Composite Acoustics
I had a chance to try one of these today. I am not sure of the model number (black with a centre soundhole, priced just below 3K Canadian). I was very impressed with the unplugged sound of this guitar, especially the bass strings.
Looks like the beginning of new GAS :( |
I recently played a CA Cargo for the first time and was surprised at how good it sounded. It was not as good as my Taylor GS8 (biased?) but for a non-wood guitar i was really impressed. Playability was good (not great but very nice). Sound was good but the sustain and harmonics are not quite what i like. If i needed a near indestructible guitar that sounded (acoustically) good ... definitely would consider a CA. I wish i could have checked out how it sounded plugged in.
Ken |
Recently acquired a used Rainsong WS-1000. WOW! Great addition to the herd. Easy to play, great volume, cuts through the mix like butter.
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I have a 5iMCE, not sure what the new designation is, but it's basically a full size cargo, with integrated bracing and offset soundhole. I bought it originally because it was comfortable, and I didn't want to worry about my wood guitar on vacation or in the car. Honestly, sound was secondary to durability. It has become my go to guitar. I love the sound, tonal balance, sustain, it does everything well and is VERY comfortable to play for hours. Also, my 57 year old mechanic's hands have taken a beating over the years, and getting to sound I love out of a guitar with light gauge strings is a HUGE plus for me.
There are several new designs using carbon fiber, and even a forum dedicated to them at http://carbonguitar.com/ I still love wood guitars, and I've been lusting after a couple of Lowdens for a while, but I could easily live with my CA as my only instrument. ken |
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Regards, SpruceTop |
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Bill |
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Regardless, my wife's rules trump those of AGF. I think I promised her I wouldn't buy any more guitars ... ever ... after this one :( |
Another CA GXi (Hi gloss tobacco burst) owner and lover here. Terrific guitar on all counts. I also own a Cargo. Great for what it is. I don't like it as much as the GXi, but I actually play it more because its size/contours makes it the perfect couch guit.
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I had posted a feedback a few days ago on a test drive of an X here, but since it got completely unnoticed :( I'll repost it here.
During what had been a routine stroll through Ochanomizu in Tokyo when I used to live here, I walked into a store called Guitar Planet to find a bunch of X guitars available. The store clerk told me that the guitars arrived just a couple of weeks ago, but for some reason seemed to be a bit hesitant to let me try one out, although I eventually talked him into it. (A bit strange, I thought, but oh well.) Having test driven a Cargo before but never a full-sized model, I had to noodle with it a bit. If I could sum up the tone in one phrase, it would be "Taylor on steroids." I don't think I've ever played a guitar with brighter and "sharper" tone. Part of it might be the material (carbon fiber as opposed to wood), but I don't recall the Rainsongs being this bright when I played a few at a GC a while back. The bass response wasn't too bad for its size, as was the overall volume and projection; I can only imagine what kind of a bass response the Xi would have, with its shifted soundhole. I don't know if the shop had done any setup on the guitar, but the action was just right, and the overall playability was remarkable. The store clerk shared my impression that, while the X would not make a good "main" guitar for the majority of the serious acoustic enthusiasts, it would be a good change of pace to complement the wooden guitars in a player's collection. It's possible that I could go for something like the new OX as a travel guitar in the future, as I recently decided that parlors and other small guitars aren't for me, but I'd like to hear some opinions from those who've played both the X and the OX for comparison's sake. |
I likes'em. 4th on the way (The new OX)... my friend has the first 12 string which came out a few months back and I will borrow it next week just to see/hear.
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I've got two of 'em; a 7M-CE (GX) and a Cargo. I wouldn't hesistate to buy another CA and probably will....once I check out the new OX, the new Baritone and the new 12-String.
I like my Martin and Larrivee but, the CA's are just special. |
I'm pretty sure it was a 'GX' with electronics that I played today. I also tried an 'X' with an offset soundhole - not as much depth. The centre soundhole seems to improve the bass (in my opinion).
I don't really like the look of their new 12 string - I would prefer a more traditional look with a centre soundhole. The sculpted back on a 12 string would be very pleasant. |
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From the standpoint of tonal balance, I couldn't imagine a guitar MORE dissimilar to a Taylor. If anything, the weakest area is in the upper frequencies, and the bass is absolutely THUNDEROUS, even when compared to my Huss and Dalton dread. The Rainsongs have a bias toward the high frequencies, the CA's a bias toward the bass. As far as not being a good guitar for "serious acoustic enthusiasts", nearly every person I've spoken to that owns a CA is using it as their primary instrument. I hope I'm not making this sound like an argument. I believe you heard what you heard, but your experience is SO atypical that I think you should try again. CA's are NOT perfect, and if you are truly discerning, they don't sound like wood necessarily, but the things they do well, they do SO WELL. IMHO, not only are they very good guitars, they are EXCELLENT values as well. ken |
I have a couple of CA Legacy Deadnaughts and I have to say that they sound fantastic! As a matter of fact I just sold two of my Taylors a GSRC and a GS5 to justify them.
I wouldn't say that the CA's sounded better than my Taylors but the fact that they are impervious to humidity and temprature changes and virtually maintenance free, not to mention they do sound great was a no brainer for me. I have also owned a Rainsong DR1000 and found that the CA's sound much warmer in tone. |
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