Emerald X30 Heavy Handed Strumming

[JMURRAY16]

Hello all -
Thanks for your time.
I am playing a bunch of songs recently that are more strumming oriented and the rhythm of these songs often have me strumming more aggressively than usual.
I like the attack and sound it is giving me - but my preferred small body guitars are a bit overwhelmed by it.

So, the search began for a Jumbo and I came across the X30.....

How would it handle this situation? Good for a heavy handed, aggressive strummer?

[RP]

Originally Posted by JMURRAY16

...How would it handle this situation? Good for a heavy handed, aggressive strummer?

I suppose so, but I find that it doesn't take much to get a really big sound out of my X30 so in a way it begs to be played with a lighter touch, if that makes sense....

[revj]

Originally Posted by RP

I suppose so, but I find that it doesn't take much to get a really big sound out of my X30 so in a way it begs to be played with a lighter touch, if that makes sense....

This just makes my mind blow up... I have heard this in multiple places about the x30. Why make a jumbo that is not made to strum hard? I strum hard too and I love so many things about the x30 but this is the main reason I have not bought one. Every video i see is finger plucked and soft and the one strumming one put out there by emerald sounds bad...so I pass...

[mot]

The X20 handles hard strumming really well too. I'd say scan the classifieds and take whichever one pops up first. If you hate it you'll only be out shipping cost.

[JMURRAY16]

Originally Posted by revj

This just makes my mind blow up... I have heard this in multiple places about the x30. Why make a jumbo that is not made to strum hard? I strum hard too and I love so many things about the x30 but this is the main reason I have not bought one. Every video i see is finger plucked and soft and the one strumming one put out there by emerald sounds bad...so I pass...

I am at least glad I am not the only one! I have been trying to find videos of heavier strumming on one and have not found one - I felt that a jumbo should handle it, but cannot find solid info on it.

I love the idea and design of the X30 - I just need someone to sell me on this part!

[RP]

Maybe I wasn't clear. The X30 handles heavy strumming just fine, but if the point of your heavy strumming is to make a loud sound and not just work out your frustrations, the X30 does not need to be strummed hard to make a loud sound. Look at it this way. You have a 1972 VW Beetle and a Corvette and your goal is to go fast. You don't have to press the Corvette's gas pedal very hard to go fast, but you'll have to be going downhill with a tailwind and push the accelerator of the Beetle to the floor to even simulate going fast...

l've found that my Emerald 7, 10, & 20 strummed just fine, with lots of projection without distortion. And, from what I've seen and heard, the 30 doesn't need a hard push to excel in projection. I can also see where an instrument might put out so much power that you would have a wall of sound that approached the level of noise.

[RP]

Originally Posted by EvanB

...And, from what I've seen and heard, the 30 doesn't need a hard push to excel in projection...

Exactly......................

[Goodallboy]

Originally Posted by JMURRAY16

I am at least glad I am not the only one! I have been trying to find videos of heavier strumming on one and have not found one - I felt that a jumbo should handle it, but cannot find solid info on it.

I love the idea and design of the X30 - I just need someone to sell me on this part!

I just acquired an X30 and you can read my thoughts in more detail if you care to.

I have a heavy hand when I want volume and the X30 delivers a big sound that rivals any dred I've ever played. Yet when it's time to back off and sing, it settles nicely, easily heard and well balanced.

I was looking for the same demo and couldn't find it when I had the X30 in my sights. I just relied on the Polecastro video, when he said this is one big powerful guitar. He wasn't kidding. He said one more thing that was true, and that was when he commented on how comfortable the guitar was to play. That part is pure design genius and it's more ergonomic than my Grand Auditorium.

Rest assured, this is a fine jumbo guitar!

[Goodallboy]

Originally Posted by EvanB

l've found that my Emerald 7, 10, & 20 strummed just fine, with lots of projection without distortion. And, from what I've seen and heard, the 30 doesn't need a hard push to excel in projection. I can also see where an instrument might put out so much power that you would have a wall of sound that approached the level of noise.

I can see where you might think that, but there's a "softness" to the X30's volume that I attribute (with no proof) to the carbon fiber. I've heard no distortion even when I dig in.

[martinngibson]

Anyone used an x30 in a bluegrass jam session, up against banjo and fiddle? If so , how did it fare?

[revj]

Originally Posted by martinngibson

Anyone used an x30 in a bluegrass jam session, up against banjo and fiddle? If so , how did it fare?

I would really like to hear answers to this. Great question.

[Earl49]

I use my X20 all the time in bluegrass and other jams and it does fine. But the X30 is a bit uncomfortable for my still recovering right shoulder (rotator cuff surgery last year) so I'm not inclined to take X30 and commit to a two-hour jam. I may have to try that soon, since we've recently started jamming outdoors again. I did use it to guide an outdoor ukulele jam - that beginner level group needs some rhythm leadership to stay on the beat.

My take is like several others, including Goodallboy. X30 produces plenty of power but you don't have to thrash it to get there. Trash away if you want - it can take it, especially with medium gauge strings.

[seannx]

My take is like several others, including Goodallboy. X30 produces plenty of power but you don't have to thrash it to get there. Trash away if you want - it can take it, especially with medium gauge strings.

That’s been my experience with my new X20. It’s surprisingly loud with medium strumming, and I’m getting used to playing with a lighter touch. It handles hard strumming just fine, but I’ve found it’s just not necessary.

[JMURRAY16]

Thank you all for the insight - and for people checking back in to clarify - it helped immensely and I think I may jump in and take a chance on one unplaced.

Thanks again!