Emerald Kestrel

[Backcountry]

To my eye, the top is not very arched at all. Nowhere near my others.

Turns out the guitar body is about 3" deep but feels much thinner due to the ergonomic shape. The guitar hangs nicely when standing, with the fretboard at a slight angle upwards, maybe 10 degrees, so seeing the fretboard is really easy and natural.

It's a slight neck diver, not as much as my others, and with the built-in armrest it's very comfortable to hold and play.

It's very resonant and sounds great unplugged or through the Krivo pickup.

I got in touch with Jason (Krivo) as my B-string was way too loud and he suggested removing the B-string pole which I did and it fixed the problem.

[Mark L]

Thanks Backcountry.

I like the way the Kestrel sounds in the few clips I’ve heard, and being a fan of both emeralds and archtops, I naturally want to audition one.

Just, it looks to me almost like a slightly arched flat top with f holes and a harp tailpiece. I’ll bet the sustain is terrific, and probably much longer than many wooden archtops. And how about overtones?

[mot]

Originally Posted by Mark L

I like the way the Kestrel sounds in the few clips I’ve heard, and being a fan of both emeralds and archtops, I naturally want to audition one.

There is currently a red Kestrel in stock on the Emerald Website that I have been thinking about. Not sure how long it will be there. This will give you an opportunity to audition. I have no idea what the resale value would be as I haven't seen any second hand yet. Doubt you will lose that much if you don't like it though.

[lat18]

I bought the black one a few days ago. Hasn't arrived yet. I'll report when I've had a chance to play it a bit.

[Mark L]

Hey thanks mot. Just so happens it’s bad timing for me for (yet another) guitar purchase, if you know what I mean.....

That is a nice looking Emerald though!

[mot]

Originally Posted by Mark L

Just so happens it’s bad timing for me for (yet another) guitar purchase, if you know what I mean.....

Yep! Same here. Already have something else on order.

[douglasfan1]

It will be great if Emerald Kestrel can come with a solid headstock like X20...
I don't like slotted headstock

[guitarwebguy]

I would talk with Alistair (Emerald Guitars) as he is open to discussing customization aspects (I had them build a customized X20-12) such as a solid headstock