Enya X4 Pro AcousticPlus - Part 1 Returned Guitar

[SpruceTop]

I received one yesterday, and aside from a slight rear bridge lift that really bothers me (I can slide a piece of printer paper up to 1/4 inch under part of the bridge), this sounds really good acoustically and plugged in. The pickup system is a combination UST and Mic, and with or without TransAcoustic-like effects rendered acoustically only or when plugged in for sound reinforcement, the system sounds good. The system uses an onboard rechargeable battery for power. This guitar would be a percussion player's delight with the Mic mixed in to taste! It's approximately Auditorium size and sounds full. Except for the slight bridge lift, it seems like a well-made carbon guitar for $899.99 including a decent hardshell case. I'm returning it for a refund but may order another one right away and hope it's "perfect." More to come ...

More on the Enya X4 Pro AcouticPlus

[KevinH]

Thanks for posting. Looks to be roughly the size of the X-20, yes? How does the sound compare?

[SpruceTop]

Originally Posted by KevinH

Thanks for posting. Looks to be roughly the size of the X-20, yes? How does the sound compare?

Hi Kevin: The Emerald X20 sounds richer. The Enya is brighter. Make no mistake about it: The Enya X4 Pro AcousticPlus isn't any slouch but please think of it as the $300 Hong Kong Suit that looks like a $3000 American-made suit to most folks but isn't, but there's still a great deal of quality in the product. I would have no problem taking the Enya into a bar gig and getting things that need doing, done!

The Enya neck width feels more comfortable to me than my Emerald X20.

Although both guitars are similar in bass-bout width and end-pin depth, the Emerald overall has more depth toward the body's neck region than the Enya. Both guitars feel comfortable to play.

The Enya reminds me of a cross between a Composite Acoustic (its construction materials and coloration, especially the CA RAW models), and a RainSong guitar (how about that soundhole, ay?). Only the Enya's top is carbon fiber with the remainder of the guitar being composites.

The Enya is slightly heavier than the Emerald X20.

Even with the Enya's effects dialed out of the mix, I think its acoustic-electric system sounds better than the Emerald's LR Baggs Element VTC.

The Enya is Chinese-made whereas the Emerald X20 has that ethereal cachet and mystique of being crafted amongst the mists of Ireland as are Lowden, McIlroy, and Avalon.

To summarize: If a player gets an Enya X4 Pro AcousticPlus that is made as it should be made, they're getting good quality and a good value guitar ready for the road and the weather elements. This guitar would be a perfect introduction to all-solid-wood guitar purists who may have thought of exploring the carbon guitar world without having to fork over $3000 or more to do so!

I hope the above helps?

More to come ...

[KevinH]

Originally Posted by SpruceTop

...I hope the above helps?...

Very much. Thanks!

[SpruceTop]

Ooops, I Almost Forgot! The Enya X4 Pro AcousticPlus comes with Gotoh 510 21:1 Gold tuners! Okay, okay, maybe they're only knockoffs but they tune real good, Y'all!

[jricc]

Well congrats Sprucetop! Thanks for the review, the Enya looks and sounds like a solid buy. Glad you are digging it!

[SpruceTop]

Originally Posted by jricc

Well congrats Sprucetop! Thanks for the review, the Enya looks and sounds like a solid buy. Glad you are digging it!

Well, because of the slight bridge lift at the rear of the bridge, which upon further inspection appears like a lack of adhesive was applied to the rear bottom of the bridge, I'm returning the Enya. I may order another one soon. The nice thing is I could order and return this model of guitar until I'd get a "proper" one because of a free one-month Amazon Prime trial which gives a buyer free 2-day shipping. The Amazon return process for defective items is quick and simple!

Prior to repacking the guitar for its return, I looked inside the guitar with a light and mirror, and I'll answer any questions anyone may have about the Enya Pro 4 AcousticPlus--I'm really impressed with its overall construction and tone for a paltry $899.99! More to come ...

[David Eastwood]

Originally Posted by SpruceTop

Prior to repacking the guitar for its return, I looked inside the guitar with a light and mirror, and I'll answer any questions anyone may have about the Enya Pro 4 AcousticPlus--I'm really impressed with its overall construction and tone for a paltry $899.99! More to come ...

I look forward to hearing more. It sounds like Enya has hit a really good price/quality point (despite the issue with the bridge on yours).

[jdinco]

Thanks Spruce Top, nice review, I'm impressed that they ship it in a Martin case.

[jricc]

Originally Posted by SpruceTop

Well, because of the slight bridge lift at the rear of the bridge, which upon further inspection appears like a lack of adhesive was applied to the rear bottom of the bridge, I'm returning the Enya. I may order another one soon. The nice thing is I could order and return this model of guitar until I'd get a "proper" one because of a free one-month Amazon Prime trial which gives a buyer free 2-day shipping. The Amazon return process for defective items is quick and simple!

Prior to repacking the guitar for its return, I looked inside the guitar with a light and mirror, and I'll answer any questions anyone may have about the Enya Pro 4 AcousticPlus--I'm really impressed with its overall construction and tone for a paltry $899.99! More to come ...

Well it's good you are able to return so easily, Amazon is really good for that. Keep us apprised.

[SpruceTop]

Being that I was favorably impressed overall with my initial purchase, I just ordered another Enya X4 Pro AcousticPlus that'll be here around Thursday. A just-released optional model of this guitar now features the actual *TransAcoustic system for $100 more. The regular AcousticPlus system sounds good to me, and after owning a Yamaha LL-TA TransAcoutic, likely the Enya X4 Pro with the AcousticPlus system is a bit lighter in weight than it would be with the TranaAcoustic system option. I remember the TransAcoustic actuator assembly in my Yamaha as being a pretty substantial-looking piece of hardware. More to come ...

*TransAcoustic - Is this a product licensed for use from a standalone manufacturer. I always thought it was a Yamaha product development. Maybe it is and Yamaha now licenses it to any maker who wants to use this technology in their guitars.

[SpruceTop]

I just received my new Enya X4 Pro AcousticPlus to replace the one I sent back last week for its lack of adhesive at the central rear bridge/top interface. This new one is perfect in every way. More to come in a separate Enya X4 Pro AcousticPlus thread.

[jricc]

Originally Posted by SpruceTop

I just received my new Enya X4 Pro AcousticPlus to replace the one I sent back last week for its lack of adhesive at the central rear bridge/top interface. This new one is perfect in every way. More to come in a separate Enya X4 Pro AcousticPlus thread.

Look forward to your thoughts SpruceTop!

[KevinH]

Nice that they got it right this time!

[SpruceTop]

Originally Posted by KevinH

Nice that they got it right this time!

Thanks, Kevin, more to come in Part 2.