New Seagull S-6.....

[happyhack]

Tried it out as a result of lots of recommendations here. Brought one home last week. Two questions:

 

1. Any string recommendations that accentuate the guitar. It's quite punchy and bright to my ears. It's projection and sustain are remarkable! Suggestions?

 

2. Future pick up/amplification. I have a moth-balled Fender Acoustisonic. I would like to amplifiy the Seagull, but.......I once had an electric acoustic, and thought it was marginal amplified or unplugged....I do not want to cut up the S-6 with pre-amps, eq's tuners, and compromise it's tone.

 

Recommend a decent sound hole pick up for occasional use, S.D. Woody, Fishman, etc...that will satisfy.

 

Or... I think I can buy an under saddle tansducer, with a line out to thru the strap peg. This would then require me to run it thru a pre-amp first? Or can it go straight into my amp? Acoustisonic or Hot Rod Deluxe. $ not so important if I can maintain the best of both worlds.

 

Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated!

 

Seagulls are fantastic instruments. Thanks for turning me on!

[EvilTwin]

Welcome to the Seagull brotherhood.

 

I dig Dean Markley Formula 82/R strings on my S6+Folk to tame the highs down a bit. Martin's Eric Clapton signature strings sound good, too.

 

If that doesn't do the trick, definitely look into some ebony bridge pins. It worked wonders on my 'Gull.

 

For soundhole pickups...there are quite a few good choices out there. Fishman's neo-D is a pretty nice "plug and play" pickup (L.R. Baggs M-1 probably sounds the best, though).

 

I think the Dean Markley "Sweet Spot" is about as good as it gets for cheap under saddle pickups; OTOH, K&K "Pure Western" is VERY authentic to my ears, and you can get if for about $100 (but it isn't as feedback resistant). Both of these pickups are probably hot enough to run straight into a PA or amp, but a preamp will give your more control over tailoring your tone.

[outdoorgb]

We need pics!!!

[Samilyn]

Congrats on your new Seagull! They're sweet gits.

 

+1 on the ebony bridge pins. I like the mellower sound. I also prefer phosphor bronze strings, again for more warmth and depth.

 

Please post pics. We'd love to see the new 'gull.

[Broadus]

Congratulations. I'm sure you'll love it.

 

Bill

[Stackabones]

Congrats!!!

[moctzal]

As far as strings, the usual suspects there.
Martin SP if you want brighter, D'Addario EJ16 if you want a more traditional sound, Elixirs or D'Addario EXPs if you want long life strings.
For pickups, the K&K Pure Western Mini is great.
All it requires for modifications to your guitar is a 1/4" hole reamed into your end block for the jack. The tranducers are glued to your bridgeplate, or taped if you want even.

[ESL94]

Welcome to the Seagull brotherhood. I dig Dean Markley Formula 82/R strings on my S6+Folk to tame the highs down a bit. Martin's Eric Clapton signature strings sound good, too. If that doesn't do the trick, definitely look into some ebony bridge pins. It worked wonders on my 'Gull. For soundhole pickups...there are quite a few good choices out there. Fishman's neo-D is a pretty nice "plug and play" pickup (L.R. Baggs M-1 probably sounds the best, though). I think the Dean Markley "Sweet Spot" is about as good as it gets for cheap under saddle pickups; OTOH, K&K "Pure Western" is VERY authentic to my ears, and you can get if for about $100 (but it isn't as feedback resistant). Both of these pickups are probably hot enough to run straight into a PA or amp, but a preamp will give your more control over tailoring your tone.

I have been testing out both the M-1 & the Neo-D pickups on all of my Seagulls. I like them both (don't like to change out batteries), still have not made my mind up witch one I will be keeping. Need to play more gigs & find witch will work best with each guitar.

I use Elixir Nanoweb strings on my Seagulls. I like the feeling of the strings being clean & smooth, plus having a great tone.

[johbren]

Martin sps or Newtones are my favorites for my gulls

[flip333]

I've been playing Seagulls when I find them. They are nice guitars, and I like the tone. You should be very happy to grow with this guitar.

[0rbitz9]

Sounds like you made a very solid choice with your guitar. Let us know how
you make out with your strings and pickups. Congrats!

[cheeseadiddle]

I like the Martin SP's on mine.