Considering an Emerald X7

dmcginnis · #1 09-10-2019, 08:52 PM

Hi all - I am considering an X7 and would plan to use it in DADGAD tuning. Does it work well for you in that tuning? If so, what gauge strings are you using? Has anyone tried using heavy gauge strings to enhance a lower tuning?

Thanks for any thoughts you might have.

Cheers,
Dave

bsman · #2 09-10-2019, 08:59 PM

I have an ancient (2010) X7, and I can't say for sure that yours would be the same, but I normally string it with .13s (.14s when I can find them). I find that with the short scale, lights are too slack, and I would suspect that you would too, if you plan on tuning it down.

steelvibe · #3 09-10-2019, 09:17 PM

You can pick up John Pearse New Mediums in either 80/20 or PB.The gauges are 13-17-24-32-42-55. I have a set of PB on deck to try on my Journey OF660 and have already tried the 80/20s. These are excellent strings, especially for the price.

Also,the LJ's Choice Martin Retros would be a great choice. The gauges are 13-17-24-32-42-56, so basically every string you would tune down is beefed up from a standard light set. It is also said that monel works great with the X7.

dmcginnis · #4 09-13-2019, 09:20 AM

Thanks Steelvibe - I use those string gauges on my Journey OF660 now and like them. The scale length on the X7 is a bit shorter (I think) and I hope they would work well there, too.

I am torn between keeping my OF660 and moving to an X7. Can anyone tell me more about a volume comparison and how the low end compares between the two models?

Thanks!

raysachs · #5 09-13-2019, 09:51 AM

I have a modern X7 and had a previous generation X7 (with the soundhole in the upper left but front facing, not off-set like the current one). The necks on both are as close to identical as I've ever felt on two guitars, both 24", both 1.75" at the nut. I'm not a DADGAD player and really don't mess with alternate tunings on acoustic at all. I've done some Drop D fingerpicking on it, and the low E can handle being dropped to a D, but I'm not sure if some of the lighter strings would be as adaptable to that sort of thing. It was the only acoustic I had for a while and I love it, but I recently got an Alvarez with a 24.9" scale and now that 24" on the X7 feels REALLY little. I love it for everything I do other than capo-ing above about the third fret, but I have to get used to it again after I've been playing the Alvarez.