Rainsong neck size advice for a newbie

[gasman94]

I am still new to guitar playing. Have been playing for about a year on a Seagull S6 with the wide neck. I would like to add another guitar to the equation and have decided on a Rainsong WS1000. I was able to try a hybrid with the N2 neck and thought it was fine. I have located a better deal on a N1 WS 1000, but am concerned it could be too narrow. I do not have a chance to play it before purchase (out of state buy). Can anyone compare the Rainsong N1/N2 neck shape to the Seagull's? I mostly strum chords and flat pick (no finger picking) at this pont. Thanks in advance, this has been a great site to research so far!

[Captain Jim]

The neck width at the nut on the Rainsong N1/N2 necks are both 1.75 inches. The N1 is a thinner profile than the N2 (but the same width). As I recall, the neck on the Seagull S6 is 1.8 inches. If the N2 was OK for fingering, I would think the N1 would be fine width wise, just thinner in the depth. The N2 neck is thicker to accommodate a truss rod (for making individual adjustments for taste, since the cf neck shouldn't change).

Best solution would be to try both, then decide.

I am a Taylor guy and notice the thickness of the N2 neck compared to the Taylor necks. I do like my Rainsong Shorty, though.

Captain Jim

[just_Chan]

And I thought a narrower neck is more comfortable for strumming...

[gasman94]

Thank for the replies. Unfortunately, I don't have access to a N1 neck. There are no dealers in the area that have one in stock. Captain Jim, is the Taylor neck comparable to the N1? If so, I can run to the local GC and check it out vs the N2 Rainsong hybrid they have in stock. Also, I got my numbers crossed up on the WS1000 and the Hybrid. The classic is a bit more money. Since, I did really like the feel and sound of the H-WS1000N2 I may just end up going that direction instead of dealing with the unknowns of the N1 neck and whether or not I will like the sound of the all graphite WS. This is my first expensive guitar purchase, I may be over thinking it a bit.....

[guitararmy]

I used to have a Seagull but didn't like the neck width near the nut. I currently have a Rainsong jumbo with the N1 neck and I wouldn't call it skinny. I think you will get used to it quickly....

[Doubleneck]

If you like the N2 you will like the N1, just a little slimmer and to me a better profile. I would only go to the N2 if I had to have a truss rod. With carbon no need to have a truss rod unless you have real need for a special relief.

[Captain Jim]

The N1 is closer to the Taylor neck than the N2. I played electric for a lot of years before getting my first nice acoustic for a duo... I am partial to a thinner neck. That said, the N2 neck is a departure from the 3 Taylors that have gotten most of my playing time the last couple years... but, I like the sound and feel of the Shorty. If the Shorty were available with the N1 neck with the 12-fret, that would be my preference.

As far as the sound between the different models, that is a matter of taste. I ordered my Shorty from Ted at LA Guitar Sales. I appreciate the time he spent while I asked some of these questions and more. It is not an inexpensive purchase, and you want to spend your bucks to get the guitar that is right for you - we all get that.

Good luck with the decisions.

Captain Jim

[GibsonGuy]

I have owned both, had a WS1000 with the old neck back in 2007/8 and now have the CO-WS1000 - N2. I actually prefer the old neck since, as everyone has stated, it is a shallower profile. Aside from that there is not much difference other than a slightly different feel. I certainly would not let the N1 vs. N2 affect my decision. FWIW - you cannot go wrong with a Rainsong.

[Doubleneck]

Originally Posted by GibsonGuy

I have owned both, had a WS1000 with the old neck back in 2007/8 and now have the CO-WS1000 - N2. I actually prefer the old neck since, as everyone has stated, it is a shallower profile. Aside from that there is not much difference other than a slightly different feel. I certainly would not let the N1 vs. N2 affect my decision. FWIW - you cannot go wrong with a Rainsong.

I agree the N1 really is a more modern feel. The N2 is a bit of a throw back to the late 50s Gibson? Now almost all Rainsongs come with the N2 because of the truss rod. I have 2 N2s that I would trade for a N1.

[gasman94]

Thank you for the responses. Just a little update, I went back to play the hybrid WS1000 with the N2 neck. I really liked the tone and the N2 neck gave me no issues. I really couldn't justify the extra $ for the Classic since I liked the hybrid so much. I ordered one from Ted today. He was great to deal with and very patient answering my questions.

[GibsonGuy]

Your spending your money, you want to get what you like. I am sure he was happy to help! Welcome to the Rainsong club, you won't be sorry you "joined".

[Captain Jim]

Originally Posted by gasman94

Thank you for the responses. Just a little update, I went back to play the hybrid WS1000 with the N2 neck. I really liked the tone and the N2 neck gave me no issues. I really couldn't justify the extra $ for the Classic since I liked the hybrid so much. I ordered one from Ted today. He was great to deal with and very patient answering my questions.

Congrats! Nice guitar, and Ted and staff are great. We'll be looking forward to some photos and impressions.

Best wishes,
Captain Jim

[Finger Stylish]

I have found that whatever you choose, you will adapt.
I switch back & forth from Classic guitar to, Gretsch Hollow body electric, to D-28, to Taylor 410, to 5 string banjo, to my Favorite (my Rainsong HDR)
After a few minutes, I'm good to go. (relatively speaking )

[Doubleneck]

You can argue neck profile but Rainsong absolutely nails neck angle and setup every time. Amazing consistent quality and playability. I don't think they have an equal here.