I need advice on neck profiles

Jazzbonk · #1 01-05-2016, 01:11 PM

I'm really looking to go carbon fiber, but I'm not close to any dealers to try them out. I bought a Cargo, and even though I loved the sound, the thin neck profile eventually led me to sell it.

Do all CA guitars have the same thin profile as the Cargo?

I prefer a nice full C. I love Takamine necks on their pro line and the Martin PA neck, but not a fan of Taylor.

I also really strongly prefer 2 3/16 string spacing over 2 1/4.

Can someone give me some advice on the neck profiles of each brand?

Earl49 · #2 01-05-2016, 01:56 PM

I have a Cargo, and a Rainsong WS-1000 with the original N1 neck. I cannot speak about the profiles of the other brands or the other CA models. Based on what you said, a Rainsong with the newer, chunkier N2 neck might be the ticket. I suggest a chat with Ted at LA Guitar Sales, since you don't have a local shop to test drive one.

Acousticado · #3 01-05-2016, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Earl49

I have a Cargo, and a Rainsong WS-1000 with the original N1 neck. I cannot speak about the profiles of the other brands or the other CA models. Based on what you said, a Rainsong with the newer, chunkier N2 neck might be the ticket. I suggest a chat with Ted at LA Guitar Sales, since you don't have a local shop to test drive one.

I agree about consulting with Ted. Hopefully, he will chime-in here. I've never played a RainSong, but based on much reading here, Earl is likely correct that one may suit you best. I agree that the CA Cargo has a thinner profile than even Taylor, so does their GXi model that I used to own. The neck profile on Emeralds tends to feel close to a Taylor (which I love) though not quite as thin. Having said this, Emeralds are very fine guitars and Alistair offers extraordinary customization options. I'm sure members here will agree that he offers more flexibility than any other CF builder, and at reasonable prices. If you're at all attracted to Emerald models, it'd be worth it to have a discussion with Alistair.

Robbypad · #4 01-05-2016, 02:12 PM

Get a RainSong WS1000 or OM1000 with N2 neck.No need for further discussion....

Go for no barn door electronics. ...more valuable and better looking.

Doubleneck · #5 01-05-2016, 03:06 PM

I think Rainsong is your ticket for a full C. They also has string spacing of 2 3/16.

Jazzbonk · #6 01-05-2016, 03:59 PM

Thanks for the advice everyone.

Can anyone weigh in on the Blackbird Lucky 13 profile?

Doubleneck · #7 01-05-2016, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazzbonk

Thanks for the advice everyone.

Can anyone weigh in on the Blackbird Lucky 13 profile?

More is a classic C profile than Rainsong with a little less heft. Not a thin Taylor. Would be a good choice as well I think for you.

GrandDadgad · #8 01-05-2016, 04:21 PM

My Blackbird Lucky 13 has a C-shaped neck, feels like some Gibson's I've played.

Here's a link: https://blackbirdguitar.com/content/lucky-13

Jazzbonk · #9 01-06-2016, 02:13 PM

I'm interested in Rainsong and the Lucky 13-it does not have a truss rod correct?

Maybe a silly question, but this will help-

Am I right assuming the Blackbird profile is closer to the N2 in fullness rather than the thin profile of the Cargo?

Thanks for the help guys!

Doubleneck · #10 01-06-2016, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazzbonk

I'm interested in Rainsong and the Lucky 13-it does not have a truss rod correct?

Maybe a silly question, but this will help-

Am I right assuming the Blackbird profile is closer to the N2 in fullness rather than the thin profile of the Cargo?

Thanks for the help guys!

Lucky has hollow neck no truss rod, but that wouldn't worry me.

Yes, the L13 is closer to the N2.

Uncle Pauhana · #11 01-07-2016, 01:34 PM

You might like the Emerald X20 neck. I think I've heard it described as a "modern D" shape, but I'm not sure if it's chunky enough to deserve being called that.

gfa · #12 01-07-2016, 03:44 PM

I think "full C" is an apt description of the Rainsong N2 neck. Very comfortable for me. By way of comparison, most of my other time is spent on a modified V (also comfy) and a really big C-ish (doable, but not my fave), and I don't like skinny necks at all.

ChunkyB · #13 01-20-2016, 11:31 AM

I second what has been said. Rainsong has some chunky necks.

Whaleblue · #14 01-20-2016, 03:07 PM

If you have a specific requirement you should consider Emerald. Alistair will build to your specific requirement, and I got exactly what I was after.

Carmel Cedar · #15 05-07-2016, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whaleblue

If you have a specific requirement you should consider Emerald. Alistair will build to your specific requirement, and I got exactly what I was after.

Ian, what neck did you order? For me, a Rainsong is the ideal CF guitar, but I tried the N2 neck and it doesn't work for me. If Alistair can do a Taylor-like one, I'll move to an X7. Would love to hear your experience. Thanks in advance!