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Seagull Artist Series - Cameo CW-LR Baggs Duet Reviews  5 / 5 based on 1 reviewsI had been looking for a quality instrument to replace my Martin D-28 fo performance and studio work. The Martin, although an excellent sounding and playing instrunent, was a little boomy for studio work, required too much time to set up, and cut into my base player's frequency on stage. I wanted a quality instrument, cutaway, with the highly acclaimed LR Baggs i-Beam Duet electronics. I had originally considered buying a Godin Semi solid-body, but decided that I should look at a true acoustic guitar with great electronics. The Seagull fulfilled all these needs. After searching on the Web I purchased this instrument through MusiciansBuy.com for USD$849.00, including the Fort case. (Ask for Bob-great service!)
This is a bright sounding beautiful instrument! The solid spruce top is a tightly grained almond-yellow color polished to a flawless lacquered finish. The solid flame maple back and laminated flame-maple sides get equal treatment. The sound is bright without sounding shrill; plenty of resonance and great overtones here. I switched the stock strings to a set of Martin Acoustic SP Phosphor-Bronze extra-light (.010-.047) strings with no apparent decrease in response. The mahogany neck is imperceptably wider than my Martin's, I now prefer it that way; no more inadvertant buzzing on my fingernails on the strings at the top of the neck. The cutaway is a straight 90 degree cut; it won't hang up your hand like many of the curvier one's do. The headstock (flame maple laminated)and tuning machines (gold-plated with pearloid knobs) are impeccably finished) All in all a great value.
The stock strings were a little heavy for my taste, and the setup was a little high (nothing that a visit to my local guitar tech couldn't fix)
The level of detail was fantastic. Every joint was precise and tight. All finished surfaces were impeccable. A true masterpiece.
As my tech told me; "a comparable Taylor or Larrivee would have cost you USD#2500, this is a truly underappreciated instrument." In fit finish quality and sound this guitar ranks with the best. I hope they achieve the notariety they so justly deserve. Victor Raymond rated this unit on 2003-07-17.
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