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Emerald X20 & X30 - Order Spec Questions
I had the chance to try an Emerald X30 with a stunning Padauk veneer top at a local shop recently and was blown away by its deep, rich, full-range tones and amazing projection. It was my first experience with an Emerald and I found it far superior to any other carbon fiber I’d played, to include the CA Legacy I have.
I’m thinking of ordering an Emerald X20 with a pau ferro veneer, trinity knot inlays, but with a more narrow nut width, 1 11/16th instead of their standard 1 3/4, which I found a bit too wide. I’m also planning to order it without a pickup and then installing an Anthem, which involves a slight mod at the sound hole. Any experiences with these two neck widths? I’ve also asked Kevin whether it’s possible to order a more narrow neck profile for an X20, though I suspect not. Anything I should consider as I put my order together based on your Emerald experiences, whether it involves neck profile, pickup systems or anything else? Thanks in advance! Last edited by Quintus; 04-25-2022 at 04:48 PM. |
#2
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Sounds like you have a perfectly feasible plan there, with the probable exception of the neck profile. The change in width is a standard option now, but custom profiles are likely still out of scope.
For the pickup, I’d suggest asking that they do the prep for it, so that you can add the mic and the controls without having to do any fillling/filing/flattening to get the surfaces you need. You can but ask - they can always say ‘no’, but may surprise you.
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Martin 0-16NY Emerald Amicus Emerald X20 Cordoba Stage Some of my tunes: https://youtube.com/user/eatswodo |
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If you loved the X30, why go out on a limb and order the X20? It will be different, after all.
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enough instruments to be mediocre at all of them |
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Fair point. I’m thinking if I bond with the narrower neck width, I’ll get a X30 as well. I’m also thinking that the X20 is more familiar in terms of its size. Now that I think about it though, it probably makes more sense to just order a no-frills X20 and make sure I like the neck rather than pay for one that’s maxed out with a veneer top and knot inlays. You now see why I need a brain trust. Helps to think through all the options.
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Excellent idea. Emerald offers a dizzying array of options which is great if you know exactly what you want...
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Emerald X20 Emerald X20-12 Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster Martin D18 Ambertone Martin 000-15sm |
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Dizzying is right. BTW, I did a Masters program at University of Virginia. Such a beautiful place to live. Our family did NOT want to leave that place. As fate would have it, our daughter ended up completing her Bachelors at UVA.
Last edited by Quintus; 02-08-2022 at 04:45 PM. |
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Just my two cents but you seemed to have fallen in love with the sound of the X30. “ I was blown away by its deep rich full range tones and amazing projection. Better then any other carbon fiber guitar I have ever played”.
If I fell in love with the sound of a Gibson SJ200 I wouldn’t buy the smaller Gibson Songwriter, it would be too sonically different to make me go WOW like the bigger instrument did. This is just me thinking out loud, I love Emeralds and can see one in my future. Good luck with all the mods, I like a 1-11/16 nut width myself. |
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It's a great school and a nice town although I've never taken a class there and live outside of town in the woods...
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Emerald X20 Emerald X20-12 Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster Martin D18 Ambertone Martin 000-15sm |
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Another option would be to buy an X7 with the narrow nut, then get a X30. This would make sense because I already have a dreadnaught CA Legacy. I’m an extrovert so it helps to air this out with you guys. |
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Beautiful countryside in that area. You’re fortunate to live there.
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__________________
Emerald X20 Emerald X20-12 Fender Robert Cray Stratocaster Martin D18 Ambertone Martin 000-15sm |
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My big concern is the neck width. As you know, Emerald doesn’t give you the option to choose a smaller neck profile. According to Kevin at Emerald, getting the more narrow nut makes the neck feel smaller. I hope this works for me. I’ve been leaning towards the X20 thinking the smaller body would also provide easier playability. The X30 I played was fine playing cowboy chords but I struggled playing up the neck and on barre chords. Since I’m buying before trying there’s plenty of guesswork in all this so I appreciate whatever insight folks have.
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I don’t think anyone has suggested this yet - but maybe there’s an Emerald owner in your part of the world who would let you try their X20.
I’ve done this with mine four times now, and have ‘sold’ three as a result - and met some really nice folks in doing so. If you care to let us know where you are, perhaps someone could oblige.
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Martin 0-16NY Emerald Amicus Emerald X20 Cordoba Stage Some of my tunes: https://youtube.com/user/eatswodo |