Why did you buy, or consider, your Carbon Fiber?

[itsLars]

My CA GX features almost 100% of my ‚dream-specs‘ (1-3/4 nut, small jumbo size, authentic pu-sound (-> Aura) and more) plus the toughness for live gigging, so it was a no-brainer. [emoji106]

[Chipotle]

Originally Posted by itsLars

My CA GX features almost 100% of my ‚dream-specs‘ (1-3/4 nut, small jumbo size, authentic pu-sound (-> Aura) and more) plus the toughness for live gigging, so it was a no-brainer. [emoji106]

Exactly why I got a GX! Plus I think the red wine burst color is beautiful, and I've had others comment on that as well. And not just toughness--the stability of the CF neck means not constantly re-tuning.

I like mot's comment that CF guitars sound like guitars, and so do wood guitars, and everything else is preference.

But I think there's also a psychological element of the "early adopter" at play. I've always gravitated towards things that are a little out of the mainstream, be it music, art, or even the car I drive. The idea of something novel definitely intrigued me, and started me down the road towards even considering such a novel beast as a CF guitar.

[VJP5]

I love my RainSong Shorty. I started out with several different models as I was looking for a camping guitar that I did not have to worry about.

After going thru the RS inventory lineup, I found my way to the Shorty. I play it as much in the house, as I do camping or at the beach. I just love the tone!

[futboljim]

Originally Posted by Dru Edwards

Hey Everyone, I don't visit this sub forum very often but I've always been intrigued by carbon fiber guitars. Why did you buy, or why are you considering, a Carbon Fiber? Is it mostly because of the humidity/ temperature/ environmental reasons or something else?

Perhaps you're like me. You have wood based acoustics and you're just looking for something different?

I am interested in reading the responses you got, but will share my reasons first.

My first CF guitar was my Rainsong APLE. I got it because the size suits me, the scale suits me, and I wanted a guitar that I can leave out on a corner shelf in my main living area. After hearing reviews, it seemed to be just the right move - and it has turned out to be fantastic.

Next, I was considering a travel guitar. I had traveled with the APLE a couple of times, but I really liked the idea of the Journey's size. I used to own a VoyageAir, but did not like the idea of wood, laminate or otherwise, on a travel guitar. Talking with Ted (from whom I also bought the APLE!) pushed me over the top. Once again, I have been very happy, it fit my needs very nicely, and sounds and plays great, and can take the wear of the road nicely.

My future includes an incoming X20 woody, and my APLE will move to the lake. Currently, I use my Journey at the lake, but really do not want to set it up and take it down all the time. Thus, the woody will move into the main home, the APLE to the lake, and the Journey will continue to travel with me.

Yes, CF durability and consistency vs wood is a huge factor. I hope you find the one(s) that work for you!

[David Eastwood]

Originally Posted by mot

My theory is that "soul" is in the mind of the beholder and can exist in any instrument. My best guess is that CF guitars sound like guitars. Wood guitars sound like guitars. Some of them sound good or even great to our ears and some do not.

Could not agree more. People think there's a CF 'sound' because CF guitars aren't wood, and *therefore* can't possibly be as good. You see the same kind of utter illogic displayed in the wood forums as well - how many time have you seen something like "it sounds remarkably warm for a maple guitar", because, of course, the truism is that all maple guitars are bright. Not to mention the nonsense bandied around about other 'tonewoods'.

The luthier is the biggest influence in the overall sound, not the materials, and I believe that to be true for CF just as much as it is for wood.

Originally Posted by Chipotle

I like mot's comment that CF guitars sound like guitars, and so do wood guitars, and everything else is preference.

Bingo.

But I think there's also a psychological element of the "early adopter" at play. I've always gravitated towards things that are a little out of the mainstream, be it music, art, or even the car I drive. The idea of something novel definitely intrigued me, and started me down the road towards even considering such a novel beast as a CF guitar.

Now this, I will admit to. For example - apart from the fact that I can't play a dreadnought for more than about 10 minutes without extreme physical discomfort, there's absolutely nothing appealing to me about any D-style guitar, whatever it's made of, or who made it. Yawn.

I, too, like to own different things, out of the mainstream - but only if they are not only fit for purpose, but also excel at that purpose. My Emerald guitars fit the bill completely - as does my ancient little Martin.

[Dru Edwards]

Hey Tom, it's convenient for us Canadians to be able to order guitars/guitar accessories in the US and have it shipped to a US address. I've done that many times with my work corporate apartments. For many items it's much easier and with a better price point than ordering in Canada.

Originally Posted by Acousticado

Hey Dru. The CA Cargo was also my gateway CF guitar. Back in ‘08 while my wife and I were beachbumming around Florida with a Baby Taylor, she inadvertently placed the BT in the “no place zone” in the convertible trunk when I was putting the top down. Crunch! It was ruined.

At that time, there was a buzz on the AGF about the Cargo, so with the help of a fellow AGFer who put me onto an available Cargo in Texas, I ordered it and received it in Florida within two days. I was, and am still impressed with the Cargo for the small thing it is. IMO, it is the perfect travel guitar and plays much bigger than it is. After that, I became very open to all that composite guitars offer as part of the overall guitar offerings. I still love and have wood guitars. I’ve been through a number of CFs, but still have the Cargo and an Emerald X20.

Hey Mark - looking forward to your Emerald review!

Originally Posted by Mark Stone

Hi Drew, -- I'll tell you in about 3 or 4 weeks when I get my Emerald X30 lol.

As you know I've been Mr. Gibson for decades, but --

1. Environmental concerns, since I live in the desert
2. The appearance of the Emerald
3. The tone of the guitar in videos from dozens of people
4. The reasonable price
5. The testimony from all the Emerald lovers at AGF

. . . . have conspired together to put a CF instrument in my hands. -- Mark

[TRose]

I simply wanted the convenience of a detachable neck and durability of carbon fiber in a travel guitar. Wound up purchasing a Journey OF660.

That was my “gateway” instrument.

Since I’ve picked up an Emerald x7 nylon. Though the neck is fixed it has made a wonderful nylon strung travel alternative. It sounds fantastic. It sounds so good that if I ever purchase another guitar it will be a custom X20 nylon with a 51mm nut.

[SpruceTop]

I bought my first carbon-fiber/composite guitar in 1982, it was an Ovation Adamas II. I bought it because it looked so cool and different and amplified well for gigging. The tone for that time period was unique and very pleasing to my ears, and I wish I still had that beautiful guitar!

[kramster]

Originally Posted by SpruceTop

I bought my first carbon-fiber/composite guitar in 1982, it was an Ovation Adamas II. I bought it because it looked so cool and different and amplified well for gigging. The tone for that time period was unique and very pleasing to my ears, and I wish I still had that beautiful guitar!

How much of those were actually composite?

[mot]

Originally Posted by SpruceTop

I bought my first carbon-fiber/composite guitar in 1982, it was an Ovation Adamas II. I bought it because it looked so cool and different and amplified well for gigging. The tone for that time period was unique and very pleasing to my ears, and I wish I still had that beautiful guitar!

The only Ovations I have left are an Applause soprano uke and a MM68 MIA Mandolin. Everything else is long gone. No regrets yet.

[AZLiberty]

Originally Posted by kramster

How much of those were actually composite?

The original Adamas had a CF top, and lyrachord bowl (as I recall)

[SpruceTop]

Originally Posted by AZLiberty

The original Adamas had a CF top, and lyrachord bowl (as I recall)

The Adamas had and has a sandwich composite top that is about .035 inch thick and is comprised of an inner wooden layer between outside and inside layers of carbon fiber. The bowl, as you've mentioned, was made from Lyrachord which was originally fiberglass layers and resin. The latest version of Lyrachord is lighter in weight and is made of tiny glass beads and resin.

[SpruceTop]

Originally Posted by kramster

How much of those were actually composite?

Kramster, please see my above response.

[Backcountry]

I spend 6 months out of the year living in the Upper Mojave. No way I'm taking my wood guitars to a place with chronic single-digit relative humidity levels.

Bought a used Blackbird Super OM on AGF. Was completely blown away by the sound of it. Now I own a half dozen CF guitars of all stripes—travel, nylon, archtop, sold body...

Anytime I play out of the house, they are my go-to guitars now.

I'm keeping my wood guitars for certain but the CFs are admittedly amazing in their own right. I'd love to hear one of the eKoa guitars as a comparison to mine.

I'm now mulling over Emerald's harp and double neck models...

[martingitdave]

Originally Posted by GuitarLuva

Initially my reason for trying carbon fiber was due to the constant battle with humidity. I live in Northern Canada where it's currently around 20% in my "music room". I tried all forms of whole house humidification and got tired of it. I run a smaller humidifier upstairs, mostly for the kids. Also, travelling around with a wooden guitar, especially in winter, was always a concern. Carbon fiber guitars eliminate that concern and they came a long way since they were introduced...

....I'm sure others will chime in with some other makers as well such as McPherson. There's lots of choices out there now. The more the merrier I say. I can go on and on but I'll leave it at that for now.

Same. Substitute Chicago for Northern Canada and you have my answer.