NGD-Amicus

[RP]

Yes, this is my second Amicus. The first was an Amicus with a scratchy surface to which I couldn't relate. This one is also a plain Jane black one but with a gloss surface, no pickup and much more to my liking. Some may disagree, but I really like that this diminutive Emerald comes in a very nice gig bag rather than a hardshell case. I'm a big fan of substantial gig bags and Emerald's gig bag in particular. Let me tell you, these are really cool little instruments; and I'm really surprised that other guitar manufacturers haven't copied this concept. I'd previously likened it to the birth of my son in that it filled a gap in my life that didn't previously exist. I could definitely see creating a whole repertoire around this instrument because it creates a very cool and unique tone that could easily stand on its own...

[KevinH]

Very cool. Congrats on the new Amicus! Looks like it would be fun to play. And being even smaller and lighter than an X7, maybe a good travel instrument?

[RP]

Originally Posted by KevinH

Very cool. Congrats on the new Amicus!

Thanks

Originally Posted by KevinH

Looks like it would be fun to play.

Definitely.

Originally Posted by KevinH

And being even smaller and lighter than an X7, maybe a good travel instrument?

Should be. It's like a mandolin on which one uses guitar chords...

[kramster]

Nice buy!! Like the original “road trip” one that was sent around .

[Captain Jim]

That Amicus looks like fun! Congrats!

[David Eastwood]

Here’s Al Petteway wailing away on one, which appears to be tuned to DADGAD (or, more likely, CGCFGC)

[RP]

Originally Posted by David Eastwood

Here’s Al Petteway wailing away on one, which appears to be tuned to DADGAD (or, more likely, CGCFGC)

That gives me something to shoot for...

[esimms86]

Originally Posted by RP

That gives me something to shoot for...

To be able to play like Al Pettaway is something that most of us would love to shoot for.

What did you mean by a “scratchy surface”?

[esimms86]

Originally Posted by RP

That gives me something to shoot for...

To be able to play like Al Pettaway is something that most of us would love to shoot for.

What did you mean by a “scratchy surface”? Was that a much earlier version of the Amicus?

[RP]

Originally Posted by esimms86

To be able to play like Al Pettaway is something that most of us would love to shoot for.

What did you mean by a “scratchy surface”? Was that a much earlier version of the Amicus?

I believe it was part of the Opus series...

Originally Posted by Acousticado

The playability and tone of both series in their base/standard configuration will be the same.

Artisan series is all gloss carbon fiber weave, with numerous custom options such as a selection of vibrant colours, various wood top veneers, custom scale lengths and neck widths (this is where playability can change where Emerald can work with the client to help get exactly what they want), various electronics, etc. There is a wait time of several months upon order.

The Opus series is all black/grey carbon fiber weave with gloss top and 'crystal ice' finish on the back and sides (slightly pebbly). I believe electronics are not included, but can be added as the only option. I further believe Emerald produces Opus guitars to always have an inventory available with virtually no wait for those willing to forego the features of the Artisan series in what are still every bit as good as the Artisans in the base configuration.

[Captain Jim]

Originally Posted by esimms86

To be able to play like Al Pettaway is something that most of us would love to shoot for.

What did you mean by a “scratchy surface”? Was that a much earlier version of the Amicus?

The Opus series of Emerald instruments had their "Crystal Ice" finish on the back and sides; it was a satin textured finish. I like that finish enough that I ordered it on the back and sides of the X10 I ordered, long after Emerald had discontinued their Opus series. It isn't the sandpaper feel that some makers use, but feels more like a small pebble texture to me. It adds just enough grip that the guitar doesn't slip on your leg, but you don't hear it as it rubs against your clothes.

[steelvibe]

Nice Amicus RP. Cool vibe with these little instruments for sure. I think they would fit right in with a bluegrassy type of thing.

Originally Posted by Captain Jim

The Opus series of Emerald instruments had their "Crystal Ice" finish on the back and sides; it was a satin textured finish. I like that finish enough that I ordered it on the back and sides of the X10 I ordered, long after Emerald had discontinued their Opus series. It isn't the sandpaper feel that some makers use, but feels more like a small pebble texture to me. It adds just enough grip that the guitar doesn't slip on your leg, but you don't hear it as it rubs against your clothes.

Wish they would still offer it because I also think it looks great. For CF guitars I think it makes sense to have the back and sides like that. The McPherson jobs truly do feel like sand paper though and I'm not sure I'm a fan of that (heard it is very expensive paint).

[RP]

Originally Posted by steelvibe

Nice Amicus RP. Cool vibe with these little instruments for sure. I think they would fit right in with a bluegrassy type of thing...

Most definitely....

[Captain Jim]

Originally Posted by steelvibe

Wish they would still offer it because I also think it looks great. For CF guitars I think it makes sense to have the back and sides like that. The McPherson jobs truly do feel like sand paper though and I'm not sure I'm a fan of that (heard it is very expensive paint).

If it isn't on their "3D Guitar Builder" site, it couldn't hurt to contact them direct and ask if you can still get the "Crystal Ice" back and sides. When I requested it, it was a no-cost change... and since it was originally on the Opus line, I assumed it was less expensive for them to produce compared to the standard gloss.