Rainsong CO-JM1000 or JM1000? Help!

Anohaakten · #1 01-28-2014, 01:58 PM

I cannot decide which guitar to buy. I did test out the JM1000 but I honestly felt like the neck was a little slim for me. My hands were cramping up while playing. I am sure I could get used to it eventually, but from the git-go it wasn't comfortable for me, so I sent it back.

My only concern with the CO top is that it seems more prone to damage. I feel like the thinned out top makes it much less durable, I really don't want to have issues with it. However, I feel I will like the N2 neck.

I cannot decide, I am going to order the CO-JM1000 and give it a test run for a couple of weeks to see how it stacks up. But, as of now, I am not sure. Have any of you had problems with the unidirectional top?

Also, how would you compare/contrast the sounds of the two?

Thanks,
Scott

mchalebk · #2 01-28-2014, 02:16 PM

I do not have hands on experience with either (I do own a JM3000 12-string, though). It is my understanding that the CO top is less durable than the regular top, though it's probably still quite a bit more durable than a wood top.

I was curious about one thing, though. Are you under the impression that the JM1000 comes with the N1 neck, while the CO-JM1000 comes with the N2? I'm pretty sure you can get the N1 or N2 neck on either model.

Anohaakten · #3 01-28-2014, 02:40 PM

I am going to be buying a used one mchalebk, so unfortunately I will not be able to pick the neck I want, I will have to have one that is a standard one.

Doubleneck · #4 01-28-2014, 02:53 PM

I have a JM1000 BI N2 neck. Sounds like you will like the N2 neck, it is fuller than the N1. I have played all the tops. The CO I think is the best most natural sounding but it's not a huge difference. My favorite look is the black ice. I really would not be that concerned with the durability of the CO, like said its better than wood. I got my guitar in a trade, if I was to order a JM1000 it would be with the CO top.

mchalebk · #5 01-28-2014, 02:55 PM

If you don't care for the N1 neck, I would go with the CO model with the N2 neck. Doesn't matter how much you prefer one model over the other, if you don't like the neck, it could prove to be a real mistake.

I wouldn't worry too much about the CO top being less durable. Unless you abuse it, I would seriously doubt you'd have any problems. Yes, I do believe they can be more easily damaged than the regular top, but that doesn't mean they are easily damaged (if that makes sense).

Anohaakten · #6 01-28-2014, 03:04 PM

Thanks for the replies guys!

jdinco · #7 01-28-2014, 05:20 PM

It never crossed my mind that the CO top on my WS would be more "prone to damage". Still seems pretty tough to me, I mean after all, it has the tension of 6 strings pulling on it and it hasn't come off yet.

Seriously, it's a wonderful sounding top...and like you, I thought I wanted the thinner neck at first too, but after playing the N2 for a while, i changed my mind and I'm glad I did. Good luck with your purchase!

mchalebk · #8 01-28-2014, 05:44 PM

I think the CO top is very strong in the direction of string pull (the most important direction, of course) and less strong in other directions. So, for instance, having something strike the top might be more prone to cause damage than the regular top. Once again, though, that doesn't mean it's delicate, just not as all around durable as the regular top. I would have no hesitation in procuring a CO RainSong.

Soaranator · #9 01-29-2014, 07:16 AM

Talk to Ted at LA Guitar Sales. He has a lot experience with every guitar that Rainsong makes. He helped me get the one I wanted. I personally found the N1 neck a bit "sharp" at the edges of the fingerboard. Love the N2 - I play hard and with a capo, so it is essential to add relief to the neck to get volume/tone when using a capo. I have the CO top and love it.
Good luck!

Anohaakten · #10 01-29-2014, 02:37 PM

Thanks for the replies guys! Went to Elderly Instruments today and played a Black IcE Jumbo which has the N2 neck. I found it perfect, as you said the fretboard wasnt so sharp. It also filled my hand much better, which resulted in it being much more comfortable. The N2 neck is a winner for my hands.

Doubleneck · #11 01-29-2014, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anohaakten

Thanks for the replies guys! Went to Elderly Instruments today and played a Black IcE Jumbo which has the N2 neck. I found it perfect, as you said the fretboard wasnt so sharp. It also filled my hand much better, which resulted in it being much more comfortable. The N2 neck is a winner for my hands.

Cool, thought you would like the neck: how did you like the guitar?

Anohaakten · #12 01-29-2014, 06:31 PM

The guitar sounded great. Sounded just like the JM1000 I had, but it had the N2 neck, which I liked better!