#1
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Martin 000-18 vs. Emerald X-20 - singer/songwriter gigs
Hello all,
I'm a singer-songwriter who wants to purchase a higher end guitar for gigs. I've never tried an Emerald X-20, but am attracted to its "I can take this anywhere" quality, as well as its mystical design and sound. At the same time, I love the 18 series Martins and feel that it has the right tone to accompany my voice. I'd appreciate any comments you might like to share. Thank you!
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2019 Martin D-28 Standard 2017 Gibson J-45 Standard 2020 Eastman E8 OM 2019 Emerald X20ele 2020 Martin D-15M 2002 Taylor 714 2021 Iris DF 2005 Breedlove Revival OM M https://www.youtube.com/@revelrove Last edited by highvibrational; 02-18-2019 at 10:21 AM. |
#2
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There is a great deal of comfort in knowing that when you pull your guitar out of the case it will look and sound exactly like it did when you put it in, no matter how many miles you’ve traveled to get there. I have a Martin 000-15 custom that doesn’t leave the house and stays mostly in the case, and a Rainsong shorty and Emerald X7 that mostly get the nod when I’m going somewhere for just that reason.
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#3
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You cannot beat CF guitars for transportability. As an owner of both Wood and CF guitars you cannot beat wood guitars for tone. If you are playing plugged in a CF guitar is the best choice. If you are playing miked a wood guitar is superior but you must let it acclimate to the Venue prior to playing. You need to decide which one works better for you. My decision is both.
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Taylor V-Class 814ce, 717e BE WHB, 520ce, 454ce, 420 Cedar\Maple, T5z Classic Martin D18E Retro Cordoba C10 Crossover Emerald X20 Rainsong H-OM1000N2 Voyage-Air VAD-04 Custom Les Paul Hot Rod Deville 410, Fishman Loudbox Performer |
#4
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Personally, I go with a X20 and NEVER look back.
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2001 Goodall RGCC 2004 Goodall RPC-14 2022 Emerald X20 Hyvibe 2021 Emerald X7 Select 2020 Emerald X10 Woody Select 3-way 2016 Emerald X20 Artisan 2002 Gibson J185EC JJ Cale 2009 Gibson EC-20 1974 Alvarez Dreadnought 2013 Woody Tahitian hybrid Uke 2008 Zager 3/4 Size Some camp fire guitars, classical's, & electric's |
#5
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I own both the guitars you talk about and play out regularly. I just added a second custom Emerald (an X7, this time) and so one of the guitars has to go as I'm a two-guitar guy. After careful A/B/C'ing between the three guitars, the Martin is being sold. Actually, it's all but sold. Probably ship it off on Tuesday to it's new home. It's a beautiful guitar and I'll miss it but in all honesty and in every measurable way it can't hold a candle to the X20 as a gigging guitar. Period.
I should clarify the above statement: I'm talking about amplified gigs. If I was just playing acoustic the contest would have been much closer. But the X20 amplifies much better and when you add in all the other bonuses of carbon fiber, the decision, while difficult, was obvious. At least for me. |
#6
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Totally get the ease of transporting and the indestructibility of them, but dang those are some ugly geetars! Yes, this is just my opinion, of course.
scott |
#7
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The Emerald X-20 will always be there for you regardless of weather changes and minor to moderate knocks.
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Martin HD-28 Sunburst/Trance M-VT Phantom Martin D-18/UltraTonic Adamas I 2087GT-8 Ovation Custom Legend LX Guild F-212XL STD Huss & Dalton TD-R Taylor 717e Taylor 618e Taylor 614ce Larrivee D-50M/HiFi Larrivee D-40R Blue Grass Special/HiFi Larrivee D-40R Sunburst Larrivee C-03R TE/Trance M-VT Phantom RainSong BI-DR1000N2 Emerald X20 Yamaha FGX5 Republic Duolian/Schatten NR-2 |
#8
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Thank you!
I think an X20 will round out my collection perfectly.
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2019 Martin D-28 Standard 2017 Gibson J-45 Standard 2020 Eastman E8 OM 2019 Emerald X20ele 2020 Martin D-15M 2002 Taylor 714 2021 Iris DF 2005 Breedlove Revival OM M https://www.youtube.com/@revelrove Last edited by highvibrational; 04-02-2019 at 12:54 PM. |
#9
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I may over-share this video, but if you'd like to hear a Martin HD28e and an Emerald X30 played side-by-side, you can see the link in my profile to Youtube. The X20 is closer to the Martin in sound; the X30 has more beef and punch. I haven't look at my Martin in almost a year now since I went CF.
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Emerald X30 Padauk Custom Emerald X20 Koa 1998 Gibson J200 Elite 1972 Martin D-28 McPherson Sable Breedlove Masterclass Taylor PS16ce Macassar |