Adjustable Bridge on Emeralds

[Corndog]

I'm curious about other's thoughts regarding Emerald's optional adjustable bridge vs the fixed bridge. It challenges my sensibilities looking at an adjustable bridge on an acoustic guitar.

Does anyone think this effects sound? Sustain?

[PassingThru]

No experience with it yet. But, I think it is butt ugly on an acoustic guitar. Just my .02

[Corndog]

Yeah, the looks aren't to my liking either. If I buy an Emerald it won't have a P/U so the adjustable bridge isn't even part of the equation.

I posed the question because my curiosity has me wondering about sound transfer (acoustic only) to the top via adjustable saddles.

[mountainmaster]

IMO the adjustable bridge without the "wings" on the Virtuo looks much better. Emerald should make that one standard.

[sumokids]

Originally Posted by mountainmaster

IMO the adjustable bridge without the "wings" on the Virtuo looks much better. Emerald should make that one standard.

Totally agree!

[David Eastwood]

Originally Posted by mountainmaster

IMO the adjustable bridge without the "wings" on the Virtuo looks much better. Emerald should make that one standard.

I think it’s well suited to the Virtuo, as it’s primarily an electric guitar. On the acoustics, I much prefer the wider bridge - it looks much more appropriate, and probably has some functional benefit.

[Fixedgear60]

I will be the contrarian on the thread and from an astetic viewpoint think it fits the high-tech vibe of carbon fiber guitars.... I like it on all carbon and even on the veneer versions as well.

[steelvibe]

Originally Posted by Fixedgear60

I will be the contrarian on the thread and from an astetic viewpoint think it fits the high-tech vibe of carbon fiber guitars.... I like it on all carbon and even on the veneer versions as well.

I agree. It isn't like Emerald guitars have been careful to not break traditional guitar building rules. I think Alistair did a great job designing it, especially in how it works aesthetically with the rest of the instrument.

[David Eastwood]

It’s interesting how many innovations in the acoustic guitar world are challenged. I suspect it’s as much to do with tradition as it is aesthetics. Acoustic guitars aren’t meant to have adjustable bridges, so we’re automatically suspicious.

It’s good to have choices.

[ZebraKing]

Just received my X20 with the Ghost+K&K. I don't have any issues with the visual aesthetics of the adjustable bridge, sounds great too!

The intonation is a bit off so we'll see in the coming days how the adjustable bridge works getting that dialed in.

[varmonter]

Sorry if im buying an emerald im not looking for anything traditional... i mean look at it. Lol
The bridge should be of least concern..
Intonation is never right on any guitar. Especially acoustics.
These have been on elec guitars for 50 yrs..about time
Acoustics get adj bridges..plus if you want
The x10 with midi you have to have it.

[koa&cedar]

So now that there are already several owners of X20 or X30 Emeralds with adjustable bridges out there, how do you feel about it? Would you go again same route? Is the acoustic sound transfer to the top same good as on the trad bridge? I am a bit of tone purist and puzzled if I will love it acoustically?

[ZebraKing]

I recently posted about my X20 Ghost adjustment issues on another thread.

Regarding sound, in the short time I've had it, I am really impressed. Having peizos under each string really gives some separation to the sound of each string resulting in a great balanced. Has a bit of a piano quality to it. I got the Ghost+KK combo so can dial in warmth and body. No loss of sustain that I have experienced.

[DownUpDave]

Originally Posted by ZebraKing

I recently posted about my X20 Ghost adjustment issues on another thread.

Regarding sound, in the short time I've had it, I am really impressed. Having peizos under each string really gives some separation to the sound of each string resulting in a great balanced. Has a bit of a piano quality to it. I got the Ghost+KK combo so can dial in warmth and body. No loss of sustain that I have experienced.

How does it sound when not plugged in, any negative effect from that bridge design. I image it’s a tough question to answer unless you’ve owned another Emerald with a traditional bridge.

[koa&cedar]

Originally Posted by DownUpDave

How does it sound when not plugged in, any negative effect from that bridge design. I image itÂ’s a tough question to answer unless youÂ’ve owned another Emerald with a traditional bridge.

Thats exactly what I was asking about - does this adjustable bridge change anything tonaly? If YES, what difference do you hear when you play the guitar not plugged in?

I know that on wooden acoustics the impact of bridge mass on the sound can be critical and can change how the guitar behaves, sounds and sustains. So the luthiers go for proper weight to stiffness ratio of bridge for particular guitar size. I presume the new adjustable bridge on Emerald is heavier (or not?), so did anyone experienced how the tone, sustain or response is changed?