Carbon guitar advice/suggestions

Basalt Beach · #1 05-09-2013, 12:47 PM

Need some suggestion advice on selecting a carbon fiber guitar. I would use this for camping trips and also in FL for beach hikes, and leaving in the car of the hot Florida sun as well, while we hike without it.

Based on reading this forum, it seems Rainsong and Cargo should be the makers I should choose from? (i am open to others). I do not need electronics as I do not plan to use it with an amp. This guitar really needs to be impervious to the elements and withstand the conditions of travel.

As background for the sound & feel I like from a guitar, I currently play

- Bourgeois OM SS RW/German with EJ 16's
- Bourgeois OO SS OGM/Redwood with EJ 16's
- Northwood OOOV SS RW/Cedar with DR Rares or Sunbeams
- Colllings OM2E SS with Thomatik Plectrums

As info, Of the guitars in my list, I really love the necks and feel of the shortscale OO and the Collings short scale OM. Any comments, descriptions, feedback of the models you would suggest would be appreciated as I will not have an opportunity to play them as I do not live near any shops which carry any carbons.

Thanks in advance!

Doubleneck · #2 05-09-2013, 01:00 PM

If you want to match the scale length and general body size I would recommend the Rainsong Shorty. scale length 24 78 but there are 12 frets to the body not 14 like your other guitars. To me that makes it a little more compact for travel. here are the stats.

http://www.rainsong.com/models/sg.asp

I own the Parlor which has the same soundboard and sides just a smaller body. It is very impressive. The Shorty is very well thought of by everyone that owns one. I am sure they will chime in. You can order it without Electronics, I believe Ted has some 14 fret versions of the same guitar if that is a must for you but this would not be SS

Another short scale thought for you is the Blackbird Lucky 13. It has a new voicing for 2013 that I have heard great things about. You can sign up to have this guitar for a week for $45 at MacNickol Guitars Roadshow. Might be worth it. They havent started it as yet. I signed up and am waiting for them to start it.

http://blackbirdguitar.com/lucky13.html

Steve

Kindness · #3 05-09-2013, 01:53 PM

Greetings! Well, first of all, you do still have to be careful leaving a CF guitar in a hot car. Check with Ted and Michael, but I think they will agree, this may not be a good idea.

As Steve mentioned, the Shorty is fabulous. I used to have a 12 fret Martin, and the Shorty has met all my expectations. The Elixir Polyweb strings are exceptional on this guitar.

Doubleneck · #4 05-09-2013, 03:15 PM

You have a lot more tolerance of heat than with a wood guitar. I believe they Rainsong uses a pretty high temp epoxy for their bridges but I not sure what the absolute limit is?

Basalt Beach · #5 05-09-2013, 03:55 PM

Lisa,
Steve,

thanks I spoke with Michael at MacNichol. Based on my existing guitars and the sound I like he suggested 3 gutiars, 2 Rainsongs, Shorty & Parlor and the Cargo. He ranked them 1) Shorty, 2) Cargo, 3) Parlor. He really likes the full spectrum of sound produced by the Shorty while he says the bass on the Cargo is simply incredible from such a small guitar.

I mentioned the Lucky 13, but he advised it that while an excellent guitar it does not seem to fit the sound I enjoy based on my existing guitars and stings combo's.

Ergonomically, he really likes the Cargo...plus the convenience of traveling with it versus the Shorty.

He is sending me some links so I will check them once I receive them.

jgillard · #6 05-09-2013, 04:41 PM

I know rainsong has publically posted previously that they would warrenty any rainsong that was damaged by heat in a car as long as it is stored in the case. In other words, it's nothing to worry about even if you were in a desert. Their epoxy is highly heat resistant and the bridge is bolted down. It will be fine.

Doubleneck · #7 05-09-2013, 05:36 PM

I know there is great love for the Cargo but I would make sure you want a guitar with a 22.75 scale length. It is a very small guitar, you said you wanted something that felt like your current guitars? About to be flamed by those Cargo lovers. I'm out of here not to return!

Cort · #8 05-09-2013, 07:04 PM

If size is not to much of an issue, then then shorty is my fave, if you want one to take on a hike and play outdoors consider the Blackbird rider. It is much louder than the cargo and cuts through the background noises really nicely.

Kindness · #9 05-09-2013, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doubleneck

I know there is great love for the Cargo but I would make sure you want a guitar with a 22.75 scale length. It is a very small guitar, you said you wanted something that felt like your current guitars? About to be flamed by those Cargo lovers. I'm out of here not to return!

While I love the bass on the Cargo and its portability, the very cramped scale length is why I have not purchased one. I wish Peavey would lengthen the scale!

Alexander Coe · #10 05-09-2013, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itself

While I love the bass on the Cargo and its portability, the very cramped scale length is why I have not purchased one. I wish Peavey would lengthen the scale!

Do you think it would affect the sound? Think: Emerald X7-Same specs (probably different build/materials) but longer scale length.

ac · #11 05-10-2013, 01:47 AM

The Emerald X7-OS is shorter than the Cargo, much lighter, and has 24 inch scale.

The Emerald is louder than the Cargo but the sound of the Emerald and the Cargo are very different, both very nice in different ways.

Doubleneck · #12 05-10-2013, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgillard

I know rainsong has publically posted previously that they would warrenty any rainsong that was damaged by heat in a car as long as it is stored in the case. In other words, it's nothing to worry about even if you were in a desert. Their epoxy is highly heat resistant and the bridge is bolted down. It will be fine.

Good to know

ac · #13 05-10-2013, 02:08 AM

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Kindness · #14 05-10-2013, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ac

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Huh? What does the dotted line mean?

Kindness · #15 05-10-2013, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgillard

I know rainsong has publically posted previously that they would warrenty any rainsong that was damaged by heat in a car as long as it is stored in the case. In other words, it's nothing to worry about even if you were in a desert. Their epoxy is highly heat resistant and the bridge is bolted down. It will be fine.

Even in 120 degree weather here in Arizona?