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Old 05-26-2007, 06:54 PM
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Jim Tozier Jim Tozier is offline
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Default Rainsong review

Gotta keep it short for now, but I thought I'd share a few thoughts about the Rainsong A-WS1000 which I recently picked up to use for travel, outdoor gigs, etc.

The negatives:
  • The neck is super slim (from front to back... it's still a 1 3/4" nut). Slimmer than any guitar 've ever played, in fact--even electrics. It'll take some getting used to, but it's not going to be a problem.
  • The "binding" between the top and the back/side piece has an edge to it... it's not flush with the body. This is by design, not a flaw in this particular guitar. Not a big deal, but worth mentioning.
  • The top of mine (which is red) has a couple of spots on the top where the graphite/carbon fiber is visible underneath the red enamel. Not very noticeable, and purely cosmetic... but still the sort of thing that's likely to bother a finicky buyer.

The positives:
  • The sound is much better tha I expected. It doesn't sound like a wood guitar, but it doesn't sound as different as I expected, either.
  • The sustain is fantastic. I think this is why I've heard people compare Rainsongs to pianos. The notes ring longer, and for much of the music I play, the sustain adds some of the sweetness that I'm used to getting from tonewoods.
  • The neck and tuning are perfectly stable. I can switch between DADGAD to CGCGCD in a matter of seconds and not have to fine-tune as the neck adjusts to the increase or decrease in tension. Awesome!

Of course, since the Rainsong isn't wood, I can also leave it out on the stand or take it outside during the summer here in Atlanta without worrying about it. It'll be the perfect "songwriting guitar" to pick up in an instant and take along wherever I go.

So far, I'm very impressed and pleased.
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Old 05-26-2007, 07:42 PM
makikogi makikogi is offline
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congrats on the purchase Jim, it'll only grow on you more and more, and WHEN it does, you should definitely check out the classic series....
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Rainsong WS1000
Taylor "T6" Custom w/added element UST
USA Tele Deluxe
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Old 05-26-2007, 07:52 PM
Liberty Liberty is offline
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Ahhh, the Classic series
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Old 05-26-2007, 08:09 PM
arrowspace90 arrowspace90 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Tozier View Post
I can switch between DADGAD to CGCGCD in a matter of seconds
What about EADGBE??

Seriously, coming from a super guitarist, that is a review I give some real weight to. As a person who pays lip service to the cause of ecology, this is the next guitar I should buy. Isn't it great that it sounds so good as bonus.
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Old 05-26-2007, 08:18 PM
rlouie rlouie is offline
 
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alright Jim don't make me post my "this thread is worthless without pics" gif, I don't want to but you know I will....
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Old 05-26-2007, 08:26 PM
Taylorplayer Taylorplayer is offline
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Thanks for taking the time to post that review. Sounds like a very cool guitar to me.

The really thin neck would most definately be a "major plus" for me... the thinnner the better!!~! That's why I used to collect vintage Hagstrom's (not the re-issues). Still have one or two around.

Thanks again Jim....

Tp
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Old 05-26-2007, 08:27 PM
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Hey, if graphite/carbon works for our buddy DW, it's fine with me.....
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Old 05-26-2007, 08:57 PM
gerardo1000 gerardo1000 is offline
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I had one of the first Rainsong Advanced Series, red top, and I liked it.
It definitely had the signature Rainsong sound, but with less volume than the classic s. It was also much heavier than the classic series.
Other than that, it was an excellent guitar for the price, and I think it is even more interesting now that Composite guitars - once the more affordable composite guitars -have considerably raised their prices.
I believe that today the only other composite guitar which is comparable with the "low" price of a Rainsong Advanced series is Emerald.
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Old 05-26-2007, 09:39 PM
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Old 05-26-2007, 09:44 PM
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Oops.. double post
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Old 05-26-2007, 10:23 PM
pencap23 pencap23 is offline
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I really really want a JM 1000.
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Old 05-27-2007, 04:34 AM
Liberty Liberty is offline
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In the photo, is that an absence of paint for a pick guard?
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Old 05-27-2007, 07:30 AM
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Jim Tozier Jim Tozier is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Liberty View Post
In the photo, is that an absence of paint for a pick guard?
No... the pickguard is made of carbon fiber and glued to the top.
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Old 05-27-2007, 04:56 PM
Liberty Liberty is offline
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Gotcha, thanks Jim.
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Old 05-28-2007, 02:27 PM
MCCFAN MCCFAN is offline
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Thanks for the initial review; very helpful! Interested in hearing more about your impressions as you get more time in with the RainSong.
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