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Rainsong / DR Graphite / 1997 / Guitar

The creator of RainSong, John Decker, designed the guitar out of the necessity for a product that didn't exist. This idea was sparked when Decker was playing guitar for a wedding in Hawaii when it started to pour. This posed a problem because his guitar was wooden and would warp after coming in contact with moisture, completely ruining the body of the guitar. He was caught in the dilemma of if he should continue to play and ruin his guitar or if he should run for cover and risk angering the bride and family. After this experience, he was determined to create a guitar that could withstand the weather and humidity that Hawaii offered. Setting out to imitate the qualities of a good spruce soundboard, Decker got data on the stiffness, density and other properties of wood, and figured out which composite materials would have similar properties. He quickly rejected most plastics (not stiff enough) and fiberglass (too heavy), before settling on “graphite” (a composite material of carbon fibers in an epoxy matrix). Compared to a traditional wood guitar, a graphite guitar sounds clearer and brighter, especially at high frequencies. Above about a kilohertz, wood is highly damping, meaning that vibrational energy goes into heat instead of audible sounds, so the guitar sounds “muddy,” Decker explains. “By the time you get to high harmonics on the high E string, what you hear is the attack, because the vibration of the top only lasts a few cycles, then damps out almost immediately.” Graphite, on the other hand, is much less damping, giving a graphite guitar a clearer sound, he says. We couldn't agree more with Decker's findings on using graphite to build acoustic instruments, the tones are incredibly surprising and so much better than you'd expect. I can imagine this version from '97 having surprised people over 25 years ago with its fantastic lows, clear trebles and almost vintage-like woodiness and clarity. Although its construction is slightly different (and slightly wonkier) than its modern counterparts, it has a fantastic sound. The condition is still very good and the top has a very unique look, almost sporting a maple-like 'Birdseye' in the graphite. Judging by the (sadly) unsure future of the RainSong brand, this model makes a great statement piece to the brand. Being one of the first 250 guitars to ever come out of the shop in Hawaii, and a true innovation in the guitar-world that most of us still aren't ready for!
Instrument sold

The Fellowship Of Acoustics, Netherlands  

Contact name:
The Fellowship of Acoustics
Brands:
Martin, Gibson, Fender, Vintage Guitars, Santa Cruz, PRS, Collings, Rozawood, etc..
Languages:
English, Dutch and German
Specialties:
Fine, Vintage and Rare Guitars
Opening hours:
Monday - Saturday: 10am - 6pm.

ABOUT US

I have always been opposed to being trapped into a job eight hours a day to purchase the free time to do what I enjoy. That’s why i started the Fellowship of Acoustics. The fellowship of acoustics was founded by Rudi Bults, Guitarist and obsessed with tone and wood. The idea was offering real expertise when trading and selling the finest instruments in the world from our showroom in Bergentheim, Netherlands. Helping others find the right tools and enjoying an atmosphere that’s unhurried, honest and informative that’s my go. We are nothing like the "supermarket" style music stores, but specialize in string-things only. We are widely known for Flattop guitars but also sell electric, mandolins & banjo’s, amps, parts, and accessories. Our store has earned the reputation for being a great place to shop for the best products and service.
It is our hope that this new website - much more than a list of "gear" for sale - will serve as an example of our commitment to offering a more personal approach, a friendly atmosphere, and an ultimately more satisfying experience for our friends and customers.
If you have any questions just dial +31-523-232205 or e-mail info@thefellowshipofacoustics.com My name is Rudi Bults, and I’m always here to help out. Wherever possible, we would recommend that you visit our store and experience our instruments and service first hand. However, because of our high standards you can be confident of ordering online from us. We hope you enjoy your visit to our site, and welcome your feedback.

LANGUAGES

We do speak English, Dutch and German! Feel free to call in any of these languages and ask your questions! Call 0031-523-232205

 

WE BUY, SELL, TRADE, DO CONSIGNMENT AND APPRAISALS

 

We LOVE Guitars, and buy and trade for most stringed instruments. But we also do consignment, make appraisals for insurance or put you on our watch list. Please check the Buying & Trading page for details.

www.tfoa.eu
The Fellowship of Acoustics BV
Kanaalweg oost 36
7691CE Bergentheim
Netherlands
To order online: go to
http://www.tfoa.eu/the_store/
And choose your Guitar and purchase through the website.

Available methods of payment
# Paypal
# Credit Card (MasterCard/Visa/AmEx) only available for European Community and USA.
# Bank-Wire transfer

Call for Online Order+31(0)523-23-2205
our policy:
14 day money in return return warranty  Shipping cost, and Customs & import return costs -bothways- are buyers responsibility
1 year Guarantee on Used Guitars
5 years Guarantee on New guitars (or 'limited lifitime' if the Builder guarrantees such)

 
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