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  #1  
Old 03-15-2022, 10:26 AM
gwandsh gwandsh is offline
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Default Rainsong neck options

Time to pare my small collection of guitars down to one, and am considering a carbon/graphite option, mainly due to humidity and temperature concerns.
Have been perusing the Rainsong site, and trying to figure out the neck options. Most models seem to offer the N2 neck, which conversations in other forums makes me think is somewhat boxy? I am mainly a fingerstyle plucker, and my daily player now is a Taylor GC model. So I like the thinner, short scale neck.
Can anyone advise on Rainsong neck shapes, or suitable models?
Thanks
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  #2  
Old 03-15-2022, 04:22 PM
AZLiberty AZLiberty is offline
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Rainsong uses a 2-piece mold, so you can have any of three neck options

N2 - 25.4" scale length - 14 fret
N2 - 24.9" scale length - 12 fret

12-string - 25.5" scale 14 fret 12-string neck.
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  #3  
Old 03-15-2022, 07:26 PM
tommyld tommyld is offline
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They're also apparently offering the slimmer N1 no-truss-rod neck as an option these days (dealer special order?).

The N2 is full and deep for sure.

Whatever neck you get will have that flat-ish 20" radius...and a 12" radius saddle to boot!
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Old 03-15-2022, 08:09 PM
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Methos1979 Methos1979 is offline
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N1 necks are thin like a Taylor. N2 necks are thicker but not too thick. NS means it's a short scale (N2) guitar neck meaning it joins the body at the 12th fret. An X on the end of the model number (such as NSX) means the guitar has a pickup system in it from the factory.
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Old 03-15-2022, 11:20 PM
casualmusic casualmusic is offline
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Hi

A few years ago I went to the guitar store to compare RainSong necks to other similar size/price guitars, and thought they felt and played much the same. Using a pocket tape measure they were all about 7/8" thick and 4 5/8" around at the nut. The guitars were RainSong CH-WS (body 15.8” x 19.5” x 5”) with NS 24.9" neck, Martin D16, Gibson J15, Taylor 3xx.

Couple months ago I measured the N2 neck on my H-DR/T at 7/8" thick at the nut. What is the thickness of your Taylor?

Quote:
Hi Mark

I brought out the calipers and measured the N2 standard neck on my H-DR/T.

At the nut:
- thickness: 22.2 mm, 0.876”, 7/8”
- width: 44.6 mm, 1.752”, 1 3/4”
- string width: 38.8 mm, 1.528”, 1 17/32”

At 12th fret:
- thickness: 23.6 mm, 0.931”, 15/16”
- width: 54.7 mm, 2.153”, 2 1/4”
- string width: 47.0 mm, 1.850”, 1 7/8”

At bridge:
- string width: 56.0 mm, 2.207”, 2 3/16”


The N2 neck is a medium D shape with a flattish fretboard and squarish (not rounded) edges that I find easy to fret without over squeezing.



(BTW the $75 tobacco burst finish (metallic medium copper + dark copper) is gorgeous and a great option. And no cost options are the NS 24.9” neck (same profile as N2), and the N1 shallow profile neck.)

RainSong no cost neck options (about 6 weeks for orders):
- N2 6 string 14 fret with truss rod 25.4" x 1 3/4" x 7/8"
- NS 6 string 12 fret with truss rod 24.9" x 1 3/4" x 7/8" aka shorty
- N1 6 string 14 fret without truss rod 25.4" (recently revived)

RainSong extra cost neck option (more tuners and strings):
- N1 12 string 14 fret without truss rod 25.4" (recently revived)


The RainSong founder played classical guitars which have wide, thin and flat necks which influenced the N1 neck profile. Customer feedback and consultation were used to develop the N2 profile.


The RainSong website says this about necks:

https://www.rainsong.com/blog/rainsong-necks


More from this forum:
https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=555864

Cheers
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2018 RainSong H-DR1000N2/T copper burst - carbon fibre
2016 CA Cargo black - carbon fibre
2016 Fender Telecaster thinline
2014 Fender Concert Pro (New Hartford) - red spruce, mahogany

Last edited by casualmusic; 03-16-2022 at 07:34 AM.
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  #6  
Old 03-16-2022, 06:41 AM
Frettingflyer Frettingflyer is offline
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I have had both. Like you I play mostly finger style and mostly Taylor for my wood guitars. I recently found a used N1 neck OM to try the N1 without as much cost. It is much closer to the Taylor neck than the N2, but if you want a 12 fret you can only go NS-which is N2 in a 12 fret configuration. As I have played more I am finding myself less sensitive to the neck shape but the N1 is more pleasing to my fretting hand overall. In a perfect world in would have a more of a curve to the fretboard since either of their necks is a bit flatter than most acoustic guitars. Other obvious pluses though: very lightweight and can leave out anytime. My OM has a nice sound for finger style and very responsive.
Best bet, find a dealer to play both at, if that isn’t possible consult Ted at LA Guitars about your neck concerns. Good luck.
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