#16
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A better comparison would be the all gloss Artisan x20, and the Rainsong WS1100N2 without electronics and standard weave soundboard which can be purchased for the same price from a hundred different dealers in the US. Haven't seen Martin around here in ages. Does he still do promo videos for Emerald? |
#17
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I’ve owned the Emerald X20 Opus, CA GXI and GX, and a Rainsong H-OM1000N2 (different model than you’re asking), so have had extended experience with each as owner and not simply demoing them, although I no longer own all three and am basing the following off memory.
For guitarists just entering the carbon fiber world and wanting a tone similar to wood as they make the transition, I highly recommend trying the CA GX and GXI. For those who have already begun to acclimate to the carbon fiber world, they may find the Emerald X20 appealing due to more refined ergonomics, light weight, and different voice. I think the taste of players can change over time—especially in the cf world—as I’ve seen players migrate from one brand to another as they get more accustomed to leaving tonal traditions behind and get comfortable with the variation offered in cf. Tone: X20: “clear, simple, almost sterile purity” in tone; embraces its identity as a carbon fiber guitar and doesn’t try to sound like wood; well-balanced CA GXi: great “complexity/depth” in tone; profound bass response and lower end; “woody” tone compared to emerald or rainsong; 80/20 vs phosphor bronze strings is very noticeable; safe to say it would never be described as a “bright” guitar by any player, regardless of differences in hearing Rainsong H-OM1000N2: “crystalline” and leans towards highs and trebles, with weaker bass presence; relatively "bright" guitar Sustain: I could drive the top of the GXI harder to give a longer sustain than the X20, although the X20 might be slightly more responsive to light touch. Rainsong was middle-of-the-road Feel: Emerald woos aesthetically with its refinement and beautiful craftsmanship that is top bar none. Many are probably tempted to purchase/keep it for that alone, which you can’t deny the strong pull. Emerald’s standard neck shape is a little “clunky” and not my preference as it caused fatigue over time, with CA GXI a little “flat” feeling although much more comfortable for my taste, and Rainsong felt close to Taylor. I’ll mention that I sold both the Rainsong and Emerald, and my GXI is an absolute keeper—there’s something mesmerizing about its unique rich voice, which has the quality of being almost haunting/pondering, while the X20 and rainsong are more innocent/cheerful. The GXi is a very polarizing guitar model, as guitarists frequently either love it or dislike it, with no neutral ground. My love for the GXi is so endearing that I bought 2 others when the model was discontinued, and I’ve sold all my other full-sized guitars, so there are some very passionate CA-lovers out there even though it doesn’t always make it to the forum |
#18
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What a great review. Well done. I'm going to look up some of your other posts. |
#19
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CFF, I agree, very nice review. You obviously have valuable CF insight. Keep posting!
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Tom '21 Martin D-18 Standard | '02 Taylor 814c | '18 Taylor 214ceDLX | '18 Taylor 150e-12 | '78 Ibanez Dread (First acoustic) | '08 CA Cargo | '02 Fender Strat American '57 RI My original songs |
#20
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NICE! Sounds beautiful here!
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2016 Stonebridge G23 CR-C 2015 Larrivée OM-40R 1975 Takamine F-385 12 string 1976 Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gentleman #7670 |
#21
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Ted, thank you sir. You are correct. Difference in grade... But to be honest if I got a Rainsong I would order one without the electronics but with a unidirectional top . I can't stand the way the Fishman UST sounds that is ... Judging by the video clips on YouTube. And I am not really a fan of Glossy finish. I love my Larrivee OM 40-R with a satin/matte finish. So those things are not really a plus for me. Better tuners maybe. The whole appeal of a CF guitar for me is the durability, go anywhere in any condition aspect and not so much the aesthetics. Even though aesthetically Emerald kills it. I am just trying to find the best value in tone, volume and sustain in the CF realm. You know ... I want that guitar that inspires me to play more, to write, the one that I can't put down. So you are right... to be fair I suppose I shouldn't say there is a$1,000 difference ... apples to apples.
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2016 Stonebridge G23 CR-C 2015 Larrivée OM-40R 1975 Takamine F-385 12 string 1976 Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gentleman #7670 Last edited by RandyOK; 10-13-2017 at 10:25 PM. |
#22
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Carbofiberfan: Nice review sir! Now I want the Rainsong neck with the Emerald aesthetic and the CA tone ! Ha! Thanks!
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2016 Stonebridge G23 CR-C 2015 Larrivée OM-40R 1975 Takamine F-385 12 string 1976 Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gentleman #7670 |
#23
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__________________
2016 Stonebridge G23 CR-C 2015 Larrivée OM-40R 1975 Takamine F-385 12 string 1976 Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gentleman #7670 |
#24
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The CH models and the CO models have unidirectional tops.
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#25
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Good review, the only comment I disagree with is the tone of the X20...I don't find mine any where near "sterile purity", could yours have been an older model? Or perhaps different strings than I have tried. I would say that description applies more to the Rainsong. Thanks for posting your thoughts on those models. I'm enjoying the Cargo so much I may have to find a larger CA model to try.
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John |
#26
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__________________
Tom '21 Martin D-18 Standard | '02 Taylor 814c | '18 Taylor 214ceDLX | '18 Taylor 150e-12 | '78 Ibanez Dread (First acoustic) | '08 CA Cargo | '02 Fender Strat American '57 RI My original songs |
#27
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Last edited by Fixedgear60; 10-15-2017 at 06:08 AM. |
#28
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I think you can get a Rainsong Concert Hybrid without electronics, which would be almost exactly the guitar you describe. It would have the unidirectional top, but with a matte back, sides, and neck. If anyone has one, it would be Ted...? Also, the Concert Hybrid comes with the LR Baggs UST, not the Fishman. I prefer having the electronics on mine, for plug-and-play ability for an open mic or something, but I remember seeing CH series without pickup for like $1300 when I was shopping around. EDIT: Looks like Ted does have a few: https://www.laguitarsales.com/index....oustic-om.html https://www.laguitarsales.com/index....ectronics.html https://www.laguitarsales.com/index....id-parlor.html He also lists a couple Concert Hybrids with the K&K Mini. Wish I had seen those earlier! |
#29
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I am no pro though, and obviously lots of people like the X20 for finger style, just not my favorite. I should mention mine gets fantastic harmonics that ring forever too, fwiw. So many nice instruments to choose from, good luck in your search.
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Dave McPherson Sable, Blackbird Lucky 13, Rainsong OM1000. Various wood, mostly Taylors |
#30
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Had an Emerald for a short time, bought a Rainsong H-OM and that is my gigging guitar. Sounds great whether finger-picked or strummed. I have long stopped thinking about it as a "CF" guitar, it's just a guitar. For me, it seems louder than the Emerald, it is more comfortable to hold (at least for me, my body type, size, etc.), the neck is awesome...all around it a terrific guitar. I know that's not the direct comparison you were looking for, but at least it is some more info for you to process.
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--------------------------------------- 2013 Joel Stehr Dreadnought - Carpathian/Malaysian BW 2014 RainSong H-OM1000N2 2017 Rainsong BI-WS1000N2 2013 Chris Ensor Concert - Port Orford Cedar/Wenge 1980ish Takamine EF363 complete with irreplaceable memories A bunch of electrics (too many!!) |