General
This Merlin Spruce by Seagull is a portable four-string diatonic instrument inspired by the dulcimer. The Merlin is a great instrument for people who would love to play music, but don't really have any musical experience (yet). It's easy to get started right away with this string instrument, which is the big advantage of the Merlin. The Merlin is played just like one would play a guitar, in whatever position is most comfortable for you. You can play it by picking with your fingers or by using a plectrum - whichever you prefer!
The Seagull Merlin Spruce SG
Just like we've learned to expect from Seagull, the Merlin was made with the greatest care and a keen eye for detail in the small village of LaPatrie in Quebec, Canada. When you hold this instrument, you can practically smell the artisanship. The top of the Merlin is made of solid spruce, which produces a bright, well-articulated sound, and it has a beautiful satin gloss finish.
Furthermore, the body is made of hard maple, and features a string-through-body design, which means the strings are mounted from the back of the body (just like most electric guitars). Both the bridge and the string nut are made of Tusq, which is produced by Graphtech, and works to provide the right string frequencies so you get a richer, fuller tone. In order to ensure optimal string tension, Seagull chose to design the Merlin so that the neck was mounted through the entirety of the body, which is called a neck-through design. Speaking of the neck, it features seven frets and is made of hard maple, just like the body.
