X20 vs X30 Video -- Your Input Requested!

[byudzai]

Hey gang,

I'd like to do a deep-dive video comparing the X20 and the X30. I have thoughts of my own but I'd really value hearing from you guys what you've found -- or what you'd like to know -- that you think would be valuable to the Big Wide World of guitar shoppers out there, with regard to the faceoff between these two models.

Thank you!

[esimms86]

These are just my suggestions. Include or exclude as you prefer:

1)physical comfort/ergonomics, especially for different sized people
2)tonal balance
3)suitability for: strumming, fingerpicking, flatpicking
4)how well each one plays with others AND has a voice that stands out amongst other instrument voices in a jam setting
5)suitability for altered tunings
6)if the X30 is somewhat comparable to a D28 in sound, what is the X20 comparable to(e.g., a D18???)
7)neck feel/dimensions
8)pinned vs. pinless bridge
9)amplified sound if using the same pickup system through the same acoustic amp

Thanks!

[RP]

An X30 is an X20 on steroids....

[Earl49]

When auditioning a new guitar I have certain pieces that I play. Some are strummed, some boom-chuck flat picked, most fingerstyle. And I use certain tunes to test the bottom end. (John Fahey/Leo Kottke's "Last Steam Engine Train" is one example with its driving alternating bass in the key of E). So I suggest a variety. The idea of showing different sized people with each model also has merit, even if you have to draft some playing friends. Owning both, my take is that the X20 is a great all around-er and the X30 is a strumming / flatpicking cannon -- but a physical handful even with great ergonomics. At least that is how I use them.

I'm still on the factory EXP11 80/20 strings on the new pinless X20 but once I change to my preferred EJ-16 PB's I will have some comments there, as well as comparing tone. Too many other demands on my time and energy right now.

[DebbieE]

I'd love to hear some flatpicking, strumming, and fingerpicking on both guitars and compared to a Martin D-28 or D-18.

[kramster]

Be cool to see/hear,,, I'd do it but playing piano today

[jwellsy]

I forgot what the question is. The OP has an X30 and a D28.

[esimms86]

Alex, you may wish to consider an Emerald X20 vs McPherson Sable comparison video somewhere down the line. For people looking to own one multipurpose CF guitar I would consider those two to be leading candidates 🤔.

[ssjk]

this from the perspective of an owner of an X20 trying to figure out whether an X30 would be valuable to me.

Seems to me that the X20 is in the same rough space as an OM or 000, while the X30 would fill a spot in the Jumbo/Dread area. So my best comparison would not be between the X20 and X230 per se. Rather, I’d like to see how the each of them works in both of those spaces.

In the 000/OM space I’d look for single note clarity, consistency and balance across the strings, performance when using a capo especially up the neck, and ability to handle alternative tunings. Secondarily I’d look at ability to strum and flat pick.

In the dread/Jumbo space, I’m looking for how it works strummed, especially as backup for singing in a group. How it works for flat picking leads and fingerpicking as backup for vocals. Not too much with capo higher than 2 or 3. Secondarily I’d look at the alternative tunings and clarity high up the neck.

I was going to come up with a list of things that would meet this comparison requirement, but then I went back and looked at the post from esimms86. That post covered my ideas and more.

[tdq]

For me
- I don't need a Emerald/Martin comparison, just an X20/X30 comparison
- a flat picked and fingerpicked piece on each would be good.
- Physical size comparison - side by side pictures, ideally with a person for scale. I know the specs are out there but seeing it - would be useful.

[byudzai]

These suggestions are all extremely valuable guys, thank you!! Please keep them coming!

I was planning to do an X20 vs Sable comparison also, haven't decided if I'll just tack it on at the end or do a dedicated video.

[martingitdave]

I'd like to hear how each compares to a D-28. Thanks!

[esimms86]

Originally Posted by byudzai

These suggestions are all extremely valuable guys, thank you!! Please keep them coming!

I was planning to do an X20 vs Sable comparison also, haven't decided if I'll just tack it on at the end or do a dedicated video.

I expect it would work better as a stand-alone video, whatever the length. There is, of course, some overlap but the target audiences are divergent enough IMO to warrant separate videos. Just think of what you might be looking for information about when doing a google/YouTube search 🤔. Just my two cents and I’m obviously not the one doing the work!

[ac]

Originally Posted by martingitdave

I'd like to hear how each compares to a D-28. Thanks!

Here's the one he did with his X30 & D28.



X20 & D28 still to come.
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I also add my vote for hearing the X20 & X30 back to back.

[Tøf]

While videos and Youtube are nice to see the guitars, I prefer Soundcloud if I want to listen to them 😉
It would be very nice if you could include your Sable in the X20/X30 comparison.