I have an Enya 4Pro carbon fiber guitar. It's perfect for 'hostile' environment gigs. Outside, high heat and humidity or even cold and dry weather. The idea is that the carbon fiber isn't effected by environment. I've owned one for about a year and it's a good guitar - but is it worth it?
In protecting my traditional acoustics which are negatively effected by harsh temperature changes, yes - it's worth it. If I weren't gigging, I wouldn't have one - but about 30% of my gigs are outside - and of those, 1/2 of them are during the worst environmental conditions. If you play outside in Florida - consider one.
Price varies - but for a couple hundred dollars, you can play worry free and protect your quality instruments from the weather
I tried one out short term and the neck was too thin to grip chords properly for me. Used to 1-11/16 inch and 1-3/4 inch neck widths, the Enya led to fretting hand discomfort, painful really, to a hand that was already having arthritic issues. The Enya carbon fiber guitar might be fine for some, just not me. Great topic! Photo is my youngest trying out the Enya that I briefly owned.
Hey - First off, welcome! Appreciate your contribution! I noticed you purchased the mini and not the full size Enya. I wonder if that was the difference? Mine feels just like my acoustics - Martin and Taylor. The only difference is the Enya is slightly heavier. When you come down (or the next time I'm up that way), try mine and see what you think. It definitely is a go-to for me when I have outside gigs where it's extremely warm or chance of rain.
Cool that your kid is following in your steps with the guitar!
@richford I'm excited for my youngest son. At least the seed was planted. If he waters it like I did at 12, he'll go far. Couldn't afford much at the time, Rich. I supported children for the better part from '84-October '24. We've all made mistakes. I really really liked the effects of the Enya I had. Right now I'm contemplating ordering a K&K Pure Mini for the new Yamaha FG830 I bought. The LR Baggs effect I have in my cheap PCH-1 Eastman doesn't belong in there. Not only does it quack like a duck to my ears, I should keep that guitar for the couch and campfires. Or perhaps get an inexpensive Martin like I used back in 2015, a DX1-RAE. Sweetness to my ears, sold it to a young man who wanted to get their dad his first Martin. I don't know what truly led to me doing that. Probably some more dumb indecisiveness on my part. So many wonderful guitars out there. I lose so much sleep cruising the websites just looking.
@traveling-bone-sc - Yeah, I know. I seem to be always looking for my next acquisition! I take the money I make from gigging - give 1/2 to the wife to put in savings and the other 1/2 is my 'buy what I want' money. As a result, I've purchased 5 guitars, a banjo, and two lap steel guitars in the last 2 years. I THINK I'm good for the time being, but I'm always on the look out for orphans that need a new home.
I regret selling my guitars when I was younger. Now, once adopted - they are here for my life - my kids will get them then.
I have one son who's a musician (A pretty good one, as well).. he'll get most of them, I'm sure.
