Acoustic Guitar Comparison - experts needed

[GorillaLover]

time for my first steel string acoustic!

 

I've owned different classical guitars, and mostly electrics...

 

 

I have been thinking about this purchase for a while and I've narrowed down my search to seeking Canadian-made acoustics in the 500-800 dollar range.

 

The two I've come to be interested in are:

 

 

Seagull and Simon & Patrick

 

 

 

I would like: cedar top, cutaway, acoustic pickup/preamp system

 

This has narrowed it down to

 

 

Seagull S6+ Cedar cutaway

http://www.seagullguitars.com/products6+cwcedargt.htm

 

Seagull Performer Cutaway Cedar Gloss Top

http://www.seagullguitars.com/productperformercwcedargt.htm

 

 

Simon & Patrick Woodland Cedar Cutaway 3.2

http://www.simonandpatrick.com/woodlandcwcedargta32.htm

 

 

 

I can get the Simon & Patrick locally on store credit for 690 + tax (Canadian funds) including a hard shell case. I like this idea as I would rather pay it off over a longer period of time.

 

I would greatly appreciate any opinions on these guitars and how they compare to one another.

 

Thanks!

[slider]

those are nice guitars. curious, tho, wild cherry back and sides on all three.

have not seen that south of the Canadian border yet.

both makers are good. the guitars are under rated.

reading the specs they all appear to be very similar.

your next step is to sit down with all three and play them. only that way will you see, feel, and hear the differences.

the right guitar will pick you.

[jameshiller]

I have a Simon & Patrick Cedar 6 (not the cutaway you are looking at). I bought it for $329 US dollars in late 2006. It replaced a damaged Martin DM.

 

I really, really like this guitar. When I think about how much I paid for it, it makes me proud. I played guitars from $300 to $3000 when shopping for a replacement to the Martin. I will tell you what I think is in this guitar's league:

 

Epiphone Masterbuilt acoustics;

Taylor intro series (after the big baby)

Martin DMs;

Guilds intro models.

 

Now, when you consider the Simon & Patrick costs 300 less than any of the above, it's an easy decision--if you don't want to spend much. I didn't because I know that I won't take the best care of the instrument or if something happens to it I don't want to be out a ton of money.

 

I am not saying, however, the S&P is better than any of those guitars--just comparable in build quality and sound.

 

My only "regret" is not shelling out for one of these makes (above) with rosewood sides. I like that sound a bit more (but it's very expensive).

 

The guitar stays in tune very well, and the fit and finish are superb at the price. The sound is strong but not tinny. The neck is a dream and the fretboard feels really nice to me--I feel the scale is slightly smaller than my old Martin DM despite very similar measurements. My friend who has a DM says this two--the fret spacing seems a bit closer on the S&P.

 

Oh, one complaint: the cedar top is the weakest link. It mars easily and is not as substantial as the rest of the body.

[GorillaLover]

Thank you guys so much!

 

If I buy the Seagull I gotta pay for it all up front...

 

I've been playing cedar top classicals - that's why I opted for the cedar... I'm not too worried about marks on the top from use... it's gonna happen anyway... I just want something that I'll love to play

[Quigley]

Hey GL...

 

I bought the Seagull Performer Cutaway Cedar Gloss Top (also in Ottawa) and I love it...

 

Edited to add...I'm no expert (but I still love the guitar)

[guitarist21]

My vote goes for the S6. Its a very solid guitar, highly regarded around here.

 

Ellen

[AugTPD]

All good choices and all made by Godin so they should be about the same as far as quality/sound. I think one of the big things to consider is whether or not you like the Godin Quantam pickup system or the B-Band better. Quantam system will be on the Seagulls and the B-Band on the S&P.

 

But you can't go wrong with any of them....

[EastCoastPlayah]

I agree with AugTPD - same company and not much difference. I have a few of the Godin products but I mainly play my 1997 S&P rosewood pro (cutaway but no electronics). My uncle has a S6 (no electronics) and I find it a bit wider in the neck and comparable in every other way. Since I don't have a Seagull, and I am not crazy about the slim headstocks, I lean slightly towards the S&P's, and I wouldn't count out the spruce yet. Your ears and hands will decide when you play them.

 

Laurie

[Cripes]

I have the cedar Performer cutaway with the Quantum 2 electronics. Works for me. It has the 1.8 nut width I need. I just had it set up and it plays as well as the $$$$.$$ Breedlove I have. Good choice.

[GorillaLover]

Hey GL... I bought the Seagull Performer Cutaway Cedar Gloss Top (also in Ottawa) and I love it... Edited to add...I'm no expert (but I still love the guitar)

 

 

 

what'd you pay, if you don't mind my asking?

 

 

Steve's?

[Quigley]

 

what'd you pay, if you don't mind my asking? Steve's?

 

 

$715 plus tax (inc hard case) at Merto Music on Bank.