Rainsong OM1000

Mine is the non-electric version - OM 1100 - otherwise the same guitar. I didn't want the electronics as I was taking her on a small sailboat and didn't want anything that could corrode. Single cutaway, all carbon, shark fret markers, abalone sound hole rosette. Came with manufacturer's hardshell case.

The sound is amazing, especially from such a diminutive guitar - it projects! The notes ring clear and bright but not harsh - sounds good doing everything from Tears in Heaven to Rockin' in the Free World. I played for and with people all down the west side of the Caribbean and people were gaga, especially other players. I even had a polite tug-of-war with someone who didn't want to let go.

It was very well set up by the shop I bought it from.

I bought mine in Alaska, flew with it to Florida, took it 10,000 miles by sailboat back to Alaska, then drove with it down the ALCAN to the Midwest and the only things that are not still in excellent shape are the case latches which rusted superficially in the saltwater environment. The only drawback on durability is that carbonfibre is very brittle and once fractured it becomes thereafter an expensive paddle, so I had to be extremely careful playing underway. On the positive side, it seems to be impervious to humidity and temperature extremes.

No need for company support.

An amazing guitar in so many ways. Sentient beings are just drawn to its sound. I attracted at least two whales on a still night, drifting towards the Galapagos. I only stopped hearing their exhalations after I quit playing - eerie! The clarity of the sound made me play more accurately because carelessness stands out as much as the good stuff. I initially wanted a larger body, like my Gibson Gospel, but I had to leave before one could be ordered and this one was on hand - absolutely no regrets. I would be thrilled if the majority of big ticket items I bought in life were half as good as this little guitar. OM-mmmmmmmmmm. OM-mmmmmmmm.

Carbon Fiber glossy finished. The Rainsong website has all the details. Mine was a 2001 made in Hawaii OM with the Fishman Blender active pickup system which has both piezo and mics plus EQ. 100% Carbon Fiber & Epoxy build

Well suited for acoustic rock/folk/pop flat pick style. I don't use an amp, the guitar is as loud as a jumbo like Gibson Hummingbird but with more clarity and resonance. Bright, piano like sound, works well with the Elixir strings. Somewhat like a Taylor with Elixirs. Plenty of variety of sounds with proper technique. Like the looks and sound, dislike - must be very accurate as any squeak or missed notes are magnified by the acoustic efficiency.

Perfect setup, no flaws whatsoever

Live playing yes except for those gigs on Mercury and the Sun. Should last the rest of my life. Can depend on it as the only guitar in a performance or as a paddle in a life raft.

Lifetime warranty to original owner. Contacted to get manufacture date, they promptly responded to me.

Playing 40 years. Pared down to just the Rainsong. Have owned Gibson, Fender, Guild over the years. IF this guitar was lost or stolen I would search out another one right away.

The following is a copy of a letter I have sent to Rainsong.

"I'd like to share my experience as a customer.

Last week I bought a new OM1000 from one of your dealers. Nice tone unplugged, gorgeous tone amplified (wow!), and what could be better than all-carbon durability?

After purchase I discovered two defects: a 3/4 inch delamination of the top from the rim, and a neck that was twisted at the join and bent in a wave above that. I cannot understand how this guitar ever made it through your QC process with either problem, let alone both.

Your dealer handled the situation admirably and to my complete satisfaction. With all respect I would like to make two suggestions:

- Please improve your QC process and catch problems like these before they go out the door.

- In your marketing, please help prospective buyers understand that this is an "all-carbon" guitar with a glue-on top, which can be a point of failure. I suspect many of us have unrealistic expectations about "all-carbon" durability.

I hope this feedback is helpful."