Seagull Burst Coastline GT

I've been playing a lot more acoustic guitar, and enjoying it. The Downingtown Acoustic meetup jam was great fun, as was Tuesday's open mic. I've also been doing some finger-picking (following a series of YouTube lessons that I'll post about separately.)

I got the idea in my head (yes, always dangerous, and this is the point at which Darling Wife rolls her eyes) that maybe I could upgrade my acoustic guitar without breaking the bank. I have a Yamaha, probably considered a little above entry-level, which is a nice-playing and nice-sounding instrument - but I started reading some discussions and reviews, and looking through the Craigslist "musical instruments for sale" classifieds.

I found an interesting ad for a Seagull Burst Coastline GT acoustic guitar. Seagull is a brand I'd heard specifically recommended a number of times as a good instrument and a great value, so I responded that I'd be interested in taking a look. The ad stated that the guitar was in mint condition, and the seller confirmed that in e-mail ("virtually unplayed.") We arranged to meet yesterday at noon.

Assuming the guitar was actually in the condition he stated, I wanted to see if it felt like an upgrade from my Yamaha - because if it didn't, then there would be no reason to spend money on it, as I'm not unhappy with the Yamaha. But if it did feel like an upgrade, then I would be interested.

It really does look to be in mint condition and does feel like an upgrade, so we agreed on a price, and it's now sitting next to me. It's beautiful and sounds great and plays like a dream.

Darling Wife was happy to find out it's Canadian made - slightly less happy that it's from LaPatrie, Quebec. She's afraid I'll start playing with an accent. Accent or no, I'm already coaxing some sweet sounds out of this French-Canadian beauty.

Acoustic Open Mic

The leader of the Downingtown Acoustic Jam meetup e-mailed the group that there's a new opn-mic on Tuesday nights. It's in an old barn that's currently a carpet store, and the owners are into music and want to support the local music scene. I talked to my aikido- and band-mate Eric, and we decided to go check it out last night.

We brought our acoustics with us, but left them in the car, as we weren't sure how big the crowd would be, and if we'd want to get up and play. We got there at the posted time of 7:00, but things were running late, and it was probably after 7:30 before anything started. There was a small, friendly group of maybe 15 people, and most were from the meetup group.

With such a small group, we didn't hesitate to sign up for a slot to play, and we ended up going third (after the owner, who went first, then a guy who played a scorching electric guitar - he had a tiny amp and a recorded backing track, and did a great job on Eric Johnson's "Cliffs of Dover.")

We did two songs: "Crossroads" and "Bring it on Home" - two songs we know backwards and forwards, and had actually played together on the acoustics last weekend. We weren't perfect, but I think we did a creditable job. Most of all, it was a lot of fun.

We both had to get home, and weren't able to stay until the end, but I hope to get back there again on a Tuesday evening, and I salute the people who are trying to make this happen. If I find a website, I'll post the URL.

Addendum: the open mic facility is being called "The Rock", located inside the Exton Carpet & Rug Company at 160 Park Road, Downingtown, PA 19335 (Corner of Route 100 and Park) by Pearls Market. Here are the details:

Occurs every Tuesday
Sign Up at 7:00 PM
Performance starts at 7:30 PM
Admission - $3
BYOB – wine or beer only