Rainsong hybrids: OM and Dreads-tell me about them - Page 2

Doubleneck · #16 07-10-2011, 05:01 AM

Just acquired a Rainsong OM1000N2 in trade a month ago and it is becoming my favorite guitar. I am very familiar with carbon guitars and Rainsong puts out a quality product. Playability of the neck on the OM is perfect, I could lower the strings to 5/64ths on the low E with no problem, could go lower. I have A/B the hybrid and the straight carbons and I like the straight carbons. The hybrids I think are a little softer and with a little less clarity but that is exactly what wood does. So get what you like. The lightness of these guitars are amazing. Also they are not effected by weather but they are not indestructable, they will mar, dent etc. But no doubt stronger than wood.
Steve

Dru Edwards · #17 07-10-2011, 05:44 AM

Why are they called hybrids? Is there any wood in the guitar?

ACRX · #18 07-10-2011, 06:15 AM

According to the Rainsong website, "hybrid" refers to the combination of carbon fiber + glass fibers (fiberglass?). No wood in those guitars.

62rat · #19 07-10-2011, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dru Edwards

Why are they called hybrids? Is there any wood in the guitar?

Graphite and carbon fiber, no wood

Dru Edwards · #20 07-10-2011, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACRX

According to the Rainsong website, "hybrid" refers to the combination of carbon fiber + glass fibers (fiberglass?). No wood in those guitars.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 62rat

Graphite and carbon fiber, no wood

Thanks - so, a non-hybrid would contain only carbon fiber?

rwskaggs · #21 07-10-2011, 06:28 AM

+1 on LA Guitar Sales...I called Ted repeatedly for information about Rainsongs and eventually ordered the H-DR1100N2 based on him having someone play it side by side with an OM OVER THE PHONE!

Great customer service - can't wait for it to get here!

62rat · #22 07-10-2011, 06:32 AM

I have had an S-OM1100N2 for about a month. Found it on ebay, 2 months old and like new. Light as a feather but tough and sounds very good. It's nice to not have to worry about humidity so it goes outside a lot and generally sits out around the house where it can be played whenever the urge strikes. I really like it.

ACRX · #23 07-10-2011, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dru Edwards

Thanks - so, a non-hybrid would contain only carbon fiber?

Yes, the non-hybrid (and non-studio) RainSong models are all carbon. Graphite and carbon fiber are both forms of carbon. The hybrid and studio models have the glass fiber composite that makes the sound warmer and more wood-like according to some (and lowers the price point). The "studio" models have the glass fiber/carbon fiber composite but have that rough/textured finish whereas the "hybrid" models have a gloss finish.

Dru Edwards · #24 07-10-2011, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACRX

Yes, the non-hybrid (and non-studio) RainSong models are all carbon. Graphite and carbon fiber are both forms of carbon. The hybrid and studio models have the glass fiber composite that makes the sound warmer and more wood-like according to some (and lowers the price point). The "studio" models have the glass fiber/carbon fiber composite but have that rough/textured finish whereas the "hybrid" models have a gloss finish.

Thanks ACRX. That sounds like advantages for hybrids, both 'warmer' tone and 'less expensive'. What are the disadvantages? Is it mostly esthetics or is there anything related to the elements (humidity/temperature)?

Doubleneck · #25 07-10-2011, 07:22 AM

The Hybrids are gaining popularity because of what you are saying, cheaper and woodier so whats not to like. Play both just different sound, like I said I like the sound of the pure carbon, I think it is louder and clearer but many, many are liking the hybrids. Its your ears and pocketbook. I also like the idea of have a pure carbon guitar, that is probably just me.
Steve

JohnnyDes · #26 07-10-2011, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwskaggs

+1 on LA Guitar Sales...I called Ted repeatedly for information about Rainsongs and eventually ordered the H-DR1100N2 based on him having someone play it side by side with an OM OVER THE PHONE!

Great customer service - can't wait for it to get here!

Ah, that was me doing the playing! That was fun. I was in the shop trying out Ted's custom OM.

JD

Doubleneck · #27 07-10-2011, 10:39 AM

How did you like that LA custom OM, its seem like just the ticket?
Steve

rwskaggs · #28 07-10-2011, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyDes

Ah, that was me doing the playing! That was fun. I was in the shop trying out Ted's custom OM.

JD

Thanks John - you swung me over for the 'dread model! I appreciate your playing for my comparison shopping.....

ChrisH · #29 07-10-2011, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doubleneck

How did you like that LA custom OM, its seem like just the ticket?
Steve

Me thinks so. I played all of Ted's Rainsong OM's a few weeks ago, and the custom is well worth the extra couple hundred $$$. If nothing else, you get sharks on the neck, which are very cool. I thought that the uni top sounded best, but your results may vary.

SpruceTop · #30 07-10-2011, 12:14 PM

I currently have two RainSong all-graphite models, and I've had five other ones. Let me say to all players that if you've never played a newer carbon guitar, regardless of brand, and whether of all-graphite or graphite/glass-fiber construction, I urge you to do so. The tone of the later-model carbon guitars is world-class, and the rugged construction and humidity-free issues are a boon for at-home and travel play!

Regards,

SpruceTop