NGD... Emerald X-7 Artisan
 

Oh my gosh, it arrived and I'm just amazed! I didn't know CF could sound this good. I had played CA, Rainsong and Blackbird and liked them, but so far, the Emerald exceeds my expectations. It's not the loudest guitar in the world, but that's fine with me. It's got more than ample bass and excellent balance. I like the balance... mid-range is very nice.

I'm picky about the setup, so I gave Sean specific numbers to use... and it's perfect! If I expected to be disappointed with anything, it would have been the setup. And they nailed it. Thank you, Sean! Excuse me, I've gotta go play my new X-7!

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Nice Kerbie. You'll like this guitar. I see an X-20 in your future.

Wow, Kerbie, I love that maple! The more I reach for a guitar to play, it is alway the X7 or the X20! Love 'em both. Congrats on that beautiful Emerald:D
Ed

Such a beauty -- great choice!

As a fellow X7 owner, would love to hear your setup specifics.

Jim

I don't know... I like the small-bodied guitars.

Thanks, guys... it's hard to take my eyes off it long enough to play it.

Wow Kerbie, that quilt is just beautiful. It's always nice to read when a member is thrilled with a new guitar regardless of brand, and for the most part, this is the case with CF guitars in general. It helps others take the leap of faith when not being able to play first.

Enjoy the X7 in good health!

That guitar is stunning! Congrats, Kerbie! And I like the view from your deck :)

Thanks Tom and Larry... Tom, I'll be looking forward to hearing about yours.

Larry... yeah, my deck is a really sweet place to play guitars. Sometimes the birds get kinda loud though. :D

Congratulations! Beautiful guitar. Enjoy it.
Barb

Gorgeous guitar. The quilted maple reminds me of the crema of a freshly poured shot of espresso. Congrats Kerbie :guitar:

Does Emerald make one that looks just "Ok" ? That is gorgeous Kerbie, congrats !

Lol… I don't think so. As pretty as they are, I can't believe how much I like the sound. It has been a pleasant surprise.

And thanks, Sean and Barb!

Not that I've seen. They all look great to me, and Kerbie's new X7 is a fine example. Even the exposed carbon weave models whether black or other colors, or the crystal ice finish, all look great. Beyond that, the range of models not offered by anyone else (e.g. Synergy, Amicus, Chimaera) put Emerald in a league and niche of their own. I love seeing them all, especially the NGDs. Never gets tired.

I've only played a Chimaera and although there are better sounding guitars out there, it is wonderful nonetheless and nothing beats its fun factor. There are plenty of testimonials about the fine tone of various Emerald models, so it must be true.

Tom, I agree with you about the carbon weave. That's what I originally wanted and I think I would have been happy with that. I don't know what made me change my mind to a woody, but I'm still happy.

I've played it a little more… OK, I've played it a lot! :D

I'm an unabashed fan of Mahogany and I think that's partly because I really like a well-balanced guitar. I like to hear the mid-range… I like to hear the entire range. Listening to an orchestra, I've always enjoyed picking out specific sections or instruments. I think that's hard to do without a clear, well-balanced recording. So, with a guitar, that's kinda what I like. I don't need to drive a bluegrass band or drown out a banjo. And this little guitar fits perfectly with that concept. It's loud enough, but it has a surprising balance and clarity to it that I really wasn't expecting. :up:

I never knew maple could look like that. Incredibly nice!