#16
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Just the facts...
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Emerald X20 Emerald X20-12 Martin D18 Martin 000-15sm |
#17
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No exclamation point? We look forward to hearing about it... and photos, of course.
Congrats!
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Some CF, some wood. |
#18
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OK, it's here despite the best efforts of UPS (an ugly story that I am still too angry to type about rationally). I opened the box with a video recording running to verify that there was no shipping damage. There wasn't. I hope to play it for the first time tonight, but meanwhile duty calls. Dang work!!
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#19
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Quote:
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Some CF, some wood. |
#20
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The first thing I need to do is rest a bit - what a stressful week!! I swear that another week like the past two and I would close my engineering business down and retire immediately! (If I could still drink, I'd be hammered by now). Then later tonight or tomorrow I will play it quite a bit.
I want to put fresh identical strings on the old X20 for comparison purposes. I think they came with D'Addarrio EXP-16's, right? I did not see a tag in the new case. I have EJ-16's on hand, but would like to match the OEM strings for the face-off. It is too late in the day to ask Emerald, so if anyone knows...... |
#21
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Earl, I know your older X20 came with EJ16’s when it was new...not sure what they are using these days. Looking forward to your thoughts on the two X20’s, and pics of course
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Dave McPherson Sable, Blackbird Lucky 13, Rainsong OM1000. Various wood, mostly Taylors |
#22
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Thanks Dave. I got an email response overnight from Davy at Emerald, and the answer is: D’Addario EXP11 .012 - 0.53. I know that there are none of those in my string box. I will swing by my local store after lunch and pick up a set. The goal is to have an even basis of comparison before saying anything about tone from new to older versions.
Pics are just not going to happen (sorry) but we all know what an X20 looks like. I may email you a couple since we regularly communicate privately. The only thing custom on mine is shorter scale and no electronics - nothing visible. There were originally a couple of other custom features on my list but the re-design of the X20 negated the need for those. This morning still more "life" is getting in my way, which is why I'm on the computer on a Saturday. I picked it up from my UPS store / mailbox yesterday after lunch, and still have not been able to play it yet. |
#23
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Sadly, it's become increasingly difficult for folks to put a limit on their "work from home" hours during the pandemic. I'm certain, however, that it'll be well worth the wait when you finally get around to enjoy your new X20. I will be curious to hear your observations on the pinless bridge after changing strings.
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#24
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Al, did you get hit with "duty, taxes, and brokerage fees" from UPS? I did and had to make a special trip to the bank to get a cashier's check before they would attempt delivery again the next day (Friday). They refused cash and credit card, and would only accept a cashier's check or a postal money order for the exact amount. Of course, I learned all of this after a failed delivery attempt -- no advanced warning at all. Let me emphasize that this is in no way a reflection on Emerald - it is all UPS. The only positive thing I can say is that the guitar and case arrived undamaged. And the mug too.
Honestly I've had two really sucky work weeks in a row and desperately needed a bright spot, but thanks for nuthin' UPS. There were no tracking info updates after Sligo, Ireland and the package showed up without further notice or instructions. There is not supposed to be duty on items between Ireland and the US. So I get to spend my Monday morning fighting with UPS trying to get my improperly extorted funds back. Don't ask me how I really feel.... it is unprintable on the forum. Did I say grrrr....? |
#25
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I likely won't be changing strings any time soon, although I can say the EXP11 80/20's that came on it are not my cup of tea -- too bright and harsh. I had planned to get another set of those for my current older X20, but now that seems like a waste. For direct comparison I may soon swap out both guitars with EJ-16's in PB, my preferred string overall. The pinless bridge looks really nice (I'm a fan of pinless bridges in general) but until I actually try a string change there can be no further comment. A full report on the new guitar will be on hold until we've had some time to bond. So far so good after playing for 90 minutes last night in a mix of bare nails finger style and moderate strumming. |
#26
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Earl;
This too will pass. And there are some pretty good ups in your story--everything came OK and you've been working enough to cover the UPS extortion. |
#27
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Something about Arizonans I think, we are just meant to have easy access to carbon fiber intstruments. |
#28
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More deliver love
Thursday I Arrived home, was on late Webex conference, my Mrs was panicked withe the house filling with smoke...and my guitar was supposedly delivered to a residence. WebEx ended, no burning house (sewer test in neighborhood) no guitar with my neighbors. Arrived Friday the 6th. Good thing my wife arrived home at 12. The ups guy dropped the box off, rang and walked back to his truck. My baby could have been there all afternoon.
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#29
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I am currently disputing the extra fee with UPS and some of the early emails seem promising. I will believe it - and report back - when the refund check actually arrives. My tactical approach has been that "....someone made a clerical error...." rather than casting blame or exposing my true feelings. I have also pointed out repeatedly that other guitars in the same outgoing batch arrived to various states in the US without duty fees. There are now about eight UPS clearance specialists on the email string. Honestly the $79 is not that big of a deal. It is the principle of the matter and the unexpected complication and delay that happened during a really bad week, just when a bright spot was especially needed. |
#30
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Earl;
I'm glad you're fighting the battle; the principle involved is important for all of us. It is exhausting, but you've taken a gentle approach, clerical error, and hopefully you'll get the situation resolved. Besides, $79 can buy a lot of strings. |