Seagull 'G' Merlin Fretted Dulcimer (Natural Mahogany, G-Tuning)

Rated 5.00 out of 5

26/3/2017

I've already got the D-tuned Merlin with a spruce front which is entrancing fun. An experienced guitarist can pick it up and start playing some pretty and interesting stuff straightaway. The sound of the spruce D is incredibly loud (especially when played with a pick) and massively bright and trebly, somewhere between a mandolin and a banjo. The heaviest string is only a 25 so it's a super light strung instrument. My only minor criticism is that unless you are careful to fret strings immediately behind the frets, you can easily pull them slightly sharp - especially as some of the frets are so far apart. My new G-tuned version is a very different proposition. I chose the mahogany front for a bit more depth and darkness - which is exactly what it provides, together with the much heavier strings which start at a 47. The basic open chord is much deeper and fuller, and the sound is far more guitar-like. It plays exactly the same as the D Merlin, same chord shapes etc - and it's every bit as much fun. I'd really recommend having both - but if you are a guitarist having to choose just one, start with the D version. It'll be unlike anything you've ever played before and, like everyone who's played mine (from seasoned pros to novices), you'll love it!

Nick Biggs