#31
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My first two impressions of the guitar were (1)though it’s comfortable for a guitar of its size, it’s still really physically imposing, and (2)I was in no way prepared for how deep the low E string sounds. I used to own a 2017 D28 and, while I obviously can’t do a side by side comparison, the X30 sounds like it could easily out dreadnought a dreadnought. As others have stated, it is a cannon AND a great strummer. I like to fingerpick and this one responds beautifully to a light touch. It sounds balanced but, when compared side by side with my Kestrel, it’s pretty clear that the Kestrel has a “no string stands out more than any other” string to string balance that I’ve only found in archtops. Major kudos go to Emerald for a perfect set up right out of the box. My Kestrel required a professional set up (plus I had the strings changed to flat wounds) so I wasn’t expecting the X30 to be set up so spot on. I’ve spent a minimal amount of time playing with the Anthem pickup but, if I had it to do all over again, I’d go with no pickup. The neck is fatter than I anticipated but got I used to it pretty quickly (plus, I have large hands). The last thing I would say, at least for now, is that the sound hole is perfectly placed such that the sound projects wonderfully to my ears as a player; a side sound port in the X30 would most definitely be superfluous. And no wolf tones! |
#32
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I'll be tuning the fan fret much lower than E. Since I'm a full-time DADGAD player (with liberal use of partial capos) that would be D anyway. Planning as low as AEADEA (B standard) but will likely spend most time in BbFBbEbFB (C standard), with appropriate string choices of course. A mug will be a nice bonus but I'm really jonesing for the guitar! By the time I actually receive this, it'll have been 7 months since ordering...but I'm pretty sure I'll need a second mug so, presuming I like the X30 (!), will likely order a matching X20 with a 26 to 25 inch fan for actual DADGAD. Maybe I'll get it for Christmas! "The waiting is the hardest part..." Phil
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Solo Fingerstyle CDs: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back (2021) One Size Does Not Fit All (2018) I play Crosby, Emerald, Larrivée, Lowden, Rainsong & Tacoma guitars. Check out my Guitar Website. See guitar photos & info at my Guitars page. |
#33
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#34
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It has the same scales, 25.5" to 27", as the X20 7-stringers. I'm just leaving off that pesky high string of the 7-stringer in an X30 jumbo body. And Emerald's X30 baritone uses a 27" scale so the bass string of my fan fret will sit at the same relative scale length. As I mentioned, I'll be tuning it to DADGAD-intervals but pitched in A (ie. AEADEA) or Bb (ie. BbFBbEbFBb). This X30 is my replacement for a custom-made Crosby JE redwood/black walnut fan fret (26" to 27.25" scale) that I used for 4 tracks on my CD but sold last Christmas when an "offer I couldn't refuse" was made. A recent convert to CF guitars, I ordered the X30 just a week after making that sale 'cause I NEED a baritone and I thought this was my best bet for replacement... I love Lowdens and have had two (still have the O23c). I'd LOVE a Lowden multiscale but I don't think I'll EVER be able to afford one. The buy-in (the base cost and the exchange rate!) is just too hefty. Unless you have one to sell? For cheap? Phil
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Solo Fingerstyle CDs: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back (2021) One Size Does Not Fit All (2018) I play Crosby, Emerald, Larrivée, Lowden, Rainsong & Tacoma guitars. Check out my Guitar Website. See guitar photos & info at my Guitars page. |
#35
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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!!) |
#36
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#37
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#38
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I'd really (really) love a Lowden O22c (or O23c) FF but it's not even within the realm of possibility...I'm closer, by far, to a not-yet-existing 7 sub-bass X30 Synergy! Phil
__________________
Solo Fingerstyle CDs: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back (2021) One Size Does Not Fit All (2018) I play Crosby, Emerald, Larrivée, Lowden, Rainsong & Tacoma guitars. Check out my Guitar Website. See guitar photos & info at my Guitars page. |
#39
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#40
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Finally! My X30 fan fret made today's shipping video, around the 9:00 mark, 2nd from last...
I've had the UPS shipping tracking info since July 27th so now the wait truly begins. Note, too, that today is 7 months minus 2 days since I ordered it (at least 2 months of that, I'm sure, can be laid at the feet of a certain un-named virus...). Phil
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Solo Fingerstyle CDs: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back (2021) One Size Does Not Fit All (2018) I play Crosby, Emerald, Larrivée, Lowden, Rainsong & Tacoma guitars. Check out my Guitar Website. See guitar photos & info at my Guitars page. |
#41
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The lockdown in Ireland began on March 12th and the phase one reopening was announced on May 18th. Ireland goes to phase four on August 31st. I can’t tell you how jealous I am. Ireland has had less than 27,000 cases total. Okay, back to your Emerald. When my x30 shipped they notified me of the shipping label and tracking number on Monday and then shipped on Thursday, so your experience is not rare, at least in that regard. I very much look forward to seeing your NGD post. |
#42
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Beautiful guitar Phil. I bet you wouldn’t trade it for all the granite in Halifax!
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#43
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So, the wait continued... Quote:
Phil
__________________
Solo Fingerstyle CDs: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back (2021) One Size Does Not Fit All (2018) I play Crosby, Emerald, Larrivée, Lowden, Rainsong & Tacoma guitars. Check out my Guitar Website. See guitar photos & info at my Guitars page. |
#44
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Congrats on your X30 fan fret. That is one cool guitar
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