Can there Really be ONE GUITAR that does it ALL?!

My vast quest to explore the world of guitars has taken me across the globe... but rarely have I encountered a guitar that could conjure such a multitude of varied tones as the new Virtuo model from ‪@emeraldguitars‬. Join me as I explore this monster-of-a-guitar, and take it through it's paces... if for no other reason than to meet the vampire that lives in my attic! ...what!? ...just watch the video!
GEAR:
• ‪@emeraldguitars‬ "Virtuo" Acoustic / Electric / MIDI Guitar
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• ‪@RolandProfessionalAV‬ GT 55 Synth PEdal
• ‪@TELEFUNKENElektroakustik‬ ELA M 260
• ‪@HughesandKettneramps‬ TRIAMP MKII Amp
• ‪@Fishman_Music‬ LOUDBOX Mini Charge Acoustic Amp
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#GUITAR #GEAR #MUSIC

[@Stratotao]

Any guitar in your hands will sound amzing. What we need is more practicing and more inspirations from you. Thank you Justin!

[@rayfabris2512]

about 4 years ago I had to sale my 4 guitars and amps nothing real special 1 acoustic(ovation) 1 Ibanez 1 epiphone les paul custom with a nice Gibson les paul case with the blanket that was worth more than the guitar maybe? I just didn't know that people collected them at the time and 1 more guitar a 82' US made bullet and another hardshell fender USA case worth about $250 boy did I learn a lot in the 4 years waiting for my finaces to get better what I did was educated myself on collecting and working on guitars from frets to modifying guitars there's a lot I learned and will save me money and make money on side jobs I'm glad I took the time and yes it sucked not having a guitar that long but I made up for it when my finaces got better the first thing I did was call Gibson garage and purchased my first Gibson les paul standard in cherry burst I waited and watched reviews of the new Gibson management at the top and how things were getting better with the Quality at Gibson I'm not disappointed with the $2,700 I spent I would've purchased a couple more if had the money,but dam I love my les paul and that is inspiration enough to plug into my new Marshall dsl 20 head into the Marshall 2x12 cabinet what a box I checked in my bucket list Gibson les paul standard in cherry burst ✔ Marshall dsl20 head ✔ Marshall MX 2x12 AR cabinet ✔ that's 3 ✔ so I'm off to a good start so KEEP ON ROCKIN 🤘the 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@SybilDefense]

You need to invite guest reviewers... " This is Bob. Watch him play Stairway to Heaven ". Then... if it sounds good, you got somethin

[@Ogscottyp]

You are the reason I stay so romanced by the guitar after playing for 35 years. Players like you still pop up on my radar from time to time, proving that chills can still run up my spine. That's what the love for this instrument is all about.

[@aarondavis4341]

Im a bass player..but i agree with you 100%

[@garydolphin3856]

Absolutely absofuckinglutly

[@shannondosher1270]

Justin has always been a natural badness on the guitar. I remember when he started playing.

[@tbsomerville5798]

I haven’t picked up a guitar for over 30+ years! Justin, you have lit the torch that I never thought would ever burn again. Thank you sir.

[@wearytraveler3524]

One guitar to rule them all. With all the tones inside them! One guitar to rule them all, and in the music, bind them!

[@jackisgallant]

Well done.

[@JayDoge]

That would be something like a PRS 513 or any HSS. What would be your one to rule them all?

[@chadkline4268]

Why wouldn't you want a whammy bar?

[@jonnyroxx7172]

I love how Justin's "screaming lead tone" remains as subtle and nuanced as his quietest clean tone. The mark of a truly great player.

[@hevnleee]

I could just watch you play all day. You are truly an inspiration to this beginner guitar player.

[@janrandles8683]

Same here!

[@sgt.grinch3299]

That guitar is sheer perfection. That maybe the ultimate axe. Love everything about it. I rewatched this again a month later. Nothing has changed, I still think this is the Ultimate guitar. I watched this episode again months later and it is better than before.

[@TMoody]

That acoustic tone is some of the best my ears have ever heard.

[@robinemery]

Opening was too cute❤️let's hear it❣️

[@elquetzal12]

I am always unsure of what I am more impressed with Justin, his amazing guitar playing or his ability to not burn in daylight.

[@iancormie9916]

Ah, the wonders of video. Avoid the daylight and post by day. Great job, truly inspirational.

[@RayOBannon]

Not sure we're supposed to let folks know about the attic vampires, but GREAT VIDEO! :)

[@joolz666]

@@landrybass0000 Don't be mean! The vampire was smiling. It's a happy vampire!

[@kevc6115]

I come from Donegal in Ireland where these guitars are made and I am extremely proud of their meteoric rise. I had the extreme pleasure of playing & gigging with 1 of the earliest guitars Alistair @ Emerald ever produced. It was an Emerald green dread style guitar (Was not a fan of the colour). It was used by Mickey Joe Harte while representing Ireland in the Eurovision song contest in 2003. In the same year, they made their debut at NAAM in Annaheim, California. I never had the privilage of meeting Alistair although we have chatted online a couple of times. The guitar was loaned to me by Mickey Joe's keyboard player, Finian. He said he wanted feedback on it from as many players as possible. So I passed it around a lot of my friends. So, in a way, I played a teeny weeny bit part in the evolution of the Emerald story. They very much have their own sound and will not be to every ones taste. But they most definitely have firmly established their place in the wider catalogue of high end guitars. If I could afford it I would have a few. When I win the lottery, when I win the lottery!!!😂

[@davebutler3905]

Thanks for the interesting back story! I'm also in Ireland... Also waiting to win the lotto... Would buying some tickets improve the odds at all d'ya think?

[@robertkinslow8953]

Leave it to the irish to create the good stuff.

[@CatsPajamas23]

@@robertkinslow8953 👍✌️

[@thrashfan4ever]

@@davebutler3905 i would love to live in IRELAND my great grandmothe was from tyrone ireland and i have other relatives from 1700s from there as well

[@cynaptyc]

They are a wonderful piece of work! It just sounds so perfect in every way!

[@thalesdefreitas529]

I'm glad all these amazing guitar companies choose you to be the one to show the world what their exclusive babies can do \m/

[@patrickshannon4516]

There's a reason for that it's because he is literally the best ever

[@mrfarmer532]

Emerald chose the right artist to show off their beautiful guitar 🎸

[@riplead]

I starting watching to hear about this guitar, and stayed for the playing. So tasteful and flawlessly executed.

[@WJHemenway]

Mine is almost done being built … cannot wait to get it

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

What a beautiful guitar. Form AND function. I have not seen anything like this puppy. Thanks Justin and to Emerald.

[@davidsonmick]

Fantastic review of a really stunning instrument Justin. And, as always, exceptional guitar playing. Thank you and please come and play in Australia!

[@noobhacker101]

The acoustic sound is so warm and smooth. Love it.

[@carrytheflag3498]

The only channel I know I'll see something new and love it every time. Can't click fast enough. Thanks for all the hard work JJ, we love it Brother!!! Cheers Everyone!!!🤘

[@user-lb1ri5nt5y]

yesssss keep making videos like this! First time I've ever heard you speak and ive been listening to your jams for over a year now lol

[@karmicselling4252]

Justin. You should make a split screen video of yourself performing one of your compositions using this guitar to play each of the various parts ... Drums, Bass, Keys, Acoustic tone, Single Coil tone, Humbucker tone, etc.

[@mickfretty8038]

I always love your demos Justin, really informative and a decent amount of playing to admire. 🤘😎🤘

[@eecarolinee]

Thank you for making music that I am able to hear. You play some kind of great! Please continue... as if I had to encourage you. It is real obvious you love making this music that we love to hear. Thank you.

[@davidsnyder4362]

This was a super demonstration of an instrument so versatile it eludes description. I have gone to concerts and listened to albums that weren't half as interesting as this. Thank you, Justin Johnson.

[@lewolf2884]

It's Beautiful... it's Versatile... and it sounds Heavenly! I'd love to see how it compares to the Resonator with old school Delta Blues! THAT would be a challenge! This baby already sounds, in the electric guitar realm, like both the 'go to'... and 'the one'!!! 🐺

[@felipemendes7408]

I'm blown away, really! This is an amazing instrument!

[@DanielRodriguez-eh1qd]

This has to be the greatest “acoustic” guitar I’ve ever seen. So many options and everything is so well done. Finally a proper neck joint and saddles in an acoustic, both of my main problems with them. Plus the playing here is top notch, beautiful and clean.

[@uniquestringsthings]

One guitar that does it all is cool but who wants to have just one guitar.😊 Thanks for the music and inspiration Mr. Johnson 👍

[@makimachawngthu]

The placement of the sound hold ensures that if you accidentally drop a pick inside, it gets way easier to get it out compared to guitars with the sound hole at the center of the body where it becomes a kind of video game in moderate mode

[@cathy1523]

Justin you can make a shovel with strings sound amazing, that said; this guitar has such an impressive package of variety in 1 guitar. Looks beautiful and you as usual make it look so easy.

[@EnjunJo3]

I love your music.. Makes me feel like i lost it all, but somehow, it's gon' be ok. . . Thank you, my man

[@Bjornlundstrom]

Absolutely awesome fun and interesting video! Killer bad ass guitar!! BOOOOOM!! 🎶🔥🎸😄🔥🎶🤘

[@tannertallentire2404]

That finish is incredible

[@rebeccadavis1785]

Wow, not only is it beautiful, sounds amazing!🤩

[@barrybaldwin5535]

You're a great salesman. You've just made this axe irresistible to every pro or wannabe out there. Makes me wish I had skills!!!

[@caseyryback6932]

Came for the guitar...stayed for the tremendous playing!!

[@robinemery]

You're the luckiest man in the world! All these guitar companies want you to check out their product and share them with us! Luckiest man ever ❤️❤️JJ❤️❤️

[@dp3537]

It's not luck, it's many hours, days, weeks, months then years spent on improving his shred skills then having a courage to show your face and personality in front of camera. That's a lot of work

[@Pharesm]

You don't think it has to do with the fact, that he plays really well and never does seem to tire making new arrangements?

[@user-dv5yt9yc9x]

@@Pharesm I still remember him in those years when he made guitars with his own hands, then explained to us different types of tuning, taught us how to play and even just enjoy musical creativity. Moreover, I have been following Justin for a long time, he will now move to a new level of understanding of his tasks and our enlightenment. It's a talent, but aimed at becoming a genius. I wish he would go back to electric guitars and become the new Leo Fender and Les Paul at the same time. May God give him strength!

[@kathrynwright2075]

As an oboe player, i was a little disappointed that you didn’t give an example of the MIDI ‘oboe’ sound, especially after mentioning this on your ‘wish list’ of features! Nevertheless, I did enjoy this video and your demonstration. This is obviously a very versatile guitar.

[@krzysztofszczwacz8412]

As an oboe player, you don't need any guitar to bring out the oboe tone :o)))))

[@CeresKLee]

Yes, Grace Slick oboe solo from the original version of White Rabbit from she was in the Great Society would been great!

[@davidmacleod9313]

Does Mahler use an oboe?

[@chilluminare]

so insightful, well thought out analysis. I loved the switch back and forth demo.

[@zokxzoranovski5255]

Just superb,Justin !!! Your style and technique amaze me!

[@bobbiegordon4431]

Beautiful guitar and it sounds amazing, love the black one behind you

[@warrenfloyd1484]

Still love the 3 string shovel, must have watched the cranking up the 3 string shovel video a 1000 times😎

[@hstruzyt]

That into was genuinely funny. Mad skills, and a sense of humor, you got it all!

[@sgt.grinch3299]

This is my third view of this video. I still think this maybe the finest guitar I have ever seen or is it your outstanding playing. What a combination of player using the correct tool. Perfection!

[@jacquesdupuis3032]

Of course Emerald Guitars look good and sound good , but a Master of guitars like you can make any guitar , even a shovel, sound good !! Thank you for your sharing this great talent you have .

[@samk4801]

Damn. I was gonna post about the shovel, but you beat me to it. LOL.

[@robinemery]

You've got exactly what you asked for❣️it sounds great all the way around❣️ ❤️❤️JJ❤️❤️

[@ikciwon1]

This is the most fun I have seen you have in your videos ...cool!! And well done

[@annakajade767]

You should hear that in the speakers of this truck.... Makes your heart just melt Make that baby talk.

[@zent555]

Justin is not only a fantastic guitar player but quite the salesmen with a comedic touch lol

[@Davivd2]

The holy grail of guitars. The guitar that truly does it all.

[@grichards1983]

Didn't they say that about the Variax?

[@jamesmoses4066]

It's missing a floyd

[@jamesmoses4066]

@@grichards1983 what's wrong with the variax 😓

[@grichards1983]

@@jamesmoses4066 nothing much until the electronics within break.

[@PainInDiaz483]

But we're forgetting the root of the growth of the instrument, i.e., the Classical guitar. So, the nylon string tone is not there.

[@donnamcduff7454]

So interesting. You are not only talented but knowledgeable. Gifted.

[@Tralman1965]

Beautiful guitar!! Justin, your playing is as smooth as butter!

[@Potatobrains_]

The vampire in my attic has been telling me to get one of these but I can't afford it.

[@AndyPWolf]

Well, that's dangerous, may be tomorrow you tell us us:"woke up thismorning and found myself dead." (Afterthought: glad to have no attic, 'cause I can't afford it either.)

[@love4boost]

Aside from the MIDI system and acoustic. It’s like a modern day Parker Fly. I miss my Fly Deluxe occasionally. It was my longest owned guitar at 15 years.

[@TheWoodStroker]

Really interesting and good on Emerald for being so forward-thinking in the build as well as the website. Erin Go Bragh!

[@peterlehman2974]

YOU are a very funny guy... in a very discreet (but good) way! I'm a child after hearing your finger ability. The guitar build(s) are just a wonderful bonus.

[@in2driving]

Great video! CORRECTION: the 13-pin output is NOT MIDI! It is six individual analog string outputs. In a Roland GK system these signals undergo pitch detection and drive internal synth sounds as well as guitar models. The 13-pin output therefore CANNOT drive a synthesizer directly, like for instance a Fishman Triple Play system can indeed do (because its output is MIDI!).

[@MashaT22]

I didn’t understand that. I’m dying to see the website for this Emerald Guitars “MIDI” guitar. That 13-pin cable made me raise an eyebrow. The Jamstik Studio (it’s an ALP Leaf 100 guitar body + Zivix’s electronics) is the only 100% analog + polyphonic MIDI guitar that I know of.

[@in2driving]

@@MashaT22 The Fender FTP Stratocaster and Godin FTP Session Custom were at least equal if not better MIDI guitars.

[@Celticsaint777]

Imagine the acoustic pickup played with good acoustic impulse responses. This guitar is incredible.

[@DuncanStrawn]

the perfect studio guitar does actually exist... i love the midi and the fact that the sound hole points towards the mouth for easy micing for singing and playing

[@jamesdodd5787]

listened to you for years decided to follow your playing. it is great and masterful, thank you

[@EddieOtool]

"It can do everything other guitars can do" DOESN'T EVEN HAVE A WHAMMY BAR WTF

[@CatsPajamas23]

Ikr? It can't even clean my house. Sheesh

[@mathiasjohannesson9833]

There once was a electric whammy bar effect thing one could place behind the stable. There is a video with Steve Vai trying it, dont know where it went. Seemed cool.

[@garywhitt98]

Also, doesn't have a drink holder.

[@flotenn3351]

@@garywhitt98 what do you think that soundhole is for?!

[@molekyyli]

Yeah, where's the whammy. :D

[@jomamma1750]

A very nice instrument there. Way less cost than even an entry-level Fodera. Would make an excellent choice for a long-distance tour. In the immortal words of Mr. Chuck Berry "depreciation!"

[@daleconley7809]

I love your beautiful color coordination of wardrobe and instrument. Nice visual addition to the sublime music you make.

[@jeffspringer7374]

Your stuff is always great, please keep it up!

[@misterschubert3242]

It's called a telecaster...jazz, blues, country, rock, often mistaken for a 12 string, and can be used as a cutting board, TV tray, and canoe paddle...

[@fernandovega5722]

😁

[@bigbadkitten1201]

Agreed

[@jcblebowski]

💯

[@juice_williams]

😊 Just showed my wife the video, she gave me the go-ahead to sell all my guitars and purchase one. Thank you Justin for the cool demonstration

[@jonnyroxx7172]

I just showed my wife the video as well. She gave me the go-ahead to sell all my guitars...

[@odettepross2435]

sell the wife...keep yer other guitars

[@odettepross2435]

@@jonnyroxx7172 lol

[@juice_williams]

@@odettepross2435 ordinarily that would be a good idea but she's 20 years younger than I am and only weighs 80 lb can't replace her

[@kevinblackburn3198]

@@jonnyroxx7172 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@stiphbreis5513]

This is the first time I've ever heard you speak and I have been watching your videos for 5 years. This is awesome.

[@archdeathmagetelemaster5805]

Well done Justin, love the video. I want my own attic vampire!

[@Pharesm]

I have 5 Emerald Guitars - back from the times when mere mortals could afford these!

[@Pharesm]

@@boatnikdog You'll have to explain that one to me, please... might come in handy!

[@Pharesm]

@@boatnikdog You are right, but those weren't available yet, when I bought mine...

[@mathiasjohannesson9833]

Searching for reviews of Emerald guitars that is not sponsored by the maker. Wanna tell us some of your thoughts about them?

[@Pharesm]

@@mathiasjohannesson9833 Mostly, they are very good. The first one I bought I think was called X5, and they advertised it for using it as a paddle for your boat in between playing it. But it didn't have a truss rod, so I actually have to send it in due to the neck doing the same thing that wooden necks do over time. Next I ordered the T8, a parlor sized guitar with a classic guitar shape. For being bigger than the tiny T5, it didn't actually play louder. Sound wise, it wasn't that great, but the neck is very fast and well set up. But by now, the neck also needs adjustment, and I have no tool that actually fits, so I'll have to send in that one too. Then I have the X20, which is the best of the Emeralds I own. Sound is really good, the neck is fast and easy to play on. The neck on this one is still perfect, but its also the most recent model I own. I did buy a "select" X20 version with 7 strings and fan fret - and regretted it instantly. The wood veneer was very ugly and just with room light, no sunlight, it got darker and darker. I didn't like the looks of it but worse was the 7th string - that was a mistake. I asked to return it within the statutory period of 7 days (Ireland laws), but the chief himself denied it, with the reason, that its been so long since I ordered it - and it had been so long only because they didn't manage to ship it out in time, because they were out of guitar cases to ship it in! This was the first time ever a vendor did something this twisted to me, and I should have just gotten a lawyer, but I didn't and it took me 3 Years to find a customer to buy that and lost 700 Euros on that. So watch out, but the X20 is a good guitar and so is the X10. And be aware, that the carbon on these guitars is not impervious to shifting / bending - even though mine have always hung in an air-conditioned room and never in direct sunlight. Part of the reason may be that a lot of it is made from thin material to get more sound (they had more volume than the Rainsong Carbon guitars I tried around 2008 or so. The Rainsong guitars were heavier and the acoustic sound was weak back then. I heard they got a lot better by now on volume. In spite of all this, my X20 is still one of 2 guitars I kept - the other is a Taylor Grand Pacific 517 Dreadnaught, that has fantastic balance, volume and sustain. The X20 is not far behind, but definitely less clarity, less volume, but also avoids some standing harmonics of the Tailor if you let sounds ring out. Emerald guitars do good double duty as acoustic and electric with an amp. The necks are fast and feedback is not too hard to control, as long as you're not trying that on stage.

[@johnedwards1685]

One guitar to blues them One guitar to rock One guitar beguiles with jazz One of metal made One guitar for country men One guitar to shred And one guitar to rule them all, and from the darkness save them.

[@michaelstone7514]

Sounds beautiful awesome playing!

[@resb1714]

Hey Justin, one of the best guitar available in the market right now needs a real versatile musician in a stunning video ... and you covered all of this right here and now ... don't know what to say more ... fantastic job 👏👏👏👌🤙🙏!!! ... wish you a safe time filled with loads of fun ... cheers Res 🥃😎

[@sbw1794]

Sexy guitar!!!!! Amazing versatility!!!! But can it sound like a cigarbox guitar!!!! Sounds great Justin!!!! Need one of those in my life😎🤘🍻 YES!!!!!! A LITTLE TOCCATA AND FUGUE IN D MINOR!!!!!!

[@babylemonade2868]

Yeah ask Brian May. I can’t believe you’re not recognised as one of the best guitarist ever Justin because you are. You should be a household name

[@randallburgess46]

Amazing instrument! Thanks Justin for sharing this video.

[@DreidMusicalX]

I love the sound that guitar put out. It looks nice too! Thank for the demo Justin!

[@ikciwon1]

Notice the angle of the cut away where it sits on you leg!! I'm have played prolly 40 Emeralds and have owned around 20 so far...

[@redbed1604]

Someday, I think that all quality guitars will be carbon fiber. No more worries about humidity!

[@philatkinson3955]

One of the finest guitarists around...rock it brother!😎🤘

[@tjatkinson88]

Wow that's amazing!!!

[@VentureNW]

Thanks Justin. I own a Variax, while its not midi, one of the big things I love about my Variax is the alternate tunings that I can easily setup on it and then just dial it in.

[@heatmizer-jim6762]

Gorgeous and completely versatile!

[@johnlagreca6288]

Thanks. Great production as usual.

[@MrSasquatch44]

Deadly combination----brains and a musical gift. Bravo man thanks for sharing!

[@rcrobertson9563]

Great video Justin!!!

[@trikael]

Great review. Thanks!!!

[@debbietidwell2482]

AWESOME video of such an AWESOME guitar‼️‼️👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@truetanny]

I love the tone and this is perfect!

[@guitarifuldexter6366]

That thing rocks! 🎸🤘

[@mikefetterman6782]

Nice guitar. Great little spike nod to BB on the Hot Rod setting. Another dream I can have.

[@bilparker6830]

That was fun Justin! Great review! I learned a lot, thank you!

[@stevenhensley7250]

Hey Justin I work at the front desk of a hotel and play your bootleg series at least once a week. Guests are always commenting on how great you sound. Of course I love it too. Thank you for the great music sir. 🎉❤😊

[@fullwaverecked]

What a hoot! Great video, great guitar!

[@Chr.U.Cas2216]

Oh WOW! Simply fantastic and nearly unbeliiiievably versatile (guitar and musician)! ;-) 😁

[@janrandles8683]

Did they ever pick the right person to show this beauty! Amazing instrument and always love listening to you play.

[@MrJdsenior]

I like that one on the seat beside you. Awesome grain, beautifully book matched. A real stand out. One of the big benefits of working in FR plastics. Beautiful constantly changing compound curves are a peace of cake.

[@shadowthunderb1306]

Love the play style sounds clean as heck

[@stevenlovell3300]

What a beautiful sounding piece of work

[@thorndog100]

I subbed just because of your playing man. The guitar is amazing as well. I love all these new guitars that are still guitars but have all the bells and whistles without it being something out of Star Wars or whatever. It looks lovely and looks like it plays well too. Nice one🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸✨✨

[@tfodthogtmfof7644]

Wow! That is an awesome monster of a guitar!