Why hasn't CF Broken into the mainstream? - Page 2

Ted @ LA Guitar Sales · #16 12-09-2013, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HHP

Maybe the simplest answer is the best, a lot of people don't like the way they sound.

Well that's not it of course, many folks love the tone of current CF guitars and if they were more popular there would be many variations just like there are in wood guitars.

IMO it has to do with material costs and manufacturing difficulty. A builder can buy the materials needed to build three Rosewood/Spruce Dreadnoughts for the cost of the materials needed to make one Rainsong. And while just about anyone can put together a guitar kit from Martin, the same can't be said for a carbon fiber guitar.

HHP · #17 12-09-2013, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ted @ LA Guitar Sales

Well that's not it of course, many folks love the tone of current CF guitars and if they were more popular there would be many variations just like there are in wood guitars.

IMO it has to do with material costs and manufacturing difficulty. A builder can buy the materials needed to build three Rosewood/Spruce Dreadnoughts for the cost of the materials needed to make one Rainsong. And while just about anyone can put together a guitar kit from Martin, the same can't be said for a carbon fiber guitar.

They are priced in the same range as good quality wood guitars, so cost to the buyer is about the same. Buyers seem more than willing to pay more for upgraded materials on wood guitars. I think everyone gets the durability thing, just not willing to trade off sound to get it.

Acousticado · #18 12-09-2013, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HHP

They are priced in the same range as good quality wood guitars, so cost to the buyer is about the same. Buyers seem more than willing to pay more for upgraded materials on wood guitars. I think everyone gets the durability thing, just not willing to trade off sound to get it.

It's not a sound trade-off at all. CF guitars have a range of tones among the manufacturers and models, just like wood guitars, which many players actually like…a lot. The CF tone palette has a legitimate place in the broad guitar industry. It's nice to have that choice.

Azaro Ariño · #19 12-09-2013, 10:16 PM

Personally, if I was going to drop a couple grand on an acoustic, I would like it to look like wood, even if carbon fiber sounded better. For me it's purely visual, I'll take carbon fiber over wood on my sports cars any day though.

Edit: Maybe you could trick me by putting a veneer on the cf... but I do think cf is a beautiful thing...

Malty · #20 12-09-2013, 10:31 PM

Give them a few generations before wooden guitars become collectible relics.

Keep in mind that there are still a few old timers who use typewriters. And desktop computers ;-)

SMan · #21 12-09-2013, 10:43 PM

CF seems to evoke some of the same feelings as Ovations.

jdinco · #22 12-09-2013, 11:01 PM

This is my experience with the sound of CF vs Wood. I had a Santa Cruz OM/PW, the sound was not what I would call good. I bought a RS, my wife said that it sounded better than the SC. I agree. You know women don't lie. LOL

Of course my Martin 000 sounds better than the SC did too....my point is only that I don't see a big issue with the difference in sound of the CF. It's really a personal thing, same as 000 vs dread etc. My RS sounds fantastic. to me.

I think that there has not been enough exposure of the CF guitars in the marketplace. For whatever reason.

Doubleneck · #23 12-10-2013, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMan

CF seems to evoke some of the same feelings as Ovations.

I think that's true, I grew up with Ovations still think they are underrated guitars. Guess I am always rooting for the underdog? I do think carbon carries the touch of Charles Kaman's innovative spirit. Ovation was one of the first to use CF.

blacknblues · #24 12-10-2013, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dogsnax

Living in Louisiana, where it's hot and humid, I've really wanted to fall in love with a CF guitar - it sure would make life a lot easier, e.g., no more dehumidifying, etc. I've gone to the music store three times, spent plenty time playing both Rainsong and CA guitars, lots of different models. In the end, I just can't stand the clinical, anemic sound. I gave 'em a good try and maybe it's the way I play.....

To my ears my Rainsongs sound anything but clinical or anemic. I hear them as very warm and full, just not 'woody'.

martind42 · #25 12-10-2013, 06:23 AM

Asking why carbon fiber hasn't broken into the mainstream is like asking why hasn't Soylent replaced food.

HHP · #26 12-10-2013, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acousticado

It's not a sound trade-off at all. CF guitars have a range of tones among the manufacturers and models, just like wood guitars, which many players actually like…a lot. The CF tone palette has a legitimate place in the broad guitar industry. It's nice to have that choice.

I agree its nice to have the choice, but the question posed here is more about why don't people make that choice. I suspect more than any prejudice or association with Ovation or desire to have wood, it probably is a combination of sound and looks.

Mooh · #27 12-10-2013, 06:35 AM

Personally, it's been a matter of cost and selection. For others it may be a matter of visibility and advertising, ie, much of the playing public is unaware of them. I'm sorely tempted by the CA Cargo because I need and want a durable second/student/travel/beater/beach guitar, but that's it.

Doubleneck · #28 12-10-2013, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HHP

I agree its nice to have the choice, but the question posed here is more about why don't people make that choice. I suspect more than any prejudice or association with Ovation or desire to have wood, it probably is a combination of sound and looks.

Probably the simple truth, there is a beauty to wood that is undeniable. Alistairs favorite guitars are his wood veneers. That probably alone says a lot. Ironically I find them not really to my liking cause I truly think in the bright light his reflective weave is as good as it gets on stage. And I do love peoples reaction to how a guitar sound comes out of something so different from what they are used to seeing.

Bowie · #29 12-10-2013, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martind42

Asking why carbon fiber hasn't broken into the mainstream is like asking why hasn't Soylent replaced food.

And, in the same sense, telling you out tastes just as good and lasts forever without spoiling isn't going to sell you on it, is it?

Finger Stylish · #30 12-10-2013, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HHP

Maybe the simplest answer is the best, a lot of people don't like the way they sound.

"Sound" is completely subjective.

I have been playing acoustic guitars for 40 years, which include, Martin, Gibson, Grammer, Gurian, Ovation, Taylor, Takamine, Rainsong.

I can say that the sound of my Rainsong H-DR1000N2 is much more versatile, adjustable, sustainable, than any of my Wood trophy's. I have yet to find any "old traditionalist" that isn't pleasantly surprised when they play my Rainsong.

I wouldn't say the CA's are better than my Rosewood/spruce axes, just more sustain-ably versatile.
If I played these days for the coins, I would play my Rainsong.