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  #1  
Old 07-19-2016, 03:20 AM
Emerald Guitars Emerald Guitars is offline
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Default AGF Exclusive: A first look at the new Emerald acoustic bass

Dear all,

We have yet to officially unveil ... and name our new acoustic bass, but we thought, as a thank you for your continued interest, we would give you guys an exclusive first look at it before posting it on any of our own pages.

We had the privilege of welcoming renowned Irish session musician James Blennerhassett to Emerald Guitars HQ last week to put the new acoustic bass into his hands and see what his 'First Impressions' were.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D2ZPrG_iKA

James is a very knowledgeable and talented musician with over three decades experience touring and recording with well-known Irish artists such as Mary Black, Paul Brady, Brian Kennedy, Maura O’Connell, Kieran Goss, Gilbert O’Sullivan and others.

We would be delighted to hear your own thoughts on our new acoustic bass ahead of its official launch. Maybe you even have an idea for a name

Best wishes from all the team!

Sean

James Blennerhassett Bass by Alistair Hay, on Flickr
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  #2  
Old 07-19-2016, 06:01 AM
Strumalot Strumalot is offline
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This is very cool... thanks for not aiming the sound hole at the player's head.

I might have get one of these. Will be watching for the official launch.
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Old 07-19-2016, 07:00 AM
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Acousticado Acousticado is offline
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I am not a bass player, but am interested in all-things Emerald. I seem to recall having seen an Emerald acoustic bass a while back and thinking that it looked pretty cool. I find that the posted photo of the new bass is kinda dark such that I can't make it out too well. It does seem that the upper bout is quite long and the guitar has an unusual shape, but again, I can't see it well enough to have a real sense of whether I like it or not.
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Old 07-19-2016, 07:10 AM
Emerald Guitars Emerald Guitars is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Acousticado View Post
I am not a bass player, but am interested in all-things Emerald. I seem to recall having seen an Emerald acoustic bass a while back and thinking that it looked pretty cool. I find that the posted photo of the new bass is kinda dark such that I can't make it out too well. It does seem that the upper bout is quite long and the guitar has an unusual shape, but again, I can't see it well enough to have a real sense of whether I like it or not.
Hi Tom,

Thank you very much for your interest. We did previously make the XB-35, but Alistair decided to re-design our acoustic bass and this is the final result. This photo should give you a better local at the design of the guitar!

Thank you,

Sean

XB 35 1 by Alistair Hay, on Flickr
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Old 07-19-2016, 02:09 PM
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J.R. Rogers J.R. Rogers is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Emerald Guitars View Post
XB 35 1 by Alistair Hay, on Flickr
Really nice looking instrument. If you look at the picture on the left, the arm bevel moving up to the soundhole looks like a growing spring bud sprouting from the ground. Therefore, I'd call it the "Bud Bass"

JR
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Old 07-19-2016, 03:01 PM
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JR:

Good vision. If color was added and the line continued around the sound hole it would look like a tulip, or a pussy willow.
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Old 07-19-2016, 03:16 PM
Twangcat Twangcat is offline
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Default Nice!

Nice looking instrument. Big too. My brother-in-law has one on order so I'll get a chance to play one.
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Old 07-19-2016, 04:21 PM
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Just a little bit more body and cellos might be next in line for Emerald. Why not?
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Old 07-19-2016, 06:51 PM
Uncle Pauhana Uncle Pauhana is offline
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Fantastic! What a great sounding instrument. If you haven't watched the video with headphones or real speakers, do it!

I have heard many acoustic bass guitars, and this is the first one that promises to be really useable without amplification. Some will say it's too big, but compared to a standup bass, it's quite portable. Physics says make it big, and physics always wins. I look forward to hearing a fretless version... it should really growl.

For its name, I suggest the Celtic god of thunder, TARANIS, (whose name I have also seen as Taranus, Tuireann, Tuirenn, Tuirill Biccreo... you folks at Emerald would know best, but Taranis would probably be easier for non-Irish folks).

Last edited by Uncle Pauhana; 07-20-2016 at 07:58 AM.
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Old 07-20-2016, 04:47 AM
Emerald Guitars Emerald Guitars is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by J.R. Rogers View Post
Really nice looking instrument. If you look at the picture on the left, the arm bevel moving up to the soundhole looks like a growing spring bud sprouting from the ground. Therefore, I'd call it the "Bud Bass"

JR
Thank you very much for the suggestion, JR! We are having a lot of fun recording the new acoustic bass at the moment and we are delighted that it is getting such a nice reaction from you guys, we really appreciate it!

Best Wishes

Sean
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  #11  
Old 07-20-2016, 04:50 AM
Emerald Guitars Emerald Guitars is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Uncle Pauhana View Post
Fantastic! What a great sounding instrument. If you haven't watched the video with headphones or real speakers, do it!

I have heard many acoustic bass guitars, and this is the first one that promises to be really useable without amplification. Some will say it's too big, but compared to a standup bass, it's quite portable. Physics says make it big, and physics always wins I look forward to hearing a fretless version... it should really growl.

For its name, I suggest the Celtic god of thunder, TARANIS, (whose name I have also seen as Taranus, Tuireann, Tuirenn, Tuirill Biccreo... you folks at Emerald would know best, but Taranis would probably be easier for non-Irish folks).
Hi Uncle,

Thank you so much for your feedback, we really appreciate it! The new acoustic bass may look big, but due to Alistair's ergonomic design it actually feels a lot smaller than it looks when playing it. James is a double bass player and he actually noted how light it is and as a musician who tours a lot, he also said that would be of great benefit when travelling!

We also appreciate your name suggestion! Alistair was actually thinking of something down those lines, alright!

Best Wishes

Sean
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Old 07-20-2016, 09:13 AM
Emerald Guitars Emerald Guitars is offline
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Hi guys,

Just a little update on our acoustic bass. Our friend Michael, a very talented local bassist, called into the office yesterday and he kindly did some recording for us.

The first video is a collection of various style samples:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=us0jN-TSags

The second video is a beautiful original piece composed by Michael, which we thoroughly enjoyed and we hope you do, too:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwmCxE2egZ8

We would love to hear your thoughts!

Best Wishes from all the Emerald team!

Sean
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  #13  
Old 07-20-2016, 12:08 PM
ac ac is offline
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The clarity and depth combined are absolutely lovely. Wonderful bass.
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  #14  
Old 07-20-2016, 03:38 PM
Uncle Pauhana Uncle Pauhana is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Emerald Guitars View Post
The new acoustic bass may look big, but due to Alistair's ergonomic design it actually feels a lot smaller than it looks when playing it.
I'm sure that is true, Sean. My X20 feels like a grand auditorium but pushes air like a dreadnaught, at least.
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  #15  
Old 07-21-2016, 06:16 PM
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This guitar needs a road trip. I turned a village player on to the instrument and he is in a lather. But he is afraid to buy without having tried it first. He wants blue with colored strings.
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