Shorty Gloss v SFT

riptonVT · #1 07-15-2013, 08:27 AM

Well, I've definately decided on the Shorty. But as I wait for my Guild Aragon to sell to fund the Shorty purchase, I'm still obsessing about details: Do any of you have an opinion on:

1. Gloss or SFT: Is there a tonal difference?

2. Bone saddle: Is it worth the investment to put in a bone saddle?

3. A local retailer here has a used Shorty with electronics for the nice price of $1250. Should I just scoop it up?

Thanks in advance for the opinions:

Obsessively yours:

Ripton

winstondog1 · #2 07-15-2013, 08:55 AM

I would grab the used Shorty! I've had mine for six months and can't put it down. I have the SFT model - never played the gloss, so I can't say if there's a difference. Same with the bone saddle - mine is stock. But I can tell you it's a great guitar. Comfortable to play, light as a feather and the best part it stays in tune no matter the conditions. I do a lot of outside gigs and in the winter I'm usually gigging at a place with a roaring fireplace - it makes no difference - the guitar stays in tune! Plus the folks at Rainsong are great people.

Doubleneck · #3 07-15-2013, 10:05 AM

Grab the used one if you like it. Rainsong is so consistence buying used is usually a no brainer if the price is right. Acquired my two Rainsongs used and they both were as new.

riptonVT · #4 07-15-2013, 01:18 PM

Thanks. I've put a hold on the guitar. It seems like too good a deal to pass up. But you know has that goes. I have had many guitars that are "too good a deal" until they sit forlorn in the alcove of displaced GAS.

I'm trusting my instincts here.

riptonVT · #5 07-16-2013, 08:53 AM

Just sold the Guild and Resonator. Rainsong Shorty Comes tomorrow. Thanks,e everyone.

d

winstondog1 · #6 07-16-2013, 09:49 AM

Enjoy! You won't be sorry -

pandaroo · #7 07-16-2013, 03:41 PM

Enjoy the Shorty, good deal and its a nice sounding guitar.

Alexander Coe · #8 07-16-2013, 04:09 PM

I was going to say go for it used. Did you play it already? Let us know what you think!

riptonVT · #9 07-16-2013, 06:05 PM

Should be here tomorrow. It's been like guitar shipping central around here. Two out the door; one in. I'll let you know.

dkoloff · #10 07-16-2013, 07:02 PM

I have the gloss and think it may be the slightest bit warmer than the fine texture but you can't go wrong either way. Hope you enjoy it as much as I like mine.....

riptonVT · #11 07-16-2013, 07:20 PM

Thanks. I'm like a kid at Christmas. Been working on some Rev. Gary Davis stuff and can't wait to see if it sounds good. Maybe if I can get one of these songs right, I'll post it.

Kindness · #12 07-16-2013, 07:26 PM

Put some Elixir Polyweb strings on her...very sweet and warm.

riptonVT · #13 07-16-2013, 07:30 PM

I usually use D'Addario Phosphor Bronze's light; D'Addario 80/20's; and sometimes I use John Pearse Phosphor Bronze and Silk. I will add Elixers to the mix.

Any experience with the strings I mentioned?

Kindness · #14 07-16-2013, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by riptonVT

I usually use D'Addario Phosphor Bronze's light; D'Addario 80/20's; and sometimes I use John Pearse Phosphor Bronze and Silk. I will add Elixers to the mix.

Any experience with the strings I mentioned?

Unfortunately no. I used the Elixir Nano lights first, then went to Nano mediums. Guys on MacNichols mentioned the Polywebs, and since they have been on, I have never turned back.

Blueser · #15 07-21-2013, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by riptonVT

I usually use D'Addario Phosphor Bronze's light; D'Addario 80/20's; and sometimes I use John Pearse Phosphor Bronze and Silk. I will add Elixers to the mix.

Any experience with the strings I mentioned?

I have tried a few different types of strings on my Rainsongs. I have both the Hybrid Dread and the Shorty SFT (both without electronics). I have found that I really like the tone best with D'Addario PB Lights. Nice even tone, rich bass and a beautiful top end jangle that truly makes my Shorty sound more like a wood guitar than the other strings I have tried.

Others I have tried are:

Martin PB - These are my standard strings on my Martin OM 28 Marquis and while I love them on my Martin, they sounded a bit thin on the Shorty to my ears.

Elixirs - Honestly, I cannot stand these strings regardless of what instrument I put them on. To my ears, they are all texture and no tone. Too bright in the beginning and after a week, they sound thuddy. Bleh! I pretty much feel that way about all coated strings, so take that for what its worth.

Pearce Bluegrass Lights - Similar to the Martin PB strings, they sounded nice, but not as thick and as full as the D'Addarios on my Shorty.

Good thing is that strings are cheap, so try a couple of sets out for a week each and see where you end up.

I hope this helps.

Dave