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  #1  
Old 12-15-2015, 04:58 PM
SpruceTop SpruceTop is offline
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Default Feel Of The Emerald X-20 Artisan Series Neck Profile?

I'm contemplating ordering an Emerald X-20 Artist Series model in Transparent Emerald Green (gorgeous color) from Alistair. My question for current-model Emerald X-20 owners is:

How does the latest Emerald X-20 Artisan neck profile compare in feel to a RainSong WS1000N1, RainSong WS1000N2, and a Taylor 814ce?

Thanks!
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Old 12-15-2015, 05:40 PM
codecontra codecontra is offline
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I own 2 X20's. I live in western Massachusetts. If you find yourself in the state let me know and you can test drive them. I find the neck to be similar to my Les Paul Studio. It's a little wide and very comfortable. I haven't played Rainsongs and it's been awhile since I played a Taylor. I own a couple Larrivees and there is not much difference jumping back and forth between the X20's and Larrivees. The X20 neck feels a tad thicker and wider, but not at all in a bad way. Again very comfortable.

On a side note, I owned a Composite Acoustics in the past. The Emerald is in an entirely different class. It's an amazing instrument and the price is a bargain for a hand made instrument from Ireland of this caliber.
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  #3  
Old 12-15-2015, 07:17 PM
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Acousticado Acousticado is offline
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I really like the Taylor neck, I own an 814ce. I really like the necks on my Emerald Chimaera 6/12 doubleneck, the 12 being slightly wider. I have never played a RainSong to compare to those, but the Emerald neck I experience isn't very far from the Taylor. Very easy/no transition.
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Old 12-15-2015, 09:45 PM
Doubleneck Doubleneck is offline
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Similar thought to Tom above. I have the Doubleneck as well, have played a X20. I have always described the Emerald neck as "normal" and that's a good thing. I have owned two Rainsong N2's and a N1, the Emerald would be closer to the N1.
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Old 12-16-2015, 03:19 PM
SpruceTop SpruceTop is offline
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Thanks Everyone For Your Comments! It looks like an Emerald X-20 would work well for me!
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Old 12-16-2015, 04:09 PM
codecontra codecontra is offline
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You will love it. There may be a wait to get one made just FYI.
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Old 12-16-2015, 06:05 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by codecontra View Post
You will love it. There may be a wait to get one made just FYI.
Alistair just quoted me 4 months.
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Old 12-16-2015, 07:06 PM
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Alistair started by recognizing that Parker probably had the best neck in the business, and for a brief while he used Parker necks. But then, with Parker as the neck to best, he designed his own neck. I believe that he has produced an acoustic neck that plays like an electric. His necks are part of the reason I keep coming back to the well, for new Emerald innovations. The X20 is an incredible instrument and reflects a lot of thought and experimentation.
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Old 12-19-2015, 04:46 PM
sam.spoons sam.spoons is offline
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I think I disagree, I have an X7 Artisan and, while I love it, I find the neck is slightly bigger (wider and more a D shape than my preferred C shape) than I would have had if I could have afforded the time and money to have a custom build. I think it's a bit bigger than a Taylor neck (and I'll take it into my local Taylor dealer as soon as I get the chance and compare them, will report back if I do). I'm very happy with the guitar and it's many qualities far outweigh the less than perfect (for me) neck but a lottery win will have me ordering a custom X7 with a slimmer neck and 25.5" scale (and a K&K pickup without the barn door). It will still be black though .
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Old 12-20-2015, 08:59 AM
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I'd call it a C shape, fairly full (though normal for acoustic). Rainsong is more of a U shape, definitely full. Both comfortable imo, but I've never been very particular about neck shape (scale length and action are far more important to me...kind of surprised about the obsession with neck profiles ).
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  #11  
Old 12-20-2015, 09:14 AM
Doubleneck Doubleneck is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tommyld View Post
I'd call it a C shape, fairly full (though normal for acoustic). Rainsong is more of a U shape, definitely full. Both comfortable imo, but I've never been very particular about neck shape (scale length and action are far more important to me...kind of surprised about the obsession with neck profiles ).
I agree except I'm not surprised by my obsessions.
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Last edited by Doubleneck; 12-20-2015 at 09:21 AM.
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  #12  
Old 12-22-2015, 12:49 PM
sam.spoons sam.spoons is offline
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It's what feels good to me rather than an obsession but as it's the one crucial contact point with the guitar I'd say it's very important it suits you. My favourite necks are my Les Paul, my two Eastwoods and my P90 Strat (which has, for me, the best neck I've ever played). The Eastwood acoustic has a neck profile very similar to the Les Paul (by design). They are all definitely C shaped and, in comparison, the X7 has a flatter back and bigger shoulders making it what I would call a D shape. It's distinctly chunkier than the others too and I find it harder to get my thumb over when necessary.

I still love the guitar though .
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Brian Eastwood Custom Acoustic (1981)
Rob Aylward 'Petit Bouche' Selmer Style (2010)
Emerald X7 OS Artisan (2014)
Mountain D45 (mid '80s)
Brian Eastwood ES175/L5
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Brian Eastwood '61 Strat
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The Loar F5 Mandolin,
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  #13  
Old 12-22-2015, 02:13 PM
Doubleneck Doubleneck is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sam.spoons View Post
It's what feels good to me rather than an obsession but as it's the one crucial contact point with the guitar I'd say it's very important it suits you. My favourite necks are my Les Paul, my two Eastwoods and my P90 Strat (which has, for me, the best neck I've ever played). The Eastwood acoustic has a neck profile very similar to the Les Paul (by design). They are all definitely C shaped and, in comparison, the X7 has a flatter back and bigger shoulders making it what I would call a D shape. It's distinctly chunkier than the others too and I find it harder to get my thumb over when necessary.

I still love the guitar though .
Your comparing fast slim neck electrics to acoustics. Nothing wrong with that but I think by "acoustic" standards my Doubleneck 6 side is a normal C? My Les Paul much slimmer.
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  #14  
Old 12-22-2015, 06:43 PM
tommyld tommyld is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Doubleneck View Post
I agree except I'm not surprised by my obsessions.

BTW, my "obsession" comment wasn't aimed at anyone, or even at this thread...I've just noticed a lot of neck shape talk here (often about the N2).
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  #15  
Old 12-23-2015, 06:59 AM
Doubleneck Doubleneck is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tommyld View Post

BTW, my "obsession" comment wasn't aimed at anyone, or even at this thread...I've just noticed a lot of neck shape talk here (often about the N2).
No offense at all, but fully admit to my neck obsessions. Lol
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2020 McKnight Grand Recording - Cedar Top
2005 McKnight SS Dred
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2012 Emerald Acoustic Doubleneck
2012 Rainsong JM1000 Black Ice
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