October 23rd, 2008 . by lsatinfo2
MacNichol Guitars and Mandolins takes great care in shipping instruments. We typically ship instruments via FedEx, but will occasionally use the US Postal Service or UPS. Insurance is included so you can rest easy.
Before your instrument is sent, it is checked for quality assurance. Once it passes, it is wiped down with a microfiber cloth. Then, depending on the time of the year and make/model of instrument, it may be placed either in a foam or plastic bag, and then placed in the case, such as how this CA Guitars GXi model is packed:
Here’s a Breedlove twelve string guitar wrapped in plastic:
The headstock is supported by crumpled paper to ensure that the weight of the tuning machines does not damage the instrument while in transit, such as in the following picture of a Weber Mandolin:
The instrument is then placed into the manufacturer’s original packaging, which is specifically designed for instrument travel. For example, Breedlove uses special inserts at the top and bottom that contain thick plastic that allows the guitar to fit snugly, but also allows for a little bit of movement so that the guitar does not take a hard jolt. Please see the pictures below.
Breedlove’s special insert form fits snugly over the top of the guitar case, providing a safe travel environment:
Once the instrument is delivered to the carrier, you will receive an e-mail with your tracking number. Depending on the time of year, MacNichol may wait a few days to ship your instrument. For example, during the cold, dry winter months, we usually only ship instruments on Mondays and Tuesdays because we don’t want the instruments to sit in a cold, dry warehouse over a weekend.
Posted in Breedlove Mandolins, CA Guitars, Larrivee Guitars, RainSong Guitars, Weber Mandolins | No Comments »
September 19th, 2008 . by MacNichol
MacNichol Guitars and Mandolins is pleased to announce the availability of gift certificates. MacNichol gift certificates are a great way to provide that perfect gift for the musician you love. Gift certificates are available in any amount above $10, and may be used for custom made instruments, guitars, mandolins, or accessories. These certificates are entirely refundable.
For more information, please visit MacNichol Guitars and Mandolins Gift Certificates, or contact us at 1-800-849-3305, or info@macnichol.com. Thank You.
Posted in Accessories, Acoustic Bass Guitars, Acoustic Guitars, Breedlove Guitars, CA Guitars, Carbon Fiber Guitars, Instrument Care, Larrivee Guitars, Mandolins, RainSong Guitars, Weber Mandolins | No Comments »
August 16th, 2008 . by MacNichol
A thought popped into my head recently. I think there should be a distinction between “adventure” guitars and “travel” guitars.
Here’s why:
When you mention “travel guitar”, different people have different images. Some are thinking of backpacking, trips to the beach, mountains, lake, etc, where the guitar may very well be played around the campfire, get water splashed on it, sit in the car trunk in 98 degree weather all day, sit in the car trunk in 30 degree weather all night, and other perils. Additionally, space may be an issue and they seek a small guitar.
Whereas others may be thinking that a travel guitar is one that will have to on a plane, sit in a trunk, be driven from an arid region to a humid region and back, but not necessarily be taken out into the outdoors, and space is not so much of an issue.
So, here’s what I’m thinking:
Adventure Guitars - BlackBird, Cargo, CA 5 and 6 Series, Baby Taylor, Breedlove Passport Series, Martin BackPacker, and other short scale and/or very small bodied guitars.
Travel Guitars - All carbon fiber guitars.
Posted in CA Guitars, Carbon Fiber Guitars, RainSong Guitars | No Comments »
August 8th, 2008 . by MacNichol
MacNichol Guitars and Mandolins announces the opening of CarbonGuitar.com, a website forum devoted to the discussion of carbon fiber guitars and mandolins.
Topics include makes/models of instruments, care and maintenance, playing styles, and any other relevant topics. The site also include an FAQ section, along with a Buy/Sell/Trade section for those seeking used carbon fiber instruments.
Posted in CA Guitars, Carbon Fiber Guitars, Mandolins, RainSong Guitars | No Comments »
July 24th, 2008 . by MacNichol
MacNichol Guitars has a great deal on a RainSong guitar. This particular guitar, RainSong Advanced Series, model A-WS1000, was previously sold but once the customer received it via FedEx, realized that he wanted natural carbon fiber finish, rather than a black finish and sent it back immediately for a different color. As such, this guitar is technically “used”, but is in mint condition. The only drawback is that the manufacturer’s warranty is no longer applicable. Note: The guitar is made of carbon fiber. The guitar’s body has a black finish, but the neck has a natural carbon fiber finish. Please see pictures below of this instrument.
Features Include:
• RainSong’s Projection Tuned Layering™ technique
• Fishman Prefix Plus-T electronics
• Durable carbon fiber construction
• Gotoh tuners with 1:18 ratio
• Tusq nut and saddle
• Custom RainSong gigbag
This guitar typically sells for $1,399, but this particular model is being significantly reduced to $1,099 (plus tax) for local pickup, or $1,149 for shipment to addresses within the continental U.S. (outside the State of Utah). For more information, please contact MacNichol at 1-800-849-3305. Thank You.
Posted in Acoustic Guitars, Carbon Fiber Guitars, RainSong Guitars | No Comments »
April 24th, 2008 . by MacNichol
MacNichol recently received a question about the differences between RainSong’s OM-1000 and CA Guitars 5S-CE. Certainly the two share overall similarity — carbon fiber construction, small, slim bodies. However, when placed side by side, the two are quite different instruments.
Let’s start with sound. The RainSong reminds me of a guitar with maple back and sides; indeed, RainSong’s website describes the OM-1000 as having a “crystal bell clarity, balance, superb separation of individual notes.” This is a great guitar for individual note-picking, but strumming does not work out well. The CA 5S-CE, on the other hand, has a very “woody” sound that reminds me of a guitar with mahogany back and sides. It’s also got a deep voice, and, like its cousin the Cargo, will surprise you with the bass and volume coming from such a small-bodied guitar. This guitar is also built for individual notes, as is the RainSong.
Next, let’s look at some structural differences. Both guitars have slim bodies, but the RainSong, at 4.125 inches, is deeper than the CA is, which is at 3.25 inches. Also, the CA has a bevel on the top of the back, which allows for the instrument to fit snugly against the player’s body. Also, the cutaway is quite different. The RainSong has a soft cutaway, but because of the heel block, you need to make a small hand shift to get beyond the 15th fret. The 5S-CE has a sharp cutaway, and because of CA’s double cutaway — back and sides — your hand slides smoothly all the way up to the 20th fret.
Some other noticeable differences: Both guitars are equipped with Gotoh tuners, but the RainSong’s have a 1:18 ratio, whereas the CA’s have a 1:15 ratio. The RainSong has a glossy natural finish that highlights the carbon fiber weave, whereas the CA is available in either carbon reveal, red, wine, or charcoal. The RainSong’s electronics are L.R. Baggs On-Board System, whereas the CA comes with the Fishman Acoustic Matrix VT. Also, the RainSong comes with a hardshell case, whereas the CA 5S-CE comes with a heavily padded gig bag.
Posted in CA Guitars, Carbon Fiber Guitars, RainSong Guitars | No Comments »
January 9th, 2008 . by MacNichol
RainSong Guitars has two similar models, the WS1000 (Classic Series) and the A-WS1000 (Advanced Series), which both have very similar body shapes, except that the WS-1000 has a slightly smaller lower bout (0.05 inches smaller) and the A-WS1000 has a slightly beveled top and back. Additionally, both have pure carbon graphite construction and the resulting distinctive tone. The two models also have chrome-plated Gotoh tuning machines (1:18) along with Tusq nuts and saddles. However, there are a number of differences between the two, which result in the difference in cost.
First, consider the carbon graphite weave and handwork. The Classic Series has the original carbon graphite weave (lighter weight) along with significant handwork such as the shark position markers along the neck and abalone rosette, whereas the Advanced Series has an advanced carbon graphite weave (heavier weight) and less handwork. Additionally, the Classic shows off the carbon graphite weave, giving it a diamond-like glittering appearance; the Advanced is also available in the natural look, but also in black, red, or blue.
Next, consider the neck. Both models have solid carbon graphite necks, and, because of the strength of carbon graphite, allows RainSong to build guitars with very thin necks, allowing for easy play. However, the Classic Series does not have an adjustable neck, but the Advanced Series does, with a dual action truss rod.
The elecronics differ, too. The Classic Series has L.R. Baggs On Board System. The Advanced Series has the Fishman Prefix Plus-T, which inlcudes a built-in tuner. The cases differ as well. The WS-1000 comes with a hardshell case, whereas the A-WS1000 comes with a padded gig bag.
Now, let’ s discuss sound. Both guitars have great clarity along with incredible uplugged volume, matching what you would expect from the largest of wooden jumbos (perhaps louder). This has the obvious benefit of making slides, hammer-ons and hammer-offs seemingly effortless. The drawback is that any minor mistakes that you make are going to be amplified as well. Indeed, when I first played a RainSong I felt as though I were back in time at my third guitar lesson. It takes a couple of days to get adjusted to a RainSong’s sensitivity, similar to what it’s like for an acoustic player who first tries an electric guitar. However, I see this as a benefit because it forces you to sharpen your playing, and, indeed, I believe that the RainSong has had this effect on my own playing.
Both guitars work for a variety of different styles, but are particularly good for strumming and flatpicking, and fabulous for cross picking and slide playing. For cross picking, the clarity of the guitars makes each not stand out very well. For slide playing, the RainSongs remind me of sliding on a guitar with f-sound holes. I used to have an old Silvertone with f-holes and the RainSongs remind me of that guitar’s sound when sliding.
But what are the differences in sound between the Classic WS-1000 and Advanced A-WS1000? The Classic is a bright, loud guitar with a piano-like bass. It reminds me of a dreadnought with a sitka top and rosewood back/sides. The Advanced, on the other hand, has a softer, mellower tone, and reminds me of a dreadnought with a cedar top and mahogany back/sides.
Whichever model you choose, you will love the volume, clarity and durability of RainSong Guitars.
Posted in Acoustic Guitars, Carbon Fiber Guitars, RainSong Guitars | No Comments »
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