Martin 000-18 vs. Emerald X-20 - singer/songwriter gigs

highvibrational · #1 02-17-2019, 10:11 AM

Hello all,
I'm a singer-songwriter who wants to purchase a higher end guitar for gigs. I've never tried an Emerald X-20, but am attracted to its "I can take this anywhere" quality, as well as its mystical design and sound. At the same time, I love the 18 series Martins and feel that it has the right tone to accompany my voice.

I'd appreciate any comments you might like to share.

Thank you!

bsman · #2 02-17-2019, 10:49 AM

There is a great deal of comfort in knowing that when you pull your guitar out of the case it will look and sound exactly like it did when you put it in, no matter how many miles you’ve traveled to get there. I have a Martin 000-15 custom that doesn’t leave the house and stays mostly in the case, and a Rainsong shorty and Emerald X7 that mostly get the nod when I’m going somewhere for just that reason.

BT55 · #3 02-17-2019, 12:34 PM

You cannot beat CF guitars for transportability. As an owner of both Wood and CF guitars you cannot beat wood guitars for tone. If you are playing plugged in a CF guitar is the best choice. If you are playing miked a wood guitar is superior but you must let it acclimate to the Venue prior to playing. You need to decide which one works better for you. My decision is both.

Puerto Player · #4 02-17-2019, 01:57 PM

Personally, I go with a X20 and NEVER look back.

Methos1979 · #5 02-17-2019, 03:03 PM

I own both the guitars you talk about and play out regularly. I just added a second custom Emerald (an X7, this time) and so one of the guitars has to go as I'm a two-guitar guy. After careful A/B/C'ing between the three guitars, the Martin is being sold. Actually, it's all but sold. Probably ship it off on Tuesday to it's new home. It's a beautiful guitar and I'll miss it but in all honesty and in every measurable way it can't hold a candle to the X20 as a gigging guitar. Period.

I should clarify the above statement: I'm talking about amplified gigs. If I was just playing acoustic the contest would have been much closer. But the X20 amplifies much better and when you add in all the other bonuses of carbon fiber, the decision, while difficult, was obvious. At least for me.

hairpuller · #6 02-17-2019, 03:21 PM

Totally get the ease of transporting and the indestructibility of them, but dang those are some ugly geetars! Yes, this is just my opinion, of course.
scott

SpruceTop · #7 02-17-2019, 03:37 PM

The Emerald X-20 will always be there for you regardless of weather changes and minor to moderate knocks.

highvibrational · #8 02-19-2019, 10:59 AM

I think an X20 will round out my collection perfectly.

byudzai · #9 02-19-2019, 01:59 PM

I may over-share this video, but if you'd like to hear a Martin HD28e and an Emerald X30 played side-by-side, you can see the link in my profile to Youtube. The X20 is closer to the Martin in sound; the X30 has more beef and punch. I haven't look at my Martin in almost a year now since I went CF.