Quality CF guitar under $800

[Quickstep192]

I’m a big believer that you get what you pay for, so I’m skeptical of the “bargain” Carbon Fiber guitars.

But, I have a budget..

Is there a very good CF guitar under $800?

I like the idea of the on-boat effects, but they’re not a must if the guitar sounds decent.

I appreciate any suggestions.

[Earl49]

I understand the desire to save a buck or three. However I don’t consider the Enya, Joytar, and even some Klos molded guitars to be true CF. They might well be fine guitars (or ukulele). To me carbon fiber means a lay-up of good material embedded in resin. Molded instruments that happen to have some short carbon fibers mixed into the matrix are not much different than plain injection molded polystyrene. An analogy is the difference between cabinetry grade fine Baltic plywood and standard particle board. Others may disagree, and probably will. There is room for all in the composite world.

As for that $800 price point, builders like Emerald, Blackbird, and Rainsong have at least as much labor involved as wood guitar builders AND use more expensive and finicky materials too. The machined aluminum molds that are required generally cost more than a luxury car — for each body size. There is no free lunch or shortcuts at that quality level. But I am fortunate enough to afford the brands mentioned.

Used would be your best option, but the main players tend to retain a large percentage of their new price. $800 would be a smoking hot deal.

[dgaemc2]

I agree with Earl.

[jdinco]

I agree with Earl.....if there was such a thing, we'd all have one I think. Maybe add a bit more to your budget and watch for a good deal on a CA Cargo ????

[Aspiring]

I have tried several of the lower priced carbon guitars.

The only one to me that comes close to my X20 and some of the other more expensive composites I have tried is the Enya X4.

It has a great sound and shares the robustness and humidity resistance of the higher end carbons. After I tweaked the setup and replaced the nut for slightly wider string spacing the playability is right up there for me as well.

That said, the fit and finish isn't as good (although still quite good overall ) the frets are not stainless steel and the guitar is considerably heavier due to the differences in construction.

By those measures the "quality" isn't the same. Also the setup isn't as consistent.

On the other hand it is one heck of a guitar for $800 and share the carbon properties of stability and temperature resistance.

I have also tried a CA Cargo before and I'd put the Enya ahead in tone and in a similar category for fit finish and playability.

[RP]

Originally Posted by Quickstep192

...I’m skeptical of the “bargain” Carbon Fiber guitars...

While "bargain carbon fiber guitars" seems like an oxymoron, I'd say that the Rainsongs of yore and the recent Emerald 25% discount on sin-stock guitars is the closest I've seen to that in the real world. The price may seem high, but consider that a carbon fiber guitar will last a long time which isn't something you can say for all wooden guitars in all settings...

[Norsepicker]

I really like my OF 660. They retail for about $1300 but I've seen them as low as $700 used. There a couple on Reverb between $850 and $900

[SpruceTop]

Originally Posted by Aspiring

I have tried several of the lower priced carbon guitars.

The only one to me that comes close to my X20 and some of the other more expensive composites I have tried is the Enya X4.

It has a great sound and shares the robustness and humidity resistance of the higher end carbons. After I tweaked the setup and replaced the nut for slightly wider string spacing the playability is right up there for me as well.

On the other hand it is one heck of a guitar for $800 and share the carbon properties of stability and temperature resistance.

I have also tried a CA Cargo before and I'd put the Enya ahead in tone and in a similar category for fit finish and playability.

This /\ /\ /\

[AZLiberty]

3 or 4 years ago, one could pick up a used CF in the $800-1000 price range.

Unfortunately, dollars were worth a lot more 4 years ago.

If one searched hard, one might be able to find a used Journey in that range.