Zurf: over the years, I've kicked myself for parting with various instruments. I still have my student violin from the 4th grade, and my first decent classical guitar from when I was in middle school. If gone, no amount of money could replace them. As long as money isn't an issue... keep that bass.
1 2011-10-21 02:06:20
Re: Would You Buy a Folding Guitar? (35 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
2 2011-10-20 19:53:10
Re: Would You Buy a Folding Guitar? (35 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
JD Blackwell wrote:
Barndoor61, if the issue is "performance" then I'd have to assert that any sized Rainsong or Composite Acoustics will eat the lunch of any of the VoyageAires. I would further assert that the bridge placement on 12 fret guitars makes for a much better sound. If the goal is to put guitars in more places that they currently aren't practical then a OO or parlor sized composite folder would open up a whole 'nother niche. Believe me, if I had a talent for attracting venture capital or won the MegaLotto that guitar would be out there. It wouldn't just be selling in guitar shops either. Boat stores, outdoor outfitters, motorcycle shops and a host of other outlets would be fair game because guitarists like Dirty Ed and myself live in a world that's often far removed from the chair and music stand at home.
JD: Right on. But you're talking about something that might be, or could be, instead of something you can buy right now.
Right now, today, you can get a full-size acoustic guitar from Voyage-Air that works, folds in half, and includes a rugged backpack case for less than $400. A composite version of the same would easily cost $1,000 more. Me? I'm just jammin with my Voyage-Air, that I have right here at my side. It just works.
3 2011-09-09 16:11:15
Re: Takamine guitars (32 replies, posted in Acoustic)
I've had a Taco 12-string cutaway dread for going on 15 yrs. All solid wood, with onboard electronics for about $1,000. Once dialed in, the sound is deep and detailed, and it's easy to play (I tune down 2 steps, use a capo when necessary). For that price range, I don't think anything can touch it. Yeah there's better, but for serious $$. I always wear a cowboy hat to bring out the guitar's "Inner Garth."
4 2011-09-09 15:48:43
Re: Would You Buy a Folding Guitar? (35 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
Ray Melton wrote:
Where do the strings go ? Do they just go slack and flop around or does something keep them slightly taut ? They could get kinked too ...Just wondering...
Thanks for the welcome, everyone. As you fold the neck, you just guide the strings into the sound hole. No kinks or problems with 2+ years of use. VA uses a zero-fret design, so what appears to be a 'nut' has holes drilled through it for each string - so the strings stay connected at the headstock. Only real drawback to the design is don't use an under-saddle piezo pickup; the constant tensioning and then untensioning against that would be a Bad Thing. But then I've never heard a good sounding piezo, so this really is not an issue.
Recently, I sat in on a Bluegrass Open Jam, and I was the first one there. After playing for a couple hours, I got up to leave, folded the guitar into the backpack, and you could hear the jaws drop - nobody had any idea that I'd been playing a "folding travel guitar." Oh yeah: then I got on my motorcycle and rode home!
I'm a fan. Let me know if you guys have any questions.
5 2011-09-08 15:52:19
Re: Good Customer Service (10 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
Ddi you have to redo the neck or truss rod? Previous owner must have really dorked up the action on that guitar!
6 2011-09-08 15:44:24
Re: Would You Buy a Folding Guitar? (35 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)
I've had a Voyage-Air since November 2008, one of their Rosewood Premier Dread models. I also have some high-end (Martin HD28, Gibson J200). Serious, the VA gives up nothing in tone to the Martin, and has the same size and feel. The J200 is not a fair comparison... completely different kind of guitar. But the VA has been my 'go to' guitar for over 2 yrs. The guitar and case together weigh less than 12 pounds, and finally a full-size dreadnought that doesn't take up the whole trunk of the car. I play it every sunday in church, and I'm picky about the way I sound in public. How many times have you gone somewhere and thought about taking a guitar... and then didn't because it's big and heavy in the case and there's no room for it? Find a VA and try it. 