Acoustic that handles hard playing...

  • Thread starter Thread starter billisa
  • Start date Start date
B

billisa

New member
My son's Seagull 6-string is a beautiful guitar with a rich tone, somewhat achieved by the use of an extremely light varnish on the top (almost like bare wood -- beautiful, but very delicate). So, after years of performance use, the scratches are really starting to build. Any thoughts on a guitar that tends to wear really well, with a resonant sound? $500.to $1,500... Another Seagull (with lacquer finish?)...
 
Muttley and Ligtht can give their expertise on the merits and demerits of finishes.

As a player, though, I don't see how one can play any guitar extensively and enthusiastically without scratching it. I simply don't worry about it.
 
Yeah - was going to say, "whats wrong w/ some scratches and dings?". The guitars is still structurally sound and plays fine right? Scratches, etc give the instrument character - mojo.
Acoustics in general are fragile and if your son is really hard on his instrument i cant see recommending one that is more expensive. Although the satin finish that the seagull has does show wear easier than say a gloss finish - if your rough on them they will scratch and dent.
Seagulls are wonderful guitars for the price - i own one myself and love it. It does have its share of mojo now but so does my Martin OM-28.

But hey - if you want to spend more - Id say go w/ a Martin any day.
 
Musical Instruments are made to be played. That said if you want a soundboard that resists scratching you need to look at something with a Polyester finish or similar. All finishes effect the sound of an instrument to what degree is impossible to say. For example you have no way of knowing if that particular soundboard would sound better or worse if it had a heavy finish on it.

If you want to find a guitar that sounds good with a heavy finish there really is no other answer than to go out and play some..You may well have to live with it scratching up or compromise a bit of full natural tone..
 
What about something like a clear golpeador to prevent any further damage? They're like full body scratch plates, but they're very thin and very nearly invisible. They're usually used in flamenco music (on classical guitars), but I guess they could be used on your Seagull. Check with Muttley or Light, though.
 
Thanks all! I recorded a guy from CA who had a Seagull with the really light finish, and his was looking like the Willie Nelson Signature Hole Edition! The wood is SO SOFT, and I probably should say we're looking at more than scratches. I suppose it's the tension of playing and/or keeping what you love... But they do sound goooood!

In the end, as has been said, instruments are for playing... Thanks for the insights.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top