Carbon Composite Guitar Question

[AZ715]

Sorry for my ignorance with this question - I've only experienced wood.

However, my wife is expressing interest in a Rainsong parlor guitar. She'd prefer not to have to amp it, and I'm wondering how this will play without the electronic help. The Youtube videos sound surprisingly excellent for a guitar this small, but how will the tonal quality and volume hold up without amplification?

Also, will volume be comparable to a similarly sized wood acoustic?

Your knowledge is sure appreciated - thanks!

[SpruceTop]

Originally Posted by AZ715

Sorry for my ignorance with this question - I've only experienced wood.

However, my wife is expressing interest in a Rainsong parlor guitar. She'd prefer not to have to amp it, and I'm wondering how this will play without the electronic help. The Youtube videos sound surprisingly excellent for a guitar this small, but how will the tonal quality and volume hold up without amplification?

Also, will volume be comparable to a similarly sized wood acoustic?

Your knowledge is sure appreciated - thanks!

RainSong carbon guitars are easily as loud as similarly-sized, all-solid-wood, counterpart models. Let me suggest a RainSong OM model over a Parlor model to get a fuller tone and resonance.

[Captain Jim]

Things may have changed since I had a RainSong. I bought a Shorty years ago (their OM size). About 12 minutes after I bought that Shorty, RainSong came out with their parlor size. When I played a RS parlor, I was surprised how similar to the Shorty it sounded; perhaps a bit warmer.

The RS parlor is a nice guitar; certainly holds its own against any similar size wood guitar. Another consideration would be the Emerald X7 - it is their smaller size CF guitar and also has good volume and tone, and great ergonomics.

A Composite Acoustics Cargo is another parlor size guitar, with a slightly shorter scale. Those who have them seem to be very happy with them.

One more fine consideration would be the McPherson Touring guitar, their smaller size CF option.

It's a good time to be playing carbon fiber!

[Jim in TC]

I am one of those happy with a CA Cargo, remarkable sound in a very small package. I would not expect big volume from it but certainly will hold its own for the size. I have not played a Rainsong parlor but other guitars in the line have impressed and I would expect the parlor to be the Cargo's equal or better.

[Steve Hamill]

I heartily endorse the Mcpherson. I recently traded for one and it has a much bigger sound than my similar sized Cargo. Sounds excellent plugged in as well.
Traveled with it last week and easily fit in the overhead bin. Great Guitar!

[Acousticado]

Originally Posted by Jim in TC

I am one of those happy with a CA Cargo, remarkable sound in a very small package. I would not expect big volume from it but certainly will hold its own for the size. I have not played a Rainsong parlor but other guitars in the line have impressed and I would expect the parlor to be the Cargo's equal or better.

I’ve owned a Cargo since ‘08 and still am impressed with what it does...punches much bigger than its size. I’ve tried a RainSong Parlor once and found the Cargo much better to my own taste.

[jonfields45]

I play my RainSong CH-PA as my primary guitar. Musician's Friend still has it at the old price. Our duo practices acoustically and it keeps up fine with his Taylor GC and Martin 000.

[MiG50]

I have a Rainsong Parlor (CH-PA), as well as an OM (Shorty), and they're both plenty loud for the size. Compared to my wooden parlor, the Rainsong is definitely a bit louder, and cuts a little more due to the tonal differences (upper midrange is a bit hotter with carbon fiber). The OM size is a bit warmer, more balanced overall, whereas the parlor is much more mid-focused. I would say the Rainsong Parlor is almost as loud as a typical wooden OM-sized guitar, with a bit more presence in the upper mids.

I have the RS parlor nylon string guitar. It's tonal qualities pretty well match those of a wooden instrument. It does not project to the same level as a steel string, but it projects well enough to hold its own in acoustic settings. I have the K&K pickup in mine and it electrifies quite nicely.

[GuitarLuva]

Originally Posted by Acousticado

I’ve owned a Cargo since ‘08 and still am impressed with what it does...punches much bigger than its size. I’ve tried a RainSong Parlor once and found the Cargo much better to my own taste.

I haven't had the opportunity to play the Rainsong Parlor but I agree with the above statement regarding the CA Cargo. It was quite loud for its size. Carbon fiber guitars have certainly came a long way and IMO you can't go wrong with any of them. Same rules apply, play before you pay, if possible of course.

[kramster]

Dear AZ715,

Do you live in AZ by any chance?
Thank you,
A boy named Kramster

...
(Too formal?)

[AZ715]

Hey there, Kramster. Are you the same Kramster who did so many carbon profiles on Youtube? I see you are a Phoenix person.

I do...I live in Tucson.

[David Eastwood]

Originally Posted by AZ715

Hey there, Kramster. Are you the same Kramster who did so many carbon profiles on Youtube? I see you are a Phoenix person.

I do...I live in Tucson.

There is, and can only ever be, one Kramster.

And he is a Phoenix--emerges from the old to the new. He is also witty, charming and talented--family characteristics shared by my nephew and his uncle.

[kramster]

Originally Posted by EvanB

And he is a Phoenix--emerges from the old to the new. He is also witty, charming and talented--family characteristics shared by my nephew and his uncle.

Gee Unc... seems it is getting close to Christmas or something