The Acoustic Guitar Forum

Go Back   The Acoustic Guitar Forum > General Acoustic Guitar and Amplification Discussion > Carbon Fiber

Reply
 
Thread Tools
  #16  
Old 09-07-2020, 05:11 PM
martingitdave martingitdave is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Chicago
Posts: 11,283
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by mikealpine View Post
Thinking about this one.
it's Jon's. You'll like it. He said he babied it.
__________________
"Lift your head and smile at trouble. You'll find happiness someday."
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 09-07-2020, 05:13 PM
martingitdave martingitdave is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Chicago
Posts: 11,283
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by MCDEMO1 View Post
Your mods look great and I bet the K&K sounds good too.
Wish these came with slightly wider string spacing at the saddle.
Love the dots on the fretboard instead of the typical Rainsong shark inlays.

If I eventually try a CF guitar it will probably be an X30 or Sable, but this model or the Al Petteway signature are interesting options from Rainsong.
I had the sable too. Nice and warm sounding for solo work. It didn't hold up well in acoustic ensemble work. So, when deciding which to sell to pay the bills, I decided to sell the Sable. I would be very interested in playing/owning an X30.
__________________
"Lift your head and smile at trouble. You'll find happiness someday."

Last edited by martingitdave; 09-07-2020 at 07:36 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 09-07-2020, 05:44 PM
steelvibe steelvibe is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: my father's attic
Posts: 5,783
Default

I'm surprised that the Sable doesn't hold up better in an ensemble. The RainSong Shorty does, surprisingly well actually. Maybe it has that mid-range boost that the Sable lacks (Sable is more scooped)?

I've not played an X20 and have a question for you that own them; does the X20 hold up okay in an ensemble? One thing I really love about RainSong guitars is that they really are pretty loud and hold their own very well, even the Parlor.

BTW, my question is with regard to the audience perspective, out in front. Anyone have experience hearing the X20 in an acoustic set?
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 09-07-2020, 07:37 PM
martingitdave martingitdave is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Chicago
Posts: 11,283
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by steelvibe View Post
I'm surprised that the Sable doesn't hold up better in an ensemble. The RainSong Shorty does, surprisingly well actually. Maybe it has that mid-range boost that the Sable lacks (Sable is more scooped)?

I've not played an X20 and have a question for you that own them; does the X20 hold up okay in an ensemble? One thing I really love about RainSong guitars is that they really are pretty loud and hold their own very well, even the Parlor.

BTW, my question is with regard to the audience perspective, out in front. Anyone have experience hearing the X20 in an acoustic set?
Same questions for me. The Sable did not hold up well with bluegrass folks. The Rainsong is a bit better.
__________________
"Lift your head and smile at trouble. You'll find happiness someday."
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 09-11-2020, 11:54 AM
jonfields45 jonfields45 is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Allentown, PA
Posts: 4,598
Default

I decided to hold onto my V-DR. While I'm not playing much acoustic these days, I have given some thought to what I might buy if I resumed. It seems if I combine my desire for loud in a jam, traditional looks, with robustness to hot/cold/humidity/dings, I just come back to the V-DR.

I think this video gives you the relative placement of a RainSong "V" series vs. the nearest equivalent Martin (a little louder and a bit brighter). I prefered the RainSong in this demo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Smgw...L&index=2&t=0s

Even looking at plane rides there is not much advantage to a smaller guitar if you look at the exterior length of common cases (what matters for wheelie space).

TKL Case Exterior Dimensions LengthxWidthxHeight"
8875-Parlor 41x15.25x5.5"
8876-0 41x16.5x6"
7800-00 43x16.75x6.125"
8805-OM 43x17.5x6.5"
8810-Dreadnought 43x19x7"
GSmini-HardBag 39x16x6"

Dave inspired me to remove the pickguard. I've got clear static cling and low tack adhesive vinyl to replace it (a poly finish can be a nice thing). Maybe not the finest veneer???

__________________
jf45ir Free DIY Acoustic Guitar IR Generator
.wav file, 30 seconds, pickup left, mic right, open position strumming best...send to direct email below
I'll send you 100/0, 75/25, 50/50 & 0/100 IR/Bypass IRs
IR Demo, read the description too: https://youtu.be/SELEE4yugjE
My duo's website and my email... [email protected]

Jon Fields

Last edited by jonfields45; 09-12-2020 at 05:26 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 09-12-2020, 06:21 AM
douglasfan1 douglasfan1 is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 529
Default

How's that compare to McPherson sable?
__________________
Leviora A1 Fan Fret
Martin OMC28BLJ
ArchAngels Wings (Dreadnought)


Grace Felix
L.R.Baggs Mixpro
Zoom A3

Trace Elliot TA40CR
Henriksen the Bud ten
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 09-12-2020, 07:59 AM
martingitdave martingitdave is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Chicago
Posts: 11,283
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by douglasfan1 View Post
How's that compare to McPherson sable?
Not as warm, but louder. I had both for a while. I probably liked the tone of the McPherson better, but I play regularly in an acoustic ensemble. So, the RainSong is a better fit. Truthfully, the McPherson likely only sounds warmer because the sound hole was pointed at the player. In front, I'm told they are about the same.
__________________
"Lift your head and smile at trouble. You'll find happiness someday."
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 09-12-2020, 08:00 AM
martingitdave martingitdave is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Chicago
Posts: 11,283
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jonfields45 View Post
I decided to hold onto my V-DR. While I'm not playing much acoustic these days, I have given some thought to what I might buy if I resumed. It seems if I combine my desire for loud in a jam, traditional looks, with robustness to hot/cold/humidity/dings, I just come back to the V-DR.

I think this video gives you the relative placement of a RainSong "V" series vs. the nearest equivalent Martin (a little louder and a bit brighter). I prefered the RainSong in this demo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Smgw...L&index=2&t=0s

Even looking at plane rides there is not much advantage to a smaller guitar if you look at the exterior length of common cases (what matters for wheelie space).

TKL Case Exterior Dimensions LengthxWidthxHeight"
8875-Parlor 41x15.25x5.5"
8876-0 41x16.5x6"
7800-00 43x16.75x6.125"
8805-OM 43x17.5x6.5"
8810-Dreadnought 43x19x7"
GSmini-HardBag 39x16x6"

Dave inspired me to remove the pickguard. I've got clear static cling and low tack adhesive vinyl to replace it (a poly finish can be a nice thing). Maybe not the finest veneer???

Well done Jon. I agree with your assessment. Also, good point on saving one or two inches in overhead space. That is not justification for me to play a small guitar.
__________________
"Lift your head and smile at trouble. You'll find happiness someday."
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 09-14-2020, 11:35 AM
martingitdave martingitdave is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Chicago
Posts: 11,283
Default

Found the right strings for the RainSong VD-R. GHS Phos Bronze mediums. They are 194lb tension strings (EJ17s are 186 for example) and they have just enough pull to light the carbon spruce top up. And the tone is better and less harsh. A little truss adjustment and it's now about as loud as the Martins - but not as nice, obviously. I don't expect these string to last super long, but they were on sale for $29 for 6 sets. So, it's cheap enough to change them when they get dull. I think, for me, the experimenting is over.
__________________
"Lift your head and smile at trouble. You'll find happiness someday."
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 09-17-2020, 03:30 PM
mikealpine's Avatar
mikealpine mikealpine is offline
Charter Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 6,107
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by martingitdave View Post
I had the sable too. Nice and warm sounding for solo work. It didn't hold up well in acoustic ensemble work. So, when deciding which to sell to pay the bills, I decided to sell the Sable. I would be very interested in playing/owning an X30.

This is my experience. The Sable is lovely, a beautiful sounding guitar. But when I play with my buddies, it gets lost. I miss the brightness. In contrast, I brought my 814 with an Adirondack top to our last gathering, and it was a different story. The 814 stood out more, had more presence.
__________________
---------------------------------------

2013 Joel Stehr Dreadnought - Carpathian/Malaysian BW
2014 RainSong H-OM1000N2
2017 Rainsong BI-WS1000N2
2013 Chris Ensor Concert - Port Orford Cedar/Wenge
1980ish Takamine EF363 complete with irreplaceable memories
A bunch of electrics (too many!!)

Last edited by mikealpine; 09-26-2020 at 08:47 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 09-17-2020, 03:57 PM
martingitdave martingitdave is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Chicago
Posts: 11,283
Default

Thanks for the confirmation. For strictly solo work I suspect the Sable would have been a better choice for me. But I was looking for my all rounder carbon guitar. This Rainsong is cutting the mustard.
__________________
"Lift your head and smile at trouble. You'll find happiness someday."
Reply With Quote
Reply

  The Acoustic Guitar Forum > General Acoustic Guitar and Amplification Discussion > Carbon Fiber

Thread Tools





All times are GMT -6. The time now is 10:45 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright ©2000 - 2022, The Acoustic Guitar Forum
vB Ad Management by =RedTyger=