New Seagull Mandolin

[HHP]

Seems to be some interest here for starter and inexpensive mandolins. Just saw that Seagull has released a new flat top model. Given their reputation for good low cost instruments, might be worth checking.

http://www.elderly.com/new_instrumen...ms/S8M-NAT.htm

[kydave]

Interesting!!

Thanks for pointing that out.

[rdamato]

I bet it sounds great! I have 2 Seagull Guitars and love them.

[Steve DeRosa]

Has a bit of a Weber vibe, should be serious competition to the MIC mandos in the same price bracket - still trying to figure out that neck-through/laminated-body deal, though...

[HHP]

Originally Posted by Steve DeRosa

Has a bit of a Weber vibe, should be serious competition to the MIC mandos in the same price bracket - still trying to figure out that neck-through/laminated-body deal, though...

Looks like the back/sides are put on as "wings" to a relieved section of maple neck. Kinda like the old Rigels where the back/sides were routed and shaped from a single block.

[preecher]

Looks a lot like their Merlin!

[Mooh]

Just asked my local shop to get one for me. We'll see...

I have a Merlin, and a few other Seagull/S&P/Godin instruments, so I suspect this one will also have its own vibe.

[MikeBmusic]

Originally Posted by preecher

Looks a lot like their Merlin!

It sure does.

I think for $400, there are many (better?) choices for a mando.

[preecher]

There may be better choices but certainly not another like it!

[fhubert]

Originally Posted by MikeBmusic

It sure does.

I think for $400, there are many (better?) choices for a mando.

I think in that price range I too would look elsewhere. It's a nice looking instrument but I personally would wait and pick one up used.

[H2O]

I have a Seagull S6 Original and a Merlin. I am a fan of the company and believe they typically produce high value/dollar instruments.

Looking at their new mandolin, the first thing that I am inclined to do based on appearance is make comparisons to the Merlin.

Similarities:
-It appears to have the same plastic bridge and same style of saddle (with accommodation for the different string configuration).
-It also appears to share the same style of tuners.
-It has a generally similar body style (3 piece back, etc.).

Differences:
-The mandolin includes a pickguard and tailpiece. Both of which the merlin lacks.
-The mandolin has a rosewood fretboard, whereas the Merlin just has frets in the neck.
-The mandolin has a nut whereas the Merlin has a zero fret and no nut.
-They have different finishes.
-The mandolin appears to have a truss rod, which the Merlin lacks.

Given this comparison between the construction/materials used for the Seagull S8 mandolin and Merlin (without having played or heard the S8) I believe that the price is a bit high on the mandolin. The Merlin sells for around 130 and the S8 is selling for 400 to 450. I think it would be more appealing at a lower price point.

[Dru Edwards]

Originally Posted by preecher

Looks a lot like their Merlin!

It does.

Thanks for the heads up, HHP. I'm going to look for it the next time I'm at Long & McQuade.

[mr. beaumont]

I think Godin/Seagull etc make very high quality instruments at great price points...

I definitely see one of these in my future, II've always wanted a mando...

[Trying Hard]

A Kentucky mandolin was the first one I owned and it was good for a beginner, like me. After that I purchased a Morgan Monroe and for the price it sounded good. I used it in a beginning bluegrass band for over a year. Those $5000 ones may sound a little better but definitely not enough better to justify such a price. Many mandolins under $700 are great sounding. And, an "A" model can sound just as good or better than the more common "F".

[Explorer]

Just some pics of both the Seagull S8 mandolin and the Merlin...




...and of the S8 body front and back.