Anyone else struggle with Rainsong N2 neck (might be selling my Shorty)

[ChunkyB]

I've had my Rainsong Shorty for a few years now, and I'm still struggling a bit with the neck profile. I regularly play my electrics, and my other acoustic, with no problems. But when I play my Rainsong, my hand tends to get tired, and even cramp up.

Has anyone else experienced this? Could this be due to the deep neck profile, or is it probably due to something else.

I'm considering selling it, but I don't want to if it is being caused by something else that I can potentially fix.

Any feedback is appreciated.

[Flying Orca]

I haven't noticed a huge difference between guitars when it comes to cramping, and I have a lot of different neck profiles in my stable, but I have noticed that position makes a huge difference. Most of my guitars sit on my right leg with the neck extending left roughly parallel to the ground, but my Rainsong (CO-WS1005NS) is short-scale and smaller-bodied, so it likes to sit between my legs (ooo er missus!) with the neck at about 45 degrees.

[ChunkyB]

Originally Posted by Flying Orca

I haven't noticed a huge difference between guitars when it comes to cramping, and I have a lot of different neck profiles in my stable, but I have noticed that position makes a huge difference. Most of my guitars sit on my right leg with the neck extending left roughly parallel to the ground, but my Rainsong (CO-WS1005NS) is short-scale and smaller-bodied, so it likes to sit between my legs (ooo er missus!) with the neck at about 45 degrees.

Interesting point. It does have the shorter scale and 12-fret neck joint. I'll pay attention to how I position it versus my other acoustic. Hopefully it's something as simple as adjusting my strap or my sitting position.

[GrandDadgad]

I have found that with 12-fret, short scale guitars I had a tendency for my left elbow to be in contact with my ribs. Playing the guitar in a more classical style hold (on left leg rather than right) fixed that.

I also like a longer scale on a 12-fret. It keep that elbow out better.

[Finger Stylish]

After I pretty much quit playing my thin necked guitars, the N2 works well for me. It feels a lot like my 40 year old D28 neck.

[Doubleneck]

It's not you the current Rainsong neck is a full old style neck. Kind of the opposite of a Taylor slim neck. They used to describe it as a modified U shape, I don't know of another acoustic maker that goes there? There are those that love a full neck and I think many that convince themselves they like it cause Rainsong makes great guitars. I sold a Parlor mainly because of it. Kept the Jumbo cause it fits that guitar and I can adjust. It's not awful, I love it's consistency up the neck, just a curious choice for 100% of their guitars. And I repeat Rainsong makes a great high quality CF guitar.

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Like most people, I find the N2 neck much more comfortable for extended use than the now discontinued N1 neck, but it might be different for you. Like Orca suggested, I would look in to your playing position, perhaps it's putting your hand in an awkward angle.

And yes, it would be great if Rainsong had several neck options available, but the costs involved would be significant so I don't see that happening in the near future. Were I suggesting additional necks to Ashvin, it would be a new 12-String with adjustable truss rod.

[Mr. Ed]

I am one of the (what must be) few people who cannot play that N2 neck. Fortunately, I still have a Rainsong OM1000 with an N1 neck. It is the easiest and fastest playing guitar that I own.

[SteelPastor]

.

I own a RS Shorty and simply love EVERYTHING about it... with one lone exception--the neck profile. I would exchange it for a lower profile neck immediately, if able... EVEN if it meant buying a new model to replace the one I have. That said... it is a keeper.

.

[AZLiberty]

No. My hand tends to cramp up playing a guitar for a couple hours regardless, but my Shorty Neck is not noticably thicker than my Martin, Breedlove, or Larrivees.

[Captain Jim]

Most of my acoustics are Taylors, and I do prefer that neck profile over the N2 on my Shorty. If I haven't played the Shorty for a while (rare, because it is the guitar that travels with us), I do notice some muscle fatigue... but it takes several hours of playing for me to notice.

That said, there is SO MUCH good about the Shorty, that the thicker neck profile doesn't make me want to trade it off.

I do notice that I can play longer when I'm standing before feeling any hand fatigue. When I play out, I stand. Practicing, I usually sit. See if that change of position makes a difference for you.

Captain Jim

[Flying Orca]

Originally Posted by Ted @ LA Guitar Sales

Were I suggesting additional necks to Ashvin, it would be a new 12-String with adjustable truss rod.

Please do keep suggesting that - I would love a Rainsong 12-string one day!

[AZLiberty]

Originally Posted by Flying Orca

Please do keep suggesting that - I would love a Rainsong 12-string one day!

I gave up waiting and bought a used one.

WS-3005 could nudge me into buying another one though.
(WS Body, offset soundhole, N2 neck with Truss Rod)

[Flying Orca]

Yeah, that would give me the excitement.


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[blue4now]

For me the N2 neck is perfection. And I have small hands. The shape feels great on my hand.