Emerald guitar body depth question

[Tahitijack]

Please excuse my ignorance, but after looking at the Emerald website it seems they don't offer a shallow depth body. By shallow I mean similar to Ovation shallow body and deeper than a Taylor T5. Can anyone help me? Thanks.

[Captain Jim]

Evan has a thin-body nylon electric, based on an X7 body shape... so, I'm guessing, given time and money, most things are possible. But, sending an inquiry direct to Emerald would get you a better answer.

As the Captain notes, Emerald can make whatever you want. My thin-body electric is hollow and remarkably acoustic. Plugged in, it is remarkably powerful.

As the Captain also notes, it takes time and money to get what you want. My guitar required a custom body, a custom fret board, a custom pickup and a custom veneer. Despite all the customization, the price was about the same as many production model CF guitars.

[Captain Jim]

Originally Posted by EvanB

... it takes time and money to get what you want. My guitar required a custom body, a custom fret board, a custom pickup and a custom veneer. Despite all the customization, the price was about the same as many production model CF guitars.

I would have enjoyed listening in on that initial conversation.

[Tahitijack]

Thanks, I'll probably stay with my Taylor T5. No money for full custom build these days.

[jdinco]

That's a pretty awesome collection of guitars you have there ! Seems a CF acoustic would compliment the herd. The T5 is a great guitar. Enjoy.

[Captain Jim]

Originally Posted by Tahitijack

Thanks, I'll probably stay with my Taylor T5. No money for full custom build these days.

I have a T5 - great guitar. If you're thinking about an Emerald, the X7 is their smaller body guitar, but has enough depth that it sounds good acoustically (not plugged in). I have heard of people using a T5 as a "quiet acoustic," but I would find that not particularly satisfying. The X7 is (to me) more comfortable to play while sitting than the T5; standing, it would be a wash, with the T5 being heavier. Great neck on the T5! Every time I pick up my X7, I am delighted by the comfort and great sound. Plugged in (my X7 has a B-Band pickup), it kicks.

Of course, the X7 doesn't have as many onboard tone options as the T5 plugged in. I find the T5 does an acceptable "acoustic" sound when plugged in and played with an acoustic amp - the X7 sounds like an acoustic, plugged in or not.

The T5 is unique. I've heard many folks say it isn't a great acoustic or electric sound; I haven't found that to be the case. As an electric guitar, it does an adequate job of sounding acoustic; as an electric guitar, it has some great tones. I have used mine with an A/B/Y switch, going into separate acoustic and electric amps. It is the first electric guitar that rivals (for me) the ES-335 that I have owned since 1966. It is a fine electric guitar... but, it isn't an acoustic to my ears. I like my T5 a lot.

Hope that helps, from the perspective of owning both.

[kramster]

I had an early T5... back when they were sent out with a g string that would not stay tuned... kinda weird. Got it at the giant box store and was able to trade it for other stuff for full value up to a year... so I did.