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Old 04-17-2016, 09:13 PM
waljbt waljbt is offline
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Question Seagull S6 vs Yamaha FG830

Hi guys, I'm about to buy a new acoustic steel string guitar and I'm hesitating between the Seagull S6 Original and the Yamaha FG830. I listened to both guitars on several YouTube videos and I like the sound of both. I know that the S6 has a solid cedar top with wild cherry back and sides as for the FG830, it has solid spruce top and rosewood back and sides. Which of the two do you think will age better. Did anyone had any experience with any of these two guitars? What do you think of the S6's wider neck (nut width = 1.8") compared to the FG830's slimmer neck (nut width = 1.68"). And finally what about the aesthetics? What are the advantages or disadvantages, if any, of having a satin finish body and top over the glossy ones found on the Yamaha? I'm really on a tight budget here and these are the best two guitars that fall in my budget range (I guess... ). Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
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Old 04-17-2016, 09:28 PM
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I have a cedar topped Seagull folk and it never really struck me as sounding that much different than my spruce tops (smells good though). This was collaborated by a very experienced fellow member, ljguitar, who pointed out that the cedar used by Seagull is different tone wise from the cedar used in most other cedar topped guitars, so don't expect too much.

I had bought my Alvarez AP66sb based on internet research and while it does sound good for only a solid top, laminate b/s guitar, it does not sound as good as the video put out by Alvarez on its website, but I was able to make sure it didn't have any boxiness to its sound.

As far as the nut width, that's a big difference in nut width, you have to decide which is the most comfortable. I have guitars with 1.68 1.75 and 1.8" of the Seagull so if I feel cramped on one guitar I can always switch up.

If you can, get out to a guitar store or two and do a comparison and try to buy from the locals. You can play two guitars of the same model and they will sound different. Some people get a general idea from playing one in person and then buy one online to save a few bucks. I'd rather buy one that I played.
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Old 04-17-2016, 09:46 PM
Ralph124C41 Ralph124C41 is offline
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These are two very different guitars, different solid tops, different back and sides, different finishes, different nut widths, etc.

One thing you can get a Seagull S6 Slim that has a nut width of around 1.72 inches I think so that will be more like what you will find on the Yamaha. I owned an Original S6 with the wider nut width and I had to sell it because it was too wide for me.

I haven't played the newer Yamahas so I can't speak to them. I am not a fan of the present 700 series although I know many people really like them. The neck feels too chunky for me and sounds good but I'd prefer the Seagull S6 and an Alvarez over it.

The cedar top is a lot different than spruce. For one thing cedar is a softer wood so with the Seagull you have to be a little bit more careful. However, cedar will age quicker than a spruce top generally.

The sound will be different, too. I found that cedar emphasizes the mids while spruce emhasizes the bass and treble. However my Seagull had a lot of bass going for it. I really liked it and its construction was first rate. Just couldn't bond with that 1.8-inch neck. If I had gotten the Slim I'm certain I would still have it. That wider nut width, however, is great for people with larger hands or for finger-pickers.

The Seagull I think has a slightly shorter scale and actually classifies as a slope-shoulder dreadnought.

As for the finish, I prefer the satin. It hides fingerprints and dust better, I think, and looks unique.

In the same price area generally I'd suggest looking at some of the Alvarez models, such as the AD30 and AD60 and even the all-mahogany AD66 (right now at half price at Musicians Friend).

In fact, I've been tempted to get a used Slim or an Entourage Rustic (same thinner nut width) if I can get a good deal. So far, I haven't.
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Old 04-18-2016, 12:01 AM
waljbt waljbt is offline
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Thanks for the tips. I checked the AD60 and it seems to be a good sounding and looking guitar. How do you think this one would compare to the FG830 or the FG730S which is the one that got replaced by the FG830? Thanks.
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Old 04-18-2016, 12:05 AM
jeffbrig jeffbrig is offline
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I could never own an s6. The tapered headstock just looks weird and insubstantial to me.
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Old 04-18-2016, 01:10 AM
Ralph124C41 Ralph124C41 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by waljbt View Post
Thanks for the tips. I checked the AD60 and it seems to be a good sounding and looking guitar. How do you think this one would compare to the FG830 or the FG730S which is the one that got replaced by the FG830? Thanks.
I would think the AD60 would be more comparable to the FG830 because they both have scalloped bracing and the FG730S doesn't. But I have not even seen the 830 yet. The AD60 has the 1.75-inch nut width so it is wider than either Yamaha. They both have solid spruce tops.

The AD60 has bone nut and saddle while the Yamaha has "Urea" nut and saddle. Urea? I never heard of it except I always thought it was part of urine. I am assuming it is some sort of very durable plastic. But still "ugh" to me.

Btw, the Yamaha website does not say what the nut and bridge materials are for the 730S. Various owners just say they are made of "plastic." So I don't know.

However, the Yamaha back and sides are rosewood laminate opposed to the mahogany laminate on the AD60. Normally the rosewood laminate costs more. Different people will tell you there is no discernible difference/yes there is a discernible difference so it's up to you. The rosewood back and sides will be a darker brown.

Tip: If you like the AD60 you can save money by getting the AD30. The main differences are cosmetic as this has more of a satin finish. The tuners are cheaper too and I think the end pins are cheaper but all of the wood and laminates are the same as on the AD60. I emailed the Alvarez tech guy and he said the two models should sound the same.

So ... having the bone nut and saddle is definite a "plus" for the AD60/30 but the rosewood laminate is a plus I think in most circles for the Yamaha. You may or not want the wider nut so that's up to you.

It's hard to compare acoustic guitars just on "paper" specs but you can get an idea.

Are you still considering the Seagull because that is what you started this post with and I still think it is a fine guitar. As for that headstock that many people don't like, I liked it and Seagull claims it is designed to help keep the guitar in tune easier because the tuners are more in line with the strings ... or something like that.
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Old 04-18-2016, 01:25 AM
waljbt waljbt is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ralph124C41 View Post

Are you still considering the Seagull because that is what you started this post with and I still think it is a fine guitar. As for that headstock that many people don't like, I liked it and Seagull claims it is designed to help keep the guitar in tune easier because the tuners are more in line with the strings ... or something like that.
Actually yes I'm still interested by the S6 but I'm mostly bothered by the aesthetics (very understated) at least in the videos online ... The wide nut doesn't really bother me that much, I come from a classical guitar background
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Old 04-18-2016, 04:35 AM
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Here is a video about the Seagull tapered headstock
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql7TZv9_CKw
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Old 04-18-2016, 05:07 AM
hilts hilts is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jeffbrig View Post
I could never own an s6. The tapered headstock just looks weird and insubstantial to me.
I like the tapered headstock. It makes it look different from most other guitars. It stands out.
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Old 04-18-2016, 05:34 AM
Tuberoast Tuberoast is offline
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I've owned an S6, and the FG720s. If I had to choose between the two, the Yamaha would be first. The sound was more open and it had more sustain.
Having said this, they are both excellent under $400 guitars. The Seagull recorded very very well. I played three S6's when I bought mine at Elderly Instruments back in the 90's. The one I left with had a stronger sound than the other two. While I am currently playing an Eastman OM, I would love to try one of the 800 series FG's.
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Old 04-18-2016, 06:19 AM
Basque Basque is offline
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I'm a big fan of Seagull, the headstock, and the 1.8 inch nut.

The actual string-to-string spacing on the 1.8 inch Seagulls is actually about the exact same as many 1.75 inch guitars. Seagull just gives folks a tad more room on the fretboard on the outside of the E strings. I prefer it. That said, I have fairly large hands.

I started with a S6 and currently own four Godin guitars. They make great stuff.

The new Yamaha also looks terrific.

Sooo.. I guess I'm not really helping..



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Old 04-18-2016, 09:30 AM
TwoMartinMan TwoMartinMan is offline
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The FG830 is brand new. It differs from the old 730S in that the 830 has scalloped braces. Sounds like it will be a real winner.
I've had a couple of each of the S6 and 730 models in the past. I, too, play classical, but a steel string 1.8" nut is nothing like a wide nylon string classical nut. I found the S6 to be tiring to play for any extended period of time, especially if you do a lot of barre chording. Lots more tension with steel strings compared to nylon.
Based on that, I pick the 830.
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Old 04-18-2016, 10:07 AM
martingitdave martingitdave is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by waljbt View Post
Hi guys, I'm about to buy a new acoustic steel string guitar and I'm hesitating between the Seagull S6 Original and the Yamaha FG830. I listened to both guitars on several YouTube videos and I like the sound of both. I know that the S6 has a solid cedar top with wild cherry back and sides as for the FG830, it has solid spruce top and rosewood back and sides. Which of the two do you think will age better. Did anyone had any experience with any of these two guitars? What do you think of the S6's wider neck (nut width = 1.8") compared to the FG830's slimmer neck (nut width = 1.68"). And finally what about the aesthetics? What are the advantages or disadvantages, if any, of having a satin finish body and top over the glossy ones found on the Yamaha? I'm really on a tight budget here and these are the best two guitars that fall in my budget range (I guess... ). Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
They are equally nice guitars. The Yamaha will have more of a traditional dreadnought sound with the sitka spruce top and laminated rosewood. The neck is a traditional 1-11/16" which is good for most folks. The Seagull is also an excellent (loud) guitar with much more mid range projection. The neck is not for everyone. I think both are excellent, but I would probably take the Yamaha based on my preferences. My buddy has an S6 and I like playing it too.
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Old 04-18-2016, 10:54 AM
paulp1960 paulp1960 is offline
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I think if you strum or flat pick the Yamaha might be more suitable and if you like finger style the Seagull may be best.

Personally I could never get over the headstock on the Seagull.
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Old 04-18-2016, 12:54 PM
fhubert fhubert is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Basque View Post
I'm a big fan of Seagull, the headstock, and the 1.8 inch nut.

The actual string-to-string spacing on the 1.8 inch Seagulls is actually about the exact same as many 1.75 inch guitars. Seagull just gives folks a tad more room on the fretboard on the outside of the E strings. I prefer it. That said, I have fairly large hands.

I started with a S6 and currently own four Godin guitars. They make great stuff.

The new Yamaha also looks terrific.

Sooo.. I guess I'm not really helping..




That little guitar in bottom picture is nice. What model is it??

To the OP I can't really offer any advice. But they both appear to be nice guitars in that price range. You might want to check out Tanglewood as well.
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