For Sale: SOLD: 2015 Emerald X-20 Artisan amber EXC+

[RickSpreitzer]

I recently acquired an Emerald X-20 Artisan in amber tint finish. All original. Comes with Hiscox case. Gotoh 510 tuner machines. B-band pre-amp/pick up system works great. Offset Soundhole. I am the second owner. Virtually unplayed instrument. Carbon fiber stability. Many forum members see this as the best carbon fiber instrument out there. Tonally, warm like a vintage Gibson slope shoulder dreadnought.

$1700

http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/Ri...0X20%20Artisan

[crnazz]

Rick:
How would you say it compares tonally with your 2007 CA GX Performer?
Thanks

[RickSpreitzer]

I believe I have owned just about every carbon fiber instrument out there. Emeralds, Composite Acoustics, Rainsongs and a Blackbird Super OM. They have come a long way from the initial Rainsong models. The progression of these builders, in my opinion, is the ability to replicate the warmth of the bottom end.

Several guys I know rave the Emerald and consider it the best CF guitar on the market today. I can't argue the point. I love my CA Performer. I got it as an artist endorser in 2007. It was my main gigging guitar for many years. I upgraded the saddle to bone and recently swapped out the tuners. It's been my favorite of many great CF guitars I have owned.

This Emerald might just have it beat, though. The warmth on the Emerald is superb. Truly like a vintage Gibson dread. The offset soundhole sends signal up to you as the player. Plugged it, it is beastly. Amazing tonal control with the B-band.

In short, the Emerald has richer, more wooden low end. The midrange is a bit more prominent in the CA. The highs are a push. I wonder if a bone saddle could possibly improve the tone. Hard to imagine. Volume goes in favor of the Emerald. Harmonics also go the Emerald. Fundamental notes. I would say the CA, slightly.

This Emerald is virtually new. Case is a high end Hiscox. Comes with the owner's papers.

She's a beauty.

[hotroad]

I just took delivery of a new Emerald X20 Artisan Woody with the Element installed. I totally agree with the tone description being more Gibsonesque than Martin or Taylor. Each string when picked either by flatpick or fingerpick is very pronounced and strong, much like a Gibson. The clarity is awesome as is the warmth. Nothing brittle here or harsh but still very articulate. Great for flatpicking or fingerstyle. Love the tone and its so different than any Taylor or Martin I have owned and thats been quite a few. Highly recommended and a great guy to buy from.

[Transylvania]

I have to agree with the OP. Having owned several carbon fiber guitars, I personally feel the Emerald Artisan is head and shoulders above the others in tone. That's why I have one. My 2 cents.

[RickSpreitzer]

Emerald is drawing a lot of interest.

[volman]

Original owner here. I absolutely loved this guitar. I had a Larrivee L-09R that I loved and just couldn't bring myself to take it with me when I would go to the beach...so I got this X-20. Suddenly the Larrivee wasn't getting played anymore...so I sold it. The funny thing is that I never could bring myself to play this outside (the original reason for purchase), so it has had an easy life. I've got a surgically repaired left thumb that has been acting up over the last year and really demanding that I get a guitar with a different neck profile, so I have a custom Doerr that will be coming in sometime in the next month. Otherwise I would have never sold this one. Can't say enough good things about it. VERY woody sound for CF.

Good luck on the sale Rick!

[Jeff56]

What's the neck profile on the guitar?

[RickSpreitzer]

Emerald neck profiles are a rounded "C". Very comfortable. Not a lot of mass, nor does there need to be given the strength of the material. Of my recent guitars, it's most like a contemporary Gibson.

[RickSpreitzer]

The Emerald is still available.

[perttime]

Getting at photos saved on photobucket is a bit of a pain.... Does this photo link work?


http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/...9.jpg~original

[RickSpreitzer]

This pristine Emerald is still for sale and with a lower price.

[RickSpreitzer]

The Emerald has had some interest but no firm buyer yet.

[hotroad]

Grab it!!! This is one awesome guitar. I have the Emerald X20 Artisan as well and use it professionally as a full time guitarist. I highly recommend this to you for fingerstyle or rhythm. I gig with it and it can handle hard strumming or light picking very well with amazing tone and projection.
This is one great guitar at a great price. Mine cost considerably more than this.
I also play Martin and Gibson and this one stacks up against those just fine. And its carbon fiber, impervious to humidity.

[Carmel Cedar]

Good price. Great guitar. Played one just like this (same year, color, etc.) and it was superb!