Rainsong WS 1000 Acoustic

It???s been awhile since anyone has put up anything on this guitar, so I thought I would chime in. The price I paid was considerably less then any price I???ve seen here.

The finish is an all black carbon/graphic body. This one must be the ???no frills??? model as it only has white outlining around the body. No outlining around the sound hole. Simple white dot inlays on the fingerboard. It does have a black pick guard.

This is an early model based on the serial number, but was made in Woodinville, WA. (not Hawaii) which is how I came across this maker as they are only 10 miles from my home.

It has what is listed as the premium on-board electronics made by Fishman with onboard turner and some EQ adjustments.

This guitar has the original N1 style neck; which is thinner then the updated N2 version (the N2 also offers a truss adjustment, not the N1). The thinner neck was more desirable for my needs as this guitar is for my 16YO daughter to learn on.
The guitar was used when I bought it and had some blemishes. No scratches or cracks.
The frets didn???t show any signs of ware.

Mine came with the original deluxe gig bag.
The pawn shop also threw in a Line-6 Spider-2 15watt amp.

The sound is nothing short of stunning. Crisp and clean. Better then what I had anticipated.

It has been a long time since I played a guitar, but I found it easy to find my notes. I didn???t get any fret buzzing. I had my daughter play a few chords and her smaller hands could move around okay. The neck is straight. I haven???t found any excessive tuning issues.

It appears that this guitar has seen some miles; however, is still in great shape. Everything on it is still tight and sturdy. For what I know about carbon fiber, this guitar should stand up to most environments, on the road. I have no concerns on this.

Can???t speak directly about this one yet. I did write Rainsong an email asking if they would consider selling a factory second at a reduced price. Nope, they answered and they suggested Craig???s List or Ebay. Now, I know that not every guitar they make is considered show room standard. It wouldn???t hurt their reputation to offer a few of these for a marked down price for us less fortunate people who can???t afford $2,500 (just my opinion).

Okay, the over all rating.
I started researching Rainsong about 3 years ago. I knew, by most feedback, that it was the guitar I wanted to get and with my daughter asking for lessons and my current guitar just too large for her I knew I needed to get busy and find something.
I stumbled across this one in a pawnshop in downtown Seattle with an asking price of $800. They took $700. That is half for what I???m finding these online for even today.
$700 for a Rainsong!!! Consider me tickled pink. This guitar is everything that it was hyped about. Maybe the frets will ware down before their time like someone had posted; that is yet to be seen. As it stands right now, based on price..10.

I have one of the early WS-1000's made in Hawaii, purchased in 2000. Paid $1900 for it. Has fishman electronics.

I've played Folk, Bluegrass, Jazz, Rock with this guitar and it fit's all styles very well. I normally play direct into a board or recording. Bright but full sound.

Set-up very well. I've always used the same brand of strings on it (Elixir's) since getting it.

Played it now for 7 years and have not had any problem with it.

Never had to deal with the company, but I live nearby so could easily go see them

I've played for 35 years and have owned lot's of equipment. Currently have a collection of 15+ guitars. I'd buy another one if this one was lost or stolen.

This guitar is beautiful ..no doubt about it I agree with the majority of the reviews

Very clean and distinct..Almost compressed..Harmonics are great.

Action a little high ..the guitar saddle can be shaved to suit your style.. I mostly finger pick .but i like to give the Rainsong a good thack now and again and it holds up to a "T"!

Here is where I had problem. I was doing a gig and had an accident the guitar case was upright and not secure .I grabbed my case and my axe fell out maybe 6 inches at the most .I grabbed it by the neck before it hit the ground. The lower bout had split about 7 inches cleanly from where the top and the sides meet! I was furious at myself I take full responsibility for my actions . You should never treat your guitar in this fashion . However I felt that a small spill like that should not crack a guitar that I paid $3000 for. In addtion The top of the guitar is like a wafer like pattern and if you press on it with your thumb with about 10-15 lbs of pressure it will leave an indent that your are stuck with. THESE GUITARS ARE NOT AS ROAD TOUGH AS THEY ADVERTISE.

First of all Jeannie was a Doll and was sympathitic..acidents are not covered under any warrenty even 6 inch spills.They offered to look at it. However from across the border it would have been $300 each way And they said they "might fix it" For $600 BUCKS AND A MAYBE I decided to take it to my man Miles at fretworks who didi an awesome job for $100..

It is amazing instument no doubt about it.. The projected layering is a wafer type weave that once banged into or pressed it will leave a cosmetic blemish. The carbon fibre is tough that is why it split at the glue joint. Because of the money I would not replace it if it were lost or stolen. Despite the ohh and awws from my fellow musician the ticket price is not worth it

I bought this guitar in 2000, at that time I think it was then made in Hawaii. Beyond question, it is the most trouble-free guitars I've owned (Several Gibson acoustics and electrics, epiphones, Fender etc). The action was outstanding when I got it and it hasn't changed at all over the years. Weather/season changes simply have no effect on it.
Although it has no pickgard and I do get a little carried away strumming, there is no sign of wear. My thoughts are if it ever shows wear, I'll then install a thin pickgard, but I don't see this happening soon. The one that came with the guitar was way to thick for my liking and I never installed it (it came with the guitar uninstalled back then).
I've never owned a guitar that holds its tune as well as this one. The tunners are gotoh and are superb. I've never broke a string on this guitar as some have reported and I do bend and play hard at times. This unit has Fishman electronics and I did have problems and the company quickly sent me new Fishman electronics which was a piece of cake to install. This is a very comfortable guitar to play, lighter than anything I've played and very strong and durable.
The finish looks as good as the day I purchased it. I use GHS guitar gloss.

I play everything that captures my fancy. I was using a Digitech RP-200 when I played out and I had difficulty dialing in the sound I wanted. Since then I upgraded to a AG stomp and the sound is superb. Being carbon fiber, this guitar has a tendency to make you play more accurate, as mistakes seem to be applified. The sound "is" a bit different than most guitars, much cleaner than wood and considerably louder. This is not a bad thing, it is very much a guitar sound, just cleaner. This is great for finger style I might add. When playing finger style, the volume acoustically will simply surprise you. The lows are distinct and the treble is bright, very nice.
The only thing I've had to adjust to is the finish on the neck, which is not as quick and smooth as a satin finish, say like a Fender. But it's just a matter of getting used to, not really a problem but a preference.

As mentioned the action is better than any acoustic I've played. Excellent to the 12th fret. Also as I said before, the Fishman electronics did fail me (a constant hum), however, Rainsong took care of this without a hassel.

Solid guitar, very dependable. None of the shortcommings of wood (I do play wood guitars).

Best support I've had to deal with. Jean Carr? was a doll to deal with, very understanding and made every attempt to get things right. Had a Gibson SJ-200 neck go bad and it was a battle to get warranty service with it. Eventually they replaced it and it took several months in the process. A real pain.

Been playing a while, about 35 years, various styles. If stolen, I'd replace it, but not without playing it first. Having a neck that has no adjustment, I think that goes without saying. How it is when you buy it, is how it is.
The sound is unique, unlike a wooden guitar that has a tendency to deaden the sound coming out of the soundhole (it doesn't have to be like that). You really have to play one to understand the difference, the sound is very pure and unaffected, a pleasure to listen to. Until I played one, nobody could have convinced me that I would like this. :)

This is a WS-1000, purchased new less than 3 years ago, but apparently having sat in the store for up to a year before my purchase. Manufactured in Washington - not Hawaiian (early models). Fishman electronics. Gotoh tuners. Jumbo frets (standard issue). Rainsong signature case. Overall, one of the finest instruments I've played during my nearly 50 years of playing, 17 professionally. Although mostly a solid-body picker, I've switched to accoustic for personal reasons (although I still own a Strat, an Explorer, a Takamine lawsuit type, and several others).

I've played everything from surf, acid, rock, jazz, country, classical, and background music. Play a little of everything currently - personal favorites. The guitar plays it all well. Easy to play and easy to adjust to. Action doesn't match a quality solid-body, of course, but could be the best accoustic I've played. At my age this was to be my "last" guitar purchase (Ha! Fat chance!!), so I tried everything typically found on the market including Gibsons (still a favorite!), Martins (just don't dig 'em), Taylors (a fine instrument), etc., etc. Did a lot of pickin' research before spending this kind of money! Almost instantaneously chose the Rainsong. I like it! Infinitely variable electric presentation, and a booming accoustic sound with genuine projection. Nothing compares.

Excellent action all the way up the scale for an accoustic. I like the variations available between the internal mike and the bridge pick-up. Good engineering. Finish is beautiful, especially the rosette and the incredible shark inlays on the fretboard (that sold me!). A yacht-broker by profession, the inside looks just like a fiberglass boat - not much you can do with that - tacky - just don't look in there! A fantastic hardshell case. Careful with that finish - no pickguard! I do break 3rd strings with incredible regularity - sometimes even when brand new. Can't figure what the problem is, and Elixirs are supposed to be tough, but I'm a bit dismayed with a very persistent problem. I have an acquaintance who also owns one and has the identical problem. Hm-m-m! Very interesting!

Living on the gulf Coast I play outside sometimes and it is totally - totally! - unaffected by temp and humidity. ALWAYS in tune! I like that! Played one very humid everning right on the water with another fellow with a wood guitar, and his instrument did nothing but sweat and refused to stay in tune. while this guitar sweated, too, it never went out of tune. The other fellow was more than a little impressed. So was I. Carbon-Fiber will last forever and is stronger, pound-for-pound - than steel. Pretty tough instrument.

Very mixed emotions here. I wrote to the company about the 3rd string-breaking problem and they sent me a new bridge immediately, which I haven't installed. Not certain that's the problem, as I've examined the original carefully with a magnifier. While they were responsive to that problem, I've had another much more serious problem which has disappointed me immensely: premature fret wear. I play about an hour every day - sometimes a bit more. While changing strings recently I noticed the 2nd and 3rd frets were severely worn. In fact to the point that had I continued on, the instrument would have been totally unplayable in probably less than 6 months. Also noticed that about 6 more frets were quite worn. I am an accomplished player and play the entire range of the neck - not a "strummer", playing chords in the 1st position. I learned to read music at an early age and still read. I don't use a capo, but believe that a good myusician should be able to play anything in any position! So, this extraordinary wear at the 1st position was quite disconcerting. Wrote the company about it, requesting factory service, and received the most cavalier response I could have imagined! "You play a lot and simply wore it out!" And, "We don't re-fret. Take it to your local luthier." CRAP! I had a '53 Telecaster (Yes!!) that I bought quite well used in 1965, and played professionally for at least 10 years. Put a huge amount of time on that instrument and the frets were still good when I sold it in 1991. I played a top of the line Ovation for about 10 years after that and never wore it out. None of my guitrars, including numerous Gibsons, Fenders, Rickenbachers, or anything I've ever picked up had frets worn as badly as these! Appalled at the factory's rather cavalier response, and having no other recourse, and feeling quite wounded, I had a local luthier TOTALLY re-fret the guitar. The end result is that now I have a damaged guitar: re-fretted, and with some small scratches as a result of the refret job, which is unavoidable, given the extent of the repair. You simply cannot do this kind of extensive repair and not expect a nick or 2. My opinion, after playing for 50 years, is that there was a problem with the batch of fret wire. Metallurgy is not a perfect world and the metal used in the wire (IMO) was defective. The company had a fine opportunity to study a serious flaw and perhaps take corrective action, but chose to be unresponsive.

Even though I love this instrument I have serious reservations about the company's lack of customer support and CARE! Bottom line: yes I'd replace it if stolen - can't find a better one. But be prepared to have your heart broken when your baby needs major surgery! And don't expect to have your complaint fall on sympathetic ears! My Overall Rating is lower due to this single poblem. Without it, I would rate it an easy 10.

Purchased/made in 2000 so has Fishman electronics

Sound is crisp, rich, full both miked and direct

Setup perfectly - action a little high - adjusted by putting slightly lighter gauge strings - finish perfect

Owned and played now for more than 5 years, no problems

I toured the factory in Maui in 1998 and was sold on the guitars, purchased one 2 years later

great guitar

completed March 11, 2005 made in USA....you all know about the features already.....man it is ugly!

Almost 50 years playing and this guitar makes me sound better and better

No amps solid acoustic but I'm told best thru a PA 2nd best small bass amp solid stste

It has been said this guitar is really a cannon..I will not disagree

LOVE THE SOUND ....THE PLAYABILITY....Rainsong is smart guitar came with Elixer 12'S so I have also learned about their strings and it cost me nothing.......IT"S UGLY.......MAN

Perfect out of the box....and I do mean perfect...no surprises!
It's UGLY!

Yet to gig with it but blew every other guitarist away at an acoustic reherdal with a half dozen guitars playing a various times,,,cut through the mix like a hot knive thru butter

This is one heck of an ugly guitar In my opinion but no one has agreed with me in eleven months.

solid like a tank...only guitar needed for any gig ....I perform in a situation with solid bodys by direction.. we do a lot of trading instruments on stage (I also perform on bass) me bandmates are happy with their instruments so for harmonies sake ........

They emailed information on ocassions,,,very responsive...Jeannie I believe.

playing soon 50 years...currently interested in dumping 1996 sg 61 reissue finally going fender strat or doI want a tele.....?

...if it were stolen I'd replace immediately..

it's the uglyist looking rocket ship but the sound and feel is out of this world....necks got space grease on it (so fast and smooth)...

I compared this to everything out there for a decade..this guitar replaced a 1988 guild D25 ...was offered the Martin Dragon... tryed the Taylors...Martins...all sizes...shapes...hundreds of them...only had to play this for 45 minutes ,,,never played or heard anything like it.....and would not touch this guitars sound....the versitility..

Ordered new,recieved in December of 2005, serial# shows it was made in October of 2004. Sat on a shelf for a year! All carbon fiber. Braggs electronics, nice TKL case.

Wonderful acoustic sound made my wooden guitars sound muddy and dull. Played through my PA , with a flat eq setting, it took 10 minutes of playing with the EQ, notch filter and phase switch to get rid feedback. Once dialed in man could I get loud, and oh what a joyous, full, clear tone. This thing came alive pluged in. OPen D and Open Em tunings where breath taking!!!

Action was GOD AWFUL. 3/64th higher at the 12th fret then Rainsong factory specs. (I called them and asked what spec was as I could not believe this guitar could be right. Factory is 4/64 to 6/64 at 12th fret.) 6/64th factory spec action is still high!!!! If this thing was truely made/machinedas they say those strings should damn near lay on the frets without buzzing!!!!!!! Take a que from Carvin. Carbon fiber had a big wrinkel in the pattern on the bottom edge, in the middle of the neck the carbon was frayed and showed, 3 super tiny scratches in the back. Looking inside the sound hole showed lots of ugly glueing and overlaying at the top and bottom edge of the body, as well as 2 big ass bolts for neck attachment.

No opinion here as I sent the thing back. For $2000 not only should a guitar look impeccable it should play like butter.

When I called about my action issue, they where very nice, gave the info I needed, reminded me action settings are subjective. Did offer to send me a bridge to file downand experiment with if I decided to keep the guitar. You dont buy a new Cadillac and put in a new engine!

After 37 years of playing and having built several guitars, I was looking for a guitar without the inherent problems of wood. The sound and looks of the instrument are stunning, playability is crap.

2004-2005 from Washington State. Baggs element system. Solid graphite. Came with a sleek, shark design hard shell case, Rainsong decals, and Rainsong picks, with manuals. Shark inlays on frets; beautiful and very colorful abalone inlay around sound hole. Gorgeous guitar! I'd give it a 10 if it had a clear pickguard (It has no pick guard)and a B-Band pick-up system.

My band plays everything from Bluegrass to Classic Rock. We use Fender Acoustasonic Jr's, and one Marshall acoustic amp. **Here's the kick - The sound is extraordinary! I have a Taylor 310 w/t new expression system (it's also a fantastic sound) but no one ever complimented the great sound of my Taylor. But with my Rainsong at live gigs, I've gotten several compliments on the beautiful sound! Other guitar players ask to play it, and I don't mind cuz it's built to last. I wish the on-board volume would boost the volume much more for my solos... ha ha.

The action is a little higher than my Taylor, but I don't want to lose it's volume or brightness by lowering it. I have no problem on barre chords up to the 7th fret though. The only sadness I have in this department is that when I bought it "new" at the guitar store, it had some pick scratches from being played in the store. A clear pickguard w/t plastic wrap would've protected it for my scratches only.

The guitar is great live! I've used it these past 30 days in the hot sun of County Fairs, City celebrations, Class Reunions, Company Picnics, etc. It holds up fantastically and seldom needs a tuning! I have broken strings a couple times, but my band buddy always brings 3 guitars (2 Taylors & 1 Epi). I only need to bring one guitar, and from now on (for acoustic) this is the one (my electric is a Variax 700).

Jeanne(?) is super nice and professional! She even sent me extra stickers and picks when I told her about the store scratches! They sent me a signed letter when I registered the guitar.

I've been playing for 23 years. Professionally for 10 years. If stolen, I'd pay the $500 deductible and get another WS-1000. I love the looks and enjoy the sound more & more. Others love the looks but love the sound much more. I often see people in the crowd point at my guitar and shake their heads "Yes." I wish Rainsong had a ball-cap to wear or other accessories, but they simply major on making beautiful guitars...

Built in December 2003. No need to recite the features, as all of the other reviewers have done so. Does have Fishman Prefix Stereo Blender pickup system that blows me away. I'll have to say that the Gotoh tuning machines aren't the level of quality of the rest of the guitar, and unfortunately they can't be changed, as the location of the screw on the back won't allow swapping with Schallers, which I'd much prefer.

The sound is incredible - clear and bright, but with just enough bottom end to round it out.

Seeing as I bought the guitar used, I can't say anything about the guitar's setup from the factory. When I got it, the action was way to high for me, but then I've been playing electrics primarily for 40 years. After about 15 minutes of work on the saddle, the action was right where I like it, with absolutely no buzz. The carbon fibre body is a beauty to behold, and was absolutely flawless.

I'm an in-home player, so I can't comment on its performance in a live playing setting, but it's a joy to play. I've also only owned it for about a week, but is seriously doubt that it will be nothing but rock-solid in the future.

Again, seeing as it was used, no warranty is applicable. As well, no repairs have been needed. I did contact them to register the guitar with them, and they were prompt and courteous.

As I mentioned, I've been playing for over 40 years, mostly electrics, and over that time period I've probably owned 40 or so guitars. My guitar stable now numbers about 15 guitars, of which four are acoustics (Larrivee, Martin, the RainSong, and the first guitar I ever bought, a Stella Tenor). The RainSong is probably one of my all-time favorites, though, right up with my Martin SPD-16R. I first saw a RainSong at Island Music in Kihei, Maui while vacationing, and was intrigued by the idea of a carbon fibre guitar, and when I played it, I was sold. It's not a cheap guitar, but then nothing that would be of the quality and sound that this guitar is / has would be.

2005 WS1000 w/LR Baggs element pickup...I gave this a nine, because personally for me, a two band eq just doesnt cut it. The guitar has absolutely NO wood...which means zero maintanence, zero worries. It doesn't get much better than that.

I love the way this thing sounds...plugged in and out it's amazing. Although I didn't think much of the sound when I first got it, now it's the best sounding guitar to my ears. I like it better than a lot of rosewood and koa guitar I've played. It's so expressive and well balanced. Again it may take awhile for you to really notice the huge sound that graphite gutiars make, but it's definately worth the investment. The LR baggs element is really sensitive. A small tap on the body and you'll definitely hear it coming out of your amp/PA. I was really impressed with the element pickup, prior to getting my rainsong I had a taylor 314 with a fishman prefix. I was so dissappointed that rainsong stopped making the ws1000's with the fishman stereo blend. Because of my taylor experience, I had such a strong basis toward fishmans, but everytime I plug in my baggs pick up, I forget all about the fishman prefix that was on my taylor. Like others have said it's pretty fickle and will feedback, so phase switching and notch sweeping is a must.

The action could be a tad lower. But unfortunately because there is no truss rod, the only way to adjust the action is to shave down the saddle. The finish of the guitar is epoxy so the finish is hard as rock.

The guitar is made entirely of carbon fiber. No more needs to be said. This thing is the king of the ring if it were to every rumble with other wood guitars.

I've had nothing short of a great experience dealing with the rainsong folks. Definitely a class act company.

If I had to choose one guitar to play the rest of my life it would be a rainsong ws1000, because quite frankly other wood guitars will turn to dust before this thing looses its tone and shine. I would defintely buy this guitar again, in fact I don't think I'll ever buy another wood guitar again. Composite graphite guitars are the future.

This is a 2004 ws 1000 RainSong. Includes Gotoh tuners with LR Baggs Element on board system. Of cource the whole guitar is graphite composite in Alaska that means so much. It has a Tusq bridge and nut. The jumbo frets are made of a nickle alloy. The case was made by SKB and it looks cool.

This sound is different. Like they say Mahogany has its sound Brazilian rose wood has its sound and graphite has its sound all different, but all good. This guitar is super loud and blended. compared to my Taylor 312 it has the low end that that guitar missed. It also had the high end that the 0m-15 was lacking. to me sound is some thing evdery one hears differently and has their own oppinion so in the end that you have to hear for your self.

The guitar was set up very nicely. the action is a little high for me but that can be changed by shaving the nut or the bridge. the finish is nice just like any other Rain song. if you want a guitar that looks different from you buds this may be it if you want a unique RainSong you better either be THE EDGE or have the check book.

This guitar is a life time guitar it will never have any problems with cracking or a broken truss rod. This is the guitar you can hand down to your great grand kids grand kids and it will play then like it does now. every thing is perfect on this guitar.

The Guitar has a life time warranty for the first owner. I do not for see me taking it to them to fix. but if i do i am sure it will be a nice experience. One other thing is the shop i bought it from is the best in Alaska i gave him 50 dollars told him i wanted it and i could make payments and i would try to have it paid off in two months and he put it in the case never to played by any one other than me. zumwalts music shoppe is the best.

Like i said Alaska is the worst place for a guitar i had a martin crack three times. that fear is no longer with me because of this guitar. I think this guitar is the best in the world and i would buy a new one if some one stole mine.

Made in 2001 (the last year it was made in Maui). The WS1000 is made entirely of Carbon Fiber. This model features the Fishman blender pickup (they have since moved to the LR Baggs pickup). I've used it a couple of times in a live setting and only had minor feeback hum. Nothing that couldn't be resolved by tweaking the notch control. The Gotoh tuners on this thing are AMAZING! I tune in an open "slack" tuning and used to always have problems with my guitar going out. Not anymore. I tune once at the beginning of the gig and thats it. It also stays in tune no matter where you Capo on the neck. The action is totally playable and comfortable even for a 3 hour gig.

I would rank the sound right up there with the Martins and Taylors of the world. Very deep, rich tone. I currently go directly into the PA using only an LR Baggs acoustic pre-amp for color. THe only complaint would be minor feedback, but I have since purchased a feedback buster for the sound hole.

Action was set up perfectly. I did change the string gauge to fit my style. Did not notice any flaws or design issues. I love this guitar!

Would definitely use this as my main axe with no back up. THe construction is solid! Waxed the finish with Meguiars car wax per the instructions and it's just like new! This thing seems like it will last forever.

Very friendly and personable. Contacted via email and they were very quick and courteous.

I have been playing for about 10 years. If this guitar were lost or stolen, I would be deeply saddened but would definitely replace it in a heartbeat! Would try to seek out another Maui made one (pre-2002)with Fishman electronics. I have played several and they all seem to play pretty consistently well.

Neck and Soundhole Inlays, LR Baggs Element Electronics, Custom Case, Graphite Contsruction are second to none. The headstock is a little plain though.

I have a flatpicking style. This guitar is loud, bright and even for all notes. The same holds true when plugged in. This is the best sounding guitar I've owned, but certainly the most expensive. It has relegated a late 90's Martin DR to a backup role.

Replaced light elixirs with mediums and it all came together. Doesn't ring the same capoed with a Kyser. Will experiment with a Shubb, hopefully with improved results. Overall, the action is superb.

There are a few pinhole marks high on the neck which I'm led to believe are difficult to avoid in the manufacturing process. They do not affect playing at all. Other than that the finish is even and excellent. The strong workmanship is evident.

After one month it's hard to guage. But, it's seems incredibly sturdy and reliable. It's holds tune remarkably well. I've taken it from Air Conditioning out to my back porch in hot & humid South Florida with no additional tuning required. It'll debut in an outdoor gig later this month to what I expect will be outstanding results. The Martin would always require some constant tweaking when "breathing" outdoors.

I received a hand signed letter from them shortly after I registered it on-line. That was nice. I haven't had to deal with any problems or questions yet.

I've been playing for about 20 years and currently own a Martin DR and a relatively inexpensive mass-produced Alvarez. Both are electric/ acoustic.

So far, so good. I am thoroughly impressed and would surely consider replacing it if lost. I was looking at the mid to high end of Larivee, Tacoma, Martin, & Gibson before settling on the Rainsong. I was struggling with the non-traditional looks and materials but, the sound, both acoustic and plugged in, eventually won out.

Features already described A brilliant conception of ideas.

Carbon sound is unique. No deadspots, all notes even in volume, any area of the neck. Incredibly loud.I play mixture of fingerpicking and strumming. Put off further use by comments below. Sound very good overall.

Cosmetically, totally immaculate. A thing of beauty. The set up was diabolical. I bought it blind from (a genuine and lovely person) who must have far greater left hand strength that me. The neck (non adjustable) has exactly the right relief,approx 10 thou on the bottom e. Going across the board to the top e, the relief varies to much much too bowed. This is ony adjusable by removing the frets, shooting the board back straight and refretting. Very expensive! The neck, sighting from the headstock is very uneven, reminding me of those awful cheapy guitars from the 70's. Fret job rubbish too. There is little or no bevel towards the cetre of the board, and the shoulders are absolutely not finished. This, combined with the larger than usual amount of playing room, means you can hear the frets trying to rip chunks out of your hand. Absolute junk at this price. The neck is very flat at 20 inch radius, which I personally don't like. The combination gloss urethane neck and epoxy board make for a very slippy sweaty feel. Main thing is the twisted bent neck, and terrible fret job. Inexcusable at this level.

It's going again because of the neck. Shame ,I always wanted one of these. Having bought it used, I have no redress, so I am knackered really. I think it would last forever otherwise. In the pool, on the beach, snow,greenhouse etcetc. Case above average quality.

N/a COS BOUGHT USED.They are as usual offerrring far less support to UK buyers.

Brilliant in conception. If the neck and fretwork were sorted, I would proably love it. My main guitar is a Taylor 714, an example to the world of how straight level fret work should be carried out. I always wanted one of these till I had it, and the bubble has burst. Shame, because it sounds great.

I bought this guitar used, at Guitar's Plus in Princeton, WV. I had went with the intentions of purchasing a Martin D-16, but I came home with a Rainsong WS 1000. Why did I purchase it over the Martin? When I played it, it screamed "I'll do you right, buy me!".
I was purchasing a guitar for home recording, plugging straight into the board. I'm not sure when this Istrument was made, but it was made in Hawia, it has Rain Song on the 12 th of 14 frets. It has a pickup, and a condenser built in. The built in EQ only works on the pickup on this gitar. Is this a flaw, or?...

THis thing is truly versatile. We play Folk, Fingerstyle, Rock and Blues and it is the best straight plugged into the Mixer that I've ever used. The unplugged sound of the guitar and plugged with condensorsound is very close, and they are both great. It sounds warm with a pick, et you can bare finger pick it without getting stuck up in the mud. My only complaint is that it doesn't seem to come shining through for lead playing on higher notes played upard of the 10th or 12th frets. I'm using light gauge D'Addario strings. Perhaps if I used some effects or a processer I could get more zing out of it.

The action is set-up about right for me. I'm an acousit player, ands it'asgood as any acoustic I've played as fac as action. I mainly use the the built in condenser. I've expieremented with the pickup, and micxing mic and pickup, but I love the mic. My guitar shows a light dimple on the surface near the top of the 14th fret, but it hasn't bothered me.

This thing would be great for live gigs because it's built like a tank. It stays in Tune better than anything I've ever played, I love the tuners on it. It doesn't seem to mind coming right out of the cold car trunk and into the warm stufio room.

haven't tried to contact the manufacturer.

I've been playing for about 23 years. I've owned Martins, Tacoma's, Taylor's and various others. This guitar can compet with the best of these.

Year made: Feb 18, 2000
Made out of Carbon Fiber.
Has a Fishman Blender, not too bad. The blender has an internal mic and transducer.
Finish is a transparent uthethane over the carbon fiber.
I believe the body-style is a "Grand Auditorium"
Tuners are GOTOH

I got all kinds of little goodies with it, but didn't really care either way to have. The TKL Case is "da bomb" as the kids say.

I think is has a very modern sound. Very even quality. It has a little bit of wierd sparkle that I like. The only think I run it through before a PA is a Sabine NEX5000 pedal tuner and an LR Baggs Acoustic DI box.

I wish it had a little more punch. It is plenty loud, but sometimes I want a little more.

I bought this used. How anyone could have played this thing in a professional environment is beyond me. The action was very high. The guitar is in fine shape. I cut down the bridge saddle about 1/8" and now it is playing very well.

The Fishman Blender is alright. You think they could have made the control panel smaller, but that isn't Rainsong's fault. After a little car polish, it looked excellent. Not a bad finish spot anywhere. No dimples as others have talked about. I absolutley love the inlay work. This instument has the "Rainsong" inlay at the 12th fret instead of the headstock. I love that!

This is the toughest acoustic I have had. The tuning pegs are quality. Strap buttons are in good spots. Very dependable, I would do a gig with this alone without thinking twice. I spend a lot of the summer on the beach and I can't wait to take it out there.

E-mailed and called them. Excellent support.

I practice 16-20 hours a week and gig randomly. I like the look, the shark inlays and the unique tone. I love how easy it is to care for and the durability. If it were stolen I would be unhappy. It is now part of the family. My "main" guitar is a Larrivee LV-03RE. Comparing the two is silly. The Rainsong has a unique sound. The Larrivee has all the natural goodness you would expect out of a hand-made woodie. As far a playability, the Larrivee is much better. As far as electronics, the Larrivee has a B-Band A-5 which is also a much better pickup/preamp setup.

There are things the Rainsong has that are better than the Larrivee, like even string volume. It is also 1000 times more durable and the case is nicer and the inlay work is better. Believe it or not, the unplugged volume output is not much better than my Larrivee. They are different instruments and I love them both.

This is a recently manufactured model, with Fishman Blender (though on request the factory will send one with an L.R. Baggs Element, which will soon replace the Blender). It was manfactured in Woodinville, WA. See other reviews for the details.

I don't plug in much, and haven't had too much experience with the pickups. However, acoustically, this guitar is full of discovery. It is loud, sensitive, balanced, and varied at different right hand positions and different volumes. I'm used to playing a Martin D35 set up very high, so this permits much gentler playing. I use fingerpicks with a heavy attack, yet this guitar doesn't easily 'bottom out' with my style. The lower setup allows me to do things I might only have done on an electric. The light weight and smaller body (than a dreadnought) makes it wonderful for fingerstyle. The sound: it almost seems as though it is run through a reverb unit, and it may tend toward a slightly metallic midrange, as though played with a piezo pickup. However, this is only one of its tones, and can be controlled.

Action is terrific. I had to look at a few instruments to find one that was satisfactory cosmetically. There are inconsistencies in different guitars, and a perfect finish is apparently impossible due to the manufacturing techniques. For instance, tiny pits - pinholes, really - can be found on the fingerboard, and where parts meet (neck to top, for instance, or tuner to the back of the head) there is a bit of messiness. Of course, the inside looks like the inside of a fiberglass boat. Don't look inside. Still, I love how it looks, and it was very well set up. It doesn't buzz even in an open C tuning.

I bought it as I figured it needed less caution than a rosewood Martin. I expect to take it around with me. However, I haven't had it long enough to comment on its durability.

Calls prior to purchase were well answered and helpful. I've had no service.

I've played over 40 years, and mostly play acoustic. I'd consider the Rainsong 12 string for its stability. So far, I'm having a wonderful time with this instrument, which may become my main guitar for casual use and playing out.

Manufactured in 2000 in Hawaii. Made of Carbon Graphite with Fishman Blender pickup. With case.

I bought my WS-1000 in March of 2001. I fly Citation and Lear Jets for a living and needed a guitar that could not only hold up to the rigors of daily travel, but to be able to withstand extremely cold temperatures. Most of the time, there is not enough room inside the cabin for my guitar so it has to be stowed in the outside baggage hold where the temperatures are regularly 40 to 50 degrees below zero for as long as five hours at a time. I spoke directly with RainSong?s marketing and customer service honcho, who said they would stand behind their warrantee under those conditions. I?m told that the carbon graphite compound used in its construction is shipped to the factory in dry ice. I am here to tell you that the carbon graphite construction holds up so well that I don?t even detune the instrument prior to loading and when I get to my hotel room, it?s still in perfect tune. I am careful not to open the case until it reaches room temperature so that the condensation doesn?t affect the electronics. I brought the guitar in to the Woodinville, Washington factory a couple of months ago where the marketing manager and Ashvin Coomar, the president and CEO, looked it over. They were very pleased to find that ? after more than 50 flights -- the instrument looked showroom new with just a tiny scratch in the finish (which they promptly buffed out). I must warn you that heat is still the enemy of this guitar, and like any high-end guitar, you don?t want to leave it in the trunk of your car on a hot summer day. The series 3 and 4 guitars are cured at a higher temperature and these are the preferred instruments. Also, the materials used in construction aren?t bullet proof, so don?t go using the guitar as a tennis racquet.
As far as playability is concerned, the set up from the factory is as good as those from Taylor, meaning they are comfortably low without any string buzz. My WS-1000 has the 1 ?? nut width but the neck is thin enough that many electric guitar players find it comfortable. And what about the sound? I brought my RainSong to several open mic gatherings over the last two years and many felt its sound was one of the best there. At one event, everyone commented on how good it sounded when plugged in. It has the same on-board Fishman blender that Taylor uses with an under saddle pick up and inside microphone. One long time guitarist, who is a very accomplished player and owns a fleet of fine all-wood guitars said, ?I really didn?t want to like this guitar.? It was hard to get it back from him so that I could take my turn at the mic.
A fine all-wood guitar is known for not only the sounds it projects, but for the sounds it absorbs. I own a Collings D-2H and for flat-picking along with my Martin HD-28, a Lowden F-32 for fingerstyle along with my Martin 000-28EC, and a Goodall 12-string, so I can appreciate the rich sound that those great guitars can make. When I play my all-wood guitars I hear warmth. When I play the RainSong I hear a slightly more bell-like tone where the highs shimmer. That?s not to say they don?t have any warmth! I?m talking subtleties here. When you think of the RainSong WS-1000, think of a piano. When you envision the jumbo JM 1000, think Grand Piano. I know of several artists who are more impressed with the plugged in sound than unplugged. I needed a guitar that could withstand extreme cold and could handle both the subtleties of fingerstyle and the demands of flatpicking. My WS-1000 not only does that but it has the playability and tone equal to many high-end instruments.
I don?t work for RainSong, nor do they pay me for an endorsement, but I can highly recommend their instruments. I bought mine from a shop in Kentucky sight unseen.
Regards,
Mike Gilles

US made graphite guiar with Fishman Matrix blender pick-up system. It's a 2001 model. I guess all of the material info has been supplied by the other reveiwer's... so I'll spare all of teh details.

The sound... that is what sold me on this guitar. I bought it a year ago and it's been my baby ever since. I was testing Taylor's (various models), Lowden, Martin, Gibson (I was playing an older J-200 at the time I made the purchase of the WS-100) and others. The guitar just had amazing tone, sustain and volume! I didn't even plug it in. It won over the other acoustics that I was trying out.

Once I got home I plugged into my PA. Then it came alive once more! I'm not a big fan of Fishman electronis... I was using a L R Baggs Dual Source in my other guitar at the time. The guitar/pickup combo worked. I could finally play at very loud volumes and still have a "real" acoustic sound.

Love the action... it's solid from 1st to last fret. I can actually play lead riffs on it, hehe. Bend's and other tricks are no problem with the Rainsong.

This guitar has been solid as a rock for the past year! Holds tune amazingly.

I haven't had to deal with them really... no need. Once I e-mailed about other pickup options and was answered quickly and very warmly.

Been playing 20 + years... played electric and acoustic for a living most of that time. I am sticking with acoustic these day's and letting the younger folks carry around the huge electric rigs, hehe. I still have the Gibson j-200 but never touch it. Thinking of getting another Rainsong, maybe an OM. If it were lost or stolen, after freaking out I'd run to get another one! I love the guitar but am still not sold on the Fishman system... I just like the Baggs LB-1, Ribbon pups. I did compare to many guitars before I bought and am so happy that I settled on the WS-1000! I'd like a retrofit pickup system for this guitar... maybe something by Baggs or B Band.

I bought this guitar several years ago, I believe it's a 1999. It's from the period Rainsong was still in Hawaii and focusing on producing this model only. Unless you live in a cave, you should be aware the guitar is carbon fiber and has no wood in it....It has a Fishman blender pre-amp and came with a transparent pick-guard that was installed by the dealer. I'm writing this review as I've owned and used this guitar for several years now and most of what I saw on this site was from folks with newer instruments. My experience with any guitar has been it takes a year or two to really appreciate its total personality. Because of the carbon-fiber construction I'll give it a "8" for features....but then for $1300.00 you should expect a lot.

I know sound is very subjective, and yes, the thing is VERY LOUD! This guitar has a "unique" voice and although mostly nice, it has some drawbacks. I'm an aggressive player that frequently strums my instruments within inches of their lives. When you push this guitar, it can get a bit overpowering in the midrange...not exactly muddy and dull, but more a bit of a quack. You have to play a particular way to avoid this unplesantness. Also, the "b" string doesn't seem to sustain as clearly or long as the others.....I played several before purchasing this one and I'd have to say this isn't anything peculiar to my instrument. Plugged in it has a very warm and easily tailored sound - you can brighten/adjust things easily by blending in more or less of the mic sound. I'd give it a "9" plugged in, "6-7" unplugged, and an "8" overall.

No real problems with anything on the guitar. The action's a bit higher than other guitars I play, and there's no truss rod for easy adjustments. The neck is a bit wider and has a larger radius also. All in all, the set-up is fine, but not what I would consider really fast. Fit and finish is top notch and the instrument is very striking. Because of the high gloss you'll spend a lot of time cleaning and polishing it.....fingerprints, sweat and smudges really show up.

I take excellent care of all my guitars, so I can't speak to how durable the carbon-fiber is. It shows some minor scratches acquired over the years....it is nice to have a guitar that's super light. The hype that this guitar never goes out of tune is not true in my experience. It is very stable, comparable to an ovation, but it does go out of tune with temperature variations of 10 degrees or so. This may be the strings, but you'll still need to tune the thing as often as most other guitars.

Haven't had much contact other than prior to purchasing the thing. The folks in Hawaii were professional and courteous. They answered my questions and sent literature quickly when requested. I've heard dealers speak highly of this company.

I've been playin about 20 years. Would probably replace it if lost. Like everything about it except that midrange honk when spanked. It sounds great used for recordings on my VS1880.

Made in Hawaii. Rainsongs are definitely not your run-of-the-mill traditional acoustic, but then again that's really what makes these babies so special. I didn't buy this guitar because of cosmetic appeal and I will be the first to admit that the "look" takes a bit of getting used to. If you can get past that, this guitar is amazing.

This thing sounds unbelievable. Very balanced and full, every note rings out with wonderful clarity. Obviously the sound is a bit brighter than what you would get with a wooden box but that's not really a bad thing...just a different tone. Plug this puppy in and there's not much out there that I've heard that comes close.

No visable flaws in the finish that I could spot. The action and playablility are a "10". This guitar plays itself and is tough to put down!

I can't really forsee having many problems with this guitar which is one of the reasons why I considered this in the first place. These things have a reputation for being bulletproof and the fact that humidity will no longer be a concern is a big plus. I play very aggressively and this baby takes it without breaking a sweat!

Haven't had to use this so I can't really say but from everything I've heard they really stand behind their product.

I have owned my completely stock 2002 WS1000 for about a month now. As far as features go, it's got the standard Fishman Matrix blender, chrome Gotoh tuners and the thinnest acoustic neck I've ever played. It does not come with any kind of pick-guard and am told that the carbon/resin matrix doesn't require one. I have ordered up a thin plastic membrane(GuitarArmor.com) to apply just in case. I am giving an "8" rating in this catagory only because of the lack of adjustable truss rod (see action, fit & finish)

I play folk/rock/country mostly solo and all for fun. Self record original work and do the occasional open mike. Acoustically, it is very similar in tone to a lot of Taylors and a bit brighter than many Martins. For it's size it is louder than any guitar I have played (all my playing friends keep saying "wow, this thing is LOUD!!). It has more sustain than any of the surrounding guitars as well (Martins, Taylors, Ovations). When plugged in it is my second favorite behind the Adamas -- I might be able to get that "fat" Adamas sound with medium strings on the Rainsong, but haven't tried that yet.

Set up perfectly and without a doubt the best playing acoustic I have ever laid hands on (over 25 years I've played hundreds upon hundreds). It seems strange that is doesn't have a truss rod, but then again...with the stability of the material (carbon doesn't move around like wood after all) if it plays right from the start, I suppose it will always play right.

Finish was superb all around the exterior -- I simply couldn't find any flaws. Nicely detailed and polished. There was a bit of white residue in one corner of the inside that I will probably paint the first time I change the original strings (do these Elixers EVER wear out?).

It is somewhat of a contrast from a wood guitar (I enjoy the beauty of interior woodwork) in that while the outside is a work of art, the inside looks a bit like the bottom side of a fiberglass hot tub.

Though it feels like the lightest guitar I've held (OK, a Martin Backpacker is lighter), this thing is stiff as a truck suspension. Monte Montgomery would have a tough time with his "acoustic tremelo" effect on this guitar(the one where he bows the neck forward and gets a half step of trem out of the flex). It is easily twice as stiff at the neck as my next stiffest guitar(Ovation).

I bought this guitar because I travel for a living (ESPN production crew) and I believed it would be a step up from my travel guitar of 20 years (Ovation). It has done nothing but support my decision thus far. My travel guitar spends 2 days a week as airline baggage and three days a week being shuffled from cold hotel room to hot rental car to freezing cold TV production truck (they keep them cold to help protect the millions of dollars of critical electronics)to the suffocating storage belly of said truck during games. I have a very sensitive ear and with an all wood guitar can spend inordinate amounts of time tuning. My Ovation was by far the best in this area, but the Rainsong just blows it away. I can go a work-week and hardly tune it at all. When tuning is required the tone is so clear it practically snaps itself into frequency. I'm flat out spoiled with this rig.

It came with a nice custom SKB HSC case and I am quite satisfied with it.

Spoke with the factory before purchasing and they spent the time necessary to answer my questions kindly and professionally.

I met a guy who had an early Rainsong that experienced a delam issue and he said the factory quickly "made it more than right".

I have no other first hand knowledge.

I bought it because I was in love with it's tone, playability, durability and strength. Nothing has changed.

The only things I wish it had(truss rod, pick-guard) it doesn't seem to need. For my use (heavy travel) nothing else can compete, and yet now that I have one, if it never left my home studio it would still be the guitar of preference.

If it was stolen, I would hunt down the perp, strangle them and then rush right out and buy another one. I have sampled their 12 string as well and I have never played a 12 so easy. I will own one soon. Now, if they will just make a nylon string version before I have to buy one of the new Taylors.

2001 Grand Auditorium Cutaway made in Washington. Top, body and neck are all made of carbon fiber,with an interesting geometric fiber pattern and a high gloss finish. Looks hi-tech and formal at the same time. The fretboard and bridge are synthetic compsosite, and the nut and saddle are tusq. It has shark fretboard inlays, and a beautiful blue shell soundhole rosette, which looks great against the black top. Has a Fishman Matrix blender. Thinnest neck I've ever seen on an acoustic, and I've got a few Taylors. Had a friend over to try it last night, and he thought the neck was as thin as his Ibanez electric. Chrome Gotoh tuners which also look good against the midnight black color of the guitar. Usually see gold in this price range, butI don't think it would look as good. Comes with a nice custom SKB HSC. If it has any negatives, it would be the smell. While most new guitars have that lovely wood fragrence out of the box, the RainSong smelled like glue. Fortunately, the odor is dissipating fast, and has not caused any serious respiratory problems.

I play for fun, (couldn't make a profit at it), mostly folk, rock and country. Have a Fender Acoustimas Jr. for jamming with friends. This guitar has a very rich, bright sound. It holds its own acoustically with Taylors, and with Ovations when plugged in.

Literally perfect set-up out of the box. Quickest action of any acoustic I've played. No flaws noted, but the neck has that bolted/glued on look since it has no dovetail joint. The high gloss finish is very nice. Gives the fibers a 3D look.

One dealer said you can lay it across the arms of a chair and sit on it. Wouldn't try it, but it sure seems solid despite being so light.

Haven't dealt with them yet, but have heard good things.

Started playing again about two years ago, after about a 25 year lay-off. Amazing how quickly it comes back. I've also started collecting guitars. Bought this one without ever seeing or playing one. I love new technology, and this guitar sure has it. I was looking for a novelty, and ended up with a serious instrument which I really love to play. I've got several Taylors, two Epiphones, a Seagull 12-string, a Simon & Patrick, a Peavy electric and an Ovation Adamas. Not to mention a very understanding wife! The RainSong can hold its own with any of them (except the wife) with respect to looks, sound and playability. If I had to pick only one keeper, it would be the WS1000. I'm already looking at their new 12-string, the WS3000, and will likely have one soon unless this new medication kicks in.

2002 WS-1000. This guitar is high-tech instrumet made of graphite NO WOOD!!!!
Has a Fishman blender system,, sounds great very balanced. I plug it into a Crate CA 112. The tuners did what they are for -lol- got me in tune quick and very smooth. This guitar stays in tune longer then any other guitar that I have played. With the cutaway, playing leads are a breeze. I do wish they put a pickgaurd on this, but it does look cool without it.

I play blues, country rock and just a little slide. What can I say,,I bought it on the spot and I LOVE IT. This guitar has a sound that projects and just sings so sweet. I can't get that sound out of any of my other guitars. I play out on the weekends and the very nice things people say about my sound make me very happy about my purchase.

The guitar plays like a dream . The finish is a little interesting, hard to describe because the guitar is graphite, but it has a 3D kind of vibe very deep high gloss NICE. Everything was perfect EXCEPT the nut felt a little sharp on both sides against my hand. the guitar tech fixed it on the spot for me! NICE.

I play out everywhere, the beach, cruise ships, VERY cold Hotels, raw bars, etc. This is the only guitar that I will bring to my gigs because this is the only guitar that can deal with all the eliments and stay in tune.

So far so good. Everything is OK.

Wow!What a coooool guitar. I just walked into the store to buy some strings and look around when the guy at the desk asked me If I ever tried a RainSong. Not only did I never try one before,I never heard of it. He put it in my hands and the rest is history.