RainSong Concert Hybrid Series

[Ashvin]

Hi Everyone:

It's been a while since I posted here. While I stop in from time-to-time to see what all of you are discussing, I tend to avoid interjecting myself into the mix. I decided to make an exception to introduce RainSong's new baby ... the CH Series.

RainSong has been crafting composite instruments for 22 years (hard to believe!). So far, we have done reasonably well to build ourselves a niche market. However, this niche is tiny compared to the overall high-end acoustic market and RainSong's survival and growth depends on cracking this bigger target. We (Dave and I) decided that we needed to take a bold and drastic step. With this in mind, we designed the Concert Hybrid (CH) Series.

The CH Series combines the best features of RainSong's other lines -- the Concert Series unidirectional all-Carbon soundboard, the economic and mellow Hybrid Series body construction, the 24.875" scale 12-fret neck made popular by the Shorty and the Parlor, a high-gloss soundboard that magnifies the unidirectional Carbon grain and a satin back/sides/neck. Based on Customer feedback (also reflected on many threads here), we decided to offer pure-acoustic and acoustic-electric options (LR Baggs Element, Anthem and K&K Pure Mini). The CH line ranges in (MAP/street) prices from $1,299 to $1,799.

Our goal with the CH Series was to not only provide the most attractive Carbon/composite guitar, but to build a line of instruments that would compete favorably against any other Made-in-USA wooden acoustic in this price range (does this even exist?).

I invite all of you to our website to check out more pictures and details. http://www.rainsong.com/concert-hybrid/series.html

Thanks for reading!

Ashvin

[Kray Van Kirk]

This is very cool, Ashvin!

I'm actually moving down south in a week so I'll have the opportunity to go play a lot of the Rainsong models I've been missing.

I have to ask, though - will there ever be another Rainsong 12-string?

[Fixedgear60]

Ashvin,

Thanks for dropping in and sharing ... you have made a believer out of me. All I play is rainsong now and love my JM (1000/3000) and Shorty. With this new line/price point I do not have to compromise on a travel guitar with the new P12... and it is gorgeous to boot. Once you get used to the rainsong feel and sound ... it is all you want to play ... even when traveling...:-)

Best of luck and special thanks to Dave for his quick replies and the great support of Ted @ LAguitars!!!

Chris

Asvin;

Congratulations on a long run and on your new line of fine instruments. Wherever I play my nylon string Parlor other players love the sound, want to play it, and have a hard time believing that it is not a wooden instrument. I've moved through a lot a guitars but this one is a keeper. Thank you.

[MikeMcKee]

I purchased the new P12 from Ted right after the show. Immediately traveled from Michigan to Colorado and have been playing the crap out of it here in the Mountains. Very pleased. The perfect guitar. No pickup needed and no case needed, so this level was perfect. I did add a Pearse arm rest and it's even better and really comfortable. A winner.

[Captain Jim]

Hi Ashvin,

Great to see you post here. Owners enjoy seeing participation by their builders. Wishing you all the best with this new line!

Jim

[SpruceTop]

Originally Posted by Ashvin

Hi Everyone:

It's been a while since I posted here. While I stop in from time-to-time to see what all of you are discussing, I tend to avoid interjecting myself into the mix. I decided to make an exception to introduce RainSong's new baby ... the CH Series.

RainSong has been crafting composite instruments for 22 years (hard to believe!). So far, we have done reasonably well to build ourselves a niche market. However, this niche is tiny compared to the overall high-end acoustic market and RainSong's survival and growth depends on cracking this bigger target. We (Dave and I) decided that we needed to take a bold and drastic step. With this in mind, we designed the Concert Hybrid (CH) Series.

The CH Series combines the best features of RainSong's other lines -- the Concert Series unidirectional all-Carbon soundboard, the economic and mellow Hybrid Series body construction, the 24.875" scale 12-fret neck made popular by the Shorty and the Parlor, a high-gloss soundboard that magnifies the unidirectional Carbon grain and a satin back/sides/neck. Based on Customer feedback (also reflected on many threads here), we decided to offer pure-acoustic and acoustic-electric options (LR Baggs Element, Anthem and K&K Pure Mini). The CH line ranges in (MAP/street) prices from $1,299 to $1,799.

Our goal with the CH Series was to not only provide the most attractive Carbon/composite guitar, but to build a line of instruments that would compete favorably against any other Made-in-USA wooden acoustic in this price range (does this even exist?).

I invite all of you to our website to check out more pictures and details. http://www.rainsong.com/concert-hybrid/series.html

Thanks for reading!

Ashvin

Ashvin,

Will you introduce 14-fret, regular-scale, Concert Hybrid Series models? Not everyone wants a 12-fret guitar. Also, how about offering a Fishman Prefix Plus T/Matrix or a Fishman Onboard Aura/Matrix preamp/pickup option? Thanks.

[pandaroo]

Thanks for the introduction of these new models, Ashvin. I have the CH-WS on order from Ted.

How good is this. It has most of the best features that i wanted from other lines at entry price point, 12 fret, unidirectional top, satin neck and pure acoustic.

[RP]

Thanks for dropping by and sharing, Ashvin....

[Ashvin]

Hi again:

Thank you for all your kind words and wishes ... we REALLY hope that this line does well.

I frequently get asked about future plans for RainSong ... new models (12-string, basses, ukes, jazz, classical etc.) and options (neck profile alternatives, stainless frets, Aura system etc.). Unfortunately, I cannot provide any details or hints. This is because:

1. I do not know. Although we have been around for a while, RainSong is still a tiny company (10 people) working towards establishing a stable business. For every action we take (eg. introducing the CH line), we need to wait and assess the impact on the market. Our resources are limited and have to be carefully managed. Making rapid and excessive product introductions and changes can easily confuse the market and/or tap us out.

2. Even if I had plans for future changes or product introductions, it would be unwise for me to share these until we are ready to launch them.

Having said all that, I would like to assure you that I am constantly listening for feedback.


Thanks again!

[Kray Van Kirk]

That is some seriously prodigious output for only 10 people!!

I'm headed to Folk Alliance next week, and all my promo shots in the program and the digital boards and such are the one using the neck you sent me in the ice. A very cold shot, but worth it.

[Doubleneck]

10 people does show what a small niche market carbon really is. This new line is in all the right directions.

[frances50]

Thanks for keeping us informed. I love my Rainsong. Hopefully, as time goes by the marketing will reach the many masses who have no idea what a carbon fiber guitar is.

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Thanks for chiming in, Ashvin!

[sirwhale]

Pine, who was recently talking about putting nylon strings on a Blackbird L13, has recently bought one of these; the nylon parlor version.

Ted, how much would the nylon parlors go for? They are not yet on your website.