Looking to get started on your music instrument learning journey? Or perhaps you've been playing the Seagull Merlin D model for a while and want to add to your suite with the rich tones of the G version?
Either way, you can't go wrong with the G model. Its string gauges are of a lower register than the D model, giving it a warmer deeper (maybe even richer) sound. It's probably a little closer to sounding like a guitar than a dulcimer guitar, but we'll let you decide that.
Some Seagull Merlin G Considerations
A few things of note about the Seagull Merlin G model. They consider it the "education" model, so it includes numbers on the frets that cannot be easily removed. (Maybe you could do it with a razor blade, but frankly, we haven't been that brave.) Unlike the D models, the G model only comes in Seagull's mahogany top, and they do not offer an EQ upgrade (though, if you're interested in that combination, we can make it happen). And, as mentioned, the Seagull Merlin G string gauges are thicker, so the notes are of a lower
Should I Buy a G model or D model Seagull Merlin?
Great question. It really comes down to two things: preference and skill level.
Preference is related to their tone. The G model is tuned down lower (by a 4th for the music nerds) than the D.
For skill it's a bit of a catch 22 in that the D model is a more popular version (many Strumsticks, all Woodrows, and most mountain dulcimers are tuned DAD), thus Seagull Merlin lessons and music are more prevalent. BUT! The G model has numbers on the frets which can be extremely helpful for a new player.
Since that may not have gotten you to a conclusion yet, please feel free to write us a note and we'll do our best to assist!