I played a jumbo a long time ago and really enjoyed it.  Excited to try out this new version (the one I tried was almost 10 years ago when I first started!).

The RainSong JM1000 jumbo 6-string that has begun its journey this week started at my place.  I’ve been putting it through its paces and have created a couple videos (over in the Audio/Video Samples section).

I want to thank MacNichol Guitars and the craftsmen at RainSong for making this roadtrip happen.  Only by playing these creations can you know if the complex interrelation of elements is right for you.

First… the JM1000 is really handsome, and beautifully finished with pale blue highlights and top notch manicuring.  Take this up on stage and I guarantee you’ll be noticed, not in a shouting or garish way, but in the same way putting on a sport coat might – even if you’re wearing jeans and a t-shirt, you’re gonna feel good.  

Second… it’s big.  It’s a jumbo.  Which is itself not for everyone.  I found that hanging it from a strap (unbelievably light weight) made this guitar much easier to enjoy for longer periods, but seated without a strap required some management.  For some work, I sat the waist of the guitar on my left thigh in order to free up my right shoulder a bit.

The neck is medium thin front-to-back and easy to get used to.  Set-up was pretty close to perfect for these Elixer lights.

Lastly, the tone is big, a little airy, a little chimey, not super loud for normal picks or strums but able to handle everything without coming even close to breaking up or blurring.  It’s this quality that puts the JM1000 out front as far as I’m concerned.  When you want to emphasize a passage or step out into the lead, simply pick or strum more aggressively and she just sings louder.  Dig in brother, that’s where this thing really shines.  It’s practically bottomless.

‘Hope this helps.  If you’re on the list of roadtrip recipients, you’re in for a treat.

Thanks,
Buzzardwhiskey

Nice review, BW.

Owning a JM3000 jumbo 12-string, I think I have a pretty good idea of how nice this guitar is. I'm pretty sure it's the same body, and it is very light, even with the extra tuners. It plays and sounds great. I really don't need any more 6-string acoustics, but this is one that might tempt me to reconsider.

For those worried about the size, I thought it would be worth pointing out that I'm not a big guy and I don't have any problems with the size of the JM3000, with or without a strap. (Of course, I also like dreads, so you might want to take this with a grain of salt.)

Nice review.  I'm looking forward to it coming!  I'm looking for a CF guitar with a bigger sound, and this may be the one.

Ray

I have a C A GXi HG in blue which I really like but am interested in the Rainsong JM 1000 and being way up in northern Minnesota cannot go anywere To try them outand I do not like to buy a guitar sight unseen.Been dissapointed to many times. Just received the road trip Rainsong JM 1000 yesterday the 13th of may and have it here at work so I could have some of the guys listen and compare it agains't my GXi which I love.They mentioned the Rainsong was just about the same bass wise but projection and loudness went to the Rainsong along with more clarity.It playes well for me and fits me well but I have too put up with the color black and the sharks.I play and sing in area nursing homes volunteerly and mostly all acoustic with no mic,but do have a Marshall 50 acoustic amp which I am very well satisfied.Iam a 1 guitar man now a days at the age of 57 so I have to make my mind up.I have had all the top of the line wood guitars out there-Martin,guild,gibson dove,taylor,larrivee but in my neck of the woods the composite is the only way.I now have a beautiful blue C A GXi HG Guitar up for sale if anybody has an interest.Thank you for the chance to try out a rainsong,my next guitar once the GXi sells.        joelholte@yahoo.com

My JM1000 has been my "go to" guitar for several years. Great balanced tone, and whenever you want, you can make it LOUD! The only downside is that she's not a cutaway, so getting up the neck is a little challenging. Sounds absolutely wonderful amplified- the pickup/preamp setup is fantastic! If anyone even wonders if they'd like this guitar, pay the $35 and try it!

You guys are getting me excited!  Sounds like I can plan on doing some heavy strumming with this one in addition to some delicate rambunctious fingerpicking (when am I ever delicate?).

I'm enjoying the Rainsong hybrid a lot, but were I to go for one, I have a feeling it might be more likely to be the jumbo if it can best my GX where it needs to.

FedEx notification this AM says it will be here tomorrow (5/21/10).  I'm looking forward to it.

Ray

The Jumbo arrived today.  It is a LARGE guitar - bigger than I expected!  I've posted a couple of pictures comparing it in size to my Martin D-35.  I'll change strings tonight and give it a whirl. 
The fit and finish are excellent ... I can't believe how light it is for its size.

As it arrived

The opened case

Next to the D-35

Depth comparison

Ray

Cool.