FINALLY! - A Carbon Fiber Guitar I Can Actually Afford!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

For fans of Carbon Fiber, it doesn't get much better than this for price/features! Enjoy :)

[@zg3342]

Are the replies in the comment telling people to message you on telegram to “win something” a scam? If so you should be aware it’s occurring. I’m assuming you’d do that from your main account if there was some sort of giveaway?

[@clarkbabin9799]

@@zg3342 I've been getting the same thing here and off other KZbin channels

[@clarkbabin9799]

That built in amp works much like the tonewood amps that you can buy for acoustics that have no electronics.

[@irishuwubaby1696]

Absolutely beautiful guitar dude and as usual good job and keep up the good work

[@Stumblinmarlin]

@Z G yes those giveaway messages are definitely a scam asking you for money

[@whiggy]

Oh, it has a cupholder.... cool!

[@steelman774]

Hahahhahhaaha!! 🤣 Killin It!

[@robertglass3944]

And a bottle opener on the headstock.

[@hoshmoggen1746]

If you get a second one you could play cornhole.

[@barbarafogle3541]

Basically. The soundhole is in the wrong place.

[@2424rocket]

It’s so ugly!

[@jameslovell405]

Ok, Darrell Braun. Based largely on your review, I bought one. This is the best playing and sounding guitar I have ever owned and I have several at varying price points. It plays way above it's price point. It is so responsive and consistent. I hate to gush, but man, this guitar sounds great without the onboard effects and the effects are great! My favorite setting is about 70% chorus with about 50% room reverb with the volume at about 80%. Huge clear tones. I ordered from the Enya website on Monday and got it on Thursday, so fast shipping as well. I don't know how long the battery lasts because I charged it yesterday and I have been playing constantly for most of the day. The neck is chunkier than I expected, but it is very comfortable. My new favorite guitar.

[@Triwjhd]

Do you still have it?

[@jameslovell405]

@@Triwjhd yes

[@ahrontapaoan6856]

What do u think about the guitar now?

[@Triwjhd]

@@ahrontapaoan6856 I just bought the guitar. It's amazing

[@jameslovell405]

I still like it

[@JRUMMAMusic]

His criticisms have been addressed! The new X4 has a tuner with a nice display and better knobs. I’m looking at them now, strongly considering buying one! Seems like the perfect guitar for me.

[@jimmhb1986]

What I really love is you can throw this one on the snow covered roof in winter and it would still be in tune and probably play perfectly! Could be a new intro to your show!

[@congerscott6064]

That's my next guitar, living in S.W. Florida with the heat and humidity 9 months of the year this is the perfect choice 👍.

[@ronaldmaheu]

I bought mine 15 months ago and I love it. I wanted a carbon fiber for a few years having tried some in Nashville at 3 to 4 times the price. It came in an awesome hardcase and 2 leather straps. It stays in tune no matter what. I lowered the action and put lighter gauge strings, It came with 13s, it was very bassy (too bassy) with those strings, with the lighter gauge it sounds perfect to me. Before purchasing I went through all the reviews and every KZbin video I could find and I am very satisfied. Mine has more the carbon fiber look on top, not the honeycomb which I find looks even nicer and the back and sides has a glossy finish not matte. I added brass pins and it has a really good sustain. The markers on the knobs are hard to see, so I scratched a line on top of the knobs which gives a better indication of the levels. I forgot to mention thet the neck is not fixed to the top of the body, I think it proovides a better vibration of top. Oh well ! Thank you for your review 😊

[@Destractoid]

A more bassy sound actually sounds like a bonus to me. I'll have to keep an eye on this one.

[@joebloggs8636]

Your "review" was great,i put alot of stock in normal real guitar players thanks.

[@jasonkillion6827]

Do you have an older model? Is the honeycomb new?

[@rayschoch5882]

Cool design. The front is gorgeous. Frankly, it looks to me like a squared-off Ovation (I have an Ovation T-357 "Tangent"), without the tuner, and you're right - it should have a tuner built-in. I had a Lava Me2, but it wasn't adjustable enough to intonate properly. This one looks better in that regard. I'm not a fan of gold hardware, so that's another minus, but I like onboard effects, and a USB connection to recharge the battery that powers the effects is a big plus over having to replace expensive 9V batteries periodically. I also like the elevated fretboard to allow the top to resonate more. This is definitely one to keep in mind.

[@shermanballz]

Unfortunately the top is very thick, so I don't think the cantilever neck here helps a lot, but it's still cool. Wish we'd see it more guitars (because I can't afford a McPherson) I actually have an older Ovation Elite TX with a little crack in the top, and I bought a transacoustic system like this for it. But I'm not sure I'll ever install it because It'll really suck if I screw up and wreck that guitar 😁

[@kellyhoward3024]

I bought one awhile back. I had a bunch of their ukuleles which are awesome. I LOVE it! So much easier to play than any of my other guitars. The sound is beautiful, the onboard effects are super fun. It's a little heavy but totally worth it. I don't play my others anymore.

[@SearchfortheMeaning]

I like the offset sound hole being up near where my voice is projecting! I bet singing with this is an amazing when you can feel the harmony between the guitar and myself. Similar to a piano where the sound rises up and out.

[@allan1548]

Hey Darrell my friend let me play his rainsong and I was blown away by it.. reminded me of a 1960s d18 for touch and sound of continual effortless resonance I played in 1972.. wonder if they make a 12 string they are beautiful. God bless and keep smiling with that beautiful spirit you have

[@acidbran]

Like a carbon fiber Ovation, works for me. My house is rough on guitars, will probably buy one soon, thanks Darrell ! NH here and cold AF.

[@mikeallen5291]

I bought the same one just recently and as a drop C player, I'll never go back to wood. The low and low mid output is amazing.

[@Matthew_Klepadlo]

If they were able to make a black and green carbon fiber guitar, it’d have an AMAZING dark, neo-cyber futuristic look that’s just RIPE for imagination!

[@MashaT22]

KLOS sells that!

[@darkiee69]

@@MashaT22 So do Emerald guitars.

[@MashaT22]

@@darkiee69 yes! I forgot them! Thanks for adding that. Their guitars tend to be pricey, though. I think they fall between KLOS and McPherson as I recall, right?

[@darkiee69]

@@MashaT22 Yeah, they're not cheap, way out of my price range anyway.

[@KaiserBlade]

There's a new thing called paint. It comes in many colors.

[@ronbzoom8531]

I currently own a beautiful German made acoustic guitar that I plan to keep for the rest of my life. However I live in the US north east and it's still pretty cold (I can only imagine what Canadian weather does to an all solid wood acoustic). So my guitar lives in it's case with a humidifier. It's times like this where a carbon fiber guitar propped on a stand in the corner of the room for easy access when inspiration hits would be nice. At this price point...hmmm... Tempting. Very tempting.

[@minitrudy]

Check out Klos guitars, too. Pricier, but we’ll made. I own an Iris (made in VT) which I adore. Live in New England and wanted another guitar that I could take anywhere and not worry (lake, beach, etc.)

[@everything_doc]

It's like it has its own tonewood Amp. That actuator is amazing.

[@kendrickcarvajalguzman821]

Waoo she is a Delight sounding guitar, this is awesome! that chorus with the delay and the reverb was amazing!

[@detlevpomp]

Great stuff Darrel👍🎸 Thank's for your presentation!

[@jrfguitar6196]

Blown away!! Awesome guitar! As a working musician, this guitar is perfect!! And great video!!!

[@davidcossu4892]

Please don t ever change.keep being honest.don t let the money to push an instrument pull you away from that true talent you have.wich is looking out for us.the guitar players You re awesome bro

[@tonysansom]

I love carbon fibre acoustics and this one is no exception!

[@nhbiker1961]

OK Darrell, I watched your review and just ordered one. I wanted a guitar for my summer camp, something I could bring on the pontoon boat and not worry about the sun or humidity. This sounded like the perfect choice without breaking the bank. Thank you!

[@joebloggs8636]

My thoughts exactly.

[@nhbiker1961]

UPDATE! I have had the guitar for a couple of weeks now. I love it!. It plays great! The electronics sound great. I plugged it into a Fishman mini amp, it sounds full! And the effects are fantastic with just playing it acoustically. It is perfect for my seasonal camp.

[@stephen25uk]

Great review Darrel. Walter Rodriguez reports they now have suitably marked control knobs and a built-in tuner. I would be interested to hear if after a year you have noticed any excessive fret wear as reported by another reviewer? (Will Scott), his had worn down badly after just one month.

[@UriahHeep100]

Beautiful and sounds brilliant! Your intro and my first thought was Uriah Heep's Circus (Concrete Garden)! Thanks sharing Darrell!!

[@therayn0]

man you're just awesome. I love how you do your videos - and always the awesome playing of the guitars.

[@itsajeepthing82]

Kind of getting toward the other end of the price spectrum but you should check out an Emerald guitar for a video . Absolutely amazing carbon fibre instruments made in Ireland

[@ExileTheKnightsOfMaltaNow]

If you want visual enhancement for your knobs positions I would get that glow-in-the-dark sight paint its made for gun sights... Just put a little drop on

[@markseven762]

The first all carbon fiber acoustic guitar was made by The great company named Ovation..The Q-1 model was a very expensive brilliant acoustic guitar which is never produced because of it's price. It was sound great and the playability was excellent...Back in the 2001-2002 i was very lucky to play that instrument at the Frankfurt Mysicmesse..The rest are history...

[@rdds4108]

Wow! What a time to be alive if you're a guitar enthusiast! That thing is worth every penny!

[@Thecherokee4x4]

Beautiful guitar. Nice sound. They are 699 now with a built in tuner.

[@rediz4rubes]

Removing the snow wipe out scene from the intro is only allowed if its replaced by something better. I'm thinking- falling down a flight of stairs, snowboard wipe out, or perhaps chainsaw juggling- just sayin.. love this channel!

[@bostonbesteats364]

A lot more expensive, but would love to see you review the beautiful wood-inlayed carbon fiber Virtuo electric-acoustic from Emerald Guitars in Ireland. Steve Vai toured with an Emerald.

[@hiwarp9041]

UPS is delivering my Emerald Virtuo this week, can’t wait! I believe I live a few hours north of Darrell, hmmmmmmm

[@dannymcmince]

Emerald guitars are amazing especially the new electric hybrid models

[@lavelle2729]

I've never seen a carbon fiber guitar before until now Darrell

[@Buffrt66]

The back and sides are probably made of a similar material used on Ovation guitars.

[@ExileTheKnightsOfMaltaNow]

Ovation guitars have. Composite boat back... again the tone depends mostly on the top and bracing... Ovation if I recall correctly offers the Adamas which combines unlike materials kind of cavalierly

[@randelcross]

guess it's kinda to late now to have you review what you thought of the neck... its finish, width and/or the fret ends and fret finish (surface)... As always, love your reviews!! Blessings!

[@thetroubledmonk]

Well, thank you. I will be ordered this guitar shortly. Sounds and looks incredible, and that price is unheard of.

[@mileswatkinson8135]

Definitely curious to try one in person. Thanks for the review, Darrell!

[@bigdaddympd]

Honestly the back needs to resist buckle "rash", and I love it...loved it on my Ovation guitars too. Don't have to "pamper" that if you're gigging for sure.

[@FrancisFurtak]

Pretty cool Darrell! Hard to tell not in person but it sounds quite good. If my eyes were close and I didn't know it was carbon fiber, I would have believed it was made of wood. Not exactly cheap but not too expensive. Looks like the perfect gigging acoustic. Seems indestructible. Good show , Thanks!

[@andreaspernadi1121]

amazing video as always

[@justbob9006]

@Darrell Braun Nice demo. Really cool guitar. How does the onboard effects compare to the ToneWood amp? Watch your channel a lot. Havent seen a demo on the ToneWood Amp. That would be a cool comparison. Granted it is an add on to an acoustic guitar but, it would be cool to do a Verses vid. Thanks for all your content!

[@evo9860]

Mine’s on the way! Thanks for the review!🤙🏼

[@sgt.grinch3299]

I love the tones. You would not have to worry about Stan Rash getting his grubby hands on the neck and body.

[@fretted]

Thanks Darrell, I really think I want to try one of these, if for nothing else, I can keep it in any room in the house and not worry about temp change or humidity!

[@russellharris5072]

My long term worry would be the re-fret,those frets didn't look like stainless and the fretboard material might be a problem....................................................

[@trevorvogler4661]

Sounds great, totally awesome

[@gew2309]

Darrell always gets the best

[@14TacomaDR]

Just looking on there web site they call the back and neck and top carbon fiber..is it or is it not all carbon fiber ?

[@MattJacques]

Great review - was waiting for a few words of comparison vs the Lava guitar or others trying to do a similar thing.

[@jasontrujillo2859]

Awesome definitely interested in this one

[@DavidOakesMusic]

Enya? Is the parent company Clannad ?

[@falcongunner33]

I'm definitely a "tonewood matters" guy for acoustics (makes zero difference for electrics), but these carbon fiber beasts tell me that the strings are doing most of the heavy lifting to get that acoustic sound. This sounds great!

[@markvincentcocjin]

The tonewood in this case is the carbon fiber panel. All the electronics do, with the exception of the inside microphone, is to work off the guitar body's resonance.

[@falcongunner33]

@Timdoeswork Sure, but what I'm trying to say is that this carbon fiber guitar sounds very similar to a traditional wooden acoustic guitar, despite the two materials being very different.

[@transmundanemusic]

Wood absolutely matters on an electric guitar, people need to stop talking in absolutes. Electronics are easily the biggest factor but saying wood has no effect is a bit ignorant. The wood and construction directly impacts the vibrations of the strings, hence influencing how the vibrations interact with the magnetic field. Wood is a small part of an electrics tone, maybe under 10%, but it still plays a part. It of course plays a bigger role in acoustics. I think the problem is people believing certain woods are a must, which just isn't the case. There's a wide array of materials, many of which we prob haven't used yet, that can create wonderful tones, and there's a myriad of other factors that likely play a bigger role in either acoustic or electric builds i.e. scale length, pickup placement, strings, nut material, bridge, tuning keys etc.

[@jacka55penguin]

I'm going to miss dropping my pick into that sound hole.

[@AndrewPenner]

The only complaints I have based on this video is mostly cosmetic stuff. Personally I think the "chrome" trim around the sound hole messes with the stealthy look of the carbon fibre top. And the neck - I've never been a fan of a glossy fretboard, no matter what guitar or bass it's attached to. The sound hole trim might work better with chrome hardware, but for this specific model, I'd rather have a matte (or blacked out) trim ring. Yeah the on-board tuner is a miss - they can't be THAT much extra cost to put in from the factory, but even so - a clip-on tuner quickly and easily solves that issue. But then again, what do I know - I'm just a bass player 🙃

[@judih.8754]

While I'm not a fan of chrome, I like the bright look at the sound hole. They could have done something similar to the knobs to address the issue Darrell noted about being hard to see. But then, I'm just a bass player too!

[@PrashayaShrestha]

fell in love as soon as i saw it 😍😍 i want that guitar its design is just soo simple and clean i freaking love it

[@08Barclay]

I have a Rainsong Shorty SG, and love it’s tones! I really can’t afford to buy a full size Rainsong as well, so this may be an alternative…..thanks Darrell

[@regperatrovich9406]

For us in arctic climates, like Anchorage Alaska, carbon fiber guitars make sense.

[@johnhenderson7081]

Just ordered mine! Looking forward to getting mine. Didn't want to pay in the thousands for a McPherson. Hope I will like it.

[@darrell3368]

Great sounding guitar and not a bad price thanks for sharing Darrell

[@artmartin4066]

Darrell - kudos! Solid review on the Enya instrument. As I’m a neophyte with carbon fibre…how is the durability of the carbon face?

[@salterclan]

I'd be interested to see what you thought of it plugged into a PA. The quality of that sound is pretty important to a lot of people that would use a Carbon fiber guitar, i.e. some stage playing but not necessarily on a pro level. i.e. I have a very nice Larrivee I don't want to take to gigs. While I don't expect this to sound the same as the Larrivee, a decent PA sound could make the difference between buying it and not.

[@IndyRockStar]

You finally reviewed something I would consider buying. Thanks.

[@terrywoodyyc]

Great looking instrument - unbelievable price. Thanks so much for including the Canadian link --- very very appreciated!!!

[@MsDenver2]

At first it didn’t sound warm enough for me but as my ears became accustomed to it , it’s fantastic, I want one 😊😊

[@kennytamburro317]

Nice ! So many cool features !

[@davidandbethshoemake8342]

Ovation has been using plastic backs for a long time, and some of them sound really good too. Not a deal breaker for me. Too bad I just bought a new Yamaha acoustic.

[@_Yep_Yep_]

Dave Mathews played an Ovation for some of his best albums in the 90s. Hes pretty okay at guitar with them.

[@TheCubefreak14]

dang it, I just bought a guitar last month, guess I better start saving again.... lol thanks for the great video as always Darrell! have a fantastic day!

[@picksalot1]

Carbon Fiber guitars are getting significantly better sounding every year, and this is a good example. I wonder if the non-carbon fiber back and sides provided a tonal improvement. The guitar looks very nice as well. Wish it had a snakehead shaped headstock. I like the sound hole location, but I'm concerned it may make it really difficult to work on any internal electronics, should the situation arise.

[@RogerioCosta1.0]

When you have a big hole for the preamp on the side, usually is not so difficult to access the internals of the guitar. My main worry about any guitar with those dedicated preamps is that SMD circuits usually do not last as long as we expect a guitar to last (20 to 50+ years) and you will not find a replacement when the time comes. Happened to my EJ-200 from Epiphone and no parts available. The preamp is decorations now. For the guitar on the video, you will have a rechargeable battery too and I don't know if will be easy to replace in 3 or 4 years, when it will not hold charge anymore.

[@bradk8504]

I plan on getting one. As a guitar tech I wonder how hard it is to work on. Is it braced? 🤷‍♂️ is the back braced or channeled etc? I have questions

[@RogerioCosta1.0]

@@bradk8504 I cannot say for every one, but most of them has the braces integrated into the molding process, so it will be maintenance free, unless the top brakes from a hard impact. To me, the frets are a concern too. I think they need to be glued with epoxy, so if they are regular soft frets, they will wear and I don't know how to replace them. If they are stainless steel, they will last so long that I don't think it is a practical concern. When that carbon fiber started I did see some images of the internals in the sites, now I could not find any technical images, only marketing images.

[@stimpsonjcat26]

@@bradk8504 I know that Rainsong doesn't use bracing on their carbon fiber guitars. It is not needed since the material is so much more rigid.

[@peartree460]

Ive worked with carbon and Brazilian rosewood....they have a very similar tap tone. I think its the interference the softwood soundboard gives is what is lacking. My prototype to add in warm tone is on drawing board.

[@lorencing]

Wow, that is a good looking guitar, very cool fuctions ... what about the neck, frets?

[@HumanLiberty]

Mine does have a built-in tuner. Highs are bit less bright than I might like, but overall a great value.

[@kc8767]

1:39. EA stands for Ecoustic Alectric.

[@guitargill]

Very useful review, thank you Darrell! The website says the back and sides are carbon fiber composite so there must be carbon fiber in it somewhat?! But like another guy said, it looks a lot like an Ovation back. That being said, I still am very curious to get one and try it per your review. Keep up the good work!

[@guypike6402]

At my wifes suggestion I used a silver sharpie to highlight the control dots...It was fantastic!

[@EthanTheChild]

i like the built in cup holder

[@ExileTheKnightsOfMaltaNow]

My experience with onboard tuners is they're not reliable because they're not precise enough so you're going to get the clip on 1 anyway

[@Quietprofessional1]

Awesome sounding guitar. Bottom E sounds sharp.

[@jed1166]

I have a great RainSong Jumbo… thinking of this for a Nashville tuned guitar!

[@bzeines]

This sounds nice for the price but I am EXTREMELY happy with my McPherson Carbon Fiber. Very powerful and warm tone. And it fulfills my desire to own a McPherson.

[@jonathandepue629]

I have the McPherson Sable blackout. Love it

[@Johnny3three]

Wow! I was super sceptical. With the effect on at 1st I was like "yeah that sounds like composite guitar." Then the effect was turned off and my jaw hit the floor. Warm and breathy (lame description, new dad no sleep brain not work right). Beautiful tone. Wonder how it sounds beating some blue grass into it? Northern montanan here and would love it in winter. Be cool to be able to keep it in the same room as my wood stove without worrying about the temp/humidity. Very cool. Thanks for the great video! Keep it up bud

[@marknooney4629]

Great Review! How was the action out of the box? Will it need to go to a luthier?

[@sterlingmcvay2469]

Very nice. Recording DIRECT, via the Preamp/Effects, as well as a Nice Mic picking up the Soundhole, and Mixed like Different Takes/Guitars could Reward you with some INTERESTING TONAL QUALITIES. I'd Like to See a LEFTY, OFFERING and Perhaps Blue and Green Transparent Top?? Just some Thoughts. I really want some EMERALD GUITARS, one day.

[@reychesterdominiccavan3283]

Mine is also an Enya. They really make nice carbon fibre guitars

[@madhellmiguel]

Wow! It sounds incredible

[@judih.8754]

I really like this. The sound is amazing.

[@MrTom1379]

Omg it’s beautiful and sounds awesome

[@nylonshredder]

No demo of dry sound?

[@fretted]

The specs say the back and sides are Carbon Fiber Composite? Thoughts on fret finish and action?

[@limerot]

I think you can tune the acoustic sound with strings. Warmer sounding strings for sure. Would be interresting to hear that on this channel - you have quality sound. Maybe Labella Silk & and Steel (great strings), Martin Retro or John Pearce archtop acoustic nickel strings. Thanks for the review!

[@freesk8]

$900 on Amazon. That doesn't seem inexpensive to me. But I'm a quarter Scottish! :)

[@robertburgess2624]

😢so what is the price.?

[@gaipou6982]

Great content as always

[@samulliner]

Had a couple of these for a while - honestly they are brilliant guitars - especially for the price-point!

[@samulliner]

@@MrElecterik oh, I see what you mean now... what I mean is... I've had a couple of these for a while...! and yes, they are great

[@TwistedRiffster]

This has got to be the most cheese-ballish thumbnail I've seen.

[@tonyy.8852]

This looks super cool!

[@jimmhb1986]

Sounds very bright w/o the effects. How did the bass sound to you in the room ? Very intrigued. Like you I’m in Canada and looking for something that can ‘just work’ in the seasons we experience here. Price $1190.00 Canadian with a hard shell case is pretty good. Case would be a good 190.00 value. Do you know any stores that carry in Canada?

[@WoodLard]

He linked the canadian amazon link in the description. Unless you really want to go pick it up which I understand for something like this haha

[@Deafrant]

What advantages does this guitar give you over the new lava me 3 guitar for just a extra hundred bucks more

[@BLAZEBLAZEN-tq4iy]

😁 Yea I heard that; the first time, thought for a quick second I had my strings till I heard the echo 😆 that's really a great guitar...

[@anim8torfiddler871]

For the apparent quality, I'm assuming the thing has a bass bar, and projects different ranges from different regions of the front and back. I do like the features you're covering.

[@14TacomaDR]

So what about the neck..you failed to mention if it's carbon?

[@joshbaun7501]

the whole guitar is carbon