New GT and Artist Series from Seagull

Artist Portait CW (Click for a close-up)

Artist Mosaic (Click for a close-up)

Artist Cameo CW (Click for a close-up)

Two years ago, the Godin Guitar Company opened the Godin Acoustic Studio a workshop dedicated to the development of new acoustic guitar designs and construction techniques. Since the inception of the "Studio" Robert Godin has been working with several of the company's top luthiers on a series of projects that have culminated in complete re-design of the company's Seagull acoustic guitars.

Robert explains: "Our motivation for this project was to create a new acoustic design that would simultaneously improve sound and structural integrity. As a general rule better sound comes with more delicate construction. Conversely, stronger construction, such as thicker tops and heavier bracing, stifles the sound."

The Compound Curve Top

The guitar top is the part of the instrument that most affects the sound. It is also the most delicate part of any high quality acoustic guitar. The grade and thickness of the wood used (solid cedar or spruce), as well as the bracing structure, have a huge impact on the instrument's sound. The idea of applying an arch or a curve to the top is appealing because the added strength of an arched top should allow for the use of a thinner and more lightly braced top. While this is true, there remains a trade-off in applying a curve to the entire top. The most active part of the top is the area centered on the bridge. Applying a curve to this part of the top restricts movement resulting in a loss of dynamic range. On the other hand, the area of the top above the sound hole moves minimally but is problematic because it tends to sink if the guitar dries out even slightly. This tendency is also encouraged by downward pressure from the fingerboard resting on top of it.

The Seagull solution is a top that has a compound curve. In this design the top is arched slightly in the area above the sound hole and levels out in the area around the bridge. The compound curve top produces stability in the upper part of the guitar top and the power and projection made possible by leaving the top flat below the sound hole flat. With the weak area above the sound hole stabilized, it is possible to make the rest of the top even more active with a new bracing design that allows unprecedented control over the top vibration. The bracing for the new Seagull guitars is quarter-sawn spruce, scalloped and carved to conform exactly to the curvature of the tops.

The perfect neck angle

Neck angle has a tremendous effect on guitar tone. The Seagull re-design served as the impetus for several refinements to Godin's neck matching technology. Bodies and necks are now matched with precision and the new compound curve in the top provides the additional stability necessary to achieve and maintain optimum neck pitch.

The Artist Series

The new compound curve top concept was originally developed for the Seagull Artist Series guitars. The Artist Series luthiers choose from the very best of a stockpile that includes over a hundred thousand, luthier-grade, solid cedar and spruce boards. In fact, all of the tone woods for the Artist Series are hand-selected to ensure that the very highest standards are met. The scalloped bracing is designed to such precise tolerances that it requires a CNC milling machine to carve the individual pieces to the exact specifications.

The new models will look familiar to Seagull enthusiasts, the straight-pull headstock remains now adorned with a new 'Artist' logo and the standard Seagull body shape has been altered only slightly with a narrower waist. All models are made with solid backs and laminated sides. Godin states that the impact of solid sides on the sound of a guitar is virtually immeasurable, but the impact on structural integrity is significant. The sides in the Artist Series guitars are made from three layers of matching hardwood, these sides provide support for the top and back and are much more resistant to cracking which is especially important when considering the installation of on-board electronics.

Sound and feel are where the new Artist Series guitars really distinguish themselves. The clear bottom end response arrives with plenty of punch and provides a suitable foundation to the harmonically rich sound that sits on top.

All 2003 Artist Series Models are finished in genuine lacquer. The cedar top models feature a new hand-polished technique that produces a beautiful luster reminiscent of an antique violin finish. This hand-polish is our most responsive finish ever and is especially suitable for fingerstyle players. The spruce top models are also finished in lacquer but a slightly thicker coating is buffed to a high gloss. The less delicate nature of this finish makes these models more appropriate for more aggressive playing.

The Artist Series Models

The Artist Mosaic -- The Mosaic is a cedar top guitar with mahogany back and sides. The cedar mahogany combination typically produces a sweet sound. The hand-polished lacquer finish further enhances the sweet sound of this combination. US LIST PRICE : $795.00 (Fort EPP Case included).

Mosaic CW -- The Mosaic CW is the cutaway version of the standard model. US LIST PRICE : $895.00 (Fort EPP Case included).

Portrait CW -- The Portrait combines a select spruce top guitar with mahogany back and sides. The spruce top and the high gloss lacquer finish increase the power of this guitar considerably. US LIST PRICE : $995.00 (Fort EPP Case included).

Cameo CW -- The Cameo matches flame maple back and sides with a select spruce top. This guitar also features a high-gloss lacquer finish. The result is a bright sound with lots of projection. US LIST PRICE : $995.00 (Fort EPP Case included).

Studio -- Many luthiers consider the combination of rosewood back and sides with a spruce top to be the standard that all other wood combinations are measured against. The Artist Studio model is the flagship of the series. US LIST PRICE : $1095.00 (Fort EPP Case included).

Studio CW -- Cutaway version of above. US LIST PRICE : $1195.00 (Fort EPP Case included).

Seagull GT Models

Genuine lacquer finishes have always been one of the most distinguishing features of Seagull guitars. The lacquer finishes featured throughout the line are some of the lightest most responsive finishes available anywhere. This finish protects the wood without impeding vibration or the tops capacity to age. High gloss finishes offer a little more protection in terms of scratch resistance but ultimately involve some compromise in top sensitivity. With the help of a new application process the Godin Guitar Company has developed a new top-only high gloss finish that is featured in four new Seagull models.

Each of these new guitars is made with Seagulls new compound curve top design.

S6+Cedar GT

• wild cherry back and sides
• solid cedar top with high-gloss finish
• silverleaf maple neck
• rosewood fingerboard and bridge
• tusq nut and compensated saddle
• US LIST PRICE : $479.00

S6+ Burst GT

• as above but with sunburst finish
• US LIST PRICE : $489.00

M6 Cedar GT

• mahogany back and sides
• solid cedar top with high-gloss finish
• mahogany neck
• rosewood fingerboard and bridge
• tusq nut and compensated saddle
• US LIST PRICE : $489.00

S6+ Cutaway Cedar GT QII

• cutaway model with wild cherry back and sides
• solid cedar top with high-gloss finish
• silverleaf maple neck
• rosewood fingerboard and bridge
• tusq nut and compensated saddle
• Godin Quantum II electronics featuring internal condensor mic and under saddle transducer
• Comes packaged in Fort EPP case
• US LIST PRICE : $799.00