NGD X7

[Jim in TC]

Arrived a week or so ago, custom Emerald X7 (custom nut size).

A few early impressions:
--Nut width: Wanting a wider nut but lacking much to actually play in advance of the order, this was a difficult thing to decide. In the end Chloe talked with Alistair about it and I took his recommendation, 46.5mm. I might have gotten away with very slightly narrower but it is a real joy to play.

--Build: just absolutely flawless, and looks great (standard Amber finish). Action could not have been set up better for my needs. And as comfortable to play as I was led to expect from conversations on this forum.

--Tone: a bit "richer" might be the term than my Cargo, which is a surprisingly good sounding little guitar, so I couldn't expect a dramatic difference. Noticeably more, to my ear, "balanced."

A great little guitar!

[steelvibe]

Congrats Tim, The X7 is the best looking travel guitar out there IMO. Glad you are liking the tone and set up too! No pics?

[Captain Jim]

Congratulations on your new X7! I have the previous generation X7 (which is smaller) and I still marvel at the sound/tone I get from that guitar. I think it is the "Irish mojo."

Enjoy!

[raysachs]

Congratulations! Did you stay with the 24" scale? I had an X7 (new generation from the end of 2018) and I loved the sound of it - warm and sounded much bigger than it played. I didn't keep it mostly because of a fit issue - I was learning finger style and couldn't deal with how far my right had fell in front of the bridge - really like to be near the bridge for palm muting and sometimes anchoring my hand. And ultimately, the scale was a bit shorter than I liked. But if it had fit me a little better physically, I loved how it sounded - it easily could have been a lifetime guitar.

Hope you enjoy it!

-Ray

[Jim in TC]

Originally Posted by raysachs

Congratulations! Did you stay with the 24" scale? I had an X7 (new generation from the end of 2018) and I loved the sound of it - warm and sounded much bigger than it played. I didn't keep it mostly because of a fit issue - I was learning finger style and couldn't deal with how far my right had fell in front of the bridge - really like to be near the bridge for palm muting and sometimes anchoring my hand. And ultimately, the scale was a bit shorter than I liked. But if it had fit me a little better physically, I loved how it sounded - it easily could have been a lifetime guitar.

I liked and was accustomed to the even shorter Cargo scale, so it was no contest on length. Before these instruments I, too, liked being in close to the bridge but ultimately pretty much got over that with the Cargo, so was ready for the X7. I did have some trouble with the Cargo on occasion tapping the body of the guitar with the pick, something that required a bit of attention to technique and pick position; the way the X7 is constructed there is noticeably more space between strings and body, which I very much like.

No pics at this point, but unlike the woodies, there is not all that much to see. Though, as I was led to expect, color is more muted in person than on the website. If/when I get some pix taken I will get them linked here.

[Earl49]

Congrats, Jim. I'd like to play a current Version 3 X7 at some point. We're pretty happy with our V2 X7's. More precisely, my wife is happy with her X7's. Papa bear plays his X20 and only messes with her X7 if my shoulder is bothering me. I find the 22.75" scale of the Cargo to be a little limiting and prefer the 24" scale of the X7 much better. My custom X20 will have a 24.6" scale length.

[futboljim]

congrats on a great guitar!

Although I really have no need, I can almost see a custom scale X7 in my future, prolly at the expense of my APLE, but we will wait and see.

[TRose]

Jim,
When I saw your headline “NGD X7” I thought someone had purchased seven new guitars. I clicked on the link to read through the list of guitars and marvel at any explanation that may be given.

Now I understand. And though i am slightly disappointed ([emoji23]) I must say I’m happy for you. I have a 1&7/8 nut, nylon X7 and have enjoyed it. It sounds great, travels very well and is essentially my worry free, play anywhere guitar.
I hope your X7 is as enjoyable for you.
Best,
Tom

[mountainmaster]

Originally Posted by TRose

I have a 1&7/8 nut, nylon X7 and have enjoyed it. It sounds great, travels very well and is essentially my worry free, play anywhere guitar.
Tom

I have an X7 nylon as well and I wholeheartedly agree with the part in bold.
Its sound is ok but I would not call it "great". Different strokes for different folks I guess.

[TRose]

Originally Posted by mountainmaster

I have an X7 nylon as well and I wholeheartedly agree with the part in bold.

Its sound is ok but I would not call it "great". Different strokes for different folks I guess.

Thanks for sharing, Mountainmaster.
You are correct in as much as my X7 doesn’t doesn’t sound nearly as great as some of my larger, wooden instruments. I suppose I should have said my X7 sounds “great for what it is”- a very small carbon fiber guitar. My version is a second generation model, with a custom 25.5 inch scale. I’m unsure if the scale difference might improve this guitar’s tone or volume over a standard model’s but I thought the difference may be worth mentioning.
When I first got my X7 my brother paid me a visit to check it out. I played it for him and he had a quizzical look on his face. He asked me if it was being amplified as he looked for a cord. To him, it was strangely loud for such a small guitar.

But yes, tone is subjectively perceived and so “Different strokes for different folks” certainly applies.

Cheers,
Tom

[mountainmaster]

Originally Posted by TRose

My version is a second generation model, with a custom 25.5 inch scale. . I’m unsure if the scale difference might improve this guitar’s tone or volume over a standard model’s but I thought the difference may be worth mentioning.

Nice! I also chose a longer scale: 24.9 inch. Nylon strings often lose volume in short scale guitars. In standard E tuning that is: My small guitalele tuned in A is actually a loud little monster.