Emerald adjustable bridge vs. Standard – resonance

[David Eastwood]

Originally Posted by RJVB

That looks like a surface-mounted tunomatic bridge/saddle, in essence. It would be interesting to know if the use of CF for the bridge makes up for the weight of the metal saddles and the mechanism. And of course how the metal used influences the timbre.

I’m pretty sure these saddles are graphite, not metal.

[Doubleneck]

Originally Posted by David Eastwood

I’m pretty sure these saddles are graphite, not metal.

Pretty sure they are Graphtech’s proprietary composite like Tusq just black. Not sure the weight would be an issue but the solid platform to the soundboard would. Hard to think they are better than a normal saddle pressing down along the entire length with a sharp break angle?

[David Eastwood]

Originally Posted by Doubleneck

Pretty sure they are Graphtech’s proprietary composite like Tusq just black.

You’re probably right about the material - the point is that they are not metal.

[steelvibe]

[Corndog]

I've wondered about the adjustable bridge on Emeralds as well.
Some questions that come to mind are:

If this is a good idea, why don't we see these on other acoustic guitars?
After all, this is far from an original idea.
With few rarities, even the avant-garde makers aren't using them.

If they are the way to go, why does Emerald not make them standard?
It certainly isn't out of a holding to tradition, that's not Emerald's bag.
They are bundled with the Ghost Piezo pickup, when ordered. Seemingly out of necessity.

[Doubleneck]

Originally Posted by Corndog

I've wondered about the adjustable bridge on Emeralds as well.
Some questions that come to mind are:

If this is a good idea, why don't we see these on other acoustic guitars?
After all, this is far from an original idea.
With few rarities, even the avant-garde makers aren't using them.

If they are the way to go, why does Emerald not make them standard?
It certainly isn't out of a holding to tradition, that's not Emerald's bag.
They are bundled with the Ghost Piezo pickup, when ordered. Seemingly out of necessity.

I do think its part of the Ghost pickup package, its part of what makes it work. Would they offer it on its own? I kind of doubt it. I looked and Graphteck doesn’t seem to offer the more typical acoustic saddle that is in my Wechter guitar above. The Ghost system is intended to add an acoustic voice to an electric guitar by the piezo replacement bridge and a preamp that duplicates acoustic sound. Its also capable of adding midi if that upgraded preamp is added. That gives Emerald a lot of flexibility in their hybrid guitars.

[ZebraKing]

The Ghost saddles are made from the Graphtech material and is very light. I think the downside is the back/forward bridge screws are really hard to turn. I had to send my Emerald back to get fixed because one was stuck. The height screws are easy to turn.

At first it just doesn't seem right having adjustable saddles on an acoustic, but got used to it pretty fast. I bought a basic inexpensive gauge kit and it is pretty amazing that I can get the action just like I want it quickly.

I play plugged in (live) almost all the time with my X20, and mix the K&K with the Ghost. Compared with my Martin HD-28, I'd say the 'resonance' is about the same but obviously the tone is different.

It's probably more that some traditional players want to fiddle around with but I'm glad I went that way.