Who uses their CF guitars outside in the elements?

[Dru Edwards]

Hey All. Just wondering ... who uses their carbon fiber guitars in places where one would be afraid to use a solid wood acoustic? I'm guessing in places where you don't have to worry about the humidity but anywhere else?

[billyfamilyvide]

As soon as I save enough for one, I'll respond with an, "I do". I am most excited to play in the rain.

[gitnoob]

I originally got mine to play on a sailboat. Kept it to play anywhere. I've taken it skiing, camping, etc.

[Dru Edwards]

Originally Posted by billyfamilyvide

As soon as I save enough for one, I'll respond with an, "I do". I am most excited to play in the rain.

I hear ya. Is the fretboard also carbon fiber on CF guitars? I wouldn't want to play it in the rain if it were rosewood.

[gitnoob]

Typically, the fretboards are composite as well. On CA's, the frets are stainless steel.

Here's a nice demo of an Emerald:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Vc55QkkIcU

[billyfamilyvide]

Originally Posted by Dru Edwards

I hear ya. Is the fretboard also carbon fiber on CF guitars? I wouldn't want to play it in the rain if it were rosewood.

I'm interested in the Cargo. It sports a polymer fretboard according to their website.

[Dru Edwards]

Originally Posted by gitnoob

I originally got mine to play on a sailboat. Kept it to play anywhere. I've taken it skiing, camping, etc.

That's the response I was looking for ... ideas on where to play. Thanks.

Originally Posted by gitnoob

Typically, the fretboards are composite as well. On CA's, the frets are stainless steel.

Here's a nice demo of an Emerald:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Vc55QkkIcU

That makes a lot of sense that the fretboard are composites. I guess it comes down to tuners and strings which are subject to the elements?

[gitnoob]

Pretty much. Sealed tuners and coated strings might help a little bit if you plan to play it on the beach.

Heat and forklifts are really the only threats. (Too much heat can soften the glue.)

[billyfamilyvide]

Strings sure, but for an outdoor session in the rain, I'd gladly swap them out after. Tuning heads make a good point...I'm interested to know what they're made from as well. I can't seem to find out anywhere.

[billyfamilyvide]

Originally Posted by gitnoob

Pretty much. Sealed tuners and coated strings might help a little bit if you plan to play it on the beach.

Heat and forklifts are really the only threats. (Too much heat can soften the glue.)

What are sealed tuners? Do the composite guitars come with this feature, do you know?

[gitnoob]

The tuners are standard. CA even used to use open-back Hipshots on some models. Don't know if they still do. "Sealed" just means not open back.

[billyfamilyvide]

Originally Posted by gitnoob

The tuners are standard. CA even used to use open-back Hipshots on some models. Don't know if they still do. "Sealed" just means not open back.

Oh sweet. Thanks.

I'm very new to all of this, but I love what I'm learning.

[scooter74]

I take my Cargo to the beach all the time. This year I might spring for a new Emerald X7os for camping and hiking duty, the Cargo is just too heavy.

[mchalebk]

Here's my favorite video of a player using his CF guitar in the elements:

http://youtu.be/SnnaSZbnWE4

[Dru Edwards]

Originally Posted by wilstev

I take my Cargo to the beach all the time. This year I might spring for a new Emerald X7os for camping and hiking duty, the Cargo is just too heavy.

Is the Emerald X7os also a travel guitar, like the Cargo?