With the slim playing feeling of agile F-style mandolins and the full sound of the in-house pickup system, the Seagull S8 is the perfect instrument for the stage. Solid mechanics guarantee stable tunings and a pleasant transmission ratio, while the Seagull pickup system can be adjusted at any time via the volume and tone controls on the ceiling. Of course, both controls have optically harmonious Amber Knob Hats to match the matt Sunburst finish.
After trying out a couple of other mandolins (Cort, Harley-benton, Sweet Pea) this is the one I feel good about. Its easy to play: the action is low and the string spacing works even with my sausage-like fingers. The sound projection is good (and a little bit on the brighter side, but hey: it’s a mandolin, not a bass!). There is no string buzz and the pickup system adequate. I just miss a a couple of strap pins, but that shouldn’t be too hard to install by myself.
I bought this mandolin for personal use and I have to admit that it exceeded my expectations. The looks of it are better than the pictures, it's a very sturdy instrument alltogether...very finely made - I didn't find any flaw.
The sound is crisp on the higher notes and mellow on the lower ones, which I found perfect (but that has to do with my personal preferences).
Summing it up, I would say that Seagull S8 EQ is a very well made and fun to use mandolin. It was totally worth the buy.