the carbon fiber test drive thread

[Earl49]

One of the recurring themes here is that, “I cannot go to a store and play XYZ carbon fiber guitar before buying”, and this is generally true regardless of brand. In the case of Emerald, they only sell direct so there are zero stocking dealers anywhere. None of us own examples of every brand and model on the market (except perhaps Kramster ) but we as a group of enthusiasts can work together to promote carbon fiber instruments in general.

With this concept in mind, this thread can be a portal exclusively for AGF members to connect, meet in person, and sample the wares. Many members do not include their approximate location as part of their profile so “where are you located” seems to come up in almost every thread. This NOT – repeat NOT -- an attempt to recreate the old McNichol Road Show where a single guitar was shipped from one person to the next until someone bought that guitar. It is not about trading or selling, but consenting adults can do that privately if they choose. This concept is all about one-on-one voluntary meetings where members can share their guitars and carbon fiber knowledge with the curious. Even in this age of pandemic, these guitars and their tough clear-coat finishes can withstand hand sanitizer and careful wipe-downs to meet safely. Other safety measures such as location and time of day need to satisfy both parties.

I propose the following:
• AGF members can reach out to other members via PM
• your general geographic location must be included in the initial contact
• all contact information will be handled privately between the two parties
• both parties must agree on what measures are needed to meet safely within their own comfort levels
• AGF bears no responsibility – the forum is only a conduit of initial communication
• Forum Rule #1 applies at all times - be nice!

Participation is 100% voluntary - no one is under any obligation to play along and may opt out at any time without prejudice or recrimination. If someone reaches out to you and you don't wish to play, just ignore the PM or politely decline. No one is a factory rep or a sales agent - we're just hobbyists gathering to share a common interest.

What say you?

Example: I am located in southwest Idaho within an hour's drive from the Oregon border and would be happy to meet and let someone test drive my instruments. My preference is that we meet near my house, but I could travel up to one hour to meet you in the middle, schedule permitting. My preference these days is that we meet outdoors in public (a city park) or at a coffeehouse, while maintaining safe social distance. Meeting outdoors before springtime weather may not be viable, but I’m open to creative suggestions. My carbon fiber fleet includes Rainsong, Blackbird, Composite Acoustics, and several recent Emerald models. It is *non-negotiable* that after the initial contact via PM and the mutual exchange of email and phone numbers, we must speak on the phone. No call, no meeting..... no exceptions.

[EvanB]

Good going Earl. There could also be clusters of advocates, as with the old Carbon Fests sponsored by Michael. If enough players in a given area are willing to meet and share, then a party is to be had.

[RP]

The nature of threads on AGF is that they tend to disappear. I wonder if Jeremy or Kerbie could set up this thread as a sticky in the CF subforum so that members could add their individual information but it wouldn't disappear. Just a thought...

[Earl49]

This thread has been in the back of my mind for a while. I finally sat down and wrote something up. Having it as a "sticky" would be useful for the CF room, especially curious newbies.

[philjs]

I'm quite willing to meet folks and let 'em try out my CF instruments, given current visiting restrictions and health safety recommendations. One proviso is that I'm a full-time DADGAD player so all of my guitars are in, and are specifically strung for, different flavors of Dsus4 intervals (meaning heavier gauge strings are used for down-tuned pitches so tuning them up to "standard" may not suit other players).

I have two Rainsongs, a hybrid H-WS1100N2T (formerly RPs) and a Nashville N-JM1100N2 with it's spruce hybrid top, both of which are using Martin Retro LJ (DADGAD "true" medium) strings. Neither has a pickup yet.

My non-standard "plain-jane" Emeralds (no veneers or pickups) include an X30 fan-fret baritone (25.5" to 27" scales) set up for AEADEA tuning with a custom set of EXP phosphor bronze strings and I'll soon (I hope) take delivery of an X20 (ordered in August) which is also a fan fret (25" to 26" scales for DADGAD). Strings for the X20 to be determined but will likely be a custom "true" medium set of EXP PBs.

Phil

[Earl49]

Bump to keep this on the first CF page. And to reiterate, this is an optional offer to the carbon-curious out there who might want to experience a carbon fiber guitar before taking a leap of faith.

[Pine Cone]

I’m in.

Earl and I are planning a meet-and-play sometime later this year, probably near the Greater Boise area.

I am in eastern Idaho, about 1 to 1.5 hours west of Jackson Hole, WY or 1.5 to 2 hours south of West Yellowstone. If you are planning to visit Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Parks I am not that far out of the way.

Carbon content Journey OF 660 and Emerald X20.

World class trout fishing less than an hour away...

My musical tastes run to acoustic fingerstyle blues, old time banjo and guitar, and misc. roots Americana and older country music.

Let me know if you want to drop on by...

[kramster]

Cool idea!! Keeping it going ...

[DethWshBkr]

I have a RainSong Black Ice Jumbo, an Emerald X30, and a Martin Grand J12-16GTE that I would be more than willing to let people test out.

Harrisburg, PA area.

[eatswodo]

I’ve done this before - it’s a lot of fun, and I’ve met a couple of really nice people.

I’m in a southwest suburb of Minneapolis. I’ve got an Emerald X20, and an X20-7, for those who wish to take a walk on the wild side. If you ask me nicely, I’ll bring out my 1963 Martin 0-16NY as well

Previous encounters have resulted in at least two new Emerald owners, so I figure I might be entitled to a bit of a spiff if I can get it to three.

Happy to entertain any enquiries from this part of the world, although in-person meetings make me a little nervous right now.

[BillCoplin]

I’ve got a few to test drive in St. Louis once things settle down too!

I can’t wait to meet some of you in person soon.

[Thekidjohn]

I'm in. I don't post much here but I have a few carbon instruments.

Sable guitar
Mix mando
Klos full carbon uke

I'm in Lake Placid, NY in the Adirondacks and I'm happy to give test drives of these or my other instruments (Kevin Ryan, Martin, and National acoustics, D'Pergo electrics).

Great idea!

[bsman]

I live in the south (SF) Bay Area, and have a Rainsong Shorty and an Emerald X7 (old center-hole model). I figure since neither of mine are identical to any current models there probably isn't much interest, but...

[eatswodo]

Originally Posted by bsman

I live in the south (SF) Bay Area, and have a Rainsong Shorty and an Emerald X7 (old center-hole model). I figure since neither of mine are identical to any current models there probably isn't much interest, but...

They'd serve very nicely to refute the 'sounds like plastic' nonsense that pervades some folks' minds

[Captain Jim]

Originally Posted by eatswodo

They'd serve very nicely to refute the 'sounds like plastic' nonsense that pervades some folks' minds

Well, if you have to fute them more than once (refute), the minds may be too closed to get through.