Questions about cargo and 2018 new X7

[Mark L]

I currently enjoy CA, Rainsong and Emerald CF instruments, and I am fortunate to have acquired each one.

The Cargo has a lot going for it. Construction, tone and playability all receive high marks. My favorite thing about it though is the intimate size and 24” scale length on a verynice neck profile. This really opens up my creativity and imagination. Also, working up a new tune (eg jazz) is very nice on the fingers.

A lot to like on the Cargo.

[Earl49]

It would be nice if the Cargo had a 24" scale length. It is actually a rather short 22.75" instead. That alone makes the X7 much easier on these big paws, and easier to jump between guitars.

[jonfields45]

I've lobbied the original CA and Peavey to make a 12 fret to the body Cargo which would bring the scale length closer to 25" and not require new tooling for the back/sides and back of neck. Not much luck so far...

Good for you Jon. This forum may be the best focus group the cf makers have.

[121]

I do not own a Cargo but a couple of local music stores carry it so when in those stores I usually give the Cargo a try.
I do own a 2016 X7 and prefer it over the Cargo because of the 24" vs 22.75" scale length. IMHO the the X7 has better string balance and sounds better to me than the Cargo, but that's just my opinion, I'm sure many others like the Cargo better.
I had the opportunity to try a 2018 X7 for a few days.
It does have a fuller sound compared to my 2016 X7. I also liked the newly designed cut away on the new X7. This no neck heel cutaway is a huge improvement. I also like the new sound hole design on the 2018 X7, more sound is directed to the player.
I do most of my guitar playing seated on my couch and for playing comfort, I still prefer the small body sized 2016 X7 over the larger body sized 2018 X7.
IMHO my 2016 X7 or the new 2018 X7 would be a better choice over the CA Cargo guitars I've tried in my local music store.

[Mark L]

Yes, 22.75” on the Cargo. I appreciate the correction. I do find this scale a different and enjoyable experience. Mark.

[albirw]

Originally Posted by 121

I do not own a Cargo but a couple of local music stores carry it so when in those stores I usually give the Cargo a try.
I do own a 2016 X7 and prefer it over the Cargo because of the 24" vs 22.75" scale length. IMHO the the X7 has better string balance and sounds better to me than the Cargo, but that's just my opinion, I'm sure many others like the Cargo better.
I had the opportunity to try a 2018 X7 for a few days.
It does have a fuller sound compared to my 2016 X7. I also liked the newly designed cut away on the new X7. This no neck heel cutaway is a huge improvement. I also like the new sound hole design on the 2018 X7, more sound is directed to the player.
I do most of my guitar playing seated on my couch and for playing comfort, I still prefer the small body sized 2016 X7 over the larger body sized 2018 X7.
IMHO my 2016 X7 or the new 2018 X7 would be a better choice over the CA Cargo guitars I've tried in my local music store.

Just wondering from your experience of playing both 2016 & 2018 x7s. Did you the neck profile of both quite similar or one slimmer or chuckier over the other? Thanks

[albirw]

Originally Posted by cqxiao

Thanks for all the suggestions. Really appreciated.

I actually got a response from Emerald with regarding the neck as below.

==
The Previous X7 wasn't really bulky but sometimes because the neck is shorter it just looks bigger in comparison to length. The new X7 is a little bit smaller in profile. Its a very comfortable neck. Im sure you will love it. I spent a lot of time getting the profile just right on this one.

it has a nut width of 1 3/4" 45mm with a shallow C shape.
==

Based on the response, I think I should be ok with the profile.

The biggest advantage with Cargo for me is that I can buy it from Guitar center locally and try it out to see if I like it or not.
I might just do that and if Cargo doesn't work out, I will just order a new X7 hoping for the best.

Hey Chong, which one did you end up getting?

[121]

Originally Posted by albirw

Just wondering from your experience of playing both 2016 & 2018 x7s. Did you the neck profile of both quite similar or one slimmer or chuckier over the other? Thanks

If there was any neck profile difference, I did not notice it.

[benderman57]

I've owned both and at the same time.

They are both great travel or as some say a couch guitars. I'm blown away with the sound that comes out of the Cargo. It's much more full with great low end for it's size. It's a little cramped especially when you go slapping on a capo.

The X7 (at least the older design) does not project as much low end but is a little more balanced overall with volume & tone. It does not feel near as small being the scale length is closer to normal. I bonded with it a little more but would not say it's a better guitar just different.

[cqxiao]

Albi, I haven't made my final decision yet.

The main thing holds me is the neck profile.

From the email I have with emerald, I was told 2018 X7 neck is slightly thinner than 2017 x7 but not much which makes me think they are very similar.

Based on the comments from other folks, the 2017 x7 neck profile is much fuller compared with Cargo's neck which I like.

Right now, I am between a Cargo or a custom 2018 X7 with narrow neck. Difficult decision.

[kramster]

Originally Posted by cqxiao

Albi, I haven't made my final decision yet.

The main thing holds me is the neck profile.

From the email I have with emerald, I was told 2018 X7 neck is slightly thinner than 2017 x7 but not much which makes me think they are very similar.

Based on the comments from other folks, the 2017 x7 neck profile is much fuller compared with Cargo's neck which I like.

Right now, I am between a Cargo or a custom 2018 X7 with narrow neck. Difficult decision.

Get both...you only live a couple times...easy sale either one if you hate one..like one slightly less .

[nuttyprof]

Why don't you get an x 10? The neck is supposed to be more like an electric neck.

[albirw]

Originally Posted by nuttyprof

Why don't you get an x 10? The neck is supposed to be more like an electric neck.

I guess he prefers shorter scale as compared to 25.5” offered by x10?

[kramster]

If you can get an X7 with the X10’s level 2 electronics .... that would be plugged in heaven for the smaller body short scale gigging gang...just a thought.