tw2_usa Posted January 20, 2011 Posted January 20, 2011 I’d have to describe this guitar as my new favorite. Because it is surprisingly so Gibsonesque to me. You can dig into this guitar like the SJ-200 and it hands you back tone and crisp sharp rhythm in response. And volume! Or you can blues it up with a slide L style but most of all, it’s the neck, the J-45 Legend baseball bat neck. The Rainsong N2 neck is as close to the perfection of the Gibson1942 Legend neck I’ve found. The new hybrid carbon/glass material woodies up the sound well enough. And the 1.75 nut feels maybe a slice narrower, closer to the Gibson standard. This is one playable acoustic. The sample I enjoyed was a H-WS1000N2. If felt in many ways like my dream Gibson, strangely enough... Anyone play one?
BigKahune Posted January 20, 2011 Posted January 20, 2011 I've played a Rainsong, but not with the N2. I didn't think the Rainsong I played sounded anything like a Gibson. Interesting info from Raingsong: The N2 neck is a result of an extensive, long-term collaboration with the renowned artist Steve Miller and Master Luthier John Bolin (www.bolinguitars.com). The neck design is based on a modified "U" profile that has been popular in guitars since the 1950s. ...actually results in better transfer of string vibration energy to the soundboard. Necks vary, not only between manufacturers, but also between models. Raingsong's been making both OMs and dreads, and has at least a couple of neck shapes. I see the model you referred to is an OM. Sounds like you prefer the "baseball bat" type of neck. I've got a Gibson SG with a 50s rounded neck - fairly meaty. My J-200's neck is of a more trim, standard size and shape. I also have a 65 Gibson Melody Maker with that slim 60s tapered neck. Did you buy it? Or is it on your wish list?
tw2_usa Posted January 20, 2011 Author Posted January 20, 2011 Wish list, unfortunately. I tried Rainsongs in the past but this new hybrid material is really something. I think also I'm heading into a new line of work that will put a lot of travel into the equation of my life and I know I will want to bring a guitar. With airlines and flying what they are nowadays, being completely free of the worries of a wood instrument, especially when this Rainsong does so many things so well, is very attractive... Plus, look at the expense and agony that guys put themselves through trying to amplify a good wooden guitar. It seems an endless trial and error process with maybe all of two percent of the acoustic guitar playing world happy with the results they get. The Rainsong's got a Fishman Plus T installed so you can dial in the amplification and guess what, it sounds like a wooden guitar amplified. For me, I already have a natural wood guitar for special, intimate moments with an inanimate object. But for a worry-free guitar that has playability in spades, cuts through in an acoustic environment, can plug and play, nearly damage-resistant for gigging... I'm saying the future is now.
Red 333 Posted January 20, 2011 Posted January 20, 2011 Tom's and Big Kahune's posts got me curious. Here's a link to this particular RainSong model if any one else is interested: RainSong H-WS1000N2 Link Red 333
BigKahune Posted January 20, 2011 Posted January 20, 2011 Wish list, unfortunately. ... For me, I already have a natural wood guitar for special, intimate moments with an inanimate object. But for a worry-free guitar that has playability in spades, cuts through in an acoustic environment, can plug and play, nearly damage-resistant for gigging... I'm saying the future is now. Yes, I know what you're talking about - temp, humidity, and pressure changes. I was interested some time ago, but didn't care for the sound/tone. Actually, they've hit a price point with a similar model - $1799, well below their previous model prices. I see they've got a dread at $1499. I'm curious about the sound you described from their new formulation. I'm gonna have to track one down and spend some time with it.
tw2_usa Posted January 20, 2011 Author Posted January 20, 2011 I'm gonna have to track one down and spend some time with it. I'd love your opinion, considering the stable you're already running. I was digging into the one I was playing - it had Elixir nano 11's and it felt like I could have been punching into an SJ with mediums on her and no distortion or buzz, just clean musical response. I have not played a neck besides the 42 Legend that let me do so much right with so little error as I did with this N2 neck. This is critical because I mainly play to accompany myself singing and prefer not to have to babysit the guitar while playing and instead focus on the vocals and performance.
onewilyfool Posted January 20, 2011 Posted January 20, 2011 I like that you can take them on Canoe and Rafting trips with impunity.......
nodehopper Posted January 20, 2011 Posted January 20, 2011 I bet it would sound great to accompany my singing while in the shower!
DanvillRob Posted January 20, 2011 Posted January 20, 2011 Don't ya think it's ironic that Rainsong Guitars are made in Woodinville, WA?
onewilyfool Posted January 21, 2011 Posted January 21, 2011 Every time I see this post I'm wondering.....how can a Rainsong be compared to ANY wood guitar let alone a Gibson?????? Gibsonesque???? I looked at it and that word NEVER entered my mind....
BigKahune Posted January 21, 2011 Posted January 21, 2011 ... Gibsonesque???? I looked at it and that word NEVER entered my mind.... Yes. A good word - NEVER. Like in - - - You'll NEVER know until you try playing it. B)
tw2_usa Posted January 23, 2011 Author Posted January 23, 2011 It's true, it's a bit hard to believe the tone, but you gotta try it... The other thing is there is no top bracing, so the sound bounces around differently. It's worth trying one out just to hear the different bounce patterns of the sound, there really is something subtly different...
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