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  #1  
Old 03-20-2019, 10:59 AM
linkagge linkagge is offline
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Default If you had $1,500

If you had $1,500 to spend on a CF guitar, what would you choose? I've been considering a Rainsong CH-OM but just can't bring myself to pull the trigger!
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  #2  
Old 03-20-2019, 11:18 AM
Captain Jim Captain Jim is offline
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I guess it depends on what you want from the guitar. If you are looking to "dip your toe" into carbon fiber, RainSong will very likely convince you that the instruments are great and the tone is nice. You already have a 114ce and a GSmini, so I am guessing you like the "Taylor tone." The CH-OM will have a crisper tone than either of those, and a unique voice. I have described it as "piano-like."

I had a RainSong Shorty (pretty much the same guitar, with finish/bling differences) and truly enjoyed the tone. Size was very similar to a Taylor Grand Concert. Unlike any of my Taylors, the Shorty needed the saddle lowered to get to the playing feel of my Taylors. No big deal.

While both of your Taylors are laminate back and sides, those wood guitars still need humidifying attention... you won't need that with a carbon fiber guitar.

That $1500 will get you a CH-OM; or you could look around for a used Emerald X20 (close in size to your 114).

I get the concern about plunking down the bucks for carbon fiber, but you will only have that concern once... after you try it, you may find (like many here) that it is another great alternative. It is much easier to buy the next one... and the next one...

Hope you get the chance to give it a try.
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Old 03-20-2019, 11:57 AM
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If I already have a guitar that is 'good enough', then I probably would just put my money in a decent interest bearing account. $1500 will give you about 15 cents a day for the rest of your life without ever touching the principal.

I got a CF originally because the wood guitar I was using was in risk of getting hurt. I figured I would use the CF as a beater guitar. Now it's my number one guitar and the wood guitar is in a case somewhere. It plays as well or better than many high end wood guitars I have messed with without all the fuss.

The point is I would never had bothered with CF until I got pushed into looking for a more robust instrument. Now I have two with another on order.
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Old 03-20-2019, 12:02 PM
jdinco jdinco is offline
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Those guys will always guide you right....
Me:
Carbon Fiber - a used Emerald X7 or X20 depending on what you need or want.
Wood - a Martin 000-15sm

Good luck with your shopping..
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Old 03-20-2019, 12:50 PM
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Do know what this will end up going for but one to take a look at for sure!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Emerald-X7-...c25c%7Ciid%3A1
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Old 03-20-2019, 12:55 PM
bsman bsman is offline
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I think any of the Rainsong CH line would be an excellent idea. I also have a shorty, and love it. If you want to save a few dollars and don't plan on plugging in, I might suggest either a Rainsong CH-PA (parlor size, no electronics). Or, if you want to try something a bit less traditional, a Journey RT660 (or OF660 if you plan on travelling). With those, you get a larger body (about 00 size on the OF and 000 size on the RT) as well as a very good bridgeplate transducer that requires no batteries. I believe there are a lot of really compelling benefits of carbon fiber, and one of the best things is the used market for these is much hotter (IMO) than it is for their wooden counterparts.
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Old 03-20-2019, 03:11 PM
jonfields45 jonfields45 is offline
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My vote goes for the CH-OM, which at the right dealer leaves you enough money left over for about half a Tonedexter. I like LA Guitar Sales.
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Old 03-20-2019, 04:37 PM
linkagge linkagge is offline
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I’d love to get an emerald X7 or X20 but I’ve not seen one in my price range used yet.. I’ll keep an eye out but it seems the consensus that the rainsong would be a solid choice!

I’m already watching that eBay guitar heh !
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Old 03-20-2019, 04:42 PM
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David Eastwood David Eastwood is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by linkagge View Post
I’d love to get an emerald X7 or X20 but I’ve not seen one in my price range used yet.. I’ll keep an eye out but it seems the consensus that the rainsong would be a solid choice!

I’m already watching that eBay guitar heh !
Or - one other alternative would be to scrape up another $120, and order a brand-new Emerald X7
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Old 03-20-2019, 04:52 PM
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Originally Posted by eatswodo View Post
Or - one other alternative would be to scrape up another $120, and order a brand-new Emerald X7


Seriously considering it...

I wish there was a way to try them out before buying it but I’m sure reselling it if I didn’t get along with it would be pretty easy..

I might be a little weird but I’d kinda prefer a used one.. Maybe I’ll try to hold out for a bit and see if something becomes available if not I’ll pull the trigger on the CH-OM..
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*Now if I could only really learn how to play them!
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Old 03-20-2019, 04:56 PM
jdinco jdinco is offline
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If you don't mind sharing where bouts you live, often you can find an owner willing to let you play their Emerald nearby. You are welcome to play mine, but I'd have to put a 10 minute time limit on it.
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Old 03-20-2019, 05:01 PM
kramster kramster is offline
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CH OM is a good one...or 15 cents a day for life...just a dream for a boy like me...sigh...
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Old 03-20-2019, 05:03 PM
kramster kramster is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jdinco View Post
If you don't mind sharing where bouts you live, often you can find an owner willing to let you play their Emerald nearby. You are welcome to play mine, but I'd have to put a 10 minute time limit on it.
No one ever invites me to come play their guitars... so already linkagge is scoring well here...nice
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Emerald: X-20, Center hole X-10 (Maple) and X-7 (redwood), Spalted Chen Chen X 10 level 3,
CA: Early OX and Cargo
McPherson: Early Kevin Michael Proto
Some wood things by Epi, Harmony, Takamine, Good Time, PRS, Slick, Gypsy Music, keyboards, wind controllers.. etc
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  #14  
Old 03-20-2019, 05:04 PM
linkagge linkagge is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jdinco View Post
If you don't mind sharing where bouts you live, often you can find an owner willing to let you play their Emerald nearby. You are welcome to play mine, but I'd have to put a 10 minute time limit on it.


Southern Maine.. I’ll be right over! Lol

Thanks!
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Taylor 114ce
Taylor GS Mini Mahogany
Martin Custom OMC-160GTE Ovankol
Martin Custom DC-14F Ovankol
Little Martin LX1E
Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE
2017 Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat
2018 Gibson Les Paul Tribute Honeyburst


*Now if I could only really learn how to play them!
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  #15  
Old 03-20-2019, 05:07 PM
linkagge linkagge is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kramster View Post
No one ever invites me to come play their guitars... so already linkagge is scoring well here...nice



Hahaha! I’ve been around for a few years but mostly a lurker.. And I bet he lives in Alaska or California lol.
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Taylor 114ce
Taylor GS Mini Mahogany
Martin Custom OMC-160GTE Ovankol
Martin Custom DC-14F Ovankol
Little Martin LX1E
Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE
2017 Fender Tim Armstrong Hellcat
2018 Gibson Les Paul Tribute Honeyburst


*Now if I could only really learn how to play them!
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