Do Emeralds need a setup right out of the box?

[jwellsy]

The unboxing videos I've seen all seem to have descent setups right out of the box.

I'm wondering if any of you take new Emeralds in for a setup, or do it yourself.
What changes have you made to the factory setup?

My impression is that the factory setups are good enough to make them playable, at least long enough to be able to describe what you want changed.

[jaan]

The only thing mine needed was to tighten the truss rod some. It came loose, with no tension on it.

[Acousticado]

My past Chimaera 6/12 doubleneck and current X20 were set-up great right out of the box. No tweaking required. Of course, everyone’s taste is different.

[jdinco]

My X7 needed the saddle taken down a bit, haven't had the need to touch the X20, great setup from the factory on it.

All of my Emeralds have been good out of the box. My X7 electric came with a fairly high set up, which is often desired with nylon string guitars, but the pick up has easily removed (or added) shims which enabled me to lower the action to what I like.

The higher action for nylon strung guitars adds tension and enhances projection. Newer hybrid nylons tend to have high tension strings and so lower sets ups are possible. With an electric guitar the set up can be incredible low and fast. My 7 also has a short scale which in a traditional nylon string would not be a good idea; but with high tension strings and a bit of electricity turned out to be a great idea.

[BT55]

I purchased an almost new pre-owned X20. It required a very minor truss rod adjustment. The rest of the setup was excellent.

[zeeway]

My X20 came a year ago and was good right out of the box...and still is.

[Kerbie]

Mine did not need a set-up, but I had given them precise details of the action I wanted. It played beautifully right out of the box.

[Barb1]

I have each of my guitars set up when I get them, including my Emeralds. Each of us plays differently so a factory setup will not work for every person.
Barb

[AZLiberty]

If you think an Emerald needs a setup then you probably think all guitars need a setup.

I have only ever paid to have a setup done once. That was on my Martin D-35. The action was way too low and I had a taller saddle made

[Captain Jim]

Originally Posted by jdinco

My X7 needed the saddle taken down a bit, haven't had the need to touch the X20, great setup from the factory on it.

My experience is the same as John's. I do have the action set just a bit higher on the X7, in case I want to play a bit harder... haven't found that necessary on the X20. I sanded down the saddle on the X7 when I first changed strings.

[JimCA]

My X7 steel-string needed the saddle taken down -- I play fingerstyle. My X7 nylon had a wooden shim under the saddle. Took that out and the action was fine.

[Matt_Adamas]

I don't think I've ever bought a guitar that DIDN'T need a setup right out of the box.

To clarify, it's one thing to buy a guitar that plays like garbage vs. one that plays "good" but I want my guitars to play as optimally as possible which is very personal.

For my Emeralds (X-7 and X-20) the first thing I did was change the strings to my own custom gauges. After that I adjust the truss rod for minimal relief (pretty much straight) then I sanded the saddles down to get the action even lower. What they didn't need was fret dressing which I don't mess with myself and the fact they didn't need that is a testament to Emerald's craftsmanship. All the other setup tweaks are personal preference. I've yet to meet anyone who likes a guitar with uneven frets so I would say that's not a personal preference.

[Earl49]

Originally Posted by AZLiberty

If you think an Emerald needs a setup then you probably think all guitars need a setup.

^^ This. All three of our Emeralds came to us with fine action, and needed no adjustments. I am a 75% bare nails fingerpickers and moderately heavy strummer otherwise.

As for my other guitars (mostly Taylor) I usually am happy with the setup during test playing or they don't get purchased. I have made a few minor tweaks on some guitars to better suit myself.

[acwild]

Add me to the list of those who are going to take down the saddle a bit on the X7. It plays great out of the box but this is a personal preference.