History
From the early age of seven Robert Godin had already acquired a passion for the guitar, as well as some notable skills as a young player. By the time he had reached the ripe old age of fifteen he was integral to the operation of his aunt's music store and utilized his skills to both teach the finer points of guitar as well as repair damaged instruments. By 1971, after setting out on his own Godin had discovered the tiny Canadian village knows as La Patrie and began the inception of his first line of guitars known as the Norman Line.
The company's ultimate goal was to produce guitars having some of the same qualities as more expensive guitars, but at prices that were more accessible to the working musician. In particular, Godin focuses on production of fine tops utilizing old growth wood and shimmering varnish finishes in order to produce the best sound and most beautiful acoustic guitars possible for the money. Godin guitars now produce a number of separate lines including Seagull, Norman, Art and Lutherie, Simon and Patrick, La Patrie, Richmond and TRIC each of which is handcrafted in Canada and exported all over the world to aspiring musicians like me and you.
Composition
The Seagull Performer CW (Cutaway) Flame Maple Q-1 (Quantum 1) has a remarkable pressure-tested cutaway solid Spruce top with multi-ringed rosette, tortoiseshell pick-guard and 3-layer laminate Flame Maple back and sides. Flame Maple is also known as Fiddleback or Tigerstripe and is often used in furniture making as well as in musical instruments, including the coveted Gibson Les Paul. The neck of this fine guitar is composed of Silver Leaf Maple with Flame Maple used as the veneer.
The 21 fretted fingerboard and bridge are both composed Indian Rosewood, nut and saddle are made of Tusq and the saddle is compensated for more accurate intonation and tuning. As mentioned previously, the good people at Godin are familiar with the value of a solid finish and its relationship to the overall sound quality of the instrument. The Performer CW is no exception to this golden-guitar rule and consequently the body is sealed in a high-gloss custom polish finish for protection, sound quality as well as beauty for the life of the guitar.
The Seagull Performer CW measures 15.87" at the lower bout, 11.38" at the upper bout and 1.8" wide at the nut. The guitar is 19.8" long and 4.9" deep and also includes the Quantum 1 Electronics package manufactured and installed in Canada by Godin. Quantum 1 is a simple but easy to use set-up that utilizes a single transducer under the saddle that gathers sound efficiently and effectively. Rotary volume bass and treble controls are located on the body of the guitar as is a chromatic tuner with LED display. An embroidered gig bag is also included to protect your treasured guitar from the elements.
Pricing
The Seagull Performer CW Flame Maple is currently available for around $700 and can be acquired either through on-line vendors or via local musical outlets. Godin incorporates high quality materials with expert craftsmanship to produce some of the finest guitars available today, especially at the the price offered. In addition, a number of extra features are included that really make this guitar an excellent value for the money.
Playability
This guitar had a beautiful blend of lows, mids and highs weighing heavier on the treble end of the spectrum. It combined a smooth, easy feel on the fingerboard with comfortable finger placement all the way up the neck to the 21st fret. The guitar had great sound as well although it seemed to lack the resonation qualities that I've experienced with more expensive guitars. When amplified and adjusted properly with the on-board controls though, the guitar rung sweetly and cleanly rendering excellent sound without muddiness. The Seagull Performer CW Flame held its ground relative to guitars at a similar price point and considering the amenities as well as the overall quality of this instrument, there is no doubt that it's worth every penny. To this day, I've never been disappointed with a Seagull guitar and the value that Godin puts into each and very instrument.