Seagull Merlin D vs G M4 Models - Compare Seagull Merlin Dulcimers
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- Опубліковано 20 чер 2021
- It’s 2024 - The “Model 1 River Dulcimer Guitar” is launching this year! 🥳
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Trying to figure out if a D-tuned or G-tuned Seagull Merlin is best for you? I'll be honest, I didn't know how the Seagull G model even worked until I had one. Watch how I compare the two versions.
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I have an issue with my Merlin. The further up the neck, the A-string gets sharper and sharper, up to half a semi-tone at the octave. The action gets higher up the neck too, but both D-strings stay in tune all the way up.
That’s a really common issue / complaint I’m afraid. The way they designed the fretboard + bridge + string gauges don’t make for great intonation all the way up, but the middle string is usually where it’s most noticeable. Just the nature of them, I’m afraid. Mine have similar concerns (which is why I designed my own 😉)
Ok, now I have to buy one of these! Having never played anything, and with no real musical knowledge, and also liking the warmer, deeper tone, I think the open G model is the one I should get. Is there a benefit to the open D model? I’ve watched a couple of your lessons and they seem to be done on the open D, but is either key more limited in the range of songs you can strum along too? Not really into folk style music, but certainly some rock, country, or pop songs would be fun. Any advice?
I make more things in D than G simply because that's what the large majority of instruments are tuned to (which is because that's what mountain dulcimers are tuned to). But anything played in the DAD tuning can be played in GDG, it just needs to have the musical key changed (which I have a free guide for if you want to make your brain hurt ;-)
If you can find a G, go for it. Seagull's supply on everything is so short for 2021 (because of 2020), snatch it up if you can find it! Shoot me questions as the arise.
@@HeyInglewood Am I mistaken that the architecture between the D and G models is identical? If so, wouldn't one be able to change between the two models by changing string gauge (and tuning) to whichever version model desired?
Nope, you're correct. Same architecture, and you can - in theory - swap the strings out to anything you want. G is just the other standard from D, but you could do any setup you want. The snag (the "in theory" part) is that the more you adjust the gauge of the strings (thicker esp), the more likely you'll need a different bridge saddle. The way the G Merlins are setup is with way thicker strings (the G below D), so their bridge saddles are compensated differently than the D models are. So, if you wanted to ensure better tuning, you'd need to look at that. But, IMO, you can go a long way testing out whether you like the sound of a different setup, THEN decide if seeking a different saddle makes sense for you. Cool?
Hello, mine says Merlin Natural Spruce SG on the inside label. Is it a different, newer or older model than these? Is it a version of the M4? I believe it is tuned to D. I look forward to hearing from you, thank you!
Yes, it is a regular D Merlin. They just have weird naming conventions on the sub-model
@@HeyInglewood Thank you for getting back to me! What is a sub model mean?
I'd love to own the G model, but I can't find it for sale anywhere in the UK. That said, the D version is keeping me busy 😊. It's a fantastic instrument.
That's a bummer. I don't even have any in stock to try and help w/ that problem (though shipping is usually pretty prohibitive). The G is fetching because of how much richer the tone is by adding that lower note. It caught me by surprise. Covers more sonic range (3 octaves) than the D (2 octaves)
@@HeyInglewood yes that's exactly what appeals to me - it sounds fantastic doesn't it. I'll keep looking, and be patient and hope eventually one of the music shops here starts stocking the G. I can't put the D version down at the moment, i absolutely love it.
Sam ,,,,I bought mine from ABSOLUTE MUSIC who are a company in the uk and they do have them in stock mate . ;0)
@@alankingwell thanks Alan. Looks like they have mahogany top, but can't see any G tuned on the site, just the D version. I'll give them a call, thank you.
........ I have found one..... Arriving this week, just in time for my birthday too. Cannot wait 🎸.
hi caon you pleas txell me is it possibie to play 2figer chordssi am in my pliasse.i am in mx 81st year and my fingers are non to pliirbl these days large handssmamll fingers.
i feel as i mus tell you abouthe uk instrument that i hae won by guy who is wnowne as astro pete websit woodsmithinstraments he has a coupl of vieos on you tube as well check him out regards frm ovir thi ponond Mal
Most chords should be fine with 2 fingers! I think you emailed me so I’ll send a more complete response there soon!
can you tune a dulcimer to C?
If it’s in D to begin with then theoretically you should be able to tune down a full step to C. Whether it sounds good will be up to the instrument model and the string tension of the particular strings in use. Likely the biggest concern would be that the string tension would go down so much that it would be easy to play out of tune (easier to pull the strings by mistake).