Help me decide between a L13 or a rainsong

[sirwhale]

First of all, I live in Barcelona, which means it is very difficult for me to try these guitars. I am a 99% fingerpicking blues player, with alternating and monotonic basses and, in the future, I´d like to learn some Malian style songs. I currently play my only guitar which is a Faith Mercury Parlour but would like a carbon fibre model to be my main guitar. I prefer the looks of the Blackbird Lucky 13 and from what I have read about the action it sounds fine and I´m not really bothered about the static truss rod.

But I hear so much more about the Rainsong shorty and the Rainsong parlour models that it makes me doubt what´s best for me. Considering the music I play, am I right in thinking that the L13 (with the new voicing) would be the correct choice?

[Jim K]

I do not think you can go wrong with either. Both will be excellent guitars. The Lucky 13, with the newer voicing and the sound port, . . . will likely sound like it has a bit more bass.

The RainSong Shorty (I own a RS Shorty), has plenty of bass, but will likely provide a more balanced sound and a bit overall brighter sound than the Lucky 13.

[nopicknick]

I have never played a L13 but can vouch for Rainsong. Do you finger pick with nails or the fleshy part of your fingers? Reason I ask is because I use just the fleshy part of my fingers, so I get a pretty warm/softer tone as a result. The Rainsong's balance works perfectly for me and sounds great. If a guitar is voiced with more bass it can sound muddy after a while.

[sirwhale]

Thanks for the replies, I play with both flesh and nail, ie nails not too long and catch the string at the end of the finger stroke. I find it hard to play without that bit of the nail as I find the flesh "sticks" more to the string.

[Mkel12]

I have played both and ended up with the L13. It was a hard decision, but I am very happy with my choice. I agree that either would serve your purpose well, and that both are great guitars.

[steelvibe]

I agree that both are great guitars but in fairness I've not played the L13 (although I wish I could). Even Rainsongs are very hard to find and Blackbirds are even more rare. I played the Shorty for a short while last year. I have not forgotten the experience. Such intriguing tone- not woody, but very pleasant and beautiful all around tonally.

I also appreciate the aesthetics on both guitars but the Shorty does have the cutaway- a plus if you play up the neck a lot like I do. But the L13 has the 2 additional soundports- that will make for a an amazing practice time.

I think both guitars would excel in a blues or slide format but I also think that both are very versatile, sound great flatpicked or fingerstyle. Maybe you should get one of each?

[mot]

Hard choice. I faced the same question recently. I finally chose L13. Best of luck to you.

[tdq]

I play a lot of finger picking blues, and I also have a few Malian tunes I play around with. I have a CA GX, but if the 2013 Lucky 13 was around when I bought it, I'm pretty sure I would have gone with the Lucky 13 instead. I had one for a week on the Macnichol roadtrip and loved it.
In my opinion, for fingerpicking blues, the Lucky 13 for sure. For the Mali stuff, the shorty might be a slightly better choice, with the bigger body and brighter tone. However, as others have said, either would be great. (But go with the Lucky13.... )

[Doubleneck]

Lucky 13, in my opinion

[sirwhale]

Thanks for confirming my thoughts, just waiting for the next wage slip

[Ray B]

I agree with TDQ and Doubleneck: Lucky 13.

[Doubleneck]

Here is a used Luck13
http://macnichol.com/forum-post/7246

[Sheppie]

Both are awesome and definitely of great quality. You could choose whatever feels better or whatever suits you more. Personally I'd go with Lucky13, as I can see like most us the posters too. Best of luck too you!

[sirwhale]

Thanks for the help people much appreciated

[sirwhale]

Got the L13 here with me in Barcelona and I couldn´t be happier. I love it thanks for all the advice; I won´t be needing another guitar for a long time (if not ever).