Standing With an X30

[Mark Stone]

I'm about a week away from ordering my stock X30, but one more question: We know how comfortable they are while seated, but I stand when I gig and when I play in the Church band. With its size (especially the body depth @ 5-3/4") has anyone used the instrument standing for a set? What's your impression? Would I be better off with the X20? TIA -- Mark

p.s. The 17" lower bout doesn't bother me, I'm 6'5 and a J-200 I used to own fit me well.

[jcpharm]

i'll let you know after this sunday when i lead at my church with my new X30

[GuitarLuva]

Now that you mention it I can't remember the last time I played acoustic guitar standing up. I certainly have played both the X30 and X20 standing up cause I remember setting up a strap for each. I don't recall any comfort issues or other issues playing while standing, though I wouldn't have been standing for long. If you're used to a J-200 I doubt you will have any issues.

[Mark Stone]

Originally Posted by GuitarLuva

Now that you mention it I can't remember the last time I played acoustic guitar standing up. I certainly have played both the X30 and X20 standing up cause I remember setting up a strap for each. I don't recall any comfort issues or other issues playing while standing, though I wouldn't have been standing for long. If you're used to a J-200 I doubt you will have any issues.

Thanks for the feedback. I figure since you don't actually remember standing with the X30, yet know you did, it must be a non-issue. If it was an issue you would have remembered -

[Mark Stone]

Originally Posted by jcpharm

i'll let you know after this sunday when i lead at my church with my new X30

Cool! I'll be looking forward to the report!

[GuitarLuva]

Originally Posted by Mark Stone

If it was an issue you would have remembered -

Exactly this. I also remember chasing the kids around the house while playing the X30 without any issues. Very rarely do I stand and play and I also hardly ever have the strap on the guitar even while sitting. I'm used to bigger guitars and sounds like you are as well. The X20 for me is on the border of being too small. I have grown a little more accustomed to its size but I really do prefer the bigger size of the X30. Tonally though they're very different. I promised a demo comparing the 2 side by side a long time ago and still haven't found the time to do it.

[Mark Stone]

Originally Posted by GuitarLuva

Exactly this. I also remember chasing the kids around the house while playing the X30 without any issues. Very rarely do I stand and play and I also hardly ever have the strap on the guitar even while sitting. I'm used to bigger guitars and sounds like you are as well. The X20 for me is on the border of being too small. I have grown a little more accustomed to its size but I really do prefer the bigger size of the X30. Tonally though they're very different. I promised a demo comparing the 2 side by side a long time ago and still haven't found the time to do it.

The last two shipping videos from Emerald have a guitarist playing the instruments so it's easy to compare the 20 wif the 30, and I'm definitely going with the X30. I love the depth of bass, and I love the volume of the instrument while fingerpicking. Even if I have to sit from now on, I'll be getting the X30.

[String_Theory]

Have fun Mark! I can't put my new x30 down. I don't play standing, but I shift between both knees and no comfort issues whatsoever. I'm used to a J185 and the x30 is much more comfortable in both positions. I'm 5'9" 180lbs

[Puerto Player]

Remember, X30's are 12 fret guitars to the neck, not 14 like an X20.

[Mark Stone]

Originally Posted by Puerto Player

Remember, X30's are 12 fret guitars to the neck, not 14 like an X20.

Thanks for the note - I'm up the neck frequently, but I never go past the D position at the 11th fret. There's a couple of cool E chord hybrids available at the 12th but I don't use those very much if at all. My Yairi is a 12 fret and it's never been an issue.

[Mark Stone]

Originally Posted by String_Theory

Have fun Mark!

I will! I'll probably not put mine down either. My local luthier is ready in case the action needs some adjustments.

I can't put my new x30 down. I don't play standing, but I shift between both knees and no comfort issues whatsoever. I'm used to a J185 and the x30 is much more comfortable in both positions. I'm 5'9" 180lbs

So you're another "Gibson-to-Emerald" person. I won't feel so alone lol - my local wooden-guitar friends are frowning that I'm going CF on them

[Captain Jim]

Originally Posted by Mark Stone

So you're another "Gibson-to-Emerald" person. I won't feel so alone lol - my local wooden-guitar friends are frowning that I'm going CF on them

More likely, the wood guitar guys are "curious." It's not like you're switching to the banjo.

[philjs]

Originally Posted by Mark Stone

Thanks for the note - I'm up the neck frequently, but I never go past the D position at the 11th fret. There's a couple of cool E chord hybrids available at the 12th but I don't use those very much if at all. My Yairi is a 12 fret and it's never been an issue.

Mark, with the DEEP cutaway of an X30 calling it a 12-fret guitar is just wrong...the neck looks to be easily accessible right to 16 or even 18!



Phil

[byudzai]

I've played my X30 standing up tons. Super comfortable!

[GuitarDoc]

If I do a gig, I tote one of the four wooden stools. It melts into your body sitting down. Played standing for a cousins reunion last year and had zip problemos. And I’m 5’5” stubby fingers, keg (as opposed to a six pack) abdomen.