Sponsored By
 

RainSong Concert Hybrid OM

 

A great, affordable midsize carbon-fiber flattop.

 
June 5, 2017
 

 

RainSong has been building carbon-fiber instruments since 1995 and is by far the most experienced maker of composite-material acoustic guitars. Over the years, the company has refined its construction process, and RainSong’s newest series of guitars, the Concert Hybrid series, is built with a combination of carbon fiber and glass fiber. Available in the company’s Parlor, OM, and WS body shapes, the Concert Hybrid line is the most affordable that RainSong offers.

The Concert Hybrid OM is built with a unidirectional carbon-fiber top, which means that the material’s fibers are aligned similarly to the grain in a wood top, rather than a woven pattern. The rest of the body is made with a combination of carbon fiber and glass fiber, which RainSong says leads to a mellower tone than a body made completely of graphite fibers. As is usual for RainSongs, the guitar’s neck, fingerboard, and bridge are also made of carbon fiber, resulting in a very sturdy yet lightweight instrument that is nearly impervious to changes in temperature or humidity.

The Concert Hybrid OM has a 12-fret neck and a short scale, giving it a somewhat stout appearance but incredible playing comfort. Our demo instrument included the optional LR Baggs Stage Pro Element electronics system, which consists of Baggs’ popular Element undersaddle pickup and an onboard preamp mounted in the guitar’s side.

Played acoustically, the Concert Hybrid OM had a very rich sound with great clarity and the highly defined bass response that is part of RainSong’s signature voice. The guitar’s balance and playability made it great for playing fingerstyle, but its clarity and volume also delivered a strong sound when strummed. Plugged in, the LR Baggs system was able to convey the instrument’s general character with aplomb, and the onboard controls made it easy to further tweak the tone.

Overall, the Concert Hybrid OM is a great guitar. Whether you’re looking for a midsize flattop with a distinctive voice or are attracted by carbon fiber’s ability to withstand the elements, RainSong’s new Concert Hybrid line is definitely worth checking out.

SPECS: 000/OM-size body with cutaway and 12-fret neck. Unidirectional carbon-fiber top. Carbon-fiber/glass-fiber body. Carbon-fiber neck, fingerboard, and bridge. 24.9-inch scale. 1¾-inch nut width. Black enclosed tuning machines. Made in the USA. $1,499 street ($1,349 without electronics). Rainsong.com

 

Related New Gear Posts

Taylor 312ce LTD 50th Anniversary review and video demonstration  

Taylor 312ce LTD 50th Anniversary

A special edition of one of Taylor’s most popular grand concert guitars.

Read More

Yamaha FG9M review and video demonstration  

Yamaha FG9M

A high-end dreadnought with intercontinental origins.

Read More

Taylor Builder’s Edition 812ce LTD review and video demonstration  

Taylor Builder’s Edition 812ce LTD

Part of Taylor’s 50th Anniversary Collection, this redwood-topped grand concert is a special variation of a classic model.

Read More

Martin SC-18E review and video demonstration  

Martin SC-18E

The mahogany version of Martin’s modern masterpiece delivers easy playability and rich sound.

Read More

Martin SC-28E review and video demonstration  

Martin SC-28E

The new flagship of Martin’s cutting-edge SC line gracefully fuses tradition and innovation.

Read More

Taylor 614ce LTD 50th Anniversary Collection  

Taylor 614ce LTD 50th Anniversary Collection

A maple and spruce grand auditorium in a transparent white finish.

Read More

Yamaha FS9M review and video demonstration  

Yamaha FS9M

A brand-new concert size flattop with high-end appeal.

Read More

Taylor 858e LTD review and video demonstration  

Taylor 858e LTD

A powerful 12-string from Taylor’s 50th anniversary collection.

Read More

Taylor Builder’s Edition 314ce LTD 50th Anniversary Collection review and video demonstration  

Taylor Builder’s Edition 314ce LTD 50th Anniversary Collection

A limited-edition grand auditorium with urban ash back and sides and high-end features

Read More

Taylor 117e  

Taylor 117e

Taylor’s round-shoulder Grand Pacific style is now available in a highly affordable version.

Read More

 
Sponsored By
 
 
 

Peghead Partners

 
Peghead Partners feature image
EleOcto with Kym Warner | Northfield Mandolins
The Greencards' Kym Warner demonstrates Northfield's electric octave mandolin.
 
subscribe sample lessons
 
 
 
 
  Follow Us: facebook icon instagram icon twitter icon youtube icon newsletter icon  
 
spotify icon facebook icon instagram icon twitter icon youtube icon newsletter icon
  About Us       Shop         Support         Contact Us         Email Sign up         Advertise         Sitemap         FAQ         Privacy         Terms         Subscribe   Sign In  
 
    ● Courses
    ● Live Workshops
    ● Instructors
    ● Sample Lessons
    ● Notation Guide
    ● For Beginners
 
    ● Workshops
    ● Advice
    ● Repertoire
 
    ● Vintage Vault
    ● New Gear
    ● Fine Lutherie
 
    ● Recordings
    ● Events
    ● Breaking News
 
    ● In The Studio
    ● Live Onstage
    ● Backroom
 
    ● New Products
    ● Inside Look
    ● Performances
    ● Partner Pages
 
Peghead Nation logo
 
© Copyright 2024 PegheadNation.com
 
 
spotify icon facebook icon instagram icon twitter icon youtube icon newsletter icon
    ● Courses
    ● Live Workshops
    ● Instructors
    ● Sample Lessons
    ● Notation Guide
    ● For Beginners
 
 
    ● Vintage Vault
    ● New Gear
    ● Fine Lutherie
 
 
    ● Workshops
    ● Advice
    ● Repertoire
 
 
    ● Recordings
    ● Events
    ● Breaking News
 
 
    ● In The Studio
    ● Live Onstage
    ● Backroom
 
 
    ● New Products
    ● Inside Look
    ● Performances
    ● Partner Pages
 
Peghead Nation logo
 
© Copyright 2024 PegheadNation.com