Rainsong Neck vs. Blackbird Neck

FormerFoodie · #1 09-14-2014, 11:28 AM

I still haven't had a chance to play a Rainsong yet, but for those of you who have played both Rainsong and Blackbird guitars, what are your high level comments/impressions regarding the necks of those guitars. I been trying to find a CF guitar I bond with. I started with a Lucky 13 and now I have a Rider. I love the portability of the Rider and the sound belies it's size. But I'm really starting to look hard about swapping the Rider with a Rainsong...

Thoughts?

Doubleneck · #2 09-14-2014, 02:27 PM

The Rainsong neck a modified U which makes for thick sides. Some love it cause it fills your hand. I have played both and would prefer the Blackbird. Was your Lucky 13 the new voicing? Surprised you couldn't bond there. Try a Rainsong only way to know. They are great guitars, I own a JM1000.

FormerFoodie · #3 09-15-2014, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doubleneck

Was your Lucky 13 the new voicing? Surprised you couldn't bond there. Try a Rainsong only way to know. They are great guitars, I own a JM1000.

Nope, it was before the re-voicing. I actually liked the guitar but switched to the Rider for the portability. I'm thinking of moving back to something less portable, but only if it does it for me.

I really wanted to hit LA Guitar Sales when I was down in LA over Labor Day Weekend to try the various carbon fiber guitars, but my calendar got too crazy. Next time!

tomana · #4 09-17-2014, 12:01 AM

I had a Lucky 13, sold it because I thought it sounded flat and dull due to the small body (just my personal opinion here)

I have two RainSong WS-1000's with N1 neck, they sound superb. The N1 neck is somnetimes called Ultra-Slim and has a very low profile but doesn't fill my hand (which is why I prefer it over any other neck out there - unfortunately RainSong doesn't make the N1 neck anymore). Also had a WS-3000 and recently sold it but it sounded superb as well. I haven't tried Blackbird's OM model so maybe the larger body has a thinner top and better tone? I never played a Cargo or Emerald

Doubleneck · #5 09-17-2014, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomana

I had a Lucky 13, sold it because I thought it sounded flat and dull due to the small body (just my personal opinion here)

I have two RainSong WS-1000's with N1 neck, they sound superb. The N1 neck is somnetimes called Ultra-Slim and has a very low profile but doesn't fill my hand (which is why I prefer it over any other neck out there - unfortunately RainSong doesn't make the N1 neck anymore). Also had a WS-3000 and recently sold it but it sounded superb as well. I haven't tried Blackbird's OM model so maybe the larger body has a thinner top and better tone? I never played a Cargo or Emerald

The original Lucky 13 was voiced for blues and I rejected it as dull as well. The new voicing started last year when he added a sound port was transforming. Love it and was amazed voicing could be changed to that degree.

BillDuck · #6 10-18-2014, 11:30 AM

I'm considering a Lucky 13. I now have a Rainsong with the N2 neck. I do like the larger neck. Has anyone played the N2 neck and a Lucky 13? I'm worried the Lucky neck may too low profile. None around here to try. Opinions?

FlyFast · #7 10-18-2014, 11:38 AM

I played both a Lucky 13 and a bunch of Rainsongs with the N2 neck. The Rainsongs have fuller necks but the only way to know if you'll like it is to play one. FWIW, I bought a Rainsong P12 and it is now my favorite guitar. Everything about it is perfect for me.

futboljim · #8 10-19-2014, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillDuck

I'm considering a Lucky 13. I now have a Rainsong with the N2 neck. I do like the larger neck. Has anyone played the N2 neck and a Lucky 13? I'm worried the Lucky neck may too low profile. None around here to try. Opinions?

Bill, I played a new version of the Lucky 13 several times at a local store, and just received a new RainSong APLE, with the N2 neck.

I think I slightly prefer the Blackbird neck, but the APLE I prefer by far over the Lucky 13.

The RS neck is beefier, and I was not sure about it the first time I tried it (in a store, on a different model), but I find it very easy on my hands. It is maybe a little tougher for me to wrap my thumb around for the low E string, but I am sorting out my technique when I need to. It does seem similar to my Recording King neck.

The Lucky neck seemed fairly similar to my Martin neck, lower profile for sure, which I do prefer, but it is not a deal breaker for me.

Conclusion? If you are worried about the Lucky being too small, you will likely prefer the RS neck profile. Obviously, as all would say, playing each would be your best bet, but it is prolly tough to find the Lucky 13 in many places.

BillDuck · #9 10-19-2014, 07:07 PM

Thanks. Turns out I'll be going through Salt Lake City in a couple months. I'll see if the dealer there has one, or something with a similar neck.