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#1
06-22-2015, 12:32 PM
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Fan fret on Emerald X20 - suitability for Bluegrass?
Hi guys,
I've just joined the forum, and am busy reading old threads. Some great info here. However, I don't seem to see anything on fan frets and whether or not they might enhance bluegrass flatpicking sound? Basically, I'm looking at ordering an X20. I have a rather beat-up old guitar, and think it's time for a trade-up. I really like the look and the entire concept of CF guitars. I play mostly bluegrass, and because I've not seen or heard of many guys using something like an X20 for flatpicking, I was wondering if a fan fret model might enhance the bass - or whether it would make minimal difference. Anyone with any experience using a CF guitar for bluegrass? And do you have any thoughts on whether a fan fret model might enhance the bluegrass sound? Or not? Regards, Duncan 
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#3
06-22-2015, 08:08 PM
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Another Great Big Welcome to the AGF Duncan!!! You are among friends... The bass response on my X20-OS is pretty impressive so I do not know if a fan fret would be needed, unless you want a Baritone... When in doubt just ask Alistair...He is a great guy!!!
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Current Acoustics: Emerald X-20 OS Opus Wechter Pathmaker Wechter Nashville Tuned Wechter Dobro Washburn Nylon Electric: Line 6 Variax Keyboards: Korg SV-1 88 key reverse PA: QSC K8 x 2 Amps: Custom Peavey Studio Pro (Superman) Fishman Loudbox Mini   
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#4
06-28-2015, 10:34 PM
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Thanks for the welcome...
Hi guys,
I've emailed Alistair, and he said he's just finished a 26"/25" fan fret which worked out great. He seemed to think the X20 fan fret would be great for BG. Question: I've not played with a pickup before. How useful (or otherwise) would the B-Band A3-T pickup be? Might it be somewhat superfluous? I've always just jammed a mic on front of my guitar and got on with it... Cheers, Duncan
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#6
06-29-2015, 11:07 AM
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I first ran across a B-band on a guitar not sold in the US. And when I started working with Alistair I went with the B-band. But over time I did not like the extra weight, the need to change batteries, and so forth--at which point I went with K&K, a clean, no maintenance pickup.
On my X20-OSN I had the K&K along with the Guyatone speed Cable for volume control at the guitar, and a mini tuner in the soundhole. That gives me all the control I want at the guitar with a minimum of hassle and without changing the basic structure of the guitar.
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#7
06-29-2015, 03:36 PM
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Fanned frets afford better trebles, better bass, and better ergonomics. I don't think any of those would cause a disadvantage in any sort of music.
If anything, I would be concerned as to whether the carbon fiber tone is, for the lack of a better term, appropriate for bluegrass. I don't play or listen to bluegrass, so forgive my ignorance. 
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#8
06-30-2015, 11:27 PM
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CF guitar for bluegrass?
Hi,
At the moment, I play a beat-up old dreadnought-style guitar I bought 40 years ago for $31 (new). It is made completely of plywood, with a paper print of a piece of spruce glued to the top. I have played this in indoor and outdoor gigs alongside guitars which probably cost more than 100 times what mine cost, and it stood up remarkably well. I have no idea why. I still have it, but the action is way too high for me now, and the neck can't be adjusted. An Emerald X20 has GOT to sound better than my "Martin D31" which is what I call it. Ha ha. Duncan
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#9
07-01-2015, 09:04 AM
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RT;
Your experience sounds similar to mine--we had some of the first composite guitars--we were ahead of our time. And yes, CF is a vast improvement. I moved through the Cargo, the OX, several Blackbirds, a Rainsong and 3 Emeralds, and they all sounded better than my first plywood composite guitar. A lot of people have given up their Martins in favor of carbon fiber instruments. You'll love the X20-OS.
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#10
07-14-2015, 03:41 PM
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Fan frets can be a great benefit for alternate tunings and we use it a lot in custom builds.
For standard tuning 26" on the bass and 25" on the treble is a great scale. It offers a tighter bass response with sweeter trebles. Definitely wouldn't hurt for Bluegrass. Then there is the big benefit that it looks cool.... Alistair
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#11
07-14-2015, 06:24 PM
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Oh Alistair, you charmer....
I like that you are on this forum, that you actually interact with the people who play or want to play your instruments. Of course, I must admit, I am also a fan. I see you as a contemporary Nathan Daniel-- a genius. Carry on....Say no more........
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#12
07-14-2015, 08:41 PM
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Quote:
Ok, two things that absolutely do not come to mind when I think Bluegrass are Emerald guitars, and fan fret guitars. If you are thinking of a CF guitar for Bluegrass, the first place you should look is the Composite Acoustic Legacy. Before they went under CA actually had a Bluegrass model available. They are heavily built, so they love heavy strings, and the added mass will mimic the wood tone a little better. It would be my first choice for CF Bluegrass guitar, and here is the one I would buy. http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=383661 A very close second choice would be the more articulate Rainsong CO-DR1000N2. This guitar is much lighter, but it can still handle an aggressive picker. The CO-DR comes with the unidirectional soundboard option that provided added warmth, and has a fully adjustable truss rod so you can add as much relief as you need. Comes with fantastic electronics and has headroom for days. So, can I ask why you were thinking of an Emerald orchestra model for Bluegrass?
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#13
07-15-2015, 12:12 AM
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Quote:
Quote:
Second, I am really keen on carbon fibre. It is wonderful stuff. I use it a lot in plane building. And I think using CF as the basic material on a guitar is a stroke of inspiration. No more worries about humidity. No more concerns about the bumps and scratches to which all instruments are subject during their lives. But this much all CF guitars have in common. But I really like the way Alistair is willing to build a completely personalised instrument. I think Emerald wins on that front. And finally - never having tried ANY CF guitar, all I really have to go by is what others say about the instruments. And I have yet to hear anything negative about the X20. As far as bluegrass is concerned - perhaps I need to explain. I'm now 63, and although I used to play in a bluegrass group or two when I was younger, most of my playing now is at home. It is "nominally" bluegrass, but really, it is solo playing. Mostly trying to learn Banjo Ben's excellent arrangements of bluegrass songs (both on banjo and guitar). If I am fortunate enough to find a fiddle player and a bass - I may well play in a group again. But even in this case, I'm really just looking for a guitar with a nice big base, clean trebles and an action to die for. And at my stage in life - owning a fan fret is just cool. Duncan
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#14
07-15-2015, 01:53 AM
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Quote:
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#15
07-15-2015, 03:13 AM
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Quote:
It's like wearing a 3 piece suit to a Square Dance. You can do it, but it's not the best idea.
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