8502]

Great video. I picked the right one but not because of sound quality the Gibson has more sustain on the high notes but not by much, they are both amazing.

[@joemamma4324]

WOW WOW WOW !!!YOU ARE THE BEST ON KZbin BY FAR!!!!!!AWESOME VIDS THANKS!!!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Wow. Thanks Joe.

[@orenfisher8948]

Been playing Seagulls and other Godin acoustics since 1996, exclusively. I got it wrong. And I'm VERY happy about that! Excellent video.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks Oren.

[@3cardmonty602]

Hey Whip - I have a Seagull Entourage Rustic Mini-Jumbo, & the workmanship, sound, feel, playability are fantastic, & I wouldn't trade it for a Martin. The best part is - it cost me about $300!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

I totally agree. For my money Seagull is top shelf.

[@soulvaccination8679]

3 Card Monty I have a brunt sunburst cut away electric..The guitar is just superb..499.00

[@raunchylikeyoursister4332]

I used to own your Seagull. I put the hole in it when a bookend fell off a shelf and landed on it while I was playing. I had it in NYC, not sure how it wound up in Connecticut. I think I gave it away when I bought a more expensive guitar but I always thought it sounded great.

[@kevinbradshaw1420]

The seagull is great. But it lacks the rich harmonics of the Gibson. And these two videos are a good demonstration of the differences between these two wonderful guitars.

[@zachyweezer]

That Seagull does sound fantastic. I've owned a Simon and Patrick for years now and actually have a Norman on the way. I still can't wrap my head around what you get for the money. Great stuff. Also, keep up the quality videos, dude. I noticed you haven't posted in quite a while. Throw us a bone now and then! :)

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Hey Zach, I totally agree. Every time I try a seagull it impresses me!

[@sly7642]

They're both good guitars, depends on sonic taste but there is a major $ difference. I love my Seagull as well as my $200 Fender acoustic. Would love to see a test with fingers strumming/picking (i.e. no pick). Thanks Mr. Whip

[@sstolarik]

My first was Seagull S6 CW rustic and then a Taylor mini for travel. The Seagull rocks with the Cedar top and new, good strings. It’s rich and fills the room without the high cost. Paid USD$600for it (Seagull) and played it everyday with few exceptions for 9 years. The more I play the better it sounds (even when someone plays it).

[@davidtrueslayor7474]

Awesome I was wrong I thought B was best and that it was the Gibson see A the strings sound well metal-ish ok that's stupid but I could here like the a jingle in the tone that makes no sense but guitar B) was smooth and pleasant sounding. The good news I was totally wrong which means my luck and insight hasn't changed it still- 'Sucks' ! Thanks Dave ps please don't forget to give me your advice Epiphone all solid back sides top Masterbuilt with shadow electronics or Seagull S6 with Premium B-band elec. or just plain Jane solid cedar top wild cherry back/sides , Thanks David (not Whipple)

[@kevintulak9987]

The guitar world has sure changed in the last 40 years. I am spoiled because I bought a larrivee cutaway 40 years ago and it just gets better with time. At the time washburn and Takamine were starting to produce some really nice guitars for a lot less than what I paid for my Larrivee, but I was young with money in my pocket and the Larrivee made me sound like I knew what I was doing with a guitar (I didn't). Since that time I have played a lot of cheap guitars that sound really good. Of course I always come home to my Larrivee. I have been enjoying your videos. I haven't looked at new guitars for a long time and I am learning lots. Thanks for sharing.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks Kevin!

[@briansimpson8116]

I could tell easily. But I guess I have a knack. I did a blind test on violins and knew the crap from the good, right off the bat.

[@michaelbosch9024]

dude wtf!? you make killer cabin videos and guitar vids too! nice job brother. Both guitars sound awesome. Personally I'd rather sing with seagull but if I wasn't singing I'd prolly prefer the brightness of the gibson.

[@evelasq1]

I own the Seagull S6 Original guitar and it still plays with no issues. I always keep it humidified in the case. Peace, Flood!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Awesome.

[@DR-te8mc]

Great Video, thank you..i have been fortunate to own a 1996 seagull s6 rosewood cw duet and a 2002 cameo artist cw..i got it right seagull has a unique warm sound..tks

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks DR!

[@chadjacobs9941]

I agree 100%. I play cheaper equipment but I love the sound.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Right on.

[@ryanjones4150]

Have just discovered your channel, very cool. I'm all about the cheap guitars, it's ridiculous what a "good" guitar costs nowadays. I found you because I wanted a review of the Glarry basses. This video caught my eye, because many years ago, waaay back in the '90's, lol, I had a friend, Joe, who played in bands and had a really good ear and knack for finding good guitars. He would tell me that he was looking for a new Les Paul, and would go to the local shops in LA and play like 30 or 40 or whatever of them until he found the one, and it would be a great one, and not ridiculously priced. One day I went to hang out with him and jam, and he had a new acoustic - a Seagull. It sounded great, and I have always respected that brand since then.

[@crypticrhythm]

I'm a big fan of Gibson, but the price is pretty daunting for someone who is just a hobby musician. I've been doing research for about a month now and I had already decided on a Seagull as my next guitar. These couple of videos validated my decision as I chose the sound of guitar B as my favorite. Looking forward now to getting it. Thanks for the great comparison! Also.. The Rain Song - FTW!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

I'm glad you like the rain song!! I love that piece! I had a Seagull Entourage Rustic, those have even more bottom end. ( They have a cedar top). Just great guitars for the money....or for any money really.

[@crypticrhythm]

I caved in on the weekend and ordered my Entourage Autumn Burst CW.

[@timothylewismusic]

Hi Dave - nice to hear Rain Song! Love that one. I learned years ago that the tuning is DGCGCD (live is a whole tone up). The tab for playing it in that tuning is here: tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/led_zeppelin/the_rain_song_tabs_73562. Enjoy!

[@PeekaPeep]

Yup, I guess my preferred choice makes me a future Seagull buyer! Really well-made guitars that play way better than their listed pricepoints. Score one for Canada on that end! ;-)

[@alanray10818]

I know I'm late to this, but thought I'd weigh in. I first thought the Gibson was guitar B, so amazing comparison. After a closer listen, the real difference in these to me may be more due to the age of the Gibson and the glue used to put them together. Even if they both use the same high quality hide glue, the age of the Gibson both due to the glue and the top will allow the sound to flower a bit, which to me was the difference. The Gibson felt like it had more natural compression than the Seagull allowing each note in the chords to have a voice of its own. If you prefer the balance that you get on the Seagull side, that won't matter a ton, and besides, compression is easy to address electronically with a good DI. This type of comparison is great, thanks for doing it!

[@mccypr]

Thanks! 🎻✌️🙂😎

[@quarter_moon_and_a_guitar]

The sound of the guitar is most evident when you're playing it. That's why I invested in a D-18. The guitar's sound invites you to play, constantly

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

right on

[@davidmartin7931]

Excellent comparison! The cost of a modern Seagull M6 guitar is 10 to 15 times less than that of a vintage Gibson J50. If your income is limited, the Seagull could be an excellent choice for you. If you're rich enough to invest thousands of dollars in collectibles, buy the Gibson and keep it in a well-controlled environment ... and a Seagull to play with your friends in front of a campfire!

[@charger19691]

I have to admit, the Seagull is nice, but I just like the way the Gibson rings out. Still, 2 nice guitars nonetheless. Thanks Whip!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks DJ! The Gibson is a GREAT sounding guitar, but I gravitate to the tone of the seagull.

[@NLCCInc.]

It helps to know the woods used too. The Gibson had a stronger tone than the Seagull, which probably means the back is a little thicker, the front much thinner. The inside bracing means a lot too. The guitars of the 70's were built using wood from naturally grown trees, which had more age to them, as compared to most guitars built today, using younger, replacement trees. If you can find an old Martin where the neck hasn't pulled out, that's a gem! Taylor builds nice guitars, but too overpriced IMHO. Seagull is a sub-brand of Godin from Canada, and there are some Seagulls (obviously for more money!) that sound almost as powerful as that Gibson does! You'll find the same with Breedlove - spend a little, nice guitar; spend a lot, great guitar!...

[@michaelvalenzuela5030]

@@whipscheapguitars2856 what is that you are playing at ...1:30 if heard it somewhere

[@willwilburn9473]

I knew that the Gibson was guitar "A" because of how bright it sounded. The Seagull does have a much warmer sound. The warmth and throatiness of the lower end is why I Love Seagull Guitars so much. I have a 1976 Gibson Hummingbird and the top shelf Seagull model from 2018 The Seagull Artist CW Deluxe Element. Price value difference between these two is ,as I'm sure you know, thousands of dollars. I prefer the Seagull for most songs. It's just more pleasing to my ear.

[@vincentmaloney5835]

Two years ago I bought from Amazon Seagull 046386 S6 Original New 2018 Model Acoustic Guitar w/Hard Case for $419. I'm glad I did. Now it costs $549.

[@moxy9896]

I got it wrong but I liked the sound of both guitars. I did notice the hat change. Like your vid's keep um coming. Thanks Dave.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

I shot the results vid 4 days after the first one.

[@DUNPEAL01]

Good work brother

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks.

[@davidwernsing8795]

Should have known B wasnt the Gibson, cause i liked it better. I hate acoustics that have that twangy shimnery sound most acoustics have. I thought warmer sound was probably the older one. Shows what I know. Great video.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks David.

[@neil758]

I just got myself an S6+ cedar. It looks kinda old i would love to know the year

[@GameJonez]

Thanks for the video. I'm going this Friday to compare this Seagull against a Taylor 110e and Martin D-X1E. Can't wait to see which one I carry out of the store. I'll update afterwards. Liked and subbed.

[@dizilizid8281]

So, which one did you carry out of the store?

[@user-uu1wc6yz5z]

Three VERY different sounds for sure . I have Seagull and Martin .... want a Taylor 12 string . Taylor seems to have good bottom end and mids .....their 12 strings have really good sparkle like you want in a 12 , but not jangley like guild in my opinion

[@garyolson2676]

I've played 20 y/o Martin D-28LV exclusively. I paid $2,500 for the Martin 1998. Recently, because I wanted a guitar I could leave on a stand with 3 dogs and the wild humidity changes of Northern Minnesota, I picked up a slightly used Seagull S-6 Original for $350. In the shop, I played the Seagull and HAD to have that guitar. Now I know why: in your comparison my clear preference was B, the Seagull. What a great sounding instrument. I'll leave the Martin to my granddaughter. Great video!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks Gary. I bet most Martin players love seagulls. They are LOUD and rich, with a lot of bottom end, like a lot of Martins. They are truly the best bang for the buck IMO.

[@johndemko4051]

I played a '70 Hummingbird exclusively for years. It was stolen a while back, and it wasn't untill I started playing Seagulls that I didn't miss the Gibson anymore. My impressions on tone are the opposite of yours, however. I hear a wash of overtones in the S6 that isn't present in the Gibson, which is more a fundamental tones instrument. The Seagull is a drier, crisper sound; the Gibson, more dulcet. I account the different to the longer scale length (in the newer Gulls anyway), and the cedar top. I once tried a Seagull Excursion (spruce top, short scale, abbreviated x-braces) that, to my ear, sounded exactly like my old Hummingbird. Thanks for the video!

[@johndemko4051]

(That looks like an older, short scale Gull.)

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Wow. I'll keep my eye out for one to try. Ive had a couple entourage rustics, and a s6 but never seen the excursion.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

I don't know how old it is, I think if its old enough you can tell but as for the new number code I don't think it means much.

[@straight2helll]

Whip where are you?we need some more of your video's.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Soon...

[@jakeguitarpianoandcello6203]

Good video, well made. Guitar A is for sure the Gibson.

[@jeffburgmeier127]

As others have said on here, the Gibson sounds great, but not $2000+ great. The only reason the s6 is less expensive is because they use local wood from around the factory and dont import it like Gibson or martin. When I bought mine used, I played it alongside of a $4200 martin just for the hell of it. I fell in love with the seagull immediately.

[@Waltkat]

Two years late but I had picked B as the Seagull and better sounding guitar because I prefer a warm, rich sound. It just so happens that I have a Seagull S6 +Cedar so I probably recognized the tone. I think this guitar sold for around US$600 when new back in the early 2000's. I see they're selling for between US$300 - $550 on the used market so I guess they're regarded as decent guitars.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

They are great guitars !

[@marcinjulius]

I liked the Gibson, because it is bright and I like when a guitar is bright, but if I had to choose between the brands I would go for a Seagull Folk model, that's the guitar that fits to my style the best. I would say in acoustic guitars the top is responsible 70% of the sound, sides, back and neck another 15%, the rest is strings. Sometimes even cheap guitars can sound fantastic with high end strings.

[@harryodum5598]

I have both and I love my Seagull my Hummingbird I would sell,and it's a cedar one the rustic....

[@KenHinzman]

Nice Stormy Kromer! Those are quite popular around my parts.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

right on

[@jonathancubitt3364]

Seagull S6 is a beautiful guitar. I bought mine new and never plan to get a different acoustic again. At least not a different brand. Just a beautiful instrument with a great sound. Unbelievable value when you look at Taylor and Martin dreadnought prices and test them out in the store

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Couldn't agree more!

[@brocharlieb]

I was pretty well aware which was which and preferred the Seagull. On edit, lookin at the beginning of the video again, I'm sure the reason I knew which was which was the headstock shape. I have a thirty year old S6 that i wouldnt trade for any Gibso ive ever played. About 1993 I had two inexpensive guitars stolen, the insurance company placed a value on those and sent me a check. I traveled all over North Alabama, playing every guitar I could that that check would cover. Far and away the best guitar I found for around $400, was that Seagull S6, still glad I bought it and glad I have it.

[@liamlawson4653]

Both sound great, but I like the gibson more

[@jameslawrence5143]

Excellent presentation. Thanks! I like the Gibson sound better. It seemed to "jump" right off the strings. Even so, for a more mellow tune, like that section you played that sounded like "Something," the Seagull is a better fit. I own a Seagull Walnut and an Art and Lutherie Americana and love 'em and and gig with both. And I just love a good deal!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks

[@cadebrown2092]

I can't believe I got it wrong. I own a j45 and a S6. I love them both. The seagull S6 is one of the best guitars you can buy and it's cheap. Win win.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Gotta love a win win.

[@johnrlott4002]

Should have had a guitar comparison with the same materials/similar. Looks like spruce vs cedar?

[@fr3ak1shh]

Owning a Seagull S6, I was right with guitar B being the Seagull! Yay for my ears. I just slightly prefer the tone of the Gibson - and Taylor and Martin for that matter. But I sold my Taylor 414ce (bought used) and bought a "brand new" (with a couple unnoticeable factory scratches for over 30% off) Seagull S6 original because I don't think high end acoustics are worth the money. If it plays alright and sounds almost as good as a guitar over 5 times the money, I'm down! I'll pool my money in electric guitars, because I think the price of quality is more significant there. Big fan of Seagull for their excellent budget instruments! Nice video.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Totally agree. Except I would say where THE best place place to spend your money is in a good amp

[@DAVIDSMITHband]

Howdy, Dave. I played my S6 Coastline with some bluegrass ensembles in college (ETSU Department of Bluegrass, Old Time and Country Music). I ain't much of a lead picker, but I did a few solos. My Seagull sounded just fine alongside all the Martins. I set it up back then with a bone saddle and medium uncoated 80/20s. She was and is a hoss. I just bought a 2001 model S12+. Both are solid cedar top with laminate cherry back and sides, and I expect the 12 string will be just fine. I play folk, traditional country, and old outlaw country, mostly original stuff. Seagull makes one hell of a guitar. I'm sold on 'em. Keep on keeping on, man.

[@9unslin9er]

My first acoustic guitar was a Seagull Entourage mini-jumbo, and my second was a Entourage dreadnought. While I think they're well-built guitars, I ended up selling both because of the tone I was getting. I easily guessed the Seagull to be Guitar "B". Some people think its warmer. I call it muffled. It has a plunky attack. Hard to describe. They don't have the same ring a lot of acoustics do. I just picked up a Taylor Academy dreadnought, which is an excellent competitor to an entry level Seagull. Even comes with a deluxe gig bag out of the box, which Seagull's don't have.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

not familiar with those but I'll look for them.

[@scotboyturbo8456]

Hey! I was right. My ears are more impressive than I would have guessed. Totally agree with your let the sound dictate the fit view.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks scotboyturbo.

[@joylesstiger]

Just bought an S6 and I do like it, but that Gibson sounds fantastic. Very bright and articulate, the seagull sounds a bit dull in comparison. Thanks for the vid!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks

[@AngusNB]

The differnces can be attributed more to the construction materials than the name on the headstock.

[@kellyshannon45]

Seagulls are great. I have several Godin/ Seagull guitars (6, I think) and recommend them. I also have a 1949 Gibson LG2. The Gibson, and the one in this vid, are better to me. I don’t disagree with you in that both are capable and sound great. It’s not ten times greater, only marginally and that opinion isn’t universal. Thanks for this vid… and thanks for stringing both with identical strings and tuning them both properly to concert pitch. Spot on. 100 bucks was a steal for the Seagull. A well tuned 500 guitar in the hands of a person who can play it is better than a 10,000 instrument in the hands of someone who doesn’t bother to learn and becomes fixated simply on tone.

[@likeakloss]

The Seagull sounds good, but that shimmery top end on the Gibson is definitely the difference maker.

[@Jamalama555]

are you guys talking about the M6 cedar top or spruce ? S6 cedar top or spruce ?

[@darwinsaye]

I thought B was going to be the vintage because it has the deep, rich tone I prefer in an acoustic. Nice to be proven wrong and learn that it was the Canadian guitar which sounded that good.

[@jtarman70]

I own a seagull artistic Mosaic with cedar top. They have a good sound, but the seagull is a bit muddier sounding or has a darker tone. I always associate that warm sound as you describe with cheap guitars! I like my seagull, its a nice guitar. But for me, it doesn't sound like a $1,500 guitar, its sounds like a $750 guitar which it is. Nothing wrong with that, most guitars in the 750 range sound pretty good.

[@1madeintheimage]

I've had 4 seagulls in my life (broke one, gave two away) but my MJM6 Mini Jumbo is my favorite. Seagull is easily the best affordable guitar money can buy.

[@seattleday5208]

I think there both are great.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Different sounds but bot very useful.

[@DAVIDSMITHband]

My 2008 S6 Coastline is aging well. It's a short scale cedar top. Closest thing to a J45 for the $350 I paid for it back then. It's my favorite guitar out of the four that I own. If I had to replace it, tonally, I'd look at new Gibsons. I agree with Whip. Good sound is good sound. Give that Seagull 13 years of hard traveling. She'll open up, and she'll also settle down. She'll never have that Gibson sound, but an aged Seagull has its own sound. In my mind, the old short-scale Seagulls are kinda' Gibson-esque, though, like I said. Kinda'. Mine has about done it all in 13 years. It's done most of it well.

[@Stratboy999]

I agree with your conclusions ( I got it wrong btw). I have a vintage Ibanez acoustic which is a good guitar but doesn't record all that well to my ears. I have a Collings Dread which does (surprise) but I also purchased a little Jasmine OM size acoustic for £79 (about $100) and that records really well.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Totally agree. A good sounding guitar is what it is, no matter whats on the headstock.

[@tmise50]

I could tell that B was the seagull right away, love that deep mellow woodsy sound. Just recently bought a Seagull Coastline S6 Cedar GT. Curious as to what strings you were using on the Seagull??

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Martin lights. 12-54 80/20 bronze.

[@joeframo3347]

I had a Gibson j-50 when I was around 16 years old but I sold it I should have kept it but the seagull guitar sounds great to they're both good sounding guitars I can't say which one I like better I think they both have great sounds this is my story I'm sticking to it

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

they are both nice guitars for sure

[@alexandergoldman]

Going to pickup a guitar for the first time in a while..buying the Seagull Maritime SWS SG. Dont a lot of reserach...not much comes close

[@fangeve5560]

I bought a Seagull S6 Cedar top recently and was immediately able to pick out the characteristic Seagull sound in Guitar B. To my taste it's the better guitar, which is why I play a Seagull :) Great video concept thought. More videos like this please!

[@fangeve5560]

oh and do some Martin vs Seagull videos please if you can get your hands on one of those expensive D15's or D28's :)

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

I don't know anyone with a high end martin I could borrow.....but I'll see what I can do.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Love my Seagull!

[@derwood7305]

I have a new Seagull Performer Mini Jumbo......it's stunning. And in 30 years........30 years of stunning....

[@dailykickstart7254]

over youtube the seagull does sound better to me... It has a tighter sound and much more controlled compared to the unwieldy sound of the Gibson. Maybe it sounds different in the room, but I like the sound of the seagull more.

[@NLCCInc.]

Hey Dave - I don't know what your criteria was for choosing the Seagull, but right now I got my eyes on a Seagull, and where it was there were two of them, brand new, identical! Little different of a model, so maybe feature this one in another comparison? The model is the new "Entourage" model, specifically the dreadnaught cutaway with the Q1C. I played this guitar not seeing the price tag. Man, this thing "melted" into my chest AND my left hand into the fretboard. SO easy to play, and a great natural sound (they were too busy to plug it in). Then I went looking for the price; it ranges from $499.99 to $519.99. So I'll just say 500 bills. I failed to get it for Christmas, but unless I find something better for the money, this is the one I want. Now I AM partial to Seagull (sort of) because I own a Godin A-12, a two-chamber acoustic/electric 12 string, and the real surprise was I couldn't find one locally to try it out - so I bought it from Amazon sight-unseen. I was OK doing this after I checked with several owners of the same guitar, who were united in saying get it, I wouldn't be disappointed, and, the factory videos they got posted on KZbin. Some of their manufacturing is done by machines, but especially with the acoustics, they do the important stuff by hand, including custom setting up each guitar before they ship. I don't know how long Amazon had it post-factory, but when it arrived it was almost perfectly in tune! (And yes, as a 12-string player, I won't get caught dead without my tuner!). Right out of the box, this thing was set up perfectly! Now since then, I've tried what I used to trust, a set of Martin SR strings, and two different D'addarios types - all 3 of them, dead in two weeks! I mean, dead lower strings (dum-dum-dum). The guitar has a naturally "tinny" sound, but I run it through a Boss AD-8, which besides killing feedback, has several different ways to change tone, so I use it t bring up the bass and trim off a little of the tinny. For strings, I went back to trying the Godin brand, dang! Can't complain, they're holding up longer and sound the best. I don't know if they wind them themselves or farm it out, but whoever it is makes the best 12-string set! Love your work! Want to see more of these comparisons!...

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks

[@Jessedeaguero1]

I've played a cedar top S6 Seagull for the last ten years i judge every other guitar I play by how good it plays by my Seagull the sound has even gotten better and still plays like no other guitar

[@user-uu1wc6yz5z]

Out of ALL the guitar brands I've owned , I find that my Seagull and my S and P 6 come alive even more than any other guitar when you put the new strings on them. There is something about the Cedar Top and Wild Cherry back and sides that just speaks Volumes with new strings

[@NOWILDWOLF]

A sounds metallic , B sounds warm and cosy.

[@MikeGervasi]

I own a Seagull 6 and 12. Also a Minstrel 6 (Seagull before they changed names). The Seagull has more mids, the Gibson sounded like it had fresh strings and brighter.

[@bueller8278]

Gibson is richer but it's also been played for 40 years

[@fredericlinden]

Richer? It sounds only brighter, therefore it may seem to project more... But... And you're right, an instrument must be played to mature into a jewel.

[@MrTrophyHusband]

@@fredericlinden I'm still breaking in a pair of 40 year old cowboy boots the salesman told me they do nothing but get better. That's not going so well.

[@MrTrophyHusband]

@@orcaazur06 So is the sales pitch it gets better with age. LOL

[@orcaazur06]

@@MrTrophyHusband definitely.. everyone buy the speech if salesman great. 👟 🎸

[@skoch9995]

Agree with that 40 yrs but I prefer warmer, creamy sound of *Seagull*. It’s just my personal preference.

[@DAVIDSMITHband]

Cedar ages pretty fast, though. My seagull s6 has been played most every day for 12 years. It compares favorably to an old Gibson that has been consistently played.

[@mutantbaby1672]

"Complex" is the word that popped up in my mind when listening to the Gibson in the blind test too. I don't play acoustic very often but I do own a Simon & Patrick S&P 6 made by the same Godin guys. As great a value for $$$ as it is I'd have to say the Gibson sounds better.

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks

[@MPA551]

Good explanation of tone differences. I kinda knew that the one I didn't like (the ringy pitch guitar) was the High end vintage. I swear I play better on Guitar with mojo though. It's all about feeling genuine to me although you can't be a snob about it. For example modding and tinkering cheaper instruments gives them mojo too. Keep the posts coming. Bullet strat hard tails next?

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks Marcus. I'll try to hunt one down.

[@Grihel]

I was not sure but I much more preferred Guitar A sound. However I've got the idea - both are quite nice sounding and the difference is question of taste. And it also depends on application. But IMHO Gibson is more suitable for recording as you will have to massively high-pass Seagull's low end and heaviy compress it to get the percussiveness. Thank you for the video!

[@whipscheapguitars2856]

Thanks for the comment.