NGD: Rainsong CH-WS1000NS!

[MiG50]

After a few years owning my RS Shorty, I finally started looking around for something a bit bigger, with bigger bass response. I've looked at the WS models before, something similar to a Grand Symphony or Mini Jumbo. Then I found this CH-WS, and for that price, I decided I can't go wrong.

I've had the two RSs side-by-side for a while, and I'm pretty satisfied with the coverage I get with the two models. The Shorty is totally mid-focused, a great finger-picker, and comfortable due to the shallower depth. But the WS is like opening up the tone controls wide-open and flooring it! Big, powerful (but controlled) bass response, same CF crystal highs, and balanced in the mids. Totally full-range response.

I'm also in love with the new matte finish that Rainsong is putting on the back-and-sides, plus the neck. I get a little sweaty in the palms, so the matte finish is way faster and smoother to my hands, kind of like a well-worn and broken-in wood neck. Honestly, this seems to be the biggest feature of the CH-WS versus my Shorty. I might start thinking about trading my Shorty for a CH-OM or even a CH-PA, just to get this finish on the neck.

The rest of the features, you guys probably know about. Pretty solid all the way around, great finish, great HS case, pretty good action right out off the UPS truck. I will probably swap the Elixir strings for my preferred D'Addario EXP strings, and see if I need any tweaks to fit my dynamics. But this guitar is going straight on the stand in the living room for at least the next month.

Anyone else had a chance at the Concert Hybrids? They seem to be a hell of a bargain, compared to everything else I've been seeing on the CF market lately.

[Ed-in-Ohio]

Congratulations! Enjoy it.

P.S.: We'd love to see pics...

[MiG50]

[Earl49]

Congrats MiG50! Nice review comparing the two.

I have not played the new C-H series (yet) mostly because no store stocks them locally, and my fourth CF guitar is on the way in December. I'm mostly set for CF guitars at this point. But they get universally good reports here. I will definitely give one a try at the first opportunity.

[MiG50]

I hadn't really heard much about them, but that price point is crazy. I'm still obviously in the honeymoon phase, but this WS is awesome! I really love the black hardware/nut/saddle/rosette, and I'm anxious to try the LR Baggs system, but that neck finish is a total deal-maker for me. I'm already GASsing for a CH-PA now!

[jonfields45]

My CH-PA has become my primary player and gigging guitar.

[Captain Jim]

Congrats! Nice size comparison with the photos. Enjoy!

[NoodleFingers]

I am very jealous of that cool RainSong badge on your case. I never got one of those.

[jdinco]

Congrats on the WS ! I think it's the best Rainsong size.

[MiG50]

Originally Posted by NoodleFingers

I am very jealous of that cool RainSong badge on your case. I never got one of those.

Yeah, my Shorty has a TKL case, no badge. The CH-WS came with an Access Stage Three case with the badge. The cases are equally nice, hard to say, but the badge is a nice touch.

[kramster]

Nice buy! You done good. I have one of those around here somewhere... It does have a nice balanced sound with a bit more richness that the CH-OM.

[MiG50]

Originally Posted by jdinco

Congrats on the WS ! I think it's the best Rainsong size.

I like the different sizes for different things, although I think the WS is versatile enough to cover everything comfortably. I do like the shape and comfort of the Shorty, and I have a wood parlor that is really nice also. But you can't get that big, round tone from those smaller bodies.

[AZLiberty]

I really like the dark chrome/blacked out tuners on these.

Never even realized that Rainsong uses Grovers (or Grover Copies). I even pulled out my Shorty to compare. Just shows how little I actually have to adjust the tuning on these CF instruments.

[MiG50]

Originally Posted by AZLiberty

I really like the dark chrome/blacked out tuners on these.

No doubt, the blackout aesthetic is really awesome. Black nut, black saddle, black bridge pins, black rosette, black tuners, black truss rod cover. Makes me wonder who's making black frets! It's almost enough for me to want to buy black replacements (except for the rosette) for my Shorty.

[Song]

Congratulations on your new WS guitar!
It looks good!