NGD Rainsong APLE

RP · #1 05-12-2020, 05:59 AM

I bought myself a Rainsong APLE for my 70th birthday yesterday, and I'm finding it's changing some of my pre-conceived notions about guitars. While the guitar was not packed well at all - basically just tuned down, put in the case, and put in the box - the guitar itself was in terrific shape and looks virtually unplayed. I'm not a fan of barn door electronics, but I could get used to having all of these controls at my fingertips. This guitar comes on the heels of having a K&K Pure Mini installed in my Rainsong Vintage and wishing I had some controls in the guitar so I suppose it's all relative.

I'm also not a fan of smaller (than a dread) guitars, but this Rainsong has a more robust tone than my previous CH-OM, especially when plugged into my Fishman Loudbox Mini. The 12-fret makes for a very comfortable and intimate guitar, especially for a couch performer like myself.

This is the 2015 APLE, not to be confused with the current APSE from Rainsong. The differences seem to be the particular electronics systems used and gloss vs satin. The Fishman system is a combination of a piezo and a mic in the sound hole that one can adjust to ones liking. Petteway said that the finish was changed to satin - mine is gloss - because when performing the gloss reflected stage lights and was blinding to the audience. That's clearly a non-issue for me, and I'm happier with the gloss finish anyhow. The guitar itself appears unplayed although a string change is definite on the schedule for today. Whether LE or SE, the AP comes with 1:21 GOTOH 510s, and these are really nice. I'm going with a black accent theme and have ordered some black tuning buttons which I've installed on my other Rainsongs, and I really like the black and chrome look on tuners.

The other thing I really like about this guitar is that it came with one of the old Rainsong molded cases. This came as a very pleasant surprise for me. I'm probably in the minority but really like the light weight and protection that molded cases offer, and having the Rainsong name sculpted into the top of the case is very cool to me. While the newer Access cases are very nice, they are also really heavy.

So all in all, I'd have to say that this 2015 Rainsong APLE is a winner. Given the price increases that we've seen from Rainsong in the past six months, I feel like the price of this near-new guitar was very acceptable...

futboljim · #2 05-12-2020, 06:56 AM

Enjoy! Mine is my daily player, and looks nice enough that my wife allows it to sit on a corner shelf in my living room. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoy mine!

jdinco · #3 05-12-2020, 07:54 AM

Very nice ! I played one a few years back and thought it was the best sounding RS I had played. Enjoy

GuitarLuva · #4 05-12-2020, 08:07 AM

Happy 70th birthday and congratulations on the new acquisition.

RP · #5 05-12-2020, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuitarLuva

Happy 70th birthday and congratulations on the new acquisition.

Thanks. This might be the only signature edition that Rainsong does, and not being familiar with Al Petteway, I can honestly say that it was the combination of features that attracted me to this model. I'd forgotten to mention the absence of fret markers on the fretboard itself - nice clean appearance. I also forgot to mention the tobacco burst finish which I really like. All in all, a very nicely appointed model...

David Eastwood · #6 05-12-2020, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by futboljim

Enjoy! Mine is my daily player, and looks nice enough that my wife allows it to sit on a corner shelf in my living room. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoy mine!

I’ve had the good fortune to play Jim’s APLE as well - and can vouch for everything he says. It’s a super guitar.

Al Petteway’s demo videos of it and the APSE are very impressive too.

MiG50 · #7 05-12-2020, 09:05 AM

Congrats on a new-to-you guitar day!

That OM size really is incredibly comfortable on the couch. Balanced sound, easy to play, perfect size. I have a Shorty, so I don't get the benefit of those upgraded tuners and pickup, but I'm with you otherwise.

Funny enough, every time I've gotten a Rainsong shipped to me, it arrived within a couple cents of concert pitch, in it's case, in a box. Never had a problem with any of them. The case is probably the most likely to sustain damage, anyways.

Bill R · #8 05-12-2020, 10:11 AM

I bought this same guitar a few years ago and like it very much. It sounds great, plays well and is impervious to temperature and humidity conditions. Enjoy your new guitar

Bill

Earl49 · #9 05-12-2020, 01:37 PM

Congrats! I've played these a few times - both APLE and APSE - over the years. But already owning an older WS-1000 that I really like, the AP's seemed redundant to me. Not like that has stopped me much before.....

As for the Fishman Blender system, my experience with the WS-1000 is that the pickup / mic combos is the best sounding stage guitar that I own. It is nice having the controls at your fingertips, and a barn door system never really bothered me. I use about 30% mic to sweeten up the UST signal on stage. In a loud band setting I use 100% pickup for great feedback resistance. Purer acoustic tone is less of an issue there.

For personal reasons, I wish that they had named that color copperburst or something else. Tobacco burst has some unavoidable negative connotations in my mind. Hope that I didn't just plant a seed of discontent.

Mark L · #10 05-12-2020, 01:52 PM

I love my APLE. I have an early one. Great guitar, especially for where CF is the best choice. Sounds good, plays good, looks good. The mic/pu dual source is really nice. I’ve used it for solo and group performances, amplified (usually a Loudbox mini as well) and acoustic, flatpick and fingerpick, and it has never let me down.

Enjoy yours RP. It’s a keeper.

RP · #11 05-12-2020, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Earl49

...For personal reasons, I wish that they had named that color copperburst or something else. Tobacco burst has some unavoidable negative connotations in my mind. Hope that I didn't just plant a seed of discontent.

You’re right - in addition to negative connotations, copperburst would be a much more accurate description...

Kenbike · #12 05-13-2020, 04:34 AM

I keep one in my cabin in Michigan and it gets cold, hot, and everthing in between. It still plays the same as the day it came home and really enjoy its low maintenance and sounds great!

kramster · #13 05-13-2020, 05:00 AM

Nice buy...You done good!!

RP · #14 05-13-2020, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kramster

Nice buy...You done good!!

Thanks Kramster et. al.

VJP5 · #15 05-13-2020, 12:46 PM

Congratulations on a superb guitar. I have the RS 12 Fret Shorty, which is basically the same but with cheaper electronics. I don't plug in so it didn't matter to me.

I was already a RainSong fan before purchasing this one. The now discontinued Hybrid line was my favorite. But these 12 Fretters really add a warmth and playability that make them hard to put down.

It will not match your Vintage Dread, but it will give it solid competition for your playing time.

Enjoy!