taylor guitars vs seagulls

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: Acorn4
Date: 19 Feb 11 - 03:08 PM

I've had a Seagull for 10 years - I think it cost £400 or thereabouts. If I could buy a Taylor for, say £1,600, would I have a guitar 4 times better, and would I be a four times better guitarist?

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 19 Feb 11 - 02:10 PM

Well as you know Gary, its a game of two halves and anything can happen at this halfway stage,

The Taylors are in many ways the architects of the modern game, and appear to be dictating the run of play by dint of their strength in depth up front, whilst maintaining a pretty tight defence.

The breaking news is   that the Seagulls have gone for a four/two/four formation, and that gives them the option of playing a sweeper.

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: Taylor96
Date: 18 Feb 11 - 11:15 PM

Well this thread headed for the swamp for a while.. all kinds of posts having nothing whatsoever to do with the topic in question.

So,, as you may guess I have a 1996 taylor 510..Mahog Dred.. It is probably the Best sounding guitar that I have ever had and I have had a few.
Sigma D 1 I believe it was.. sold it for 200 bucks few years ago. didnt like the sound. tinny.
Simon & Patrick pro maple..(made by same company as seagulls) beautiful guitar.. nice sound and all, sold it to a lady who fell in love with it and bought a
Blueridge BR 160.(2004) which I still have. Its a close to the Martin D16 and loud loud.. use it as my banger at outside jams.. really like it.
Gibson J45.. sold it last year . had for 4 years. Wasn't happy with it. No volume for my likes.
Larrivee. DV09-- sold it last year also.. hardly played it..loud and a beautiful guitar..didnt like it for Bluegrass which is mostly what I play.
Martin SPD16T..(1998) bought it new . nice sounding guitar and still have it.. play it often.
Walden D710 (2009) bought new last year.Its a 300.00 guitar. sounds like a lot more expensive guitar.. use as my banger... will keep

Have played quite a few Seagulls and was impressed with them.. for the price I believe them to be a very good buy.. BUT they are not a Taylor and I dont think you can compare them..at least when you get into the Taylor 300s and above....

My thoughts are.. If you have the bucks buy the best taylor you can afford.. If not , buy all means go to the Seagull.. you cant loose.

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: GUEST,guest-curtis
Date: 20 May 10 - 07:18 PM

In my life I've had two taylors... gs5 [mahogany back & sides with cedar top] and 714ce ltl [koa sides and back with cedar top]. Both with electronics. The electronics are so good and unobtrusive externally I opted for them. Was concerned they made some difference in terms of internal sound but was told by a few luthiers that it was unlikely and not noticeable. I like to record what I do for practice and to distribute for friends, so under the circumstances...

The 714 has a real full and mellow sound and did so pretty much right off due to the koa / cedar combination. Playing the gs5 is like playing a piano in terms of the resonance of the guitar that you can feel and the sound that you can hear.

Note that the 400 series up has 1 and 3/4 in. nut width, while I think the lower series guitars has more traditional 1 and 11/16th inch. Check the taylor website specs or talk to someone who knows the models before purchasing.

Curtis

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: Little Hawk
Date: 14 May 10 - 12:32 PM

The best guitars I've played just lately have been Taylors...and the odd Martin is up there as well. Seagull are a great guitar for the money. I think they are the best choice for someone who wants to spend a modest amount, but still get a really good guitar. (I could say the same about Yamaha guitars too...)

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 14 May 10 - 12:04 PM

I love my Taylor. Unfortunately, so does my son who has been using it for much of his acoustic work with his band. I haven't seen the thing in months. I have been mostly playing nylon lately anyhow. By the way, Taylor is made in our "back yard" and gives great factory tours. Deering Banjo, ditto.

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: kendall
Date: 13 May 10 - 07:30 PM

It's all so subjective. The Taylor 810 has everything I like in a guitar. Power, depth of sound, mellow and a beautiful neck. I can stand toe to toe with the bluegrass slammers and their Martins with the action you could shove a cat under and not be drowned out.

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: GUEST,donnie mack
Date: 13 May 10 - 07:11 PM

Seagull comes from line of gutiars made by Godin in Quebec Canada.
I prefer the Norman line from Godin The Norman ST 68 Is for sure the best gutiar under 2500.00 made anywhere and it is only around 1000.00 can. I have played many Gutiars in my 50 plus years including
the taylors, best restricted to light figerpicking styles, martin everbody knows is best used for heavy loud flat picking ie bluegrass,
but I will stick with the Norman st68 as the better allround gutiar.
of course this is only my opinion.

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: olddude
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 09:40 PM

It all depends on the type of music you play and what fits your hand the best, They are all great like the high end Martins. Me I really like the Taylor 314 I think it is the best deal at that price range

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: GUEST,adam
Date: 11 Feb 10 - 09:32 PM

was thinking to buy "taylor" acoustic guitar. any suggestion on good model? price range below USD 1500. type of wood? most important is best sound...

was told those without pickup and witout cut away give better sound, is tat true?

pls recommend. thanks..

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: skarpi
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 10:11 AM

well I have Seagull , and have had since 1995 and its my guitar
have alot of them since , only I have tested is better and that
is Martin OM 28 V a great guitar . I wish I could get it .

I also have Taylor 12 strings and what a sound .....woww .
good guitar , I dont know about 6 strings taylor s ´

But Seagull is good guitar , but I guess if the neck doesent
fit in to your hand its not your guitar , then it doesent matter
its called , Martin Seagull , Gibson Fenfer , Honer , or what ever those names are .

all the best Skarpi

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: GUEST,gibson_101
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 04:10 AM

taylor guitars are terrible.

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: kendall
Date: 04 Nov 03 - 10:21 PM

If I were in the market for a quality guitar that wasn't overpriced, I'd go for a Larrivee. (Also made in Canada)

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: GUEST,Jimbo
Date: 04 Nov 03 - 12:31 PM

Just bought a cheap knockabout guitar to keep at the caravan (didn't want to leave either my Lowden or Norman ST68 there for obvious reasons). It's made in China (Gremlin) - from recently improved spec. I never thought I'd buy a very cheap guitar, but this is unbelievable at the price.
I also never thought I'd ever buy a Taylor - totally untouched by human hand and totally over-hyped and over-priced. I'm still looking though - and after trying dozens at prices up to £3500 - still waiting to find one that doesn't suck at that price. Who knows though? I never thought I'd buy a Chinese guitar - maybe there is a decent Taylor out there somewhere........

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: 53
Date: 20 Sep 01 - 07:48 PM

i have a big baby and i'm just thrilled about it's sound and it's playability i am very pleased with my taylor and i have played a lot of other guitars in fact i own a 1979 gibson j-40 a 1990 takamine ltd cutaway and i also have on e of the takamine g series which plays very nice but i still like to play my big baby.

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: catspaw49
Date: 20 Sep 01 - 07:01 AM

........(but don't you get the feelin' that this is how dumbass things like tiples get invented)........

Spaw

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: John Hardly
Date: 20 Sep 01 - 12:05 AM

Oh hell yes!!!!! With your way the scale length would be all screwed up! I mean, yours would look good an' all, I don't mean to offend you or nothin' but you'd be all kinds outta intonation an' stuff and you'd prolly sound like a haff and haff ukelele/mandolin.

sheesh, this technical loothery stuff wears me down...

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 11:34 PM

Gee John, that sounds nice! Probably very attractive!! Anyway it certainly beats my idea of having a 6 fret neck put on a cutaway body.

Spaw

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: John Hardly
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 11:31 PM

y'see kendall and catspaw,

A little bondo...a little lacquer and some ultra fine wet sandpaper and you can fix that cutaway right up!

following a suggestion from an interview I read with James Taylor (the interview was with JT--not "I read it with JT--damn how my modifiers do dangle), I had a crochetted "cobweb" made to put in that completely unused portion of my guitar.

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: kendall
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 10:09 PM

Beyond the fifth fret is monsters.

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 08:07 PM

Yeah Kendall.....I figure a cutaway is OK as long as it gives me access to, oh say, about the 5th fret or so. Most of them do so..........

Spaw

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: kendall
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 07:11 PM

What I dont like about the cut away is the fact that anyone is so talented that they can make use of that extra area of the neck.!

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: John Hardly
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 06:07 PM

Les,

Two distinctly different issues--I too would always opt to not have on-board electronics that involved cutting a hole in the guitar. Elecronics will change and the "hole" will be a wart some day in a perfectly good guitar (and I would call Taylor "perfectly good"--their craftsmanship is absolutely excellent for a factory guitar!)

As to a cutaway, my experience is just the opposite. I've never felt that it compromised the sound, and most people I've read or heard concur. I don't like the looks of the cutaways but that's another issue.

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: GUEST,Ned Ludd
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 05:40 PM

Nothing wrong with either. If money were not a problem, I'd buy a good Taylor.Personally,I own a couple of Fyldes, and wouldn't swap 'em.

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: Les b (U.K.)
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 03:11 PM

I can't understand why anyone who doesn't have to plug in a guitar, or play up the dusty end, would buy one of these cutaways with pickups. I think it's a fashion thing. I have never heard a cutaway version of an acoustic guitar, that sounds as good as the normal version of the same model. Les ( a proud owner of a 314 & a Big Baby)

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: Hasek
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 02:13 PM

Dear Claire , About a year and a half ago , I picked up a new Taylor 410 ( w/ Elixir medium gauge strings ) and will tell you , I couldn't put it down. I purchased it in minutes and I haven't put it down since. Great tone, great action, so incredibly easy to play , it's my choice. I love it. It's important that you fall in love with whatever guitar you buy , no matter the brand or cost. It can happen when your out there shopping . Each store knows that it might take a few days of playing the instrument for an hour or more for you to decide. We can suggest, but you need to decide. Good Luck.

Mike Strobel

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: kendall
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 02:08 PM

I never watch commercials. Well, if there are puppies...

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 02:02 PM

Well Kendall, I was writing my post and posted it just after yours so I missed that...........just slipping I guess.

But speaking of being plugged in.......Have you seen the TV ad for Budget Rent-A-Car that has the group sitting around the table and thinking up ideas, the same theme they've been using for awhile.....In this one they think what it would be like to send a computer to everyone in America and we go to a group of Amish unboxing a computer and looking at it in curiosity......The scene ends just as the one Amish guy is about to put the plug into the cow's ass. Cracks me up!

Spaw

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: JenEllen
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 02:00 PM

Thanks guys, truly enlightening. Can always count on you for that much! Echo Mick: invaluable information.

~JE
Removing 5 years of embedded cat hair requires: 4 rolls of masking tape, a dozen statically charged balloons, and some really good (and not too bright) friends. Frankly, buying a new house is easier...

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: kendall
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 01:48 PM

Spaw must be slipping. I gave him an opening, and he didn't use it.

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 01:32 PM

That's why I like ya' Clinton.......We tend to set each other up and I can always count on you for similar responses.......and lately we NEED some of that!

Rick, using the Catspaw Scatology Cards, I predict we will continue playing the "Brand Game" for a long time simply because as you said, it's fun.

Still waiting to hear someone's take on the Fender/Guild situation........The cards seem unclear.

Spaw

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 01:00 PM

Hehehe!

How did I know you were gonna chime in spaw?!?!

LOL!!

^5's

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 12:40 PM

Hmmm, maybe if you all came over early, you could help vacuum 5 years of imbedded cat hair out of the rugs.

By the way, two nights ago I heard a pickup that I really DID like. T'was on Terry Tufts' Martin J-40. Fishman transducer....but he also brings his own mixer and several boxes of effects. Great sound, but it's when you play his J40 Acoustically that you really hear the quality.

I guess the point is that if he'd had the same setup in a Seagull ('bout 1500 bucks cheaper) he'd have still sounded fine (and probably exactly the same.) I Think the "Brand game" is just that...a game. But it's fun, and I've been playing it for years. Just one of the things that keeps ya busy til ya die.

Rick

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 09:32 AM

Raise your hands, all those who want Clinton to stay in his outhouse!!!

*hands shoot up*

Spaw (:<))

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 09:28 AM

Raise your hands, all those who want Rick to stay in his living room!!!

*hands shoot up*

:-)

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: Mooh
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 08:43 AM

So, Rick, house concert at your place? I'll bring some desert.

Yippy! Mooh.

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 01:27 AM

I was being ironic Kendall. Here's my dinosaur's take on "the "unplugged generation" (which actually means BEING plugged...but with an acoustic guitar)

What's the point of discussing endlessly why we love our Guilds, Martins and Taylors when the moment we plug 'em in they sound generic? I'm about to buy two Audio-Technica 4033s (on the advice of Mudcatters) so that my Martin SOUNDS like a Martin. I hate pickups (and the fact that I've spent thousands trying to get one I REALLY like)

.....actually I hate mikes as well....if only I could make my living doing concerts in my living room....

Rick

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 Sep 01 - 09:41 PM

Mick, I think you made a mistake with the Freshwater Bouzouki. The Saltwater Bouzouki is lighter and has a more buoyant sound. And are you sure on the 16GT? I mean the racing stripes are a bit much doncha' think? Let me suggest to you and to one and all that the only sure way to know you are making the right decision is by consulting the Catspaw Scatology Cards. Far better than Tarot cards!!! Last week I dealt them out and right there in the cards I saw it! Yes, I predicted that my stupid Weimaraner would lick his balls within the hour.......and he DID!!!!

Fly-By-Nite Industries announced that decks of "Catspaw Scatology Cards" will be released within the next month. Each card has a likeness of someone in the Catspaw family and can also be used in emergencies as asswipes. The "King of Crap" card has Spaw in all of his radiant glory showing a scene from his past where he had his palm read. It took several washings and a good deal of turpentine to get the paint off. The "Prince of Fools" card has Cletus whiffing the asses of the Reg boys and the "Circle of Light" card has Paw flaring off a big one. Only those making prepayment will be shipped these Limited Edition decks. Those interested should mail cash (NO CHECKS PLEASE) in the amount of $49.95 (US) plus $18.97 Shipping and Handling to:

Fly-By-Nite Industries
842 Ripshitz Trail
East Bumblast, Ohio 43107

As always, with Fly-By-Nite, your satisfaction is guaranteed. Simply return the unused portion of of our products, and we'll retun the unused portion of your money.

******************

AND ..... here's a testimonial direct from Cletus!!

Y'all need ta gitcherselvz summa theez heer cardz. Iffen Ida had mine befor I wooda got outta tha way when Paw flared off that Taco fart and Ide still have eyebrows an hair.

Before you invest in any instrument, order your cards and learn how to use them.......It's the only way to buy!!!

Spaw

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: kendall
Date: 18 Sep 01 - 09:29 PM

what self respecting acoustic musician doesn't plug in on occasion? I DONT! In fact, I havn't been plugged in in a long time!

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: Big Mick
Date: 18 Sep 01 - 08:30 PM

Super stuff, folks. My beloved Seagull has been rendered into scrap wood with great electronics (LR Baggs Dual Source pickup) by the feckin' gorilla's at United. So I am going to have to pickup a decent "work" 6 string. I played a Martin D-16GT the other day with the Fishman Prefix blender in it. I went into Elderly to look at Taylors. I also played a ton of lesser brands, on the chance I would find a steal. But I really liked the Martin, even if it is new. I don't know.....gotta think about it. Besides, I am getting my new Freshwater Bouzouki next week, so maybe I will just wait on the 6, and play the bouzouki and the 12 string. But your info is invaluable.

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 Sep 01 - 04:37 PM

Wonder how much of this is from the Guild association? And now that Guild has been removed from RI, with a new line of Fender and all....What is the future like for Guild?

And you are right on older Guilds Rick....great guitars in the main, but still haven't really been grabbed on the vintage market so buys are still there.......

Got a new thread idea....I'll do it in a day or two.

Spaw

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 18 Sep 01 - 04:26 PM

You win Spaw. Shows that you're observant and old.

I was looking again at the new Fender line, and it's really quite amazing and inventive what they've done. All these assembly line instruments with the kind of finish, inlays, and appointments that the REAL high end handcrafted instruments have. They're pretty average sounding, but most have internal pickups, and what self respecting "acoustic" player DOESN'T plug in these days? So if you're looking for snob appeal at a low price they might fit the bill.

Rick

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 Sep 01 - 01:01 PM

A name change back in those days of yore when we started calling kids Moon Unit and Chastity and Amerika.......Barbara Hershey, the actress, changed her name to Barbara Seagull.

I'll take the ten points and keep my "Martin Rip-Off" Takemine.

Spaw

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: Justa Picker
Date: 18 Sep 01 - 12:54 PM

Corset designer?

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 18 Sep 01 - 12:36 PM

Hmmm let's see....who WAS faster on the draw:

hoot GIBSON

strother MARTIN

rod TAYLOR

barbara SEAGULL

*ten points for anyone who knows who barbara seagull was/is

Rick

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: kendall
Date: 18 Sep 01 - 12:24 PM

Lookie, I dont give a rodents rump what it says on the peg head. I've played Yamahas that would stand up to the best for sound quality. When I toured Scotland, Gordon Menzies loaned me his Yamaha drednaught size, and I found it to be a superior instrument. This is not the only good Yamaha I have played either.

When I bought my Taylor, I'd only seen one other before, and, I did not play it.Didn't know diddly about them, but, the sound, the neck, and the intonation is what sold me. Brand loyalty is silly. Whenever I hear guys argueing about that sort of thing, I'm reminded of Kramden and Norton of The Honeymooners, they were argueing about who was the fastes on the draw, Tom Mix or Hoot Gibson.

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 18 Sep 01 - 12:05 PM

Seagull is NOT the most consistant manufacturer. I do a lot of set-ups for my friends, and I've worked on at least three of them that were 'mis-fretted' (out of tune at certain frets). On the other hand I've played more than a dozen (of all their models) that were excellent. Their little cheap guitars are terrific buys....IF you get an experienced player to go with you and check out the tuning and neck set. A new student of mine got one I picked for him at the 12th Fret and it's a killer. Great sound, huge volume, good action. 'Bout the size of a turn of the century Martin, and cheap as dirt. A year ago I would have steered him in the direction of a Larrivee Parlour axe, but not any more.

Taylors seem to me to be remarkably consistant...which is amazing considering how many they're making now. Taylor has become the "everyman/woman" guitar. Remember how a few years ago everyone on TV was using Taks...now it's Taylor.

For what it's worth (and even though we've discussed this ad nauseum in many other threads) I think that the new martins are pretty consistant as well. The cheap ones have great sound, but look to me like there may be neck problems on some of them down the line.

Gibson is trying to recreate their famous old models and charging an arm and a leg for them, but to me they look cheap and tacky, and I've seen some questionable "inside" finishing......some have huge amounts of superfluous inlay. There are a couple in the 12th Fret now that look like they should be played by "Seigfried and Roy".

If I were in the market for an axe right now and I had ...say..1500 Yankee dollars to spend, I'd hunt around to find a used (at least 5-10 years) Martin D-18.

In the 1000 dollar range, I'd try to find a used (5 years at least) Taylor.

At about 500, I'd look for a used (over 10 years) Guild. They're fine instruments but don't hold their monetary value, so you might get a steal.

At 200, I'd go Seagull (once again ALWAYS used, if possible), but I'd look at the Fender line.

At ANY time, if you see a BIG and OLD Yamaha (15-25 years or so) check it out. About half the ones that I've seen (and I'm ONLY talking about BIG ones) beat everything on the market for sheer volume. You can also defend yourself on the street with them!

Just in case it ain't obvious, getting a "used" guitar is how you get a chance to see whether anything "went wrong". Most problems (neck angle, cracking, shrinking (makes for lousy tuning) and neck twisting) happen pretty early.

The big problem with getting a "used" instrument, is that it's a luxury we have living in a big city, with several music outlets. In more rural areas you have to do a lot more research. For me the "huntin'" is fun, but if I was doin' a 9-5 job it would be too time consuming.....so I guess that's why some of these threads may prove helpful to some.

When getting a mini-disc recorder, (of which I knew nuthin') I found the mudcat threads invaluable....in a sense, others did the research, 'cause of their personal experience.

Rick

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 18 Sep 01 - 11:45 AM

May I point out that The Seagull is much better appointed. Has solid wood back and front and was 2/3 the cost. I am confident that I got way more VALUE for my money! Plain guitar vs plain guitar, feature for feature a $400 Seagull does not compare badly with a much more expensive, low end Taylor, Martin or Gibson. I believe, subjectively of course, from Seagull you can get a guitar 90% as good for 40% of the price. The reason being, Canadian exchange rate, lower canadian wages and access to abundant, high quality wood. Of course, A lot of guitarists will spend a few hundred more to get a guitar that is just a little better. I did that with the Gibson and I am happy I did. I am also happy that I paid extra to get the Adjustable bridge replaced with a real bridge which greatly improved the volume and projection.

I've not seen the new fenders, and I will admit that I prefer North American workmanship to Asian for guitars (except maybe Takimine and Yamaha Japanese models)

But If I were looking in the 250-500 pound range, for a decent guitar, with good value, I'd look hard at Seagull. Above that Martin, Taylor, Takimine, Gibson.

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 18 Sep 01 - 10:58 AM

O.k...

I tried to be nice, but you guys are full of it!

Seagulls rule, and Taylor's drool!!!

AND my dog is better than your dog, and my dad makes more money than your dad!!!

LOL!!

Subject: RE: taylor guitars vs seagulls
From: kendall
Date: 18 Sep 01 - 08:38 AM

I had a beautiful J 45 Gibson, 1955 model. When I discovered the Taylor, I gave the Gibson to a friend. I also had a very nice Martin hd 28. Sold it for $800.00.

I must confess, I have only played one Seagull, it was tinny and real cheap looking. Maybe I should try again. To be honest, I have also played Taylors that were not impressive, so, shop around and buy the one that suits you.