It's clear that Seagull recognised the string gauges here, because the nylon version of this increases the nut width to 34mm to compensate for the thicker strings. I didn't struggle with the width one bit. It really doesn't feel so narrow because of that, and in fact it feels very like a mandolin in my hands. Remember, this is fitted with steel strings, not nylon. You would be forgiven for thinking that I would immediately slam it for being so narrow but bear with me here. It's very rounded in profile, but I think that is exaggerated by the nut width on the steel model which is a tiny 30mm. Up to the neck and this, as I say, seem integral to the body and a natural extension of the middle section of maple. There isn't much else by way of decoration aside from a simple line around the unusually shaped sound hole and a stark white scratch plate which I think stands out way too much and would have looked much better in tortoiseshell. It's nicely done, very tactile with some curves and chamfering on the back on the parts you hold that is very reminiscent of an electric guitar and the Godin Multiuke. Because of that we don't see the normal back bracing and kerfing, but rather a carved chamber. Looking in to the sound hole and you see that the block of maple then appears to be hollowed out to create the sound chamber. It appears to be in three pieces with a central piece comprising the neck and two 'wings' on the side. We have a striking body design with a back and sides made of chambered solid maple wood. And it's certainly a very different looking instrument and I like that. This model was announced last year and Seagull actually launched a pair of ukuleles based on the same body model, a steel string version like this one and a nylon strung version which is almost identical. Godin instruments are all made in Canada and are renowned for being of great quality for reasonable prices. I also very much enjoyed their Godin Multiuke ukulele and played on on stage for many years. Seagull form part of the Canadian Godin group, makers of guitars I have enjoyed for many years under the names of Godin, Seagull, Simon and Patrick and Art and Lutherie.
I've been looking forward to it because of that brand name.
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