#1
|
|||
|
|||
Emerald X10 Graphtech adjustable saddles
Warning! Browsing the Emerald website can be addictive. I have only just ordered my X7 nylon and already I am drooling over the new X10.
It looks like the X10 aims to be a crossover for electric guitar players. Three pickup options, including a humbucker, smaller nut width, compound radius and... adjustable saddles! As an electric player myself I am used to easy bridge adjustments, which acoustic guitars mostly lack. I am aware of the reason: the vibration energy of the string must be transferred to the sound board in the most direct way possible. But what about conventional under saddle piezo pickups. Do they not defy that purpose? So what Graphtech does with 6 individual piezo saddles is not that different IMO. Would it affect the acoustic tone any more than a conventional piezo pickup already does? And if not, why the @#$% did I have to mess about with sandpaper if I wanted to adjust a bridge of my acoustics all of these years? Anyway, now that Emerald has the option of adjustable saddles readily available: Can they be fitted on other models than the X10 as a custom order?
__________________
Emerald X30 Emerald X20 Nylon Emerald X7 Nylon Rainsong Smokey SMH Outdoor Guitalele Taylor 522e 12-fret ✝ Gitane DG-560 nylon ✝ Alhambra 3C CW Eastman AR910CE Recording King RM-991 tricone resonator Recording King RK-G25 6-string banjo Thomann Irish Bouzouki M1089 |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
Anxious to see some of these get out there so we can discover more about the sound and capabilities. |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
With Emerald customization I'm not sure anything is built-in. I had a discussion with Alistair about X10 saddles. He said the individual saddles are default without electronics, but if you seek optimum acoustic-only tone go with single saddle (at no extra cost). |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
Sounds like the single saddle might be the better option for the K&K mini pick-ups than the Graphtech adjustable saddles would be.
__________________
Emerald 2016 X7 2017 X20 2018 X30 And four all laminate wood acoustic guitars |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
I am excited about the design of this guitar. Seems to me that the pickup options will allow for a great range of tones. Since the new X7 and the X10 are quite similar in body size, it would make sense to me (opinion) to go with the X7 (or X20) for acoustic only... or even with a plan to install a K&K or stock pickup. When Alistair announced this guitar, I spent quite a bit of time with my Taylor T5 (1 11/16" nut width), proving to myself that that neck width still works fine for me. The T5 has been a misunderstood guitar (still one of my favorite wood guitars), with some acoustic-sounding options, but firmly planted in the electric camp. I see the X10 being similar in terms of straddling that divide, but definitely favoring the acoustic side (again, opinion only, since I haven't seen one beyond that Emerald introduction video). I saw that humbucking pickup on that Emerald video and started drooling at the possibilities. Probably not the guitar for an acoustic "purist," but there are more than a few folks out there who have that (mistaken) idea about any CF guitar. It's a great time to be a CF fan. |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
That X- 10 sure seems like a fine idea.... if I had an idea that is.
__________________
YUP.... Emerald: X-20, Center hole X-10 (Maple) and X-7 (redwood), Spalted Chen Chen X 10 level 3, CA: Early OX and Cargo McPherson: Early Kevin Michael Proto Some wood things by Epi, Harmony, Takamine, Good Time, PRS, Slick, Gypsy Music, keyboards, wind controllers.. etc |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
|
#8
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
It remains to be seen if that humbucking pickup on the X10 turns it into a great electric guitar. The specs, and Alistair's proven designs say it should be another great acoustic. To be able to blend the two... most interesting. I would think if Emerald was wanting to make an electric, it would be a thin-body like Evan's custom nylon. My take is: this new X10 will be something unique. Of course, this is all speculation until some of these X10s get into circulation. |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
__________________
Don't chase tone. Make tone. |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
I also noticed that, contrary to the Emerald single saddle, the individual saddles do not appear to be intonation compensated. A true electric guitar not only allows you to adjust the height of the saddles but also to move them back and forth in order to improve intonation. However, such a mechanism would introduce even more components to be placed between string and sound board, which would not benefit the pure acoustic tone. I guess fully adjustable saddles for acoustic guitars will remain a pipe dream for now.
__________________
Emerald X30 Emerald X20 Nylon Emerald X7 Nylon Rainsong Smokey SMH Outdoor Guitalele Taylor 522e 12-fret ✝ Gitane DG-560 nylon ✝ Alhambra 3C CW Eastman AR910CE Recording King RM-991 tricone resonator Recording King RK-G25 6-string banjo Thomann Irish Bouzouki M1089 |
#11
|
|||
|
|||
I wonder if the B string has been intonation compensated ?
On the nut side of the B string saddle it appears it has been ground down a little compared to the rest of the individual saddles,
__________________
Emerald 2016 X7 2017 X20 2018 X30 And four all laminate wood acoustic guitars |
#12
|
|||
|
|||
Not much of a break angle on the low E.
|
#13
|
|||
|
|||
It looks to me like the B string saddle might be rotated 180 degrees so the high side is towards the bottom of the guitar while the other high sides are towards the headstock.
Last edited by JimCA; 08-12-2018 at 10:55 AM. |
#14
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
Yes, I think you're right.
__________________
Emerald 2016 X7 2017 X20 2018 X30 And four all laminate wood acoustic guitars |
#15
|
|||
|
|||
Agreed. It also looks like the six saddle elements sit into a standard saddle groove routed in the bridge.
If different compensation were needed, it seems theoretically possible to file the correct ramp angle on each saddle. But I would want a few extra individual saddles laying around for when I messed that up. Preferably ones with no groove in the first place, if that is possible. |