Emerald Guitars - X30 Vs X20 Amplified -Which do you prefer?

[@elainev5703]

Hi Gary, I was fortunate to have had a tour of the Emerald factory in Donegal, Ireland. I took a picture of Davy holding your guitar. I was struck by the beauty of the crotch maple veneer, you chose well, the X 20 is beautiful and sounds wonderful. I have an X 30, X7 and a Virtuo, I have Emerald fever. Let me know if you want a copy of the photo.

[@gair1944]

Hi Elainev, I am blown away by the visual beauty of this X20 and just as enamored by the sound and playability. I'd love to see that photo. You can email me at [e-mail]

[@DENNISREID-r7t]

Great in depth demo. Much thanks. I am on the fence about which one to buy. I was wondering which guitar you preferred overall. I don't think there is a wrong answer, but your obvious skill and objectivity in presenting these magnificent instruments leads me to my question. Thank you for taking the time to share this video. Cheers.

[@gair1944]

Hi Dennis, For home playing, I pick up my X20 more (to play plugged in). I honestly don't really play my Emeralds 'acoustically'. These are my amplified gigging guitars and I plug in at home in my studio all the time. The X20 is a little more physically comfortable, but I honestly gig with my X30 at every show. The jumbo just sounds more complete ...yes, even amplified. I have the same PU's in both: Graphtech Ghost Piezo/K&K. I LOVE a full rich sound with a nice low end for my strumming and cross pick style. The Jumbo X30 gets the nod for gigs and if I was gonna play it acoustically. But for plugging in, both are great and the X20 is more comfortable. Yet, I still always prefer gigging with the X30. Hope that helps. You can email me anytime at [e-mail]

[@zarakahler4950]

It’s a very close call, and I agree with all your comments. For me, the X-20 has a touch more midrange clarity. Obviously, I can never hear exactly what you are hearing, but is sounds like the reverb setting on the Strymon was set for the X-20 and could do with with dialling back just a tad for the X-30 because of it’s natural extra resonance due to its size. Great demonstration- it’s certainly made me want one (or both😂). BTW, I haven’t noticed any recent videos with your D-17 Outlaw, it was always my favourite in the Martin head-to-head challenges you did a couple of years ago.

[@gair1944]

Thanks for listening. The X30 has proven itself to be amazing for amplified gigging

[@terryfitzpatrick5602]

I'd love to have one of these guitars for my final few years of playing. Unfortunately I checked pricing and Unfortunately my pension just won't allow it. Saw another great Canadian guitarist JP Cormier do a review on the X20 and he was blown away by the tone, build and quality of details. Oh well, wishful thinking.

[@newffee]

Emeralds are unique sounding and looking for sure. They sound great. Perfect gig guitars. What was that first tune you were picking over the loop? It was a really relaxing beautiful tune.

[@driverjamescopeland]

The sustain of both these guitars is astounding. For me, X30 for solo or good for rhythm in a group. X20 for group play with lead, or just a good all-round general purpose sound/feel.

[@gair1944]

Yes it is! Remarkable infact

[@anointed01]

Awesome comparison Gary. I have a couple of questions though. What`s the strings gauge/brand/material? and What caliber pick do you use?

[@gair1944]

Thanks for watching. The strings are the stock ones from Emerald. Daddario EXP .012 - .053. I'm pretty sure that's what they used on the X30 too but need to confirm.I used a 1.2mm John Pearse Fast Turtle pick for this demo but I often use .88.. dunlop primetones or Dunlop Ultex picks. Tortex picks are pretty good too. It depends on your attack as to what works best for 'you'.

[@superman-el9jd]

Sweet guitars. Thanks as always Gary….

[@gair1944]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching and for your kind words

[@timmcgurl]

I wish you demonstrated more of the KnK throughout your video. You should show what each guitar sounds like without blending the two pickups. All I basically heard was the UST, with either the volume of the KnK at 1 or 2, or all the way off. You should've done the opposite, mostly KnK with little to no UST. I'll bet those axes would sound more acoustic with mostly the KnK pickup turned up. You did the complete opposite???? Just a thought!

[@gair1944]

Hi Tim, I am happy to give it a try and make a new video. I find the K&K to be less natural sounding and alone it is darker and tends to be a lot more prone to feedback. That is why I do it this way. I am overdue to make a new video of the new Bose S1 Pro + I added recently so this would be a great time to showcase the K&K/Graphtech Ghost Piezo PU's. Thanks for watching.

[@timmcgurl]

@gair1944 No problem. I like your playing. If you're familiar with Nova Scotia guitar picker extraordinaire, JP Cormier, he just did a review of the X20 into his Fishman Loudbox Artist acoustic amplifier and he got a very good acoustic guitar tone out of his Emerald X20, with the same system. He is a huge "KnK Guy" and used the SBT equally with the UST and he definitely got a less Piezo sound. He didn't use any Reverb and was totally flat at 5 on B,M and T and was Blended in the Middle between both pickups. I'll attach his review below: kzbin.info/www/bejne/apLRgnxnort6rK8si=I_YI55yffmyDFlJw

[@stevec.1802]

The X30 could almost pass for a baritone guitar in some altered tunings. Stunning 🎧 as well as the X20

[@MrJbarreda]

The x30 for my ears

[@gair1944]

Thanks for weighing in! They are both great. I go back and forth.

[@Chrislayeruk1]

I find on my X 20 I don’t need much volume on the pick ups at all, balance them at the low end…

[@richarddlewis5422]

Can you play both the x20 and the x30 direct to a mic without any sound filter. I play all mahogany dreadnought guitars that are warm in sound. Does the x30 have some warmth to it?

[@gair1944]

Yes I can. I am overdue to make a non amplified recording. Yes the X30 is rich and warm. I have also always played Mahogany guitars. (back and sides) Mostly Martins. For me, the X30 has a richer, fuller and more complete 'acoustic' sound when played non-amplified. I like the X20 a lot and it has more balance and midrange sort of like an OM versus a dread. PS: email me anytime at [e-mail]

[@aramancam]

X-30 was the better sound to my ear. I’m a finger style picker and would love to have heard how that style sounds on each guitar

[@keithwigley1256]

What amp are they going through..

[@gair1944]

Fishman Loudbox Artist with a DI cable to a Bose S1 Pro +..

[@matthewzadeh1]

Sounds ok. Very overpriced.

[@gair1944]

All input is valid. May not be everyone’s cup of tea. That’s why there are so many guitar options from all kinds of builders. Thx for listening

[@stanby2712]

My Emeralds (X7, X20 and X30) hold up against my high end wooden guitars (4 Martins, a Collings, a vintage Gibson and 3 luthier built custom guitars) at around half the price. Not over priced at all; they are fantastic value for a high end guitar.

[@matthewzadeh1]

I ended up purchasing an Enya x4 carbon fiber guitar and I am very pleased with it. It sounds amazing. @@stanby2712