Emerald's satin neck finish?

[Melt in the Sun]

I'm considering adding this apparently no-cost option. The photos I've seen make the neck look very light in color. These have been in Emerald's glamour shots, which I know make everything look brighter and sparkly-er than normal.

Anyone who has held one - how did it feel? How does it look in reality?

[GuitarLuva]

Originally Posted by Melt in the Sun

I'm considering adding this apparently no-cost option. The photos I've seen make the neck look very light in color. These have been in Emerald's glamour shots, which I know make everything look brighter and sparkly-er than normal.

Anyone who has held one - how did it feel? How does it look in reality?

Since nobody chimed in yet that has one (I don't) I'm willing to bet it would feel a lot faster and more buttery than a gloss neck. I would never buy an electric guitar with a gloss neck but it doesn't bother me on an acoustic guitar. I just keep it polished.

[Captain Jim]

All three of my Emeralds have a glossy neck - no issues whatsoever. For full disclosure, I haven't seen one of the Emerald necks that has been "satined", but I haven't been a fan of how they look in the photos. Of course, that may just be the way the light is hitting the different surface finish.

[albirw]

I have a satin neck on my X20 and it feels good. I haven't tried a gloss neck tho..

[TheChicagoTodd]

Originally Posted by albirw

I have a satin neck on my X20 and it feels good. I haven't tried a gloss neck tho..

Would you be able/willing to post some photos not taken in the Emerald photo lab for all to see? I think folks would be interested.

Cheers...

Todd in Chicago

[Earl49]

I have not played one -- all of mine are glossy necks. What little I can contribute here is that they shoot the clear coat glossy on all guitars, then sand them afterward to get the satin finish.

[Dubh1805]

I have satin necks on most of my Emeralds. I have a select series guitar that came stock with the glossy neck and the others I special ordered I requested have the satin neck. I have found my hand (especially my thumb) does not stick at all when I play and my hand gets sweaty. The feel of the satin neck actually feels more comfortable after playing for a while. In looking at my guitars, it appears the necks are sanded after being the clear coat is applied. The reason I am guessing this is the case in the sharper line near the neck and body as compared to the area near the headstock which is a little more difficult to sand after applying the clear coat.

[Melt in the Sun]

Thanks all. I found some old photos on the forum from member 121, so just sent a PM to see if they can share experiences too.

Dubh1805, do you have any real-world photos?

[Dubh1805]

Yes. I can post some a little later today.

[121]

Originally Posted by Melt in the Sun

Thanks all. I found some old photos on the forum from member 121, so just sent a PM to see if they can share experiences too.

Dubh1805, do you have any real-world photos?

I went with satin neck on my 2016 X7 and 2017 X20 because a gloss neck
can feel sticky to me. Hand perspiration and humid weather is when I have a problem with gloss necks.

Back in 2016 I asked Alistair what he did to make a satin finish neck, Alistair's response was......
When I do a satin finish neck its hand sanded with 600 grit paper and then waxed. It gives a nice smooth feel

[steelvibe]

Count me in on a satin finished neck. If a new/used guitar comes to me without a satin or natural finish (wood) then i make it one. Its not hard to do and I've sold 2 guitars with them with no complaints.

[Melt in the Sun]

I appreciate all the responses here! I'd still love to see some photos in the wild, if y'all can spare a few minutes.

Another related question - it looks like most of the satin necks do not go all the way down the heel. See the brown (121's guitar) vs. the green one from Emerald's site. Without holding one in my hand, it seems that this transition would feel strange when playing all the way up at the end of the neck. Does it?

[albirw]

Originally Posted by TheChicagoTodd

Would you be able/willing to post some photos not taken in the Emerald photo lab for all to see? I think folks would be interested.

Cheers...

Todd in Chicago

Sure. Will upload in a minute

How to post photos?

[albirw]

Hope it helps

[TheChicagoTodd]

Originally Posted by albirw

Hope it helps

Thx...for me at least, that last pic is the most helpful.

Cheers...

Todd