Seagull Coastline 12 String

Good luck on the 12-string, hilts .  I'll tell you what FloridaGull  told me when I mentioned back on the old AGC that I was going to look at a mid-90s Simon & Patrick 12-string that from the pics on Craigslist looked to be in beautiful condition -- and if this is stuff you already know, forgive me. I probably wouldn't have been as careful as I was if FloridaGull hadn't suggested all this, and his advice made certain that I didn't make a bad decision.  

He said to carefully look at the neck angle (take along a straight edge so you can see where it hits the bridge), check the saddle in the bridge to make sure someone hasn't 'corrected' the action by shaving it down to nothing, and make sure there's no gaps where the bridge is starting to pull away (try to slide a piece of paper under it along the sides and back). In the case of the S&P, the neck angle was incredibly bad (in fact, the fretboard was bowing where it was glued to the top, something that hadn't shown in the pics), and the saddle barely cleared the bridge slot in which it was sitting (and the action was still rather high).  The bridge, however, was still tightly attached to the top -- not that it mattered given the other issues.

BUT -- I hope the guitar's in perfect condition and you grab it!

From what I've been told, to do the straightedge test, you take a long (18" to 24") metal ruler and place on its edge, resting on the frets. Move the ruler forward until the end touches the bridge. It should just about kiss the wooden top of the bridge. If it hits the bridge significantly low or passes over it, that's an indication of a neck angle problem.

I bought the guitar today. Neck angle is fine. It has nice action on it. Quite easy to play. I had emailed Seagull with the serial number and they told me it was manufactured in 1990. It has a few minor nicks on the top but it plays beautifully for a 26 year old guitar. For $200 Canadian, I'm pretty happy.

Yes, guitar must be leaned up against a white bifurcated regular door, in front of a fireplace or posed with tall plants.

DO not pose it in a Shower room..some fool did that already!

Nice score and what a nice little flock-o'-Gulls you have there hilts ; CONGRATS!!!