NGD: The Rainsong SFTA-FLE has landed

[AZLiberty]

The Big Brown Truck of Happiness arrived this afternoon while I was at work and left a big brown box of happiness behind.  No signature required, just left a $1600 guitar on the front step.
 

This is the custom short scale available from Ted at L.A. Guitar Sales.  First thing you notice is "holy smokes this thing is light"  weight wise it's a lot closer to a parlor than a 000.

SFTA = Shorty, Fine Texture Finish, Acoustic (i.e. no on-board electronics)
-FLE = Forum Limited Edition  (Ted does limmited runs based on input from the Acoustic Guitar Forum)

This instrument is actually unique, as it is the only one that was ordered with the FT finish instead of High Gloss.

Pics next to my OM-03RE.  The upper and lower bout size is very close, and each guitar would fit in the other's case.  The Rainsong is actually a hair (1/4") shorter in the body, and noticeably thinner at 4" at the heel and 3 1/4" at the neckblock.







Soundwise this thing sounds "different".  It sounds very woody (like an all hog) when fingerpicked, but is really bright and maybe a bit harsh when strummed.  Action is outstanding.  Once the stock Elixirs wear out I will try some EXP-16's  (I generally prefer PB strings to 80/20s anyway)

These are also coming with a very nice TLK arched-lid case instead of a Gig Bag which is a very nice upgrade.

[unclrob]

  congrats on the NG.Does it have a pu?And of coarse what kind if it does have one?Congrats again!!!!!

[AZLiberty]

congrats on the NG.Does it have a pu?And of coarse what kind if it does have one?Congrats again!!!!!

No pickup.  In fine Larrivee Forum tradition I will probably have a K&K pure Western Mini installed. 

[Mr_LV19E]

That's a beauty. What is the significance of the fish?  I see what looks like a porpoise in the Rosette which is very nice BTW.

[AZLiberty]

That's a beauty. What is the significance of the fish?  I see what looks like a porpoise in the Rosette which is very nice BTW.

It's become tradition for Rainsongs to have shark inlays.  From Rainsong:


A Shark Story


Most RainSong guitar necks feature our signature "Shark" inlay.

Originally, when RainSong Graphite Guitars was still in Maui, Hawaii, we started using Dolphins as inlays. Within a few months we were asked to "cease-and-desist" by another guitar maker that claimed to own rights to the use of Dolphins as guitar neck inlays. Rather than incurring the legal expense and time delays to fight the claim, we looked for other inspirations from our beautiful environs. Enter the Shark, or mano, which is deeply woven into the fabric of Native Hawaiian culture and history. Some early Hawaiians worshiped, cared for and protected sharks as family gods, while many others viewed sharks as an important source of food and tools. This symbolic combination of utility and reverence seemed appropriate for the ornamentation on our instruments.

In 2001 RainSong moved from Maui to Woodinville, WA. We chose to preserve the Shark as our signature inlay as a nod to our Hawaiian origins.

My kids think the "fish" are cool.

[rockstar_not]

I should not have looked at this thread.  I need Maalox now! 

[Dru Edwards]

Fantastic looking guitar! Love the shark inlays. Enjoy ... and don't worry about that humidifier! 

[broKen]

That's a cool guitar,,and a twelve fretter too! Enjoy.

[WileE]

Nice!  The clips that I've heard of the shortys sound really good.  How does the back's finish feel (or sound) when it rubs against your clothing?  Is it noisy?

[AZLiberty]

Nice!  The clips that I've heard of the shortys sound really good.  How does the back's finish feel (or sound) when it rubs against your clothing?  Is it noisy?

It's a bit rougher than I expected.  I don't think it's that noisy when playing though.

[edgeguy]

Love the shark markers and the sound hole.