Rainsong P12 vs Emerald X7-OS

[John F.]

I'm not sure how much help this'll be, but here goes.

I recently bought a Emerald X7-OS that was advertised here. I'm really hesitant to compare guitars unless I get to play them side by side, but with CF guitars, I've found that to be impossible. I've played Cargos a few times in stores, and a few years ago got to play a Shorty and Blackbird Lucky 13 side by side. I had never played an Emerald, or even seen one in real life, before I got mine.

The Emerald appears to be really well made. Its a really comfortable guitar, and the scale length is fine. I like short(er) scale guitars--my other 2 guitars are a J-45 and a Huss and Dalton DS--shorter scale (24.7?). I have not A/B the Cargo and Emerald, but from what I can remember having played Cargoes, I'd choose the Emerald.

The Emerald X7-OS sounds OK. I haven't experimented with strings, but at this point, it sounds OK. Its pretty good for a small CF guitar, like the Cargo is, but it isn't great. I haven't played a Shorty or Lucky 13 in years, but I remember being blown away by how good they both sounded.

I haven't played or seen a Rainsong parlor, so I can't compare.

If you need a small CF travel guitar (and I did), I'd recommend the Emerald. Its a neat little guitar. If you can go a little bigger, try a Shorty or Lucky 13. I thought they were both great, and if I knew at the time that I'd wouldn't be able to find one again to try, I would've bought either the Shorty or Lucky 13.

My Emerald is the only Emerald I've ever seen, so I have no idea how the bigger Emeralds sound.

Good luck. It is nice to have a guitar you can leave out, and take anywhere without worrying.

[Jimmy Koh]

To the thread starter, you should do a search on a thread regarding the x7 neck radius, I made some detail comparison if that helps.

Just to add on to what John F has said, I think the X7 sounds ok to me too, not great. When I acquired my second T8, a brand new x7 opus with all black carbon weave was available for sale. After comparing the centre sound hole T8 and the offset x7, I opted what I originally came for - tone. The tone from the T8 that I'm so familiar from the 1st T8 I have. I will never bond with the offset tone, I think. And now Emerald has gone direct sales, will I kick myself for not buying that last X7? No. I felt more luckier being able to get the demo T8 instead.

Btw, if I play professionally, my pair of T8s will be my weapon of choice. When I said the Parlor is more of a professional tool, I am actually referring to the quality onboard electronic that enable it to do so in a concert setting, and the centre soundhole for a small audience unplugged session. The x7 needs to be adequately equipped electronically to be on par with the Parlor in this aspect. The Parlor will thrump the X7, I think, on the acoustic aspect.

For an easy-reaching, couch side guitar? X7. Reason is simple - ergonomic shape, low action possible with enough break angle at the high E string saddle, exceptional craftsmanship. And good price of course. The Parlor will have some issue getting a low action, from my close observation on the saddle, and I reckon a saddle height shave will also result in the B and high E sliding the bridge, something I personally am unfond of.

Hope these help.😄

[ac]

Having to struggle with getting really low action would be a deal breaker for me. Absolutely no problem with the Emerald X7. I have mine super low, but have plenty of saddle left.

Alistair will also install pretty much any pickup system you choose as an option, including whatever is used on Rainsongs or others, but there will be an added fee. I had K&K mini's installed on mine when I ordered it. I know many on the old forum that were able to install K&K or other sytems themselves, but it's always nicer to have it done for you from the start.

Jimmy, interesting to hear that the two Rainsong Parlors clearly sounded different to you.

It's probably best for those interested in Parlors to first try them in a local store to be sure they know first hand the sound that specific Parlor has--then buy it and take it home. You would have assurance and no guessing or regret.

I've had two X7s at the same time (sold one to offset the other), I couldn't tell them apart soundwise. Very close to identical.

The Emerald T8 is no longer made, I think, but I remember people writing how much they liked that model, it's sound, styling, etc. Glad you got your hands on one and wish I could try one some day to hear the difference of a T8 from an Emerald X7.

[Jimmy Koh]

First time twin shot for these two:





The one with all black hardware is a later 2013 made one, with a thinner soundboard, and a glossier black textured finish at the side and back. It produces a more open, more resonated and longer sustained sound. The sustain, especially for a strummed chord, is really long. No electronics.

The one with stock chrome tuner keys is an earlier 2012 made, a thicker soundboard, and duller finish for the side and back. The note doesn't ring as long, but is clear and good for the keb mo blues finglestyle play. And it is equipped with an AER AK15 Plus system by the dealer here as a demo piece.

Rationale for the difference in tone architecture? Well, my guess is the folks at Emerald might have listened to the feedback from owners and decided to improve on the design. Maybe Emerald wanna chip in some insight here?

[ac]

On the old forum, Alistair mentioned how they change the top design to improve sound and I think that's ongoing with most of the CF builders. It's such a relatively new process building these guitars compared with the long history of building for wood.

I remember the Lucky Thirteen blues guitar was redone intentionally to produce a noticeably different sound that many players preferred. It's a well balanced guitar, IMO.

Guitars from the same design era should sound very, very close in sound quality--so you are right when mentioning that comparing two guitars from one builder that were made years apart can certainly count for a difference in the sound produced.

But there really shouldn't be much difference otherwise as there wasn't with the two Emeralds that I compared side by side.

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Originally Posted by ac

...It's probably best for those interested in Parlors to first try them in a local store to be sure they know first hand the sound that specific Parlor has--then buy it and take it home. You would have assurance and no guessing or regret...

Well, it's always best to be able to play any guitar before you buy it, but I doubt most folks will hear any tonal difference between two RS Parlors. In my experience, Rainsong makes the most consistent guitars on the planet, CF or otherwise. They go to great lengths, and expense to make sure of this consistency, so for most, trying to cherry pick a Rainsong Parlor will be an exercise in futility.

Originally Posted by ac

On the old forum, Alistair mentioned how they change the top design to improve sound and I think that's ongoing with most of the CF builders...

...Guitars from the same design era should sound very, very close in sound quality--so you are right when mentioning that comparing two guitars from one builder that were made years apart can certainly count for a difference in the sound produced...

The above might hold true for Emerald, but the Rainsong Parlor has not been modified in any way since it's introduction. The RS Parlor was a best seller right out of the gate, and continues to be the top choice for people looking for a "travel friendly" go anywhere guitar, but aren't willing to accept the limitations of a 3/4 size, or smaller travel guitar. The last thing anyone at Rainsong wants to do is to make changes to this model.

So, Ted;

Do you think the Smokey Parlor will have different tonal/projection qualities from the Parlors that have been so consistent?

[AZLiberty]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Koh

To the thread starter, you should do a search on a thread regarding the x7 neck radius, I made some detail comparison if that helps.

Hope these help.��

Last I spoke w/ Alistair the standard radius of all Emerald guitars was 16" which is fine. Rainsong is probably the flattest of any maker at 20.

Larrivee's compound 17-21 is ideal IMHO, but not terribly common in production instruments.

I have to drive to the Bar Area around memorial day, I normally go through Mojave but I suppose I could always take the 10 and stop and see Ted and Helena on the way.

[John F.]

I'll give a serious plug to the Emerald X7-OS for this--playability. I have arthritis in my left thumb, and went to the hand specialist yesterday. I can't play barre chords anymore without considerable difficulty (pain). I got a cortisone shot to see if that'll help.

The Emerald is the easiest of my guitars to play. I sold my HD-28 (nice guitar) and 00-18v (great guitar) because they both really hurt to play (and I had a Taylor 812 that I just never warmed up to). My H&D and J45 play pretty easy, but the Emerald, which I've only had a few weeks, seems to play the easiest.

Just thought I'd throw that out there if its a consideration.

John;

I agree. One of the things that has kept me in the Emerald fold has been playability. My X10-OSN, like my previous X10N, plays much like an electric guitar--low set up, easy to play up the neck, a fluid and human-friendly neck.

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Originally Posted by EvanB

So, Ted;

Do you think the Smokey Parlor will have different tonal/projection qualities from the Parlors that have been so consistent?

Rainsongs gloss finish is actually quite thin, which is probably why there isn't an appreciable tonal difference between the satin finish Smokey, and the gloss 12-Fret WS models. I'm guessing there wont be a drastic tonal difference between the Satin, and Gloss Parlors either, but I will know for sure in a few days. Stay tuned.

[Emerald Guitars]

Originally Posted by AZLiberty

Has anyone played the P12 side by side with the X7?

Much as I love my Larrivee Parlor I am getting sick and tired of refilling the humidifers every week.

The P12 is just about the same size as the Larrivee but with a slightly longer scale, the X7 is shorter in the body, but has the same scale length.

Probably leaning towards the Emerald since I'm a sucker for an offset soundhole, plus the strong US dollar makes the Emerald a lot more affordable than the Rainsong these days.

The only CF guitars I have ever actually played are my Rainsong Shorty and WS3000. Nobody in AZ seems to carry CF guitars of any make.

Hi AZLiberty,

Thank you so much for your interest in the X7. We have briefly mentioned this in a different thread, and as EvanB suggested, will indeed be announcing it officially in a separate thread soon - We are currently in the process of finalising details on a our new home trial programme, which we will be rolling out soon, where you will be able to try out one of our guitars in the comfort of your own home for a full week. I thought this might be of interest to you. We have already taken names of people interested in participating, so you are very welcome to send us an email to [email protected], Subject: 'Home Trial Programme' and we can add you to the list of those interested in receiving further information.

Best Wishes

Sean

[AZLiberty]

Originally Posted by Captain Jim

Last time I was in the Sam Ash store in Glendale, AZ, they did have RainSongs in stock, including the Parlor.

Got over to Sam Ash today. Was on that end of town for other reasons. They had a bright green P14 in stock.

Loud and bright. Action was higher than I like and stiffer. I swear I had a Ford Mustang that was the same color metallic green.

Hadn't seen a colored Rainsong in person before. High quality paint job, but I definately prefer to see the carbon weave.

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Originally Posted by EvanB

So, Ted;

Do you think the Smokey Parlor will have different tonal/projection qualities from the Parlors that have been so consistent?

Originally Posted by Ted @ LA Guitar Sales

Rainsongs gloss finish is actually quite thin, which is probably why there isn't an appreciable tonal difference between the satin finish Smokey, and the gloss 12-Fret WS models. I'm guessing there wont be a drastic tonal difference between the Satin, and Gloss Parlors either, but I will know for sure in a few days. Stay tuned.

Ok, so I had some time with the new Rainsong Satin Parlor, the P12S, alongside a standard P12 in gloss, and there is a slight tonal difference. The Satin actually sounds a bit more lively, while the gloss has a bit more warmth. The difference is not as drastic as the difference between the Cargo RAW, and Cargo Gloss, but there is a slight difference.

BTW, playing the two ten minutes apart one would probably not be able to detect any tonal difference, so I would suggest folks choose based on either esthetic preference, or budget. My guess it that the Shorty and Parlor Satin models will be top sellers for Rainsong.

If my Parlor is any indication, the Parlor is a star. When you wish upon a star.......