#1
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Emerald fretboard ... chalky?
I do not own a CF guitar, but I am sincerely teetering ...
I very nearly pulled the trigger on the red Emerald X20 that was in stock (up until yesterday-ish), but alas, I pondered for too long and it's gone. One of the things that I liked about that specific guitar was that the fretboard looked very deep black, unlike many others whose fretboards look "chalky" or grey under the bright photo lights. Can anyone tell me if this chalky look is something that wears off, or is that lighter "cast" permanent? Thanks for tolerating such a noob inquiry ... ~ Paul
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#2
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Only have experience with their previous shiny boards...I believe they're brushed now. But Emerald's photos are so drastically over-lit, I'm guessing that's why the fretboards often look grey and odd.
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#3
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not sure what you mean by "chalky". my X30 has a textured fretboard (it is not completely smooth) and so lighting can reveal the nuances of the texture. FWIW, i don't really feel/notice it when i'm playing but i'm no professional player either.
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#4
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Well, if the fretboards are "chalky", then they would be of interest to Emerald owners who also play pool.
Tony
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“The guitar is a wonderful thing which is understood by few.” — Franz Schubert "Alexa, where's my stuff?" - Anxiously waiting... |
#5
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Quote:
. . sorry.
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#6
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Well, there is a new custom idea for Emerald for a travel guitar.
Tony
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“The guitar is a wonderful thing which is understood by few.” — Franz Schubert "Alexa, where's my stuff?" - Anxiously waiting... |
#7
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Quote:
I can’t feel the difference between them while playing, and frankly, I’d be skeptical of anyone who said they could. I don’t think Emerald does themselves any favours with the studio shots - while they really ‘pop’, they aren’t an accurate representation of what the guitars really look like under normal lighting. You’ll get a much better idea from watching the regular shipping videos - the lighting is more subdued, and the end results much closer to reality.
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Martin 0-16NY Emerald Amicus Emerald X20 Cordoba Stage Some of my tunes: https://youtube.com/user/eatswodo |
#8
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Emerald fretboard ... chalky?
while this is pretty much the response I expected, I gotta be honest, the situation leaves me underwhelmed ...
so the lighting required to show the veneers and cf weave to their best advantage makes the fretboard (sometimes) look faded and grossly mismatched (IMO) to their otherwise sleek and maserati-like countenance ... ? I must be misunderstanding something here ... I can’t be the only one so shallow as to consider aesthetics a premium. Or is it not as exaggerated as it seems? Emerald aficionados, please help me be enamored ... I really want to be, but I have never been a fan of wearing brown shoes with a tuxedo ...
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` “Success is falling down nine times and getting up ten.” |
#9
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You use the term chalkie. To me it looks more like a natural wood fretboard. I have a brand new X20 and to me the fretboards are looks just as premium as the rest of the guitar. I am glad it’s not glossy.
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#10
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I already have several Emerald guitars with the older glossy fret board. (My Rainsong, Composite Acoustics, and Blackbird guitars are all glossy fret boards too). My new custom X20 coming some time later this year will have the matte unidirectional CF veneer for the fret board. Although the thought briefly crossed my mind, I am sure that the new version will be just fine too. I assume that it will look like fine grained ebony in person. Emerald is simply not going to put out a product that looks tacky and cheap. Hope this helps calm your concerns.
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#11
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Quote:
As far as I can tell the "chalkyness" is simply sheen from the lighting.
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Emerald X30 Emerald X20 Nylon Emerald X7 Nylon Rainsong Smokey SMH Outdoor Guitalele Taylor 522e 12-fret ✝ Gitane DG-560 nylon ✝ Alhambra 3C CW Eastman AR910CE Recording King RM-991 tricone resonator Recording King RK-G25 6-string banjo Thomann Irish Bouzouki M1089 Last edited by mountainmaster; 05-24-2020 at 09:39 AM. |
#12
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Here are a couple of quick iPhone shots I just took - both guitars in the same light (indoor, daylight, no sun.)
Not the greatest, but you should get the idea of the difference between the two materials. I really should have cleaned the finger gunk off the shiny one
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Martin 0-16NY Emerald Amicus Emerald X20 Cordoba Stage Some of my tunes: https://youtube.com/user/eatswodo |
#13
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My X7 and X10 electric guitars have distinctly different fret board coloration. The 7 is black, the 10 looks chalky. I much prefer the 7 black and think the chalky 10 board looks vague and not nearly as clean and striking as the 7 .
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#14
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i can't post pics but my new X30 fretboard looks very similar to eatswodo's 2nd photo.
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#15
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Could you say it's a "satin" or "matte" finish vs "gloss"?
"Chalky" denotes to my mind a "feel" I wouldn't want to experience on a fretboard. Hard to move about, pulls on fingertips, etc. At least these photos, IMO, simply don't look "chalky", as I understand "chalky". Just wondering if this word is the best word to describe the fretboard look and texture. I know many prefer satin or matte for necks because it's easier for the hand to glide and move about. |