Seagull Guitars Maritime SWS Semi-gloss - Natural Reviews
Not just another take on the same old thing, the Seagull Maritime SWS Semi-gloss acoustic guitar takes the old-school dreadnought design to new heights. The combination of solid spruce and mahogany delivers a well-rounded, warm tone that's great for any situation. Seagull's modified dreadnought body shape cuts unwanted boominess making it great for recording and live shows. Pressure tested, compound curved tops give you the increased stability, resonance, and projection to stand out from the crowd. And an ultra-stable, integrated set neck design gives you consistent action and playability in any climate. The innovative design and construction of the Seagull Maritime SWS Semi-gloss acoustic guitar offers a consistant and smooth-playing, handcrafted instrument at a price working musicians can afford.
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Highest Rated Reviews
Bang for your buck!
The SWS maritime has a fairly standard look: Apart from the unique Seagull headstock shape, it could be mistaken for a $200 Fender or a $3500 Martin or Taylor. It's quite pretty, but that's not what's truly special about this guitar.
The neck: I applaud Seagull's bold move of using an unusually wide (1.8 in, 45.72 mm nut width) neck. I don't have especially large hands or long fingers, but by the time I got out of the shop I was comfortable with the change. I find that I don't get the jumbled, "too close" mistake sounds that are characteristic of thinner-necked guitars. Now, I absolutely don't want to play anything more narrow. It's perfect. The neck shape/depth is very comfortable,(not too fat/chunky or too thin) and intonation always spot on, even when I let the strings get old: Grade: A+
Hardware: Tuning machines are good quality, I rarely have an issue with staying in tune, despite that I do a lot more string-bending than most acoustic players. Grade: Solid B+
Tone: This is the big one, right? The woods and construction of this dreadnought offer a warm, pleasing "glow". What separates the authentically priced $3K guitars is in their more complete tonal palate, and might offer more brightness and projection. However, I've found that if I use very bright strings, and change them often; I'm extremely pleased with the sounds from this guitar. I have used it mic'd onstage, and for recording, and it shows up like a champ. Grade: Compared to very expensive instruments, a solid B. In it's price range, A+
Dependability: I've owned this for 4 years, have dropped it way too many times, left it far too close to a fire, and it hasn't missed a step. Grade: A
Overall: Due to the neck width, it is not a child's guitar, or if you have especially small hands and short fingers. Why this guitar is special: I've picked up a lot of acoustics in shops over the years, and very honestly, for this money, I've never played anything even close. I was in an acoustic guitar specialty shop when I bought this Seagull, and played (over several days) probably 50 guitars. I didn't find a comparable instrument until I reached the $1500-$2000 level, and even many of those were clearly inferior. In short, the best acoustic guitar under $ by a mile. Grade: Buy it!
Pleasantly surprised
I was looking for a guitar to give my daughter and this looked promising but I was not impressed by the headstock design. I guess I was used to the typical Martin style and this looked unnatural. However , the reason for the design made sense so I decided to take a chance. WOW! This guitar is amazing. It is easy to play and really does doing great. The fit and finish are exceptional. I guess I'll have to order another for my daughter because this is now my "go-to" guitar
Finally found it!
Handcrafted,
In Canada
Quebec!
Ask to be played at the shop.
Amazed, ask a Martin to be played!
Felt for the Seagull.
Amazing price for the sound.
Buy one!
Out of the box, it's a really nice-sounding guitar. I added a fossilized walrus tusk saddle and nut that I caved and now it's a great guitar. I gave it 4.5 because the fret wires on the high E are a bit cumbersome and interfere with some lead work. Other than that, I now have an acoustic that I will always play and never sell. I wanted a Gibson Hummingbird but after playing a couple, I chose the Seagull for better sound and price.
Very Happy
After years of plunking around and so-so guitars I decided to give it a more serious go, and get a really good guitar. Looked at a few but the Maritime was it. First the neck. At 6'3" with big hands the wider neck (180mm nut) is a game changer. A "wow" moment for me. Also the shape of the neck, just feels great. The tone is interesting, I would describe it as very even and vibrant. They say the light finish adds to the reverberation and It appears to be true. It rings, in a good way. It is not big bass sounding but not thin or tinny either. Tone seems versatile. Nice and warm with a thumb strum and sings out with pick and nails. Always in the ear of the beholder but I like it. Also, great playability, smooth.
I wouldn't buy a guitar if it wasn't pretty and it is. Again it's a bit different. I wasn't sure about the semi-gloss finish at first and now I find it beautiful. The headstock, well again, now I really like it. And it works just fine.
I reserved half a star only because nothing's perfect and I'm sure there is some better guitar ($$$!). But whatever, I love this thing.
