Alistair's secrete

I finally figured out the basis of Alistair's genius--he listens. Big-time makers use big-time players to tout their instruments--Alistair listens to players and adapts to what is needed. He knows what we like. Clever fellow, he is.

[jonfields45]

se·crete1
səˈkrēt/Submit
verb
(of a cell, gland, or organ) produce and discharge (a substance).
"insulin is secreted in response to rising levels of glucose in the blood"
synonyms: produce, discharge, emit, excrete, release, send out
"a substance secreted by the prostate gland"

I suppose there are more than a few things about Alistair I don't need to know...

[ceciltguitar]

Earlier today, before reading this thread, I had this thought:

Alistair's approach is to create a buffet where each player can have exactly what they want.

Every other luthier's approach is to create an item or items on a menu. There may be choices, but nothing approaching the degree to which Alistair allows players to create their own specifications.

[Captain Jim]

Well, I did ask for some of that "Irish mojo" on my X10 build... what was the question?

Jon;
Darn spell check just doesn't always do me right.

Jim;

Has your level of glucose been increasing? That is the question.

[Captain Jim]

Originally Posted by EvanB

Jon;
Darn spell check just doesn't always do me right.

Jim;

Has your level of glucose been increasing? That is the question.

'Cause I'm so darn sweet?

[Gitaman]

Evan the zanman,

Thanks for sharing Alstair's serete with us!

Thank you Git. It was sort of personal, but this is a somewhat personal forum. Imagine my surprise when I found I had a nephew on this forum! He too secretes Emerald mojo.

[Methos1979]

I think Alistair's evolving business model is genius. First, he departed from the 'norm' (center hole guitars) and came up with his own designs that we different yet still function and attractive in their own way. He could have stopped there but somewhere along the lines thought enough to add color options to the plain, black CF model. As if that was not enough he then added the wood veneers to really offer up some uniqueness and individual beauty to his guitars. Then he took yet another step further and decided to sell factory direct AND offer full customs!

I was an early owner of an Emerald cobalt blue X20. It was a fine guitar but I knew right away it was not destined to be a keeper. Didn't like the neck scale or shape, wasn't a fan of the electronics or the color. I remember saying to myself if they ever offer prettier guitars with the ability to customize certain features I could see myself jumping on one of those.

Then I saw the amber color - oh, that's NICE! Then I saw a cocobolo wood over amber - OH MY! Still not a fan of the neck scale and carve. I'll drop a line to inquire, can't hurt, right? "Why, sure, Mr. Martin! We absolutely CAN make you an cocobolo over amber X20 woody custom in a short scale with a custom neck carve and your favorite K&K pickup system. Game, set, match, Emerald.

[kramster]

Originally Posted by Methos1979

Then I saw the amber color - oh, that's NICE! Then I saw a cocobolo wood over amber - OH MY! Still not a fan of the neck scale and carve. I'll drop a line to inquire, can't hurt, right? "Why, sure, Mr. Martin! We absolutely CAN make you an cocobolo over amber X20 woody custom in a short scale with a custom neck carve and your favorite K&K pickup system. Game, set, match, Emerald.

Not much to ask at all

[Captain Jim]

I have been good with my two "stock size/scale" Emeralds. When I bought the Select Series X20 with the louro preto veneer, I had been considering ordering an X20 with a veneer and a shorter scale neck. With the X10 that is waiting to get shipped (when we get home), I planned for it to be a "work-horse": red color, Crystal Ice B&S, no veneer, shorter scale neck (24.6"), 13-fret, and the level 2 pickups. This model is supposed to have a thinner, "faster" neck, so I didn't make any changes from that on the profile. I'll know better when I have it in my hands, but apparently "you can get anything you want" at Alistair's resta..." well, you know.

Since I am waiting to get this one shipped, Kevin offered to send me a photo. 4 days ago. I'm still waiting. I'm getting pretty good at this waiting stuff.

[Methos1979]

Originally Posted by kramster

Not much to ask at all

Tell that to:

Rainsong
Blackbird
Journey
McPherson
Composite Acoustics
Klos
Martin
Ovation
Peavey

Did I forget anyone?

[kramster]

Originally Posted by Methos1979

Tell that to:

Rainsong
Blackbird
Journey
McPherson
Composite Acoustics
Klos
Martin
Ovation
Peavey

Did I forget anyone?

Well yes...yes you did... a certain German CF guitar maker

[Acousticado]

Originally Posted by kramster

Well yes...yes you did... a certain German CF guitar maker

Yep, starts with an “L”.

[kramster]

Originally Posted by Acousticado

Yep, starts with an “L”.

Ends with not an "L".