Deciding if I should get a Carbon Fiber Acoustic

[Herrick]

Are any Rainsongs sold without electronics?

[Flying Orca]

I have owned quite a few acoustics over the years, my current wooden stable including a 1974 Martin D-28 and a more recent Morgan CM. I took the carbon fiber plunge a few weeks back with a Rainsong CO-WS1005NS and I am nothing short of enchanted. The sound is different but not in a bad way, and the guitar has impressed - in fact, blown away - all of my musical friends who have seen and played it.

I can't guarantee you will be as happy with CF, but I certainly am!

[ChunkyB]

Originally Posted by Herrick

Are any Rainsongs sold without electronics?

Yes, you can get any Rainsong model without electronics.

[ChunkyB]

Originally Posted by steelvibe

I think David Wilcox uses a very similar approach.

Not only does DW use a UST and an internal mic, he also uses a magnetic humbucker pickup. And then a whole suite of processing after that.

[Herrick]

Originally Posted by ChunkyB

Yes, you can get any Rainsong model without electronics.

I guess they would be a special order direct from Rainsong?

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Originally Posted by Herrick

I guess they would be a special order direct from Rainsong?

Rainsong does not sell direct but you can order one from your favorite Rainsong dealer.

[Herrick]

Originally Posted by Ted @ LA Guitar Sales

Rainsong does not sell direct but you can order one from your favorite Rainsong dealer.

Thanks. The Studio & Hybrid variants of the WS1000N2 look interesting.

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Originally Posted by Herrick

Thanks. The Studio & Hybrid variants of the WS1000N2 look interesting.

These are basically the same except for the finish and case. The Hybrid model is full gloss and comes in a hardshell case, whyle the Studio has a rough FT (fine texture) finish and will ship in a Rainsong gigbag. Tonally there wont be any difference.

[Herrick]

Originally Posted by Ted @ LA Guitar Sales

These are basically the same except for the finish and case. The Hybrid model is full gloss and comes in a hardshell case, whyle the Studio has a rough FT (fine texture) finish and will ship in a Rainsong gigbag. Tonally there wont be any difference.

Thanks for the help. I can do without the prettier finish & hard case.

[AndyFrank]

Originally Posted by Herrick

Thanks for the help. I can do without the prettier finish & hard case.

The gloss is not just prettier, it's smoother which = quieter if you touch it with a pick or your fingers.

[hubare]

Hi:
I purchased a CF Cargo acoustic about three months ago. I couldn't be more pleased with my decision. This is a low maintenance guitar with a great sound. It stays in tune for weeks without tuning regardless of temp. or humidity. I play mostly fingerpicking style. I have several guitars but my CA is the one that get played every day. I am going to take it on one of my gigs along with my Troubadour Acoustic amp.
hubare

[FlyFast]

If you decide to go mail order, consider ordering from Ted at LA Guitars. Besides being great to deal with and a sponsor of this forum, he has also taken the time to answer your questions. I hope to eventually order a Shorty from him.

[ChunkyB]

Originally Posted by Herrick

I guess they would be a special order direct from Rainsong?

Well, I don't know if it's considered a special order. I'm pretty sure all of their models come with or without electronics.

If you're hoping to walk into a guitar store and buy one off the wall then there is probably less chance of finding one without electronics because there's less demand for those, so I bet most stores don't keep very many on hand.

[ChunkyB]

Originally Posted by AndyFrank

The gloss is not just prettier, it's smoother which = quieter if you touch it with a pick or your fingers.

I agree. I don't really like the satin finish on Rainsongs. It can be noisy from fingers, sleeves, picks, etc. It can also develop shiny spots if you always rest your palm or pinky in the same place.

However, it is a pretty big jump in price, and I know plenty of people actually prefer it because it doesn't show scratches as much, or they just prefer the look.

[dcisive]

Visted MacNicol Guitars about a month ago since I live in the Salt Lake area. Michael was great, and I played pretty much ALL the Rainsong models along with Emerald and Blackbird. For me without a doubt MY sound was there in both the Concert Series Jumbo and Drednaught models. I too would get one without the electronics. He said it was indeed a special order and 6 weeks out for one. About $2300 out the door and setup included. As soon as I get a huge sale in my job (commission) I may jump on it. I'm tired of wood guitars and their variations and worry about proper humidity control and such. The sound from both the Rainsong Concert Dred and Jumbo were just astounding, with NO hint they were made from the material they are. Sweet high end, punchy clean mids with NO nasal character and clear defined LOUD bass. The fretwork on the Rainsongs are just astounding with NO sharp fret ends and perfection in the necks and action. Certainly the way I'll go when the $$ is there.