/ BUILT BY DAVID SEATON
….. Michael Monroe’s Seaton Guitars were dubbed the “Gunflint Guitars” by Cabin Life Magazine in their article, This Cabin Really Sings, because they were created on the Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, MN.
These custom guitars are named by David instead of numbered. Their names are: Baby Snow Leopard (tenor), Siobahn (classical electric acoustic midi), Snow Leopard (baritone), and Flamenca Del Rosa (steel string.)
The Snow Leopard Guitars’ fret boards are made of 200 year-old reclaimed birch from the bottom of Lake Superior. Ed Hedstrom of Hedstrom Lumber in Grand Marais, MN found this unique Bird’s Eye Poplar and showed it to David with the idea to use the wood to build guitars. He did use the wood for the bodies of these guitars. The Sound hole is located in the upper bout or side of the guitar closest to the player’s ear.
Flamenca del Rosa was the first guitar David built and it was meant for a friend of his in Michigan. Once Michael played it however, he fell in love. It had it’s debut at the Guthrie Theater for the Jim Brandenburg/Michael Monroe 2003 collaboration In Concert With Nature. David was drilling to install the pick-up an hour before the show, which added a certain level of anticipation backstage. This steel stringed guitar is asymmetrical, with the sound hole in the top corner of the guitar, rather than under the strings.
David gifted a sweet ukelele to Michael. The uke is made of birch wood gifted to David by Michael’s father Bob Monroe. It’s name is Makau Kane Mele which means, the father is singing.
Flamenca del Rosa was the first guitar David built and it was meant for a friend of his in Michigan. Once Michael played it however, he fell in love. It had it’s debut at the Guthrie Theater for the Jim Brandenburg/Michael Monroe 2003 collaboration In Concert With Nature. David was drilling to install the pick-up an hour before the show, which added a certain level of anticipation backstage. This steel stringed guitar is asymmetrical, with the sound hole in the top corner of the guitar, rather than under the strings.
David gifted a sweet ukelele to Michael. The uke is made of birch wood gifted to David by Michael’s father Bob Monroe. It’s name is Makau Kane Mele which means, the father is singing.
MICHAEL IS SPONSORED BY AND PROUDLY PLAYS ELIXER STRINGS
Mike, I first saw you and listened to your beautiful music, and am very interested in getting some of your songs. I’m very excited in finding the lyrics and chords to your songs so I can learn, play and sing them as well. I want to purchase your CD’s so I can listen anytime I’m on the highway or just working on my laptop. I’d love to take a look at your line of guitars. The sound is a very rich melodic sound, and they are a very beautiful, light color with a rich tones. I saw you on Jason Davis last night and this morning. I am truly glad I got to see and listen to your wonderful music. I just play and sing for family and friends around our community, but I enjoy seeing the smiles on their faces their appreciation for arts.
Thanks so much for your kind words about my music! Glad that you saw the KSTP broadcast and be sure to phone for the CDs as would love to share my music with you! (612-789-2255) or pick them up on iTunes/Amazon! (Michael)
hi michael. i have enjoyed your muic and concerts over the years. i am pursuing david seaton to build me a guitar. i met with him recently and told him i learned of him thru you. i am interested in a baritone guitar. i told him i would appreciate playing one, and discerning if ithat is truly what i wanted him to build for me. he suggested i contact you and ask if you would allow me to play yours.
i am a hospice chaplain in river falls wisconsin. as i have researched your concert schedule in twin cities area, if i discovered a date that might work for me to come, how might you feel about me arriving early to play your baritone, and to possibly ask for your thoughts / insights regading it? there is also the possibility i could attend one of your fall house concerts, or simply drive up to your place, depending on timing.
i have given david a deposit already; now i want to be sure i will be happy with the baritone or another of his guitars.
i enjoy your music – your lyrics, your rich melodies, and the invitation i feel to experience the story you are telling. thank you for bringing your music and passion to the world.
bas sona,
derek (715-220-6122)