#31
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I have a Rainsong WS-1000 and my wife has a CA Cargo. We like both of them a LOT - to the point where if the house caught fire, I would grab the two CF guitars on my way out the door, leaving several Martin's and Taylor's to take their chances. Wood guitars are great too - a dozen of them live here along side the CF guitars. But forced to choose I would go with CF. Positive factors include excellent playability, good tuning stability, very nice (but different) tone, and almost zero maintenance. My WS-1000 with the Fishman blender UST and on-board mic combo is the best sounding stage guitar that I own. I was blown away the first time I heard it through good stage monitors. The mic part helps make up for the shortcomings of the UST.
We are about six hours drvie time away from McNichols in SLC. Next time we get the urge for a road trip, I plan to head there and try every CF guitar in stock. |
#32
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For me, the main advantage for carbon fiber is definitely the resistance to climate changes. I have a Rainsong parlor, I love that I can leave it out all the time(currently fighting in NJ to keep humidity above 35%), I actually play it more than my 000-18, which I keep in the case all the time when not playing it. Its amazing what a barrier being in a case is for playing a guitar. I also have two small kids, I don't worry when they come over and bang on the parlor.
That being said, I think my 000-18 sounds better than the parlor(or any carbon fiber that I've tried, I've tried quite a few). I don't mean that to be insulting to carbon fiber, I just personally prefer the sound from wood guitars. If I didn't have to worry about climate changes with my 000-18 then I would have my dream guitar. I definitely recommend you have a carbon fiber in your stable.
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Blackbird Lucky 13 |
#33
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I was pleasantly surprised by the X20. I ordered it in 2013 without ever touching one before and am glad I did. I believe MacNichol's may have one still in stock without electronics if you want to go that route. I like it better than most Martin, Taylor and Gibson's that I have played for what it's worth.
I love my X20 so much I now also have a Blackbird Lucky 13. It's also a great guitar, and between these two I rarely play anything else. They both have their distinctive sound, but I don't think you could pick either from a group of good wood guitars in a blind test. The X20 is my go to guitar for any occasion. I love the Lucky 13 too. It reminds me of a great sounding 1930's or 40's Gibson small body guitar. Lots of choices. If you find one you like that's not for sale, there is a lot of consistency in the models so you don't have to worry about getting a mail ordered dud like in wood guitars. Have fun and try all you can, but definitely look at the Rainsong mentioned earlier, the X20 and the Lucky 13 before deciding. I am on the other side of the country, so I am probably not convenient for your testing. You are still welcome to visit with my guitars if you are close. |
#34
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I just bought a used CA Cargo with electronics on this forum without ever playing one based on all the threads and comments and I'm truly impressed. I wanted a guitar that I could take camping on longer trips without having to worry about the heat or cold, rain or humidity. Wow, does it play nicely, beyond what I expected. Never had played one before, so I was really out on the edge here... I play mostly electric in my band, but play alot of acoustic at home, and was also surprised at the smooth action this guitar gives - similar to my strat. I'm sold!
Anyone know how to find out the date of manufacture with the serial number? I now it's pretty new and has good electronics in it. I played it through my Fishman Artist amp, sounds great!
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Too many guitars Still trying to find the right number, but it's always n+1 |
#35
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So this is what I get for waiting too long. MacNichol is closing. No more Emeralds there. Anyone know who else stocks Emeralds? And do they come with a hard case? I'd hate to have to wait a few months with a direct order
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#36
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You could try the fretted frog in LA. I have seen them there in the past.
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National Resophonic NRP 12 Fret Loar LH-700-VS Archtop Eastman E8-OM Herrmann Weissenborn Recording King RP-10 Recording King RG-35-SN Lapsteel Maton 425 12-string ESP 400 series telecaster Eastman T485 Deering Americana Banjo My Youtube |
#37
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Quote:
The Artisan series comes with a nice case. Cost to delete the gig bag and get the case is $220, which seems really excessive to me. The Fretted Frog in Pasadena usually has one or two X-20s in stock. Nobody seems to stock 12-strings if that's your thing. Also Alister has an X-20 short scale (in bronze) in stock for immediate purchase. http://www.emeraldguitars.com/instoc...s-short-scale/ Kind of tempting actually... Also A1A guitars in Florida has an X20 (black) with hard case in stock (listed on reverb)
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Larrivee OM-03RE; O-01 Martin D-35; Guild F-212; Tacoma Roadking Breedlove American Series C20/SR Rainsong SFTA-FLE; WS3000; CH-PA Taylor GA3-12, Guild F-212 https://markhorning.bandcamp.com/music |
#38
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Here's a Rainsong dread in the AGF classifieds
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#39
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Take a look at CA Legacy Performer. Sounds very Martinesque.
goufous
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2008 Santa Cruz OM/PW CA Legacy/Performer pre-peavy carbon fiber, a gift from my daughter and son-in-law. Richard Young Soprano and Concert Ukulele Collings UT1 Tenor Ukulele Eastman 305 Mandolin McSpadden Mountain Dulcimer Thomason Mountain Dulcimer Deering Eagle ii Banjo Homemade Wash Tub Bass O'Riordon Tin whistle (Traveler Set) Hammered Dulcimer by Jim Hudson |
#40
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So, what made you decide on an Emerald, and which one are you going with? |
#41
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If it has electronics then I'll have to bite the bullet & order one from The Man himself. I can do without the hard case. A big bag's fine with me. Quote:
Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to play any carbon fiber acoustic yet. I'm going with the Emerald X20 because I like how it sounds on some of the videos I've seen, most notably the ones where the Japanese woman is playing. Other CFs I've heard sound too bright or thin for my liking. The X20 (with no electronics) is also cheaper than the others I've looked at and I like the unique looks of it Edit: Curses! I can see a control area on the side of the guitar. Oh well. Someone should buy that though. It seems like a good deal and it has a hard case. Last edited by Herrick; 03-28-2015 at 04:22 PM. |
#42
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Be advised that if you want an electronics free version because you plan to install a K&K later then you should let Alister know. If so he will take extra time to make certain that there is a nice flat spot for the instal.
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Larrivee OM-03RE; O-01 Martin D-35; Guild F-212; Tacoma Roadking Breedlove American Series C20/SR Rainsong SFTA-FLE; WS3000; CH-PA Taylor GA3-12, Guild F-212 https://markhorning.bandcamp.com/music |
#43
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My two of course, sound very different from each other. Acoustically, the Rainsong is just bell like. Very, very clear. The CA is warmer but still full. Both have stupendous sustain.
Gonna redo a new saddle on my 12er and see if I can get the Fishman Prefix to sound good with it. Use a Fishman Blackstack with my CA. Dig em' both! Tough and very tune stable.
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Emerald X7 Warmoth Swamp Ash Tele wi/Glazer B bender Epiphone '58 V w/Lawrence L90s |
#44
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#45
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I've owned several Rainsongs and currently own a Rainsong hybrid dread. They're wonderful guitars, and for me, the H-DR1100N2 is particularly wonderful. I believe it's the only Rainsong that's widely produced and sold without electronics, although as others have noted, any Rainsong can be purchased without bar door electronics....
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Emerald X20 Emerald X20-12 Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster Martin D18 Ambertone Martin 000-15sm |