It's all your fault (with a shout out to RP)...
 

I blame you all, but special blame is reserved for RP.

Admittedly, I've been intrigued by CF instruments for a couple of years but y'all talking 'bout 'em and singin' the praises of same have started a ball rolling here that's preparing to demolish my stable of pretty-darn-nice "traditional" guitars. I'm sure it's some kind of plot...

Just before Christmas last year, I asked RP if he'd reconsider his 'CONUS' limit on the sale of his Rainsong H-WS1100N2T. Thankfully (can't believe I just said that) he didn't need much convincing...it's only a customs form, as terrifying as those seem to be...and he bundled up the WS and shipped it to Ca-na-da. After a short hiccough involving postal tracking, it arrived safe and sound.

Speaking of sound, to say I'm impressed with this guitar just doesn't say it with enough verve and vigor!!! I'm enthralled, and it really does put most of my wood instruments to shame. I've been playing it non-stop and my other guitars are sad because I've been putting them up on the chopping block.

Aside: Doesn't anyone else find it ironic that Rainsong CF guitars are made in Woodinville?

Just after New Years a buddy of mine had a '15 Emerald X7 Opus up for sale so I took another chance, bought it, and used it for "proof of concept." The parlor is far too small to keep and I really don't need a "travel guitar" but it was my first exposure to Emerald instruments. The quality convinced me to order an X30 Amber (sorry to say that adding veneer adds almost $1000 to the cost here in Ca-na-da and I couldn't justify the cost for appearance alone). Since I had just sold my "traditional" baritone fan-fret (26" to 27.25" scale) I decided to go for a fan fret on the X30 (25.5" to 27" scale) that I'll be able to use for the same purpose.

But wait! There's more!

Enthralled by the H-WS as I am, I've been intensely interested in the new SFT line from Rainsong. But I'm not a dread or a shorty kind of guy...I like big bouts (and I cannot lie)...then I read that the Nashville jumbo used the same tech and, this can't be emphasized enough, also comes without a barn door pickup and in that cool tobacco burst that nicely matches the H-WS!

Yep, I ordered one. I hate you all...

Phil

"Special blame?" All I can say is "ouch" and I'm glad you're liking the Rainsong. With CFs, you come for the indestructibility and stay for the tone...

Welcome to the CF world, Phil. Although I only own 2 now a few more have passed through my hands. I however have kept my wood instruments as well, and even double down and gone nicer there. I find they complement each other in sound just like different tone woods do. Yesterday I played all mahogany, then Sitka/Koa and later my McPherson Sable, just because I wanted to.
While many here have gone all CF, many more enjoy what both traditional and CF offer, so good luck finding your balance...

I suspect many of us came for nontraditional reasons. I came for robust beater and stayed for the superb playability and sound. My CF journey started in 2013. I took my time and finally made the plunge on an Emerald X20. A year or so later I got a Blackbird Lucky 13. More recently I have come into possession of an Emerald Kestrel. I usually get about one instrument a year and try to get rid of about one instrument a year (a la Evan's rent philosophy). These CF guitars are still around while others have gone on their way.

There might be better guitars and better CF guitars out there than the ones I have or the ones I have played, but the three I still have are pretty darn good IMHO. Happy hunting. Rainsongs that I have played are amazing, but they weren't differentiated enough from what I have already for me to get one...


yet.

Yep. We were in the middle of a six month stay on our boat when I bought my first CF guitar (a RainSong Shorty). From the first strum, I knew I was on to something. Getting my first Emerald was even more eye-opening: great sound, humidity indifference, and the most comfortable acoustic guitar I have played. After acquiring a couple more Emeralds and selling off the Shorty and a couple other wood guitars, I feel I have reached a state of homeostasis.

Apparently, I am still contagious, though... my friend and music partner has been on a buying spree since he retired 6 months ago. A spectacular new Yamaha keyboard (his main instrument), a Taylor acoustic, and three new electrics. One of which is a Strat that is, perhaps, the sweetest playing electric I have experienced. When my wife saw me playing that, she said, "You should get one of those!"

I said, "No, I have a couple nice electrics at home, and I can play his while we're here. I'm good."

Perhaps GAS is never cured, but I am almost a year in without acquiring another guitar. I don't blame others. The credit card is mine to hand over. But, the good folks here are encouraging.

Regarding "Evan's rent policy": the fact that his latest dream nylon is taking months (perhaps years) longer than anticipated may be saving him money in the long run. ;)

Congrats, philjs - enjoy those nice CFs!

Yes, I'm definitely saving money. In fact, I may be making money--I'm selling my Rainsong after a long comparison between it and my X10.

Also, a consistent comment regarding CF instruments, particularly the Emeralds, has been comfort. I just visited my brother-in-law and his Ramirez and was struck by how uncomfortable it was relative to my Emeralds. My Emeralds also play easier than the Ramirez. The Ramirez projects a bit more but the tonal qualities are about even.

We're ahead of the curve.

Maybe blame is a bit strong...how's enabler? Pusher? Dealer? :D

And, you're right, the tone is everything...the strong fundamental is key to that for me.

Thank you, FF. I will find a balance...I think it will be hard to give up a couple of my ol' fashioned guitars (though I do note that Emerald makes a fine harp guitar...)

Will do, Cap!

It's taken me awhile to catch up but I got here as soon as I could...

Phil

Phil,

Welcome to the carbon fiber world. I, like you, live in Ca-na-da and grew tired of all the care involved in wooden guitars. Not only that, the fear of taking them around, especially in winter, can be a little bothersome. I did purge a lot of my wooden guitars at that time with the intent to part with all of them but I have since decided to keep some around and I also gained a few more. What carbon fiber did for me was constantly remind me that I do play guitar. They're always out taunting me to play them, which I do. I also share the love equally between my wood guitars. When it comes to leaving the house though the Emeralds get the call. I'm after leaving my Emeralds in my vehicle for a whole day at work ranging from -40 deg C to +35 dec C and they stay perfectly in tune.

To me Emerald, Rainsong, CA, etc. have their own sound, just like Martin, Gibson, Taylor but they can go toe to toe with any of them and in some cases you may like them better, the same way people like the Martin sound over Taylor and vice versa. To me I just care about the sound my ears hear not the materials the guitar is made from. Having a worry free guitar that feels comfortable and sounds great = priceless!

Much better.....

Please change your penultimate sentence. It should read "Yep, I ordered my first one."

I know of what I speak, lol. Your blame and hate is well placed.

The CF world and this sub-forum welcome you!

It's an addictive love, for sure. I have stuck with Rainsongs, as I have yet to play an Emerald. I hope to resolve that issue at some point so I can stop the constant internal debate in my head... buy unplayed / don't buy unplayed?