#31
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I have been preoccupied lately with work and haven’t been on the forum for a while. I saw this thread and wanted to chime in.
Rainsong offers a lot of 12-fret models and there is no upcharge for selecting a 12-fret model. I have 3 12-fret Rainsongs - an Al Petteway Signature Edition, 25 Year Anniversary, and CH-OM1000NS. I also have a 14-fret Rainsong WS-1000 remission. These are all amazing guitars! I own two 14-fret Emerald X20 guitars - one with plain carbon top and the other with a Koa veneer. Again, these are amazing guitars. I believe there is an upcharge to order a 12-fret Emerald and I’ve never played one. I have a few observations between 12-fret and 14-fret guitars and between Rainsong and Emerald guitars. These are just my opinions so take it for what it’s worth: To my ears: 12-fret guitars tend to sound warmer and more “woody” than 14-fret guitars. 14-fret guitars tend to be louder and have more presence than 12-fret guitars. Rainsong guitars tend to project more / seem louder than Emerald guitars. I’m primarily a finger style player and I’ve noticed my Rainsong guitars project well even when I play with a light touch. Emerald guitars have a richer / deeper sound than Rainsong guitars. I tend to dig in a little more when I play my Emerald guitars to get more volume. I don’t think you can go wrong choosing between Rainsong or Emerald. I am a lot more familiar with Rainsong because I’ve been playing them them longer. I’m learning to love my Emerald guitars as I become more familiar with them. Last edited by Markcarl; 04-05-2023 at 11:25 PM. |
#32
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Emerald short(er) scale
Similar to the OP, I have an X20 and want a shorter scale CF model. Kind of a lap guitar with chops. At this point I feel some angst, as the curved body shape of the X20 is super comfortable for me. It's just the neck sizing and scale I find awkward.
My plan is to replace a GS-mini, a Taylor GC, and the X20 with one CF guitar. In my guitar fantasy world, I'll find a CF model that has Taylor GCish dimensions, lap-friendly contours, and a similar shaped short scale neck. Since it's my fantasy, I'd add that any controls would be sound hole based, as I'm not a fan of "barn door" pickup controls. I also rarely play plugged in For now, I keep a capo on fret 1 of my X20, and it works pretty well. I have thoughts of an X7, but would dearly love to try one before committing.
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2016 Blackbird Lucky 13 2015 Gibson J-15 Have had a few Martins, Taylors, and other wood guitars. They all sounded better when played by others... |
#33
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For me, the perfect CF guitar would have the same dimensions as my Huss and Dalton 00 - short 24.9" scale, small 00 body, 12 frets to the body with no cut-away, 1 7/8" nut and appropriate string spacing, and 2 5/16" spacing at the saddle. I don't hold out hope of ever seeing that, but just maybe someday... Tony
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“The guitar is a wonderful thing which is understood by few.” — Franz Schubert "Alexa, where's my stuff?" - Anxiously waiting... |
#34
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I sold my x-20 to purchase the APSE. The Emerald was a very nice guitar but the Rainsong fit my needs better. I have several 12 fret short scale guitars. The APSE is most like my custom Taylor TF, a grand concert sized guitar.
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#35
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Quote:
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I play my Rainsong WS's and my Lucky 13 more often than my Emerald X20 these days. The APSE has some appeal as smaller body with a shorter scale, but not enough to make another purchase. One thing I have noticed about the X20 is the bevel, while comfortable, makes it more difficult to flatpick accurately. Apparently the sharper corner anchors my forearm better and I can pick more cleanly. X20 is great for pure fingerstyle though. I'm a 75% bare nails fingerpicker but also play some licks and solos in a bluegrass setting. The volume is fine there, but not the playing accuracy. It took a long time to realize that. |
#36
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I custom ordered a short scale (24.875”) X20. It’s easier to play than the standard model, but I enjoy my 12 fret RainSong much more. It has much more headroom then the Emerald. It’s currently on loan to my youngest son, and is a very versatile performance guitar (has the upgraded pickup.) He likes it a lot, but prefers miking one of his wood guitars.
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1950 Martin 00-18 RainSong Concert Hybrid Orchestra Model 12 Fret Eastman E20OOSS. Strandberg Boden Original 6 Eastman T185MX G&L ASAT Classic USA Butterscotch Blonde Rickenbacher Lap Steel Voyage-Air VAD-2 Martin SW00-DB Machiche 1968 Guild F-112 Taylor 322e 12 Fret V Class Last edited by seannx; 04-15-2023 at 04:30 PM. |
#37
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I remember about a year ago where I stated that someday I could envisage selling my X-20. My post was immediately deleted and I was admonished for posting a sale solicitation outside the sales group.
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#38
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Didn't know that wasn't permitted. Have edited my post.
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1950 Martin 00-18 RainSong Concert Hybrid Orchestra Model 12 Fret Eastman E20OOSS. Strandberg Boden Original 6 Eastman T185MX G&L ASAT Classic USA Butterscotch Blonde Rickenbacher Lap Steel Voyage-Air VAD-2 Martin SW00-DB Machiche 1968 Guild F-112 Taylor 322e 12 Fret V Class |