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-   -   Rainsong review (https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101741)

Jim Tozier 05-26-2007 06:54 PM

Rainsong review
 
Gotta keep it short for now, but I thought I'd share a few thoughts about the Rainsong A-WS1000 which I recently picked up to use for travel, outdoor gigs, etc.

The negatives:
  • The neck is super slim (from front to back... it's still a 1 3/4" nut). Slimmer than any guitar 've ever played, in fact--even electrics. It'll take some getting used to, but it's not going to be a problem.
  • The "binding" between the top and the back/side piece has an edge to it... it's not flush with the body. This is by design, not a flaw in this particular guitar. Not a big deal, but worth mentioning.
  • The top of mine (which is red) has a couple of spots on the top where the graphite/carbon fiber is visible underneath the red enamel. Not very noticeable, and purely cosmetic... but still the sort of thing that's likely to bother a finicky buyer.

The positives:
  • The sound is much better tha I expected. It doesn't sound like a wood guitar, but it doesn't sound as different as I expected, either.
  • The sustain is fantastic. I think this is why I've heard people compare Rainsongs to pianos. The notes ring longer, and for much of the music I play, the sustain adds some of the sweetness that I'm used to getting from tonewoods.
  • The neck and tuning are perfectly stable. I can switch between DADGAD to CGCGCD in a matter of seconds and not have to fine-tune as the neck adjusts to the increase or decrease in tension. Awesome!

Of course, since the Rainsong isn't wood, I can also leave it out on the stand or take it outside during the summer here in Atlanta without worrying about it. It'll be the perfect "songwriting guitar" to pick up in an instant and take along wherever I go.

So far, I'm very impressed and pleased. :)

makikogi 05-26-2007 07:42 PM

congrats on the purchase Jim, it'll only grow on you more and more, and WHEN it does, you should definitely check out the classic series.... ;)

Liberty 05-26-2007 07:52 PM

Ahhh, the Classic series :D

arrowspace90 05-26-2007 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Tozier (Post 1189979)
I can switch between DADGAD to CGCGCD in a matter of seconds

What about EADGBE??:D

Seriously, coming from a super guitarist, that is a review I give some real weight to. As a person who pays lip service to the cause of ecology, this is the next guitar I should buy. Isn't it great that it sounds so good as bonus.

rlouie 05-26-2007 08:18 PM

alright Jim don't make me post my "this thread is worthless without pics" gif, I don't want to but you know I will.... :D:D:D:D

Taylorplayer 05-26-2007 08:26 PM

Thanks for taking the time to post that review. Sounds like a very cool guitar to me.

The really thin neck would most definately be a "major plus" for me... the thinnner the better!!~! That's why I used to collect vintage Hagstrom's (not the re-issues). Still have one or two around.

Thanks again Jim....

Tp

fitness1 05-26-2007 08:27 PM

Hey, if graphite/carbon works for our buddy DW, it's fine with me.....

gerardo1000 05-26-2007 08:57 PM

I had one of the first Rainsong Advanced Series, red top, and I liked it.
It definitely had the signature Rainsong sound, but with less volume than the classic s. It was also much heavier than the classic series.
Other than that, it was an excellent guitar for the price, and I think it is even more interesting now that Composite guitars - once the more affordable composite guitars -have considerably raised their prices.
I believe that today the only other composite guitar which is comparable with the "low" price of a Rainsong Advanced series is Emerald.

Oracle 05-26-2007 09:39 PM

http://jimtozier.tripod.com/rainsong/rainsongfront.jpg
http://jimtozier.tripod.com/rainsong/rainsongback.jpg
http://jimtozier.tripod.com/rainsong...gbodyfront.jpg

Oracle 05-26-2007 09:44 PM

Oops.. double post

pencap23 05-26-2007 10:23 PM

I really really want a JM 1000.

Liberty 05-27-2007 04:34 AM

In the photo, is that an absence of paint for a pick guard?

Jim Tozier 05-27-2007 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liberty (Post 1190122)
In the photo, is that an absence of paint for a pick guard?

No... the pickguard is made of carbon fiber and glued to the top.

Liberty 05-27-2007 04:56 PM

Gotcha, thanks Jim.

MCCFAN 05-28-2007 02:27 PM

Thanks for the initial review; very helpful! Interested in hearing more about your impressions as you get more time in with the RainSong.


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