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#1
07-09-2012, 10:11 AM
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How durable are carbons?
All this talk about cases and traveling got me to think why I want a hard case for my new carbon. I have found carbons to be very structurally stable but still vulnerable to cosmetic injury like wood guitars. I have bumped my Rainsong sound board slightly and dented it a little just like a wood one. The gloss finishes are just or even more vulnerable to scratches. I use clinging clear pick guards and back protectors. My son just bumped my CA into a doorway and chipped a little paint off the edge of the soundboard. It was very easy to repair but I think people think these guitars are made of steel, they are if you don't care how they look.
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Steve 2020 McKnight Grand Recording - Cedar Top 2005 McKnight SS Dred 2001 Michael Keller Koa Baby 2014 Godin Inuk 2012 Deering B6 Openback Banjo 2012 Emerald Acoustic Doubleneck 2012 Rainsong JM1000 Black Ice 2009 Wechter Pathmaker 9600 LTD 1982 Yairi D-87 Doubleneck 1987 Ovation Collectors 1993 Ovation Collectors 1967 J-45 Gibson 1974 20th Annivers. Les Paul Custom 
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#2
07-09-2012, 11:37 AM
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Hey Steve,
What I found was that these Carbon Fibers are like the "Super-laminates" but regardless of whatever ANY guitar is built out of, unless it was from the materials of Wolverines Claws, it will still break and be damaged like any guitar. From Blackbird Guitars website, their Carbon Fibers are built to withstand "harsh" climates. However, these things are in no way impervious to damage. Obviously don't submerge the guitar in water or hit it with a sledgehammer. The construction and materials are primarily used and selected for climate and weather resistance. And like all guitars, treat it well and it will treat you well. Hope this helps! ~Justin
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2010 Yamaha F325 2012 Martin GPCPA4 w/ KK Trinity Pro System
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#3
07-09-2012, 06:11 PM
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Other than not keeping them in cases, I treat my Cargos with the same care as a wood guitar. Under those circumstances, I would think the instruments will look like new for a very long time. I am not surprised that they can get chipped or show other signs of wear. Think of these marks as "love taps". That is the term people at The Podium used back in the early 80s.
 Tony
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#4
07-10-2012, 07:05 AM
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I'm not one to obsess over keeping my guitars perfect. I don't worry about a scratch here or ding there. However, I do worry about catastrophic damage, like the time my Seagull dread fell over and snapped the headstock off.
With CF guitars, you usually don't have to worry about catastrophic damage from rough handling, falling off a stand to having the case pop open while carrying. For this reason, I could get by with only a gigbag, which will keep the guitar from getting soaked if its raining and will prevent it from getting dinged up in the car on its way to the gig. For air travel, I will take my Cargo in gigbag and hope I can fit it in the overhead. However, if I have to gate check it, I feel confident that the gigbag is enough protection to prevent catastrophic damage. Steve, in the case of your upcoming double neck Emerald, I would probably stick with the gigbag. If I was flying somewhere, I would probably leave the double neck home and bring a travel CF guitar (Cargo, T8, etc.). I realize, however, that double neck guitars mean more to you than they would to me and you probably really want it to travel with you. In your case, a good flight-worthy hard case probably makes sense.
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