Blackbird Lucky 13 versus Rainsong Shorty

[Doubleneck]

Originally Posted by billder99

I was fortunate in my visit to LA Guitar, got to play L13, Shorty, RS Parlor, and McPherson Kevin Michael... side by side with my WS1000, shop was empty so I played for hours... what a GREAT day!

For me, there was no question as to the better option in small bodies (none of them had the OOOOMMPH of my WS1000, but all had great tonal qualities)... the Lucky 13 is an amazing player experience. There are 3 soundholes on the L13... soundboard, lower bout side, headstock... the result is unique for the player... different and extremely satisfying. I also preferred the look, the body size, and the playability of the L13.

PS: I got to play them all thru the Schertler Jam 150... WOW! No question what my next amp will be.

Each to his own, only you can decide, but for me it was a no-brainer. I just sold my Fishman Soloamp and I'm getting the Schertler... am now selling all 4 of my guitars, and the L13 will be my only guitar. I am simplifying my life, and I found a guitar/amp solution that, for me, is a superior solution.

How rare to have the opportunity to play all those guitars side by side. LA is probably the only place? Makes your review much more telling. Interesting the traction the L13 is getting.

[GrandDadgad]

Much like bilder99 I too am going to simplify and have the Blackbird Lucky 13, Zoom A3, Fishman Loudbox Mini as my only rig...

Just curious, I preferred the L13 sound when playing (slightly over Shorty) but not when listening when someone else was playing. I am guessing the three holes help with volume etc to the player, but don't really project to a listener?
Thoughts on this?

[GrandDadgad]

I recently had a friend play it and it was the first time I was in front of the guitar and was surprised/impressed how loud it was. The music sounded as if it was coming off the bridge rather than the sound hole...

The AGF member I bought it from made a foam insert for the side port and that also changed the projection of the sound...

[sirwhale]

I have the 2013 version, so no side port and it sounds much louder when someone else is playing it. Even so, I had an American friend visit me who was sceptical about CF and when he was playing, without having heard me play it beforehand, he was very impressed with the projection (and this is using 11-50s). He's changed is ideas about CF now.

[StillStephen]

As the sound port is cut out after the body is completed, you can order an L-13 without it.

[AZLiberty]

Originally Posted by StillStephen

As the sound port is cut out after the body is completed, you can order an L-13 without it.

Good to know. (I probably wouldn't do so, but good to know)

[billder99]

Originally Posted by GrandDadgad

Much like bilder99 I too am going to simplify and have the Blackbird Lucky 13, Zoom A3, Fishman Loudbox Mini as my only rig...

Great rig, I really like the Loudbox products alot, however... before you put your money down, try to find a place you can compare side x side Loudbox with the Schertler Jam. I was very surprised at the degree of difference, never would have believed it unless I heard it. Shertler makes amazing amps.

[billder99]

Originally Posted by hammerhead

Just curious, I preferred the L13 sound when playing (slightly over Shorty) but not when listening when someone else was playing. I am guessing the three holes help with volume etc to the player, but don't really project to a listener? Thoughts on this?

Each to his own, but I realized 2 things years ago:

• I am the one hearing my guitar 98% of the time... what I hear is more important to me than what my audience hears.
• 98% of people listening don't know the difference in tone, they just know if the song is being played right or not... this is especially true when playing thru an amp.