Emerald X20 vs. McPherson Sable -- Carbon Fiber Guitar Faceoff!!

[@mainelydb4941]

Wow. I've never seen such a useful, thorough and slickly produced guitar demo. Thanks and bravo! I suspect I'd be completely happy with either of these instruments. CF technology has come a long a way.

[@alextryan]

Thank you so much! Makes me so happy to hear when someone enjoys these. And truth -- my X20 has become my One Guitar and I love it.

[@nathanalexander5772]

this

[@oliverroberts5167]

The Sable had a more natural sound. I must add, that was the best review I've seen in a long time. Very nice job.

[@alextryan]

Thank you so much! And yeah the Sable does have a very sweet, smooth sound. Super elegant guitar.

[@JasonJLopez]

@@alextryanWhat is the second demo song being played?

[@yojohnny5]

@@JasonJLopez It's called "Drive" by Incubus

[@daddokewl4235]

Very informative review. I thought the X20 had a more pleasing sound. Before I’d seen the review, I’d bought a Sable hoping that it would play and sound like a wooden McPherson. It didn’t. It was its own thing. I ended up selling it and buying a new X20, which I much prefer. It’s lighter, louder, more comfortable, and somehow feels more “alive” when I play it.

[@shawnseelymusic]

I LOVE the sound of the X20 - more punchy mids, but great balanced overall tone.

[@poguie]

The June Hymn... what a song!! "Here's a hymn to welcome in the day..." etc. nice demo on these two lovely guitars. I'm off to chech out the Emerald website now!

[@martynrandall7652]

That Emerald is absolutely stunning I dont know why anyone wouldn't like them. I have just bought a used journey of660 it ticks alot of boxs for me we live on a sail boat so room and durability is good. Cheers

[@kbhousen]

You have some of the best reviews I've seen on line. Great job not only explaining the physical differences - but also in the side-by-side comparison. Super useful.

[@alextryan]

makes my day to read such a nice comment. i really enjoyed making this so i’m happy when people have fun with it!

[@joemorton9217]

I never gave a comment on this video but I’ve seen it a few times and I just wanted to say great job on this!!! This video helped me a lot during my buying process

[@mruncletheredge]

That was a very well done comparison.... Love the way you demo them side by side. On a funny note, first video that I saw of yours, for a brief moment, I thought you had a twin brother... 😊

[@GadgetyRon]

"...you get inspired by the Emerald; you brave the world with the Sable." This is a brilliant and very apt description. Well done. In the sound samples, my impression is that the Emerald sounds slightly brighter, with a tiny bit of a boxy tonal element, and it seems a little more forward than the McPherson. By comparison, the Sable seems a little more mellow, with the midrange slightly scooped and a bit more low end. As a former music store owner and McPherson dealer, I personally owned a Sable for a while. Though I quite liked it, I ended up selling that one. I kept for myself one of the McPherson Touring models, which occasionally accompanies me on my travels. I also have two McPherson 4.5 redwood over rosewood guitars, which I absolutely love. I have one of the new Emerald Virtuo custom models on order, with a Koa veneer top. BTW, I appreciate your soft-spoken and relaxed reviewing style. It's a refreshing change from the brash, over-excited presentation styles of most youtubers.

[@alextryan]

what a heartwarming reflection, thank you! and thank you for taking time to share in the content i put out there. someone once described me as “interesting as a potato” in a comment, and i had just been reading michael pollan’s book botany of desire, so i was flattered. :-D

[@boomerdell]

@@alextryan -- please promise you'll name your next band or album "Interesting As A Potato." Love it! :)

[@dheeraj3945]

Accuracy of the comment is off the charts 😅. Think the difference maybe due to the uni body construction vs composite/moulded body?

[@nickwills4788]

Excellent comparison video. A very practical, thorough and honest review covering all the features that matter for any potential purchaser. The sound comparison was the best I have seen. Too many guitar reviews show off the skills of the guitar reviewer rather than the instrument itself. Great work! I sincerely hope you do more reviews and comparisons.

[@frankieu2598]

Great job with the vid. I kinda wish I hadn’t seen this. I now ordered an Emerald X20 and working my way to purchase the McPherson Sable. “You know it don’t come easy.”

[@MatthewPeskay]

One of the best comparison videos I have seen. Great breakdowns and demos! Cool guitars too.

[@dvanolya]

Alex, great review! Your progression that starts at 11:15 playing Em on the 7th fret sounds very familiar...can you ID the song and artist? Thanks.

[@alextryan]

Yup that's Drive by Incubus!

[@dvanolya]

@@alextryan Great, thanks!

[@67er_matze97]

excellent and very helpful video. I agree - both awesome instruments each with their own character !!

[@corbetcampbell8048]

thank you for a very good side-by-side comparison of these two guitars. I’ve got a Composite Acoustics GXi and i love it, but have been torn between adding a Emerald X20 (the X20-7 seven string) and a McPherson. Probably can’t go wrong with either one, but I’m going to go with the Emerald X20-7 for the following reasons & differences: the extra 7th string for deeper bass notes while fingerpicking, the fanned fret design for better intonation and longer bass string, and on a purely subjective perspective: the beauty of the Emerald’s vibrant carbon & colors, with the option of an enormous variety of gorgeous wood veneer overlays (I recently saw a different review which said the veneer is only about 0.3mm thick! ... less than 0.012 inches)

[@cmcg5788]

My $.02: I prefer the tone of the Emerald: warmer, more focused and refined-the Sable didn't sound as full and was kind of hollow in the mids.

[@baatkarlo]

Thank you for the comparison! I’ve been looking at the Sable for a year and recently came across the Emerald series. The X10 or 20 are the ones I’m considering now. I also really like the Emerald Kestrel. Being a MIDI fan, I also want to mention that the Emerald models offer a Graphtech Ghost system with piezo, MIDI mix capability with controls tucked inside the soundhole or on the soundboard. I still need to decide between the Kestrel and X-20 but definitely the sound in this comparison convinced me to go for the Emerald. They also have a 3D builder on their website to see what you want on your guitar in 3D!

[@MrDotRedcoat]

Great scientific review. Especially the sound comparison at end... never came across something like this on youtube. Appreciate it so much, esp when I'm considering a 3 to 5k pirchase.

[@jeffwhitehead7990]

really appreciate that you demo’ed with a capo. oft overlooked element of understanding the tone and character of a guitar’s sound.

[@rodhier2516]

Awesome video. Excellent job comparing these two fine instruments. Thank you.

[@jimreadey4837]

I am not in the market for a new, expensive guitar... and I still found your video extremely entertaining. Loved the side-by-side (with different shirts & glasses... and, maybe, pants?) at the end!

[@davemccarthy4695]

Great review. I'm curious how you found both necks. Do they feel similar? I have pretty small hands so this is a factor for me.

[@alextryan]

the mcpherson def wins on neck. slender and elegant. emerald neck is PLENTY good, but mcpherson is my favorite neck out of 25 acoustic guitars.

[@DavidPearson-k4o]

Great review! Love the side by side sound comparison - best on the web!!! Still looking at all the reviews...but my decision is made ...I'm currently waiting for my X20 delivery!!

[@alextryan]

i love them both but my x20 has definitely became my One Guitar. what color or veneer?

[@DavidPearson-k4o]

@@alextryan Red with Black Tamo ash...hoping for good pops of 'gold' that come thru on the ash! Trinity knot inlay black/black; Hyvibe electronics. It will be competing with a Martin D41, Takamine FP360 and Taylor 814Dlx. ...so will be interesting what my go-to will be in a few months! Currently my go-to is my D41 which just shades modest Takamine FP360!

[@alextryan]

@@DavidPearson-k4o Oh my gosh that sounds gorgeous! To be fair, 23 of my 25 acoustic guitars are currently living in my dad's basement across the country 😞 And the Taylor hangs on the wall, so the X20 is my de-facto One Guitar, in large part bc I didn't have to worry about it as I traveled around. That said, I've come to absolutely love it and don't long for anything else.

[@JongMarquezMusic]

Thanks for making this video! Very helpful! Both guitars are wonderful and you’re lucky to have em both! Enjoy them in good health! Cheers!

[@JS-nf1sn]

Both great, but a nod to the Emerald, for me. You have the best reviews I seen, for a variety of reasons. Very well done.

[@simonbirch2013]

Really enjoyed this review. Amazing job seamlessly joining the side-by-side comparison playing. Personal preference is for the Emerald, but, like you, I'd be worried about getting it dinged. I recently bought a Lava ME2. Although not in the same league it does have the take anywhere ease and lack of worry. Maybe I'll get to add an Emerald some day. Thanks!

[@markolwick2223]

Fantastic video, thank you. I’m sure it took a lot of time to put that together, and I appreciate the effort.

[@leoclement3801]

Wow, fantastic job Alex! Thank you for posting.

[@cd1934]

The X20 without the wooden veneer top is a no brainer 🤔!, none veneer is actually lighter and has a more rounded and punchy texture!, and the price is $500 less expensive too !, like I said it’s a no brainer 😎!.

[@alextryan]

the wood veneer is 1/3 mm thick so i question the weight difference. also caution when thinking of them as having different tones -- I've handled quite a few with and without and found no consistent tone difference.

[@cd1934]

Every one has options and choices!, thanks for yours 👍🏼!, I was thinking about the X10 nylon!!.

[@chuknorth]

Really appreciate the time you take to put these together. You even use different glasses in the comparison, and that's a bonus. The X20 sounds pretty great.

[@michaeljohnson3383]

Fantastic review. I like your thoughtful and articulate commentary.

[@MikeJWingert]

Thanks for the excellent video. I bought a Sable for playing while living on my sailboat in the Caribbean. It’s sounds good and is pretty bullet proof in this environment. I tried a Emerald X7 first but wasn’t happy with the size and some odd ghost tones it had. I’ve been curious about the X20. From your video, it definitely projected better than the Sable. I prefer the Sable sound for strumming. The Emerald sounded very good fingerstyle. Thanks again!

[@victorwee3319]

May I know is there any guitar shop in Singapore selling the Sable X20 or any Emerald carbon fibre guitar?

[@hydraulics]

"I'm using my own fingers when I play with fingers" lol. Thank God 😊 loved this comparison video. Thanks

[@alextryan]

😂

[@garethwoods2356]

Thank you for the really great video, very helpful! I’m looking for a CF guitar but I wanted custom positioning of the headstock holes to ad a Tronical tuner (I use a lot of open tunings when I perform live) Emerald told me they are no longer offering anything custom other than what’s available to order from their site. Question: is there anywhere to get a diagram of the Mcphearson headstock?

[@enigmabletchley6936]

Great video, really interesting. The Sable definitely sounds more natural but then the Emerald has a tone of its own and I wonder if that is down to the sound hole position and its slightly upward direction.

[@KellanJames]

Did I hear some Decemberists in there?? Beautiful!

[@shaneroberts9466]

I have a McPherson CF and love it but have considered an Emerald as an additional vs replacement but I'm concerned with the string spacing and fretboard width at the body and bridge being to wide. I have small hands. How would you compare this to the McPherson?

[@davehernandez4177]

When are the lefty’s coming…..?

[@billa6348]

I have been considering the Sable, until I watched your video. The X20 sounds so much richer. That said, the difference is especially pronounced while using a pick. It wasnt' THAT obvious when you(s) performed your beautiful fingerpicking pieces. You did an excellent job in your preface to the sound demo in "setting the stage" of expectations. This thread has probably gone cold, but just curious, when fingerpicking, do you find yourself picking harder on the Sable to get the tone and volume you like, than on the X20? Cheers! Bill

[@alextryan]

you know..... i never thought about it but I suspect you're right. The X20 has always glowed as a fingerpicker. The Sable is more intimate, and I think you're correct that it therefore needs a little more juice to project.

[@billa6348]

@@alextryan Well there it is. Based upon your amazing review/comparison, and the statement, "The X20 has always glowed as a fingerpicker," I am off to Ireland--well, at least virtually. Thank you so much!

[@michaelp8856]

terrific review - very clear - one vs. one - thank you you can really tell the difference fingerstyle - it seems like many of the treble notes are missing on the Emerald

[@BackboneADV]

I should have listened to this comparison closer before I pulled the trigger on the McPherson. Got it today and I don't like it. It doesn't project at all. You can obviously hear the Emerald projects much better. I mainly finger pick. The McPherson is not the guitar for that style. Thanks for this review. I'll sell the McPherson and go with the Emerald.

[@alextryan]

That's pretty much how I feel about them. Love them both, but the Sable tends to live in the closet.

[@Celticsaint777]

I have an x20 12 string and it’s a great 12 string. I think the Sable sounds more like a wood guitar. I compared my sable to an American made Breedlove and the sable sounded better.

[@marcofalancia9553]

Thank you for doing this video. Love the idea of an indestructible guitar but the sound...well, I'll keep my Larivee and Taylor. Thanks again.

[@vinnyjr7029]

Nice video.. Alex Liked the Emerald there's a lovely tone from. But both sound great, me would love a bit more bass resonance. Maybe Emerald could make a similar model but with more bass?

[@Celticsaint777]

Where did you have the mic pointed on the Sable? How far from the guitar was it??

[@ronsiegel1084]

Loved the comparison Alex. Was an amp used? If so, which one? Thank you.

[@alextryan]

Nope, all acoustic!

[@ronsiegel1084]

@@alextryan THANKS

[@dadankarambolo6412]

what a great video! comparison should be always like this one, starting from using the same strings for both guitars till alternate and continous play of the same song. Thanks Alex!

[@alextryan]

thank you for the warm words Dadan!

[@Celticsaint777]

I think in a recording studio the sable woukd sound balanced and need very little if any eq. The x20 however would likely need more eq to sound great in the studio.

[@Kenbur]

one of the best review comparisons of guitars I've seen on KZbin. thank you for doing this video. I love both guitars. having played both brands I truly do agree with your assessment of them. just like wood guitars (which I have owned/played way too many looking for the "perfect" sound - carbon fiber guitar manufacturers bring their own stamp/sound and depending on the player and need dictates the tool to buy/use. two of my tools are the X7 - size and comfort and the CA vintage (one of the first mfg by CA back in the day) range of tone and boom. each has its place and each will not go anywhere from my "toolbox". the best part for me that I found is the carbon fiber does not have the 'care' element of the wood guitar and the overall tone does not change with humidity temperature or age. it is what it is. 😁

[@alextryan]

Yes! All of this! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and your warm words.

[@kit22brady]

hi did you balance the volume? Which one is louder not plugged in. Ive heard some demos of the emerald that sound quiet and not very dynamic. what is your opinion unplugged?

[@alextryan]

hi, no amps or volume changes in the vid!

[@StevenLeeMusician]

Man, I love that x20. One of the most beautiful guitars I've ever seen. And I'd buy it in a heartbeat, if it sounded like the McPherson. sigh. lol X20 just sounds louder and harsher to me. The McPherson is smoother and more refined, be easier to eq. The notes on Chords seem to blend better on the Mcpherson. Which isn't as much an issue when finger picking notes individually. Which brings me to my most important need...what do they sound like plugged in? What Electronics do they use? I need a stage guitar. That "quieter" more subtle sound of the McPherson would be easier to mix and add outboard eq's and effects I think. Easier to boost things than to reign them in on stage. But, damn...that X20 is hot :) And yeah, I agree with others...this is a fantastic review. Good job. Just what I was looking for.

[@rockridge98]

Great video. I am puzzled by all the commentators saying the X20 has more bass than the Sable on this video. Listening on both full range studio monitors and high quality headphones the X20 sounds really weak in the bass compared to the Sable, with the low E being overpowered by the other strings on the X20. The X20 does sound slightly sweeter and more woody to me.

[@ToddDennison]

I heard the bass much more pronounced on the Sable.

[@christianlarsson2038]

Yes X20 sounds more middly, "narrow" and perhaps even a touch muddy. People mistake it for "bass"

[@farooksingh]

Nicely done! Great review

[@MTof-dy1zt]

Fantastic work, thanks a lot :-) You probably spent a crazy amount of time to edit the video! I have owned both the X20 and the Sable at the same time and ended up selling the X20 as I preferred the Sable tone and playability. The ergonomic features of the Emerald are nice, but the fretboard is indeed wider up the neck with E strings moving away from the edges, which makes it feel even wider for thumb fretting. The guitars react very differently to strings and picks (I disliked the Santa Cruz parabolic low tension on the Sable). I had Elixir Phosphor in light gauges on the X20 while I prefer Elixir 80/20 in Medium-Light gauges on the Sable. To each their own, they're both excellent guitars anyway!

[@alextryan]

I can def see why you'd stick with the Sable for those reasons. This X20 I got sounds a lot better than my first X20 -- or maybe it's me, so hard to know, although I've played different X20s side by side and they've had surprisingly different sound -- so my Sable is stashed in the basement. But I do miss it!

[@romeovelasco4151]

Can they make a solid wood top and fiberglass back and sides?

[@howardlowinger6728]

Nice job discussing the differences and offering comments and opinions on both guitars. Based on your comments and my experiences, I think both guitars: look good, sound good, and play well. And, I completely understand your position about having multiple guitars for different situations. I too have more than one guitar, and I use them for different playing situations just as you suggest - some audio, some esthetics, and physical. As for conclusions, from your discussion and my own experience the key points, to me, are: 1. The McPherson neck is narower (especially up the neck) and therefore would be more to my liking (I have smaller hand). And 2. Based on your audio examples (and yes I listened via good headphones and some better stereo speakers - ndefintiely ot on my phone) the more balanced sound of the McPherson stood out to me (for normal accoustic work - there are situations where I would prefer the Emerald sound, too). As I said I have several guitars and that includes a couple McPhersons (a wood one and a Sable carbon) - I do not currently own an Emerald but I have looked at getting one, by the way. Oh, and for your satisfaction, I find that your comments and discussion agreed with my own (of these two offerings) although I last looked at the X20 about 4 years ago and the new release looks to have been improved. Thank your for spending the time doing this you tube.

[@cohoonatube]

Beautiful demo, thanks! Both sound exquisite, I think the Sable blends better for strumming. I'm still biased toward my wood McPherson and Taylors :D. What's your signal path?

[@alextryan]

nothing too fancy - sEx1 condenser, scarlett interface, audio recorded into logic then patched into final cut. one of my mics just started flaking out, prob time to upgrade.

[@JasonJLopez]

What is the second demo song being played?

[@alextryan]

Drive by Incubus

[@ChristopherFreedom]

The Sable sound much nicer. Warmer, richer and fuller with some nice sparkle and chime. However the X20 looks way nicer and the 24 frets is nice touch. As much as Love what Emerald is offering since for me it's all about the sound I would buy the Sable. Money no object I have have one of each, such as yourself.

[@maraviyoso8473]

What the hell exactly is "richer" and "fuller?" Rich in what? Full of what?

[@jed1166]

I really like your reviews! The thing I like the most is simply the fact that you obviously LOVE guitars, just like me. You provide great info, and accurate specs, but I value your opinions more! Have ordered a RainSong Jumbo, so I can use the Seymour Duncan MagMic pickup. BUT, thinking of an X20 Baritone at a later date.

[@alextryan]

thank you so much! my X20 has become my One Guitar -- still love it every day.

[@jed1166]

@@alextryan Hi Alex! Just watched the 2021 Emerald Festival video, and now there is no doubt of buying an Emerald, just so I can pick it up at the Cottage, and attend the festival! Been working in China since 2009, and will retire before the end of the year, and return to the states. So, probably can’t make next year, but 2023, barring emergency, I will attend… that looked like way too much fun to miss!

[@jdnettles]

Really helpful review, thoroughly done. Both guitars are interesting.

[@desertdean9177]

Fantastic job on this comparison video. I am a life long full time gigging musician and I often use the X30 on acoustic gigs. I bought it from the Emerald “in stock” site. It came with a terrible set-up, but once I got it set up it is great. Over the years, I have put a lot of money into luthier’s pockets fixing the ever shifting and dinging of major name brand wooden guitars. If I sit at home and play, A Martin is great but from now on it’s carbon fiber for acoustic gigs. (I have done a lot of work with Ovations for the same consistency reasons in the past too)

[@robertnewell5057]

Bad luck with your setup. I have seen one or two other concerns regarding this, and Alastair Hay of Emerald has always stood by the product and made any necessary adjustments, but it does mean a trip back to the factory, which is painful if you don't happen to live in Ireland! Mine was high at fret 12 but otherwise fine and easily adjusted in a couple of minutes as it came with the individual adjustable saddles (like a strat, basically).

[@desertdean9177]

@@robertnewell5057 It was easier to pay a luthier to fix the poor set-up. It is great now, and I don't regret the purchase.

[@Dglinski2]

Sumptuous review my friend! Cheers from Floridaman

[@maydecembersociety]

Thank you so much. Well done!

[@GrahamAndersonis]

Have you played the X7 and X10? If so, are there tonal differences beyond volume/bass? Thanks.

[@neildonnelly3013]

Very informative and unique, (entertaining), video. Laid-back presentation. Thank you :)

[@jungwoo4667]

I fit a tuner in my Sable just fine. I modded a Daddario to make it fit and attached it with some doublesided tape.

[@paularmstrong3395]

He even has different glasses between the two. This of course is a primer on advanced videography, not the X20, vs. Sable ;-) Seriously, nice job, Alex.

[@Muttonchop_USA]

When I was growing up they told me not to play with myself. Boy were they wrong!

[@jrivasphoto]

Wow. Thanks. They seem both to be incredible guitars…it just depends what you are on the mood for. The McPherson was kind of my favorite…but the Emerald is incredible too. The best would be to own both.

[@CarlosTrujilloMusic]

Is the x-20 more like an OM, GA, or Dreadnought?

[@shawnseelymusic]

It’s a dreadnaught

[@laneelliott8630]

This was great but would love a similar comparison demo with one of your wood acoustics please. Preferably a rosewood back and sides model.

[@alextryan]

My most recent vid compares the X20 with Martin D28 and a Taylor PS16ce

[@formationit5039]

I like how you said it. I play my 3.5 Adrondak/Indian McPherson for inspiration and my Sable for battle. Mcpherson make the best guitars on the planet!

[@46GarageUSA]

I have yet to try these two Carbon Fiber guitars, but what I have tried are several CA Composite Acoustics Guitars. The Cargo, the Ox and the Xi.. And oddly the only one i really like sound wise is the cargo. Odd because the Cargo is a travel guitar. The Xi sounds nice for a thin body guitar, just not as punchy as the Cargo oddly . More than likely I'll sell the thin body electric Xi shortly. I just don't play it and someone else surly will more than I.

[@jefferyclark351]

That emerald is the best looking thing I have ever seen. To me sounds more refined . Would have to own both though

[@joshuajamesmusic]

I prefer the look and tone of the Emerald. Awesome video by the way. Great comparison.

[@professordeb]

Thank you...an awesome review. The aesthetics of the Emerald blow me away. They each sound wonderful, though...sometimes I preferred the Emerald, sometimes the McPherson. But only the Emerald wins for beauty. You're a great player!

[@MBSTYLE57]

Dude, i ve got to get one of those ... i m 67, not much time left

[@karlcountry2363]

Emerald x20 or x30? I know you have both. which do you prefer?

[@alextryan]

the x30 is go-to for performance, great presence and depth of sound for strumming. i moved into songwriting so i prefer the nimbler x20 which shines with fingerpicking.

[@Celticsaint777]

Did you need to change saddle after switching to light gauge strings? I’m thinking of using light strings but I’m hoping I can use low action saddle and get great playability and tone in my sable.

[@alextryan]

i thought the standard saddle was set up for lights? if not, then i’m not sure. action is great with these santa cruz parabolics.

[@Celticsaint777]

@@alextryan thank you. Both saddles are set up for mediums but honestly I think lights will probably work great then too. Your Sable sounds great with lights on it.

[@SergeUnplugged]

Thanks, this is a great example how reviews have to be done 👍

[@Celticsaint777]

Did you need to change the saddle in sable when you changed from medium strings to the light gauge strings? Which saddle do you use??

[@alextryan]

I used the stock saddle and the action seemed good to me!

[@jefferyclark351]

All bull aside they both sound fantastic. Great review. Have all the wood big boys but have reasonally be me interested in carbon fiber acoustic guitar. They are a different world but so as in different styles wood guitars. Again super review. Jeff Clark from Rockdale Texas

[@brucenjudy2]

I just ordered the Chimaera Custom Build. Can't wait for it to arrive. Currently playing a Taylor 652CE builders edition and an older ovation 6 string. I played my buddy's X10 the other day for 3 hours. I had to have one. I agree the Sable was not as perky as the Emerald.

[@mdhj67]

Like the both but they're both priced for the professional. Your production was superb.

[@benmiddleton9984]

Sparta,WI! Both of these guitars are flawless. Neither one is better than the other. Both are fabulous. I mean, if I had to pick one by force I would probably pick the emerald. It has a fuller darker tone than the McPherson. Like I said though, both of these guitars are flawless.

[@jasoncox6904]

Great comparison video!!

[@janjablonsky]

Superb review. I thought the Emerald tone was more defined and warmer. To my ears, it sounded a bit like a high-quality mahogany guitar.

[@46GarageUSA]

That X20 is BEAUTIFUL

[@Celticsaint777]

Do you still have x30?

[@alextryan]

I do! I love it but, because of its bulk, I ended up not playing it much around the house.

[@selfscience]

Do they work with nylon strings?

[@joannmariep]

I know that Emerald can do nylon string builds on their guitars - because nylon strings have much less tension, the top is layered differently (if it was wood, the nylon stringed body would be more lightly braced). Also, for Nylon, the neck and a few other things are set up differently. One does not put nylon strings on a guitar meant for steel, or vice versa. i don't have an answer about McPherson, but it is not a bad question - but I do not see it as an option on their site, but that does not mean they won't, though it would require a bit of redesign, and that would not be likely unless they saw a market in a nylon version.

[@iplaywithstrings1679]

The only thing I want to know is the actions actually stays as it is forever?

[@alextryan]

I can’t believe I forgot to comment on this! The emerald has a double action truss rod, but the sable has no adjustment rod. They say it’s perfect from the factory and will never change.

[@jeremysautomobile]

Ok, I'm gonna add my knowledge for what it's worth. I have now owned 5 carbon fiber guitars. I currently have 2. My first was a CA OX before Peavy bought them. Second was a Journey with removable neck. Third was a McPherson Touring. 4th is a 12 string (I made it an 11 string like John Butler) emerald x3012, and lastly a Klos Hybrid regular size. I'll talk about the 2 disappointing ones first. The Journey. I took it back after a few days. It's cheap, many little flaws, and it sounds like crap. Just nothing was good about it. I hated it so much! haha. Next was the McPherson. It's ok, but it was only a couple of years old when I got it and although it had been taken care of, it had buzzing on the strings, and just wasn't right. I sent it in to McPherson and they made many adjustments. Dealing with them was not the greatest. The guitar was build well and did not have flaws like the Journey, but for the price of one of those, it just was not outstanding. I actually missed my CA which was less than half of the cost. Actually it was a 3rd of the cost of what I had into the McPherson. Next, my CA. This one was just right. It was balanced, and for the cost, it never disappointed me. I'd have to say all in all, it was a workhorse guitar and a great guitar that you can still find for under $1,000 used. Now, for the Emerald. It's beautiful. Dealing with the company for me was average. Some good, some not so good. What I love about this guitar is that it's like a work of art. I didn't get the wood top, because I want my guitar vibrate. To me that is just not cool to have a wood slab glued on my guitar. Anyway, I also love the shape of this guitar. It's shaped to fit your body and is so comfortable. There is attention to detail everywhere. I like that the back is also CF as well as the neck. IT sounds good. Now where I think it falls short. The carbon fiber to me is too thick. Guitars need to vibrate. It's thicker than any of the other ones I had. I personally like a neck that can come off, but I won't fault them for that, because there are pros and cons to that. Now for the surprise. The Klos. This thing feels like a feather next to my Emerald. It's not shaped to my body like the Emerald, there are shortcuts in build quality that you don't see in the Emerald. But that's to be expected with a huge price difference. But the sound! This things has strong low end, and fills the room with sound. It's 90% there to my Emerald, but remember this guitar is much much smaller than the Emerald. I find myself grabbing the Klos more. The carbon fiber is thin and vibrates. I like that. So, still have not found what I'm looking for to be honest. If my Klos, and my Emerald get freaky while I'm sleeping and have a baby, then I think I'll have what I want. I want the build quality and shape of the Emerald, but the thin CF and removable neck of the Klos, and there is not such a guitar out there yet.

[@waterman3230]

There seems to be a more pronounced upper midrange "Honk" to the Emerald, which is sad. I know it can be eq'd out, but I think the McPherson has a more natural tone.

[@SevanStick]

Hear the same.

[@DannyBrooks1]

I would agree!

[@kevinv.m.94]

It seems a side-effect of too much resonance and the unusual position of the soundhole which makes a long cavity that resonates those upper midrange "wolf"

[@davidzaharik5408]

Great video!

[@UTBIsrael2011]

I don't know. I'd use the emerald for rock, country... the McPherson sound is soft, warm, more mellow. Both guitars sounds incredible. That's why we have several guitars to play. I like them very much.

[@hansfranz8795]

Great comparison, thanks! Might wanna ease up on the reverb, though. :)

[@alextryan]

I backed off a lot and I convinced myself it was good. So much to learn! Hope it didn't distract too badly.

[@ConspiracyPundit]

I want the looks of the Emerald with the sound of the Sable, but most importantly I want the money to afford it.

[@NotOrdinaryInGames]

If I had both, the irish guitar would have grown on me over time more.