New redesigned Emerald X20!

[sumokids]

Fantastic! The new X7/X10/X30 neck join and rib bevel were to be expected, but I'm pleasantly surprised by the fretboard contour, and especially the new bridge shape -- I've always found the old one to be Alistair's one design blindspot, and the new one looks great. Throw some pins on there and you have my ideal guitar. I'd love to see the new shape standard on the X7 as well.

[kramster]

I was getting tired of how perfect the old one was anyway... now more perfecter... nice

[Earl49]

I honestly don't see a pinless bridge as an advantage. I'm OK with pinless if they work well. But there have been reports here of past problems with pinless bridges and string seating, unless Alistair has addressed those issues in the new design. And I am ambivalent about the new bridge - that does not affect me either way. The prior X20 was just about perfect, but I wanted a shorter scale length. Either way, this Emerald will be the last new or used guitar that I ever plan to buy. Seriously.....

I have absolutely no idea if my current custom X20 in the build queue since February has already been molded in the old form, or will be molded the new version. Perhaps I should send Chloe or Kevin an email asking for a status report? If they offered me the choice or original recipe or "extra crispy" I honestly cannot say which way I would go without a round of Q&A.

[Captain Jim]

Originally Posted by kramster

I was getting tired of how perfect the old one was anyway... now more perfecter... nice

That right there ^^. I generally have the ability to buy something right before a big improvement is announced. This way, I got 3 1/2 years with my current X20.

I like the updates, but appreciate how "just right" that X20 design was from the beginning. Nice that Alistair and Emerald keep looking for ways to give us all a better guitar experience.

[jdinco]

My only complaint about the X20 was the fret board extending a bit too far onto the body, great to see that addressed. Looks like about $100. price increase for what used to be pretty pricey options. Nice updates without messing with anything critical ! and what Kramster said....

[steelvibe]

I love everything about it. I think it updates the look and utility of the modern legend. Well done Alistair

[mot]

I definitely will have to get the new one once I wear the one I got in 2013 out. How long do these guitars last anyhow?

[Earl49]

Tom, I figure that they will open up with about 100,000 years of play time. And I intend to be here still.....
Seriously, with CF bodies and stainless steel frets, any one Emerald should outlast 20 lifetimes of even professional play.

[esimms86]

Originally Posted by Earl49

Tom, I figure that they will open up with about 100,000 years of play time. And I intend to be here still.....
Seriously, with CF bodies and stainless steel frets, any one Emerald should outlast 20 lifetimes of even professional play.

You can always put on your belt and suspenders and go for EVO frets.

Earl49, if I was you I would have that Q&A about the specs of your upcoming guitar. That is, unless you're truly ambivalent about the changes/upgrades and you also like surprises.

The X20 changes must have been in the works pre-pandemic, with Alistair waiting for the work crew to be back to full strength before building/finishing the new models.

[Earl49]

That is good advice. I will send an email to Chloe and/or Kevin. I am mostly ambivalent about all but the pinless bridge. Some assurances would be good that they've solved the issues that plagued some past buyers -- poor string seating IIRC.

[Methos1979]

Originally Posted by Earl49

I honestly don't see a pinless bridge as an advantage. I'm OK with pinless if they work well. But there have been reports here of past problems with pinless bridges and string seating, unless Alistair has addressed those issues in the new design.

I'm one of the ones that wasn't pleased with the pinless bridge operation. Alistair did allude to a new 'slotting' that would allow for better operation. Assuming that works better I'd be fine with it.

There is (was?) a gorgeous Royal Ebony one on the website. I prefer a short scale and different pickup or I might have pulled the trigger!

[Earl49]

Methos, sometimes I wish that I had bought your coco custom X20 last year when you first offered it. It checked most of my boxes, but uncertainty about the custom SCGC neck profile made me pause, because I have no direct experience (more than quick five minute test plays in some stores). I'm glad that all worked out for you shortly thereafter. I was sorely tempted........

Before shutting down for the day, I will email Emerald with my questions. I have a ukulele club coming in ~90 minutes to jam in the back yard.

[David Eastwood]

I love the gentle evolution of the design.

Now I await (perhaps fruitlessly) a similar shift for the Amicus...

[seannx]

Had a nice conversation with Kevin this am, and he told me about the new design. Just bought the black one!

[mikealpine]

Originally Posted by Methos1979

I'm one of the ones that wasn't pleased with the pinless bridge operation. Alistair did allude to a new 'slotting' that would allow for better operation. Assuming that works better I'd be fine with it.

There is (was?) a gorgeous Royal Ebony one on the website. I prefer a short scale and different pickup or I might have pulled the trigger!

That one looks great, as does the Harborica. Very striking!