#1
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Buying CF without trying?
I am after a CF guitar and struggling due to the lack of local availability to go and try. I really like the Emerald style, but there are no dealers within a days drive of me. Really struggling with spending a bunch of money without trying.
So my question: for those who took a chance and ordered a CF (any of Emerald, CA, Rainsong) without having opportunity to try it, any disappointments or regrets? |
#2
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I have bought several CF guitars without ever trying any of them and have been happy with all.
There are dealers (MacNichol, for instance) that have generous return policies if the guitar doesn't suit you. Also, MacNichol does sponsor some road trips, where you can try a guitar out for a week for a nominal fee. Check out the MacNichol.com forums for details. |
#3
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Quote:
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Steve 2020 McKnight Grand Recording - Cedar Top 2005 McKnight SS Dred 2001 Michael Keller Koa Baby 2014 Godin Inuk 2012 Deering B6 Openback Banjo 2012 Emerald Acoustic Doubleneck 2012 Rainsong JM1000 Black Ice 2009 Wechter Pathmaker 9600 LTD 1982 Yairi D-87 Doubleneck 1987 Ovation Collectors 1993 Ovation Collectors 1967 J-45 Gibson 1974 20th Annivers. Les Paul Custom |
#4
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I would recommend a try or return policy - the tone is not for everyone.
steve
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Visit me at: http://gitrboy.blogspot.com/ http://www.youtube.com/user/Nekias1/videos |
#5
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I bought my Rainsong Shorty from Ted at LA Guitar Sales. I had played a Rainsong for about 30 seconds, 6 months earlier. I was a little apprehensive, but Ted told me I had 48 hours to be sure the guitar was right for me. My response was, "I wouldn't order it if I didn't think it was going to be right." But, I appreciate the policy, since I was 3 states away.
First strum was convincing. I now understand the CF owners' comments about "the carbon fiber sound." I also appreciate the sound I get from my lovely wood Taylors. Not the same, but each has its place. My Rainsong Shorty sounds great. You don't need 48 hours... or a week... or even an hour - you'll know right away if it is right for you. Good luck with the search, Captain Jim |
#6
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I think with that guitar Ted's risk is pretty minimal! The tuffer issue is once into carbon your ears or expectations can change. I think mine have.
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Steve 2020 McKnight Grand Recording - Cedar Top 2005 McKnight SS Dred 2001 Michael Keller Koa Baby 2014 Godin Inuk 2012 Deering B6 Openback Banjo 2012 Emerald Acoustic Doubleneck 2012 Rainsong JM1000 Black Ice 2009 Wechter Pathmaker 9600 LTD 1982 Yairi D-87 Doubleneck 1987 Ovation Collectors 1993 Ovation Collectors 1967 J-45 Gibson 1974 20th Annivers. Les Paul Custom |
#7
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All of them seem to be of exceptional quality!!! I would trust Ted at LA guitars and Michael at Mc'Nichols guitars for any Carbon Fiber advice without reservations!!! I don't know of any sponsors of our forum that have embraced the carbon fiber revolution as much as these guys... My only regret? I did'nt order a 12 string X20-OS at the same time!!! P.S. Another regret is that I can't yet afford a Rainsong, Blackbird OM, CA, or Emerald...but time is on my side...
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Current Acoustics: Emerald X-20 OS Opus Wechter Pathmaker Wechter Nashville Tuned Wechter Dobro Washburn Nylon Electric: Line 6 Variax Keyboards: Korg SV-1 88 key reverse PA: QSC K8 x 2 Amps: Custom Peavey Studio Pro (Superman) Fishman Loudbox Mini |
#8
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A solid wood, a carbon fiber, and a laminate. In spite of the materials that make up the guitars, each has its own great sound. My ears like 'em all. Knowing that I'll be going from the Gulf Coast to the Arizona desert, and to the Pacific Northwest, one of these guitars will (besides sounding great) be more carefree. You can't just walk into any ol' guitar shop and find a carbon fiber. The two dealers mentioned in this thread know CF. You can't go wrong dealing with them. Captain Jim |
#9
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I had not one but two different CF guitars -- the brand isn't relevant to this topic -- that turned out to be clearly less than satisfactory and I returned both before I ordered a third one that I had never played, although I did play the same model in a store, so I had a good idea of what I was getting. If you know what you want and do your homework, you're probably quite safe ordering from a reputable dealer, but I'd certainly never spend that kind of only without knowing that I could get my money back if I needed to.
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.[SIZE="2"] - Sean Debut album Time Will Tell now available on all the usual platforms -- visit SeanLewisMusic |
#10
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Quote:
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Steve 2020 McKnight Grand Recording - Cedar Top 2005 McKnight SS Dred 2001 Michael Keller Koa Baby 2014 Godin Inuk 2012 Deering B6 Openback Banjo 2012 Emerald Acoustic Doubleneck 2012 Rainsong JM1000 Black Ice 2009 Wechter Pathmaker 9600 LTD 1982 Yairi D-87 Doubleneck 1987 Ovation Collectors 1993 Ovation Collectors 1967 J-45 Gibson 1974 20th Annivers. Les Paul Custom |
#11
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Can you comment on why they were less than satisfactory? Fit and finish? Too brash a sound? No bass? Something else? As well, did you feel you happened to get 2 example with one-off problems (ie a quality control problem) or did you feel the issue was inherent in the particular model (design issue)? Thanks, Robert |
#12
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We were in the same situation early this year. I called Ted with LA Guitars, and spoke with him, we reviewed existing guitars owned, playing style, etc.... We also discussed it would be our travel/camping/beach guitar. He narrowed down what would be best. So, after further reviewing our conversation and the guitars we have, he suggested the Rainsong S-OM1100 N2 and a 48 hour demo period. He promptly shipped it and today we are very happy. We put Newtone MasterClass Double Wounds on it and we changed out the Tusq saddle to an ivory one. It is also very comfortable to play. Good luck!
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"the tragedy in life is not what we suffer, it is what we miss" Guitar Experiences-> | Bourgeois | Collings | Cordoba | Larrivee |Martin | Northwood | PRS Electric| Rainsong | Taylor | Voyage Air | |
#13
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From my understanding the newer CF guitars sound better than the older ones. They've gotten better at making them sound like a "regular" guitar now, more so than 10-15 years ago. I tried an old used GF parlor guitar before and it sounded like an all laminate beater guitar, and it was $1,200. Hopefully if you do buy one sight unseen it will be a newer, more refined model.
I'd just buy from somewhere reputable with a return policy, that way you can just eat the shipping costs if you really don't like it.
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1957 Harmony Montery 2003 Guild JF30-12 2011 Epiphone EJ-160e 2011 Guild M120E |
#14
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Emails sent to new2guitar and Doubleneck.
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.[SIZE="2"] - Sean Debut album Time Will Tell now available on all the usual platforms -- visit SeanLewisMusic |
#15
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Sean,
Email received....many thanks! |