Seagull S8 Mandolin SG, Natural Natural

I was looking for a moderately-priced mandolin for travel. I also have a Weber Bitteroot 2-point. The price puts the S8 in competition with the popular Eastman 305 and Kentucky KM150. I had an Eastman for about 5 months. It's decent in all respects. But the S8 is significantly better. The build quality is well above anything else in this price range and the low action makes it a joy to play, even at the higher positions. The bespoke cast tailpiece is a nice touch.It can be futile and confusing trying to describe the tone of an instrument in words, but I think it's safe to say that the tone of the S8 is not bright. It's much more mellow, maybe a bit hollow - if that means anything. I actually find it pleasing. However, my tastes are more Celtic and classical, where a warm tone works better. If you're looking for bright you may want to try it yourself before buying. As for volume, the smaller body doesn't seem to pose any limitations. It can be played plenty loud.Unlike most mandos the bridge on the S8 is fixed. I was a bit concerned the intonation might be off, but that was not an issue on mine.I think the S8 would even compete well against mandolins in the $700 - $1000 range. If you're looking for a mando under a $1000 you should really give it a try. If you're looking for something under $500 the S8 would hands-down be my recommendation (if the tone suits you)As a travel mandolin the S8's smaller body is welcome as well. Note that you'll probably want to the get the Seagull S8 gig bag (which Amazon doesn't sell, $50 elsewhere), as standard mandolin cases will be too big

This is a nicely finished mandolin and it plays very well except it does need a professional setup on it because out of the box the action is a little too high even for an experienced player. It does not come with adjustments at the bridge so it needs unstrung and the bridge needs filed down and the tension rod turned to set it up.Wife really loves it and that is good because we bought it for her. Fantastic starter.

Very, very impressed here! Both sound and workmanship are great. So small, but yet so loud. Not quite sure how they pulled it off but Seagull did indeed. Mine came Chicago Music Exchange very carefully packed and strung and almost still tuned from the store. So, although still new I'd say it could hold a tuning for awhile. Neck is smooth as silk and plays like a dream. Proud to own this piece. It will go in my Seagull case, but would not be considered absurd I think to hang on a wall and call it a great piece of art! Have played mando's equally priced as well as in the thousand dollar range. I'd place this somewhere in the middle of those. If they stopped making them, the S8 would soon become a highly collectable item, but I'm betting the demand will remain high and Seagull will continue to crank these babies out. So, if you're gonna spend 4 bills, this is where you should spend it.

The first thing to know about this mandolin is that you should play one before you buy it; the sound is more muted than a traditional mandolin, and holding it feels very different. That said, Seagull guitars are beautiful and I was excited to try the mandolin. I was really shocked at the poor build quality; the pick guard was peeling off and the pegs didn't hold a tune very well. It's possible that I got a dud, but I'm really disappointed and sent it back. I ended up choosing an Eastman MD305 and love it.

This is a beautifully built instrument, however, the sound threw me off when I compared it to my other mandolins. I just returned it. It all depends on what you are looking for but I do suggest that you play one first. I do have one of their Merlins and love it but it is a whole different instrument (and relatively cheap)!

Small, but sounds very good, clear, and fun to play. Worth every penny

This mandolin is an amazing deal!Quality sound and construction.Chicago Music Exchange did an excellent job!Fast shipment, sooner than guaranteed and ready to play right out of the box!They included a gig bag, polishing cloth and also threw in some complementary picks.

A very attractive & well made mandolin. I like the slightly wider neck & lower action which makes it easier for me to play with my arthritic fingers. I can't think of anything that I dislike about it but I'm strictly an amateur & no pro. I do think of it as being more folk than bluegrass orientated. Overall I really like it & have no regrets concerning purchasing it