Artisan vs Opus

[Rampant]

Looking at emerald guitars, is there any real advantage to the all gloss finish of the Artisan? Is the non-gloss finish still transparent? E.g. if I got it in Red would I still see the pretty red weave on the back and sides without the gloss finish?

[Whaleblue]

Yes, you would. See the pics on the website (I know the X20 pics show the difference).

[Doubleneck]

I have a all gloss and have played the new statin finish. I actually prefer it. You see the weave and nice contrast to the gloss top.

[StillStephen]

I prefer the crystal ice, especially on the smaller body guitars because it doesn't slide around as much when seated. Unlike other "rough" finishes I've tried on other brands, it's not as noisy either. You get the transparency and you still have a gloss soundboard.

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Originally Posted by Rampant

Looking at emerald guitars, is there any real advantage to the all gloss finish of the Artisan? Is the non-gloss finish still transparent? E.g. if I got it in Red would I still see the pretty red weave on the back and sides without the gloss finish?

Like Rainsong, the Artisan models show the carbon fiber weave on the entire guitar, while the opus series uses a thick, solid color stipple coating that will hide imperfections so it's cheaper. Composite Acoustics also uses a solid color on the back and sides for the same esthetic reasons.

Edit: It appears the stipple finish I was describing has been discontinued, and the new opus finish is also clear. Sadly I have no experience with this finish so I am no help here.

[ac]

Originally Posted by Ted @ LA Guitar Sales

Like Rainsong, the Artisan models show the carbon fiber weave on the entire guitar, while the opus series uses a thick, solid color stipple coating that will hide imperfections so it's cheaper. Composite Acoustics also uses a solid color on the back and sides for the same esthetic reasons.

As I understand, the Opus coating allows you to see the weave on all sides of the guitar, it doesn't hide anything. The color is not opaque, it is transparent.

So you've just said that Alistair uses color and this coating to hide imperfections. And Emerald is hiding imperfections to make the guitars cheaper.

Just wondering if this is your opinion or did you receive this information from a conversation or correspondence directly with Alistair and he told you this was true?

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Originally Posted by ac

As I understand, the Opus coating allows you to see the weave on all sides of the guitar, it doesn't hide anything. The color is not opaque, it is transparent.

So you've just said that Alistair uses color and this coating to hide imperfections. And Emerald is hiding imperfections to make the guitars cheaper.

Just wondering if this is your opinion or did you receive this information from a conversation or correspondence directly with Alistair and he told you this was true?

Perhaps I'm getting the model name confused, or perhaps Alistar has made some changes to the finishes.

I know of two Emerald finishes one model with a solid color stipple finish on the back and sides of the body, and one that features a clear full gloss finish on the entire guitar. My experience is with guitars from a little over a year ago, so if you're telling me Alistar no longer makes the solid color finish than I believe you, clearly you are closer to him than I am.

Here are the two finishes I am talking about:

Artisan




Standard



BTW, I never said Alistar uses the solid stipple finish to hide anything, I simply said that the finish will hide imperfections.

[Whaleblue]

My understanding is that this is the Opus finish on back/sides

https://www.flickr.com/photos/454996.../in/datetaken/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/454996.../in/datetaken/

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Originally Posted by Whaleblue

My understanding is that this is the Opus finish on back/sides

https://www.flickr.com/gp/45499624@N07/59Q773

Thanks Ian, I have not seen that finish before. So it' basically the same as the Artisan with a rough texture. I like it.

[Whaleblue]

Originally Posted by Ted @ LA Guitar Sales

Thanks Ian, I have not seen that finish before. So it' basically the same as the Artisan with a rough texture. I like it.

Ah, the link did work!

Yes, I'm still torn as to which way to go on my X20.

[Whaleblue]

Not sure if the links above are correct - copied the images to my Flickr account, but not sure if you'll be able to see them.

Anyway, they're on Alistair's site. Select the Opus section on the X20 page, then see images 4/18 and 16/18.

[Doubleneck]

It is a fairly recent finish which I think rivals his clear finish. Also nice on the back of the neck. Only downside for me is whether it will allow suction cups of a neckup to seal.

[AZLiberty]

Originally Posted by Whaleblue

Ah, the link did work!

Yes, I'm still torn as to which way to go on my X20.

The $450 difference between the Artisan and Opus includes:

Hard case instead of a soft case ($220 upgrade)

B-Band pickup ($150)

All Gloss finish. ($200)

[tommyld]

Having experienced both the Opus' Crystal Ice finish and the Artisan gloss, I prefer Crystal Ice sides/back. I'll ask for it on any future Emerald. (On my most recent custom Emerald, I asked for a gloss amber top and headstock, but Crystal Ice back/sides.)

The Crystal Ice doesn't collect fingerprints like gloss does. It's smooth to the touch...I don't care for the way sweaty skin sticks to / drags on gloss finishes... and like StillStephen mentioned, it's not noisy when brushed against (like some other CF textured finishes). The Crystal Ice is also less likely to scratch or show scratches, which is nice.

[sirwhale]

I think this thread suggests that Alister could invest in a graphic designer that leaves things a bit clearer. I still don't understand how Artisan can have an all gloss finish and the Opus finish isn't all gloss but it is all transparent. Anyway, this isn't my thread...