But how does it compare to wood?

[YamahaDave]

Originally Posted by David Eastwood

I used to own one of those. It had its own unique voice, but it still sounded nothing like my X20. It also sounded nothing like my Martin.

They, all three, sound like guitars to me - can we at least agree on that?

Of course; I just don’t think the x20 touches the Martin or Taylor. Not in the recording.

I mean no offence. I simply state my observations.

[David Eastwood]

Originally Posted by YamahaDave

Of course; I just don’t think the x20 touches the Martin or Taylor. Not in the recording.

I mean no offence. I simply state my observations.

No offense taken. I always get a little bristly when someone brings up the 'plastic' word, as very few people have ever seen or heard a plastic guitar, let alone played one - and, of course, carbon fibre is not plastic

I'd be interested to see if your opinion changed if you ever got a chance to play an X20. If you ever find yourself in my part of Minnesota, you'd be very welcome to try mine.

[RP]

Originally Posted by David Eastwood

...I always get a little bristly when someone brings up the 'plastic' word, as very few people have ever seen or heard a plastic guitar, let alone played one - and, of course, carbon fibre is not plastic

I used the "p-word" in the title tongue in cheek, but it was clearly a poor choice of words. FWIW I've changed the title of the thread...

[Methos1979]

Alex always does REALLY great reviews! Makes my meager efforts look so amateurish. As for sound, I'll echo what most said in that they all sound different but not necessarily 'bad'. I do think the X20 sounded the least impressive of the three. What really jumped out at me more than anything was just how great the Taylor sounded. I think the Taylor was far and away better than either the Emerald or the Martin. And I am SO not a Taylor guy!!

[YamahaDave]

Originally Posted by David Eastwood

No offense taken. I always get a little bristly when someone brings up the 'plastic' word, as very few people have ever seen or heard a plastic guitar, let alone played one - and, of course, carbon fibre is not plastic

I'd be interested to see if your opinion changed if you ever got a chance to play an X20. If you ever find yourself in my part of Minnesota, you'd be very welcome to try mine.

I am humbled by your warmth and hospitality.

[jdinco]

Originally Posted by Methos1979

I do think the X20 sounded the least impressive of the three. What really jumped out at me more than anything was just how great the Taylor sounded. I think the Taylor was far and away better than either the Emerald or the Martin. And I am SO not a Taylor guy!!

This.....I agree.

[TBman]

I listened with headphones and I found two things:

1. Worst pick I ever heard.

2. The recording quality wasn't that great.

We all know that a lot of a guitar's tone gets left behind when recorded and listened to online.

[Leekg]

I hear, from left to right: precise - shallow - CSNY.

[KevinH]

That was a really good review. Especially liked how he did the side by side comparison. I've never played a CF guitar, but find them interesting. And the appearance of the X20 was striking. Listening through headphones I too found the CF to sound a little thin compared to the others - or maybe a little muted? The Martin maybe had a little more sustain and harmonics. But they all sounded good - just different.

Thanks for posting...

[steelvibe]

Originally Posted by YamahaDave

Here you go...

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cuB2hprvfdc

Thanks for sharing. I've seen that before, tonefiend does a great review of Thomastik Infeld strings. I'm kind of shocked at how good that Maccaferri sounds. Still prefer CF tonally and really appreciate the modernization of the instrument via the material. I also had an Ovation, but as cool as that guitar was it is no match for anything I've played in the CF world.

A great player can make great music on anything. in the right hands anything sounds good- but you can't leave everything the truck of your car, worry-free on a freezing/hot day.

[ac]

Same reviewer.

X30 / Martin

[jdrnd]

Originally Posted by David Eastwood

I used to own one of those. It had its own unique voice, but it still sounded nothing like my X20. It also sounded nothing like my Martin.

They, all three, sound like guitars to me - can we at least agree on that?

I never found that You tube recordings were helpful in determining how a guitar sounds in person.

[YamahaDave]

Originally Posted by ac

Same reviewer.

X30 / Martin

For me, I can hear each string far more clearly on the Martin; though top end is a touch bright. The X30 sounds very homogeneous, and muffled.

[redi]

Some of the wood builders try to get the body and top as light as they can, albeit braced so it doesn't collapse.

I have to wonder if CF build could be constructed as thin or thinner, trading off some of the inherent structural integrity for resonance and tone. I'm sure Alistair has been down this road. I'd be interested in hearing an expert chime on on this.

All I know is my Emeralds seem nearly indestructible and built like tanks.

[ac]

Originally Posted by YamahaDave

For me, I can hear each string far more clearly on the Martin; though top end is a touch bright. The X30 sounds very homogeneous, and muffled.

I find even Youtube can be useful when the presenter uses the same mic and placement for comparison. It might not be entirely a perfect representative sound we hear from a guitar compared to hearing it in person, but the differences will be very close to equal for each guitar. Side by side, unlike a single guitar review, we get to compare and understand "reasonably" what to expect from each guitar in person, IMO.

As to how you personally hear each guitar and your preferences, it shows how very different each individual's hearing can be. For me, hearing them side by side like this, I would never consider the Martin over the Emerald--it wasn't even close. This surprised me. I'd take the X30 in a heartbeat.

Different strokes . . .