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  #1  
Old 07-09-2020, 01:05 PM
revj revj is offline
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Default How does the Emerald X7 compare, Sound wise, with the Taylor GS Mini

Hey forum Folk, is there a compassion of these two guitars out there?
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  #2  
Old 07-09-2020, 02:03 PM
Earl49 Earl49 is offline
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X7 Pluses: ergonomics, better tone, better build quality, durability
X7 Minuses: initial price, carbon fiber (if you are a wood fan)

My petite wife went from a used GS Mini spruce top and eventually to a new GS Mini mahogany top for better tone. Once she played a CA Cargo at a local store, that was the end of the Mini's and they were both sold. The Cargo is notches above in build quality and sounds way better than a guitar that small really should. (The Cargo was about 3X the price of a Mini then). The only thing that I don't like much about the Cargo is its very short 22.75" scale length, but she does not care. Otherwise Cargo's sound is almost Martin-like. Cargo never gets played anymore, and we really should sell it.

Once she tried an X7 at Kramster's house she ended up quickly buying a bubinga woody veneer version from Emerald stock, then later adding a used koa topped version -- the one that she really wanted all along. Her X7's are the Version 2 with the forward-facing sound hole -- think parlor sized. The current production V3 (beginning summer 2018) have a sloped sound hole and is a bit larger overall, roughly the same dimensions as the X10 body or a 00 size. The new X7's are reported to have a louder & fuller acoustic voice, as befits a larger 00 sized body. We have not played one of the new X7's. She is quite happy with the X7's she has, and no desire to change further. The 24" scale length is nice too, better than the 23.5" of the GS Mini.

Forgive the indirect comparisons. I don't recall if we had a Mini at the same time as an X7, but she has joined in my passion and appreciation for carbon fiber guitars. My recollection is that the X7 has a smoother and more balanced overall sound than a Mini and is ergonomically superior. The Mini may project a bit more but also has the characteristic Taylor brightness (or perhaps thinness) to its tone. Any of them sound very nice on their own, and only by direct face-to-face play do you notice the differences. Hope this is useful, and that others will chime in.
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Old 07-09-2020, 06:23 PM
Captain Jim Captain Jim is offline
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I had a GSmini and an X7 (same version as Alice, Earl's wife) at the same time. The X7 is louder, richer, and more comfortable. Reach up the neck is better. At the time, that version of the X7 was about twice the price of the Mini... and so worth it.

For the record, the GSmini was my travel guitar and got played out regularly before getting my first carbon fiber guitar (the nicer wood guitars stayed home). No looking back.

The gig bag for the Mini is very nice. So is the gig bag for the X7, but the Mini bag has a bit more "structure."

My Mini was an early version, when a spruce top was the only option. The ES-GO pickup wasn't as awful as I expected. They now have the regular ES-T or ES-2 pickup options.

With the laminated back and sides on the Mini (curved back), it held up pretty well while we were living on our boat. One thumb up for the Mini... three thumbs up for the X7. Yeah, I had to borrow an extra thumb.
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Old 07-10-2020, 06:43 AM
Jim in TC Jim in TC is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Earl49 View Post
X7 Pluses: ergonomics, better tone, better build quality, durability
X7 Minuses: initial price, carbon fiber (if you are a wood fan)

My petite wife went from a used GS Mini spruce top and eventually to a new GS Mini mahogany top for better tone. Once she played a CA Cargo at a local store, that was the end of the Mini's and they were both sold. The Cargo is notches above in build quality and sounds way better than a guitar that small really should.

Once she tried an X7 at Kramster's house she ended up quickly buying a bubinga woody veneer version from Emerald stock,

.
Interesting parallel: I had a mahogany mini, compared it to a Cargo at Elderly and left with the Cargo and now have the X7 on order. I have high (and reasonable) hopes that I will like the X7 as much more than the Cargo as the Cargo compared to mini. I like a short scale, and even the ultra-short Cargo is fine (though I expect the X7 to be better yet).

All that said, I did like that mini, and it was my "gateway" to a smaller instrument with a shorter scale; I found myself playing it way more than the 000-15M despite the nicer tone on the latter. The mini is a good choice for the considerably lower cost.
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Old 07-10-2020, 12:14 PM
RTT RTT is offline
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I currently have a 2014 GS Mini Spruce top with laminated Rosewood sides and back and an EST under saddle PUP. I just got a new 3rd generation Emerald X7. I was happy with the Mini for what it is....a travel guitar that can hold its own. But I was looking for something that could produce a better sound, yet still stay compact and also hold up well to the elements when traveling (humidity, sun if stowed in the back of an SUV, etc). So I consulted my friend Mitch who is my main contact for all things guitar and he turned me on to Emerald. After about 4 weeks of reading this forum and other sites, I purchased a new Red X7. I love it.

There is really no comparison between the two guitars in terms of sound. The X7 has it all over the Mini. Better bass response, more projection, more balanced sound, better playing up the neck. It sounds almost like a dread. It is way more comfortable with all the contouring in the body. It is 3-4 inches shorter than the Mini, so the bag is really compact. The Emerald case is not as thick as the Mini however.

Then mini is absolutely great for what it is. And it sounds like what it is supposed to be: a relatively inexpensive travel guitar. It has a much thinner sound. Much less warmth and bass response, however the higher strings do project better on soloing because of its much brighter response.

When hooked up to the PA, the Mini is a bit thinner sounding but it is well balanced. With the Emerald (LR Baggs Element PUP), the bass response on the low E can be striking. You need to watch your touch because it can really BOOM and shock an audience. If you are in a bar it may be overlooked but in a coffee house it can startle. So I really have to pay attention to my attack. Other than that, the sound is otherwise well balanced besides that Low E.

I didn't get the X7 to perform with, but with all venues going outside with music because of CV19, my gigs will be out in the elements, so I will be using this for the unintended purpose of outdoor gigs.

I am not discounting the Mini. I think it is great and at more than half the price of the X7, it's a good deal. I would have never known better if it hadn't been for my buddy educating me on the Emerald.

But if you put them both on a stand and said "take which ever one you want", I am running away with the X7....no question. I can't believe how good it sounds for composite fiber. This is my first composite, and it may not be my last. Totally floored with its sound. The GS Mini will be up for sale soon.

Last edited by RTT; 07-10-2020 at 12:25 PM.
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  #6  
Old 07-11-2020, 06:04 PM
futboljim futboljim is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RTT View Post
I currently have a 2014 GS Mini Spruce top with laminated Rosewood sides and back and an EST under saddle PUP. I just got a new 3rd generation Emerald X7. I was happy with the Mini for what it is....a travel guitar that can hold its own. But I was looking for something that could produce a better sound, yet still stay compact and also hold up well to the elements when traveling (humidity, sun if stowed in the back of an SUV, etc). So I consulted my friend Mitch who is my main contact for all things guitar and he turned me on to Emerald. After about 4 weeks of reading this forum and other sites, I purchased a new Red X7. I love it.

There is really no comparison between the two guitars in terms of sound. The X7 has it all over the Mini. Better bass response, more projection, more balanced sound, better playing up the neck. It sounds almost like a dread. It is way more comfortable with all the contouring in the body. It is 3-4 inches shorter than the Mini, so the bag is really compact. The Emerald case is not as thick as the Mini however.

Then mini is absolutely great for what it is. And it sounds like what it is supposed to be: a relatively inexpensive travel guitar. It has a much thinner sound. Much less warmth and bass response, however the higher strings do project better on soloing because of its much brighter response.

When hooked up to the PA, the Mini is a bit thinner sounding but it is well balanced. With the Emerald (LR Baggs Element PUP), the bass response on the low E can be striking. You need to watch your touch because it can really BOOM and shock an audience. If you are in a bar it may be overlooked but in a coffee house it can startle. So I really have to pay attention to my attack. Other than that, the sound is otherwise well balanced besides that Low E.

I didn't get the X7 to perform with, but with all venues going outside with music because of CV19, my gigs will be out in the elements, so I will be using this for the unintended purpose of outdoor gigs.

I am not discounting the Mini. I think it is great and at more than half the price of the X7, it's a good deal. I would have never known better if it hadn't been for my buddy educating me on the Emerald.

But if you put them both on a stand and said "take which ever one you want", I am running away with the X7....no question. I can't believe how good it sounds for composite fiber. This is my first composite, and it may not be my last. Totally floored with its sound. The GS Mini will be up for sale soon.
That's how it starts!

I've just let go a couple of pretty nice wood acoustics, and will likely be settled on my three CF guitars and my 0-15 for a wooden treat. Prolly can't let that one go, it is pretty sweet!
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Old 07-13-2020, 12:08 PM
mot mot is offline
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The Mini is OK and a great starter instrument (for a kid?), but, like everyone said, the X7 (any version) beats the Mini. If I didn't already have an X20, I'd probably compromise and get a new X7 AND an X30. I have used the X20 as my travel guitar for years and it hits a sweet spot in between those two. My X20 is sitting beside me right now because I didn't want to bring my Kestrel along this time.

Bottom line - the Mini feels like a toy after playing around on the latest version of the X7.

I played a Cargo a few years ago, and I would take that over a Mini also.
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Old 07-14-2020, 11:38 AM
Earl49 Earl49 is offline
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All this talk of the newer V3 version of the X7 makes me really curious to try one. But SWMBO is very happy with her existing smaller forward-facing sound hole V2 woody X7's, and I am perfectly happy with my X20's. I know better than to rock the boat.
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Old 07-14-2020, 01:44 PM
mot mot is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Earl49 View Post
All this talk of the newer V3 version of the X7 makes me really curious to try one. But SWMBO is very happy with her existing smaller forward-facing sound hole V2 woody X7's, and I am perfectly happy with my X20's. I know better than to rock the boat.
The X7V3 has more of a bass feel from the player's perspective. I don't know if that translates to the audience though. I agree with you. If you are happy with what you have, then don't let FOMO get to you.

I have three CF guitars and three wood (still). I haven't played the wood guitars in over a year. They are put up to either be sold or given away. I play all three CFs. I use the Lucky13 when I am feeling like blues, blue grass or it's handy. I like the Kestrel for soloing, chunk-a-chunking back up chords (Dixieland style) or most sorts of jazz. I use the X20 for everything else and those other things too.

I guess if I had to take only one with me it'd either be the Kestrel or the X20. The X20 is more versatile, and I am less worried about hurting it. The Kestrel is a little more complicated, but I can get sounds on it I can't get on the flat tops. On the other hand, I may take the L13 because it's just so much fun to play.

I certainly don't need all three. Nor do I need more guitars. I will probably get another one or two to fill different niches (X30-12, Uke Synergy and maybe a multi string of somesort), but I only have so much time to play. Time to get back to the Kestrel. Someday I will be Kestrel-worthy.
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Old 07-14-2020, 02:49 PM
Warren01 Warren01 is offline
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I have both the GSmini and V2 of the X7. I haven't touched the GS in over a year. I did try to newer one when I visited Emerald last year, and was ready to sell both my X7 and X20 and replace it with one newer X7. However, SWMBO politely told me to wait, and I'm glad she did. I really like my X7. It's comfortable, sounds great, plays great and looks great. Coupled with the X20, I have the best of both worlds.
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Old 07-14-2020, 03:15 PM
Earl49 Earl49 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mot View Post
The X7V3 has more of a bass feel from the player's perspective. I don't know if that translates to the audience though. I agree with you. If you are happy with what you have, then don't let FOMO get to you......I use the Lucky 13 when I am feeling like blues, blue grass or it's handy. I like the Kestrel for soloing, chunk-a-chunking back up chords (Dixieland style) or most sorts of jazz. I use the X20 for everything else and those other things too.
Excellent advice. To quote the philosopher Sheryl Crow, "It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you have".

I just got back inside after playing the Lucky 13 for ~90 minutes on the back porch swing in the shade. (Love those slow work days). It is a breezy 78° here today, so just about perfect. I have my choice of an X20, X20-13, X30, and a Rainsong WS-1000, but this week the Lucky is winning. The poor wooden guitars rarely get to come out and play..... I still have three Taylor (for the moment) and several sub-$500 guitars that will be donated later this year.
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