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#1
08-09-2015, 02:44 AM
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NGD - Emerald T8 Amber
Hi everyone,
My first post here, and joining the forum here with the possession of a NOS Emerald T8 in amber finish, opus spec, purchased from my local dealer. Last piece available afaik. I have the choice between this and a red-finished X7-OS, but this one won out for the following reasons: 1. Balanced voicing that sounds "traditional" to my ear. 2. Center soundhole attributing to the above. 3. Truss rod, as compared to the non truss rod X7-OS. 4. Discontinued, if that really matters. Switch out the original Tusq compensated saddle for a Tusq microbalance shorter height saddle, to reduce the action. Though the width is 1mm shorter at the 2 end of the saddle slot, it seems fine to me with adequate support and spacings for the strings. Changed strings to a set of John Pearse PB Silk medium. Here's the pic:    Seeking the forum for the following advice: 1. Should I go for a custom bone but and saddle replacement to bring the action down further by 1mm? Relief is good with no truss rod adjustment yet. String height at 12th fret good at 2mm at both E. 2. Should I add a pickup for stage use, e.g. Lyrics, or save the money for a good condenser mic for this particular guitar? Many thanks ahead for any advice. 
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#2
08-09-2015, 08:53 AM
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Welcome to the AGF Jimmy!!! You are among friends... I sanded the saddle of my X20 to lower the action, with no problems, however I have no truss rod to adjust...(I personally do not think they are needed for any of the Carbon Fiber Manufactured today)
Some of the members with more knowledge will chime in on the bone nut/saddle question I am sure, but we CF owners are experimenters, so tell us your findings!!! 
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Current Acoustics: Emerald X-20 OS Opus Wechter Pathmaker Wechter Nashville Tuned Wechter Dobro Washburn Nylon Electric: Line 6 Variax Keyboards: Korg SV-1 88 key reverse PA: QSC K8 x 2 Amps: Custom Peavey Studio Pro (Superman) Fishman Loudbox Mini   
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#3
08-09-2015, 01:28 PM
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Beautiful! I want an Emerald!
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As we hang beneath the heavens, and we hover over hell Our hearts become the instruments we learn to play so well ~ Dan Fogelberg GSmini Mahogany~Rainsong WS1000 Ser# 4641 Emerald X7~Pono Mango Tenor Ukelele Cordoba Acero D10
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#4
08-12-2015, 07:17 AM
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I have this same guitar, with the stock B Band electronics. I have experimented with many saddles and string sets, and prefer the combination of a custom Mother of Pearl saddle from MacNichols with Daddario EXP light 80/20 strings.
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#5
08-12-2015, 09:24 PM
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Beautiful instrument, congratulations!
Alistair really nailed the shape on the T series... traditional, but with a little extra flair, particularly in the shoulders. Enjoy!
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#6
08-13-2015, 03:31 AM
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Quote:
But unfortunately, it was discontinued. A little update on the use of the lowered saddle and JP strings: 1. Action is comfortable with alternate picking style and hard strumming. 2. String felt better and better to the hand after a few days. 3. Volume still require some boosting probably from a saddle material change. Still considering whether to bore an end jack, or simply employs a SBT like a K&K Hot Spot for stage use...
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#7
08-13-2015, 03:34 AM
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Quote:
So is the volume boosted? How is the action on yours and the feel of the strings?
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#8
08-15-2015, 08:59 AM
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I'm not sure if the volume is boosted by the saddle and strings combo, but the tone is warmer and smoother. The action is a bit higher than I prefer, I may sand it down a bit. I have a set of Martin Retros I'm planning to try next. These guitars are amazingly sensitive to different strings. Congratulations on your guitar!
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#9
08-21-2015, 08:11 AM
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Thanks Penny for the insight.
Anyway, I want to give an update to what I have done to the T8 to achieve better playability. I'm more of a electric player so action is important to me (excuse to disguise my poor acoustic skill), there is only so much the saddle can go down. Another 1mm of shaving, will leave no break angle for the high-E string. No good. The magical truss rod came to the rescue here! Got myself a soundhole truss rod wrench today, a few turns and tightening of the rod, straighten up the fingerboard, the frets are now closer to the strings and alternate picking and quick chording seems so easy again! The truss rod is not necssary, but it sure brings a grin for those going for the details! Alright, waiting for the black chrome mini rotomatics to arrive....
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#10
08-21-2015, 11:08 AM
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Keep those updates coming when you get those rotomatics Amigo!!!
__________________
Current Acoustics: Emerald X-20 OS Opus Wechter Pathmaker Wechter Nashville Tuned Wechter Dobro Washburn Nylon Electric: Line 6 Variax Keyboards: Korg SV-1 88 key reverse PA: QSC K8 x 2 Amps: Custom Peavey Studio Pro (Superman) Fishman Loudbox Mini
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#11
08-22-2015, 09:24 PM
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I finally got around to trying a set of Martin Retros on the T8 - I got a light set, and I love them. They have a softer feel than the 80/20s and are mellow and clear with good volume. Too soon to tell how long they will last, but so far I am really enjoying them. Definitely worth a try!
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#13
09-16-2015, 02:58 AM
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Quote:
The older they get the more I like them.
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vANCe1976 Martin D-28(original owner) 1992 Taylor 420(original owner) 2012 RainSong H DR 1000(original owner) 2011 Gretsch Anniversary Model(original owner) Mandolin- 1920's A-Style (unknown brand) Mandolin- Fender Mandostrat Banjo -2016 Gold Tone EBM-5+ Fender 2013- Strat
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