Anyone here have a Rainsong? - Page 2

gerardo1000 · #16 03-11-2007, 06:56 PM

I have a Rainsong Jumbo and it is one of the most satisfying guitars that I ever had. Lots of volume, but also a lot of sweetness when fingerpicked with bare fingers. Perfect set up, low action. It is very versatile and it is - in my opinion- beautiful to look at.

esundell · #17 03-11-2007, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liberty

Question ... I see Ebay has one listed http://cgi.ebay.com/Rainsong-Project...QQcmdZViewItem but says the back and sides are rosewood. I thought the entire instrument was made of graphite.

They did do a run of Parlor guitars a few years ago- did not sell at all- fairly unappealing to the eye- the tops of those were the graphite, with wood b/s. They no longer make these.

Liberty · #18 03-11-2007, 07:40 PM

Thanks for the info Eric.

I wonder if any of the electric acoustic models come with an onboard tuner?

jastevens · #19 03-12-2007, 09:42 AM

my love for my wood guitars tends to come and go but my WS1000 is here to stay

- despite dramatic changes in temp/humidity it is ALWAYS in tune
- responds well to a light touch and doesn't break up with hard strumming
- the built-in baggs electronics are quite nice

for me, they are nearly impossible to beat as a gigging guitar
as long as my strings are relatively fresh, i am confident that i can show up, plug-in, and play... i certainly can't say that about my taylor

as an added bonus (a big one i might add)
i can leave it out on the stand at all times...
ready for whenever inspiration strikes (it usually doesn't last long with me

)

Hapa · #20 03-12-2007, 10:25 AM

I had a WS1000 for about 3 years. Liked it, but not as much as my 414kce. If I ever had to reach for one of them, I invariably grabbed the Taylor. I purchased it because at the time I was running a summer camp. Great not to worry about humidity, etc. It was beautiful and had a great feeling neck, but I felt like I had a very nice, expensive guitar sitting in its case most of the time. So, it went away so that I could buy a K65...which then went away so I could buy my T5...

Doubleneck · #21 03-12-2007, 10:25 AM

After 30 years of wood guitars, not totally true, some Ovations as well, I have become a graphite believer. Mine is a CA X. One, they are light, playable (cutaway on the X is a dream), and sound very good. Second, I tripped on stage on a cord and sent the guitar flying neck and face down on the floor. Did not hurt it whatsoever. They really are indestructable. How cool is that compared to a big buck wood guitar that you are scared to take out.
Steve

Liberty · #22 03-12-2007, 12:46 PM

That is very cool! Have you ever played a Rainsong graphite or just the CA?

laughingskunk · #23 03-12-2007, 02:28 PM

I have a CA Bluegrass Performer, so am a fan of composite guitars. I played numerous Rainsongs when looking for a guitar. To me they have a very clear tone, almost bell like. My Bluegrass is a little more heavy on the bass than Rainsong. They made great strummers and also did well with fingerpicking. You cant say that with all jumbos. The reason I went with CA instead of Rainsong was the price at the time. CA then was much more than a few hundred dollars less than comparable Rainsongs. The prices are similar now. They are both great guitars that stay in tune, are almost humidity proof. Still have to be concerned about extreme heat- with the glues used, but absolutely no concern with the cold or even water damage. Patrick

jastevens · #24 03-12-2007, 03:34 PM

i'll second that interpretation of the tone comparison.

when a/bing originally i thought the rainsong had a more 'taylor tone' while the CA was more of a 'martin tone' if that helps any.

i actually have a friend that was playing his WS1000 around the campfire and accidently left it outside overnight (for reasons that shall remain nameless

) while it poured rain for several hours.
the next morning he poured the water out of the sound hole, wiped off the mud and she was good to go

he played a gig with it just a couple days later and all he had done to it was let it dry and put new strings on (there was still a little mud on it)
i'm still surprised that the electronics weren't screwed up, but so far, so good.

wouldn't believe it if i hadn't seen it myself.

my own favorite story with my ws1000...
took it to a campout last year about this time
pulled it out of the case that night into the 60-something degree night air
perfect tune
put it away that night... left it outside in the case all night
next morning had to pull it back out to play at sunrise
about 50-something and VERY humid (foggy)
perfect tune
put it away
pulled it back out that night... indoors... about 75 degrees...DRY
perfect tune

after that weekend i realized without a doubt that was the best money i had ever spent on musical equipment

Doubleneck · #25 03-12-2007, 04:26 PM

I have played rainsong once a while ago in a music store in Nashville that had CA's as well. I remember liking the CA's more but I am not sure what model rainsong I was playing. I know that it was not the Jumbo. I really want to compare them again because I thought at the time CA's sounded much better but that may be because I do like a Martin sound. I really don't think you can go wrong with either. I absolutely believe that the composites have a great product, plugged in I think they are superior to a wood guitar.
Steve

Liberty · #26 03-12-2007, 05:42 PM

Do you need a pickguard with a graphite guitar? If so, which do you use?

The WS1000 has such a pinched waist.

jastevens · #27 03-12-2007, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liberty

Do you need a pickguard with a graphite guitar? If so, which do you use?

i just always figured the whole guitar was a pickguard so why bother

seriously, i don't use one on mine
the fiberglass gel-coat combo is quite sturdy (same stuff they use on boat hulls)
i have quite a few swirl marks on my top, but nothing a little buffing couldn't remove.

rainsong put pickguards on some of the earlier A-WS1000 guitars (the lower price model) but i always figured it was just for looks (the new ones don't have them)

jastevens · #28 03-12-2007, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liberty

The WS1000 has such a pinched waist.

yeah... compared to my 414 the rainsong's waist is smaller, but it is quite a bit deeper (more like a dread)
with the combo of the slimmer waist, and thicker body i find it to be on par comfort wise with the taylor.

one thing i forgot to mention up to this point...
the neck
very nice... but very thin
if you like a thicker neck profile you might have a difficult time adjusting, but i personally find it quite comfy

Liberty · #29 03-12-2007, 06:27 PM

I've heard that when you first get it new, it smells like a boat.

I ordered a WS1000 and I requested that it come with an on-board tuner. The guy said he went to the Rainsong website and said it came with an on-board tuner. I went to the same website and didn't see that.

What do you buff the scratches out with?

Doubleneck · #30 03-12-2007, 07:05 PM

I do not use a pickguard. I have not really noticed anything. They do have a tuff finish, CA recommends automotive polish.
Steve