Rainsong Shorty Questions

[Hinto]

Hi gang, just picked up a used Rainsong Shorty today and I have a few questions I'm hoping you can help with.

Any issues using medium strings? I'll be getting a setup so my luthier can tweak the truss rod if needed, and I'll probably be getting a bone saddle fitted.

Has anyone found a nice gig bag that will fit it properly? The factory hardshell case is quite a bit longer than necessary.

Finally, it has some light scratches from pick use. Can this be buffed out without messing up the guitar?

The previous owner was a smoker, any ideas how to lose the smell? From both the case and the guitar? Right now I've got them sitting out on the porch airing out.

Thanks!

[AZLiberty]

Boulder Alpine "dobro" size fits very well. I have one for a different guitar (Tacoma Chief) and have done a test fit.

http://elderly.com/accessories/items/BAG3-TAN.htm

Nice gig bag, well padded, decent pockets. Available in Blue, Green, and Tan instead of black.

My Shorty was a very expensive purchase for me. Under no circumstances would I consider forgoing the protection of a hard case, but if you want a gig bag the Boulder Alpine is a nice one.

[Captain Jim]

Can't help you with the smoke smell, but I spent months looking for the right gig bag... check out Access:

http://www.carryaccess.com/gallery3.htm

Check out the Access AB3SAHB case - it will fit your Shorty like it was made for it.

They also have a closeout on the AB3SAHT...

http://www.carryaccess.com/closeoutbags.htm

... that you can buy direct from them. Contact their customer service and ask about that closeout - I don't know if it has the neck support. Ask for Tim Ellis - he is familiar with the fit for the Shorty.

Here's a link to a thread about a gig bag for a Shorty from a while back...

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=339466

Enjoy your Shorty - great guitar!

Captain Jim

[Earl49]

I have passed on buying at least two used guitars were otherwise nice but smelled like old ashtrays. My guess is that the carbon fiber Rainsong will give up the smoke smell once it's thoroughly cleaned and aired out. CF should be less likely to permanently absorb smells than open-pored wood inside the guitar. And you need not worry about humidity control while airing it out either.

The case is another matter. First I would leave it open and outside the house (sheltered from the weather of course) and let it air out for a few *weeks*. Some sun exposure might also help. Sunlight has a bleaching / sterilizing effect, which might also fade your case lining color or fade the outer covering.

The "search " function will be your friend here. There has been extensive discussion of various methods: Fabreeze sheets, Ozium spray, coffee grounds, baking soda, etc. Here is one thread:
http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...ighlight=smell

Good luck and enjoy your Rainsong.

[jdinco]

I second the Access bag suggestion, I've been using one on my Shorty all summer and it is a great bag with a lot of protection.

The guitar smell, I don't know, but spray the case down with Fabreeze 2 or 3 times, or until the smell is gone. I've done this on the upholstry in a camper we had, it worked well and the smell was strong.

Great purchase....

[winstondog1]

Congrats on a great guitar. I've been using Meguiars Quik Detailer to clean mine - works well. I use light/medium strings - either Elixir Polyweb or D'Addario EXP's. Medium's are a bit too much for my tired, old fingers!

[moondoggie999]

Been very happy with this bag

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/acces...ssical-gig-bag

[Doubleneck]

Use this to rub out scratches, worked like a charm on my Emerald. Meguiars Scratch X

[Hinto]

Hi everyone, thanks for the great advice, I'll check into these suggestions!