CF brands and neck profiles

RoosterX · #1 02-16-2015, 01:56 PM

Two years ago, I briefly owned a Rainsong Black Ice OM that came with one of the beefiest necks I'd ever seen on an acoustic guitar. It was their "N2 neck" - not horrible by any means, but kind of awkwardly thick and felt "amateurish" compared to other brands in the same price range. I adored the sound of the guitar, but found I couldn't deal with the neck for that kind of money. So, I returned it to GC after a week and special ordered one with their "N1" neck. I waited 2 months (they told me 4 weeks) and finally had to cancel the order because the series of outdoor shows I'd wanted it for were about to begin. This was probably all for the best at the time because I wasn't thrilled about a guitar without a truss rod for neck adjustments (N1).

So, fast forward to today. I really want an OM or smaller sized CF now, but would like some feedback from owners:

Assuming I'm not going to get a neck that works for me on a Rainsong, can you recommend other CF guitars from other manufacturers in the OM size that have necks closer to what one might find on a Taylor or Martin with the Low Oval or Performing Artist taper?

Also, should I not care about the lack of a truss rod in an N1 neck and give one a try?

Thanks

Doubleneck · #2 02-16-2015, 04:57 PM

I think the easiest and cheapest answer to your question is to buy a used Rainsong with a N1 neck, much less risk buying a carbon used and Rainsong has great quality control. This seems to me a good solution cause you said you adored the sound of the Rainsong you briefly had. If you love the Rainsong sound why not go for it. You will not miss the truss rod.

Emerald would be my first choice for carbon necks. It would be what I would call a very normal neck and normal is good.

Your comments about the N2 are certainly mine as well. Though many here say they love it, I really wonder how many just "get used to it". I just purchased a new wood guitar and the neck on it is just perfect. It may ruin me for my Rainsong JM1000N2.

If you want new call up Ted at LA Guitars http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Rainsong...item4d2ddb9a2e

futboljim · #3 02-16-2015, 05:08 PM

I thought that the blackbird lucky 13 neck was a little closer to what you are looking for. I have gotten used to my N2 neck, and find it quite comfortable now, but I can see how it might not work for everyone.

I played a CA Cargo, and that neck was also fairly slim, guessing that they might have others that would also fit the bill. Haven't tried an Emerald yet, but hope to someday.

Good luck with your search

RoosterX · #4 02-16-2015, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doubleneck

I think the easiest and cheapest answer to your question is to buy a used Rainsong with a N1 neck, much less risk buying a carbon used and Rainsong has great quality control. This seems to me a good solution cause you said you adored the sound of the Rainsong you briefly had. If you love the Rainsong sound why not go for it. You will not miss the truss rod.

Emerald would be my first choice for carbon necks. It would be what I would call a very normal neck and normal is good.

Your comments about the N2 are certainly mine as well. Though many here say they love it, I really wonder how many just "get used to it". I just purchased a new wood guitar and the neck on it is just perfect. It may ruin me for my Rainsong JM1000N2.

If you want new call up Ted at LA Guitars http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Rainsong...item4d2ddb9a2e

Thank you very much for your response and advice, DoubleNeck. It sounds like Emerald will be the first brand I check out as I do like the different look of them and, thanks to you, now I know I'll be most likely be happy with the neck profile. I just saw a demo of the double-neck Emerald you have and it sounds amazing. You're a lucky guy!

Also, thank you for the link to that Rainsong Dread. That one is a little large for me, but I'm going to start looking for an OM sized model with their thinner NS neck too. It looks like LA Guitar Sales has quite a few different models on eBay right now, so I may reach out to them soon as well.

RoosterX · #5 02-16-2015, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by futboljim

I thought that the blackbird lucky 13 neck was a little closer to what you are looking for. I have gotten used to my N2 neck, and find it quite comfortable now, but I can see how it might not work for everyone.

I played a CA Cargo, and that neck was also fairly slim, guessing that they might have others that would also fit the bill. Haven't tried an Emerald yet, but hope to someday.

Good luck with your search

Thank you for your advice, FutbolJim! I probably could have gotten used to the N2 neck too, but I have too many other guitars with thinner profiles and didn't want an "odd man out" in those I play daily that would require adjusting technique to that degree. (That's one thick neck!) As I said, I loved the Rainsong and it sounded great through my rig, so I'm hopeful I'll either find an Emerald I like or I can get a Rainsong with the thinner neck profile. I just watched Jarvis review a Rainsong Shorty and it sounded glorious.

Thanks again. I'll check in back here in the CF section after I've found my guitar!