IRELAND'S BIGGEST GUITAR FACTORY - Emerald Guitars

[@jonathannewby5795]

Such a relief to have an interviewer who doesn't put themselves before the subject. No interruptions, vitually no comments, just letting Alistair talk. I am seriously impressed.

[@hanovergreen4091]

OUTSTANDING!!! The Absolute BEST guitar manufacturing walkthrough EVAH! Why? 1. I could actually HEAR and Understand the CEO/person giving tour 2. You did not constantly interject or override the interviewee to demonstrate how knowledgeable or cool you are. 3. Not one "That's Awesome!" was uttered! 4. Great Camera Work! Thank You so much for a great effort and Best Regards and Best Wishes!

[@KumoGoesFast]

@@blasvasco I came here from the most recent video of him reviewing one of their electric acoustics! it absolutely blew me away how versatile that instrument is. its crazy expensive but I can understand the asking price. I would never get one but I sure as heck wouldnt turn one down!

[@injuredtabletennisplayer1474]

It’s because Alastair really believes in his product. I’ve spoken to him a few times. Great genuine guy.

[@jenniferlawrence2701]

Putting the guitars aside for a moment, that's an impressive building. Lots of natural light.

[@MartinvonBargen]

It reminded me of a very good art studio at times. Let the light in I say. 🤘🤘

[@rigorhead01]

I was thinking the same thing. The lighting in the sanding room is impressive. It's probably the same throughout

[@secallen]

@@rigorhead01 Natural interior light is a big thing in Ireland.

[@ericdpeerik3928]

I was focused on the guitars, but now you mention it.... Yeah, that's alot of light. l

[@gregmumbai333]

@@secallen Can't rely on the windows though. I know you made this comment in summer but honestly there is bugger all sun during the winter months.

[@sixstringtv1]

I fear I'm gonna want to buy one after this video

[@jiantjingerjohn]

First :P

[@ryothalka373]

Well did you?

[@Lupine.]

Got about $3,500 burning a hole in your pocket?

[@sixstringtv1]

@@Lupine. Lmao I did say *want* to buy one, it's unlikely that I will 🤣 But it sure did make me want to

[@mikehunt5542]

ikr those verneers look so sick

[@NeilOLoughlin]

Always loved these guitars but love them even more after this video. Loving this content so much more interesting than other guitar content at the moment. Keep it up!

[@fundorgon]

You are a fantastic interviewer, no constant interrupting or self inserting.

[@MartinvonBargen]

I hear you're an Emerald Guitars player now, Father!

[@zedudli]

😂😂 good for you father! Good for you!

[@peejay6930]

"Should we all be playing Emerald guitars now father"

[@stephencarter8625]

No, that was a bass but it’s farther away!

[@tdrake59]

I bought an x30 last year. Best purchase ever. It plays and sounds fantastic, and it is stunning. Every time I play it out, people come up and want to see it up close

[@GoodandGone]

I have now bought two guitars from Alister. They are finished to the last detail and I regard them as being like the love children of a Steinway grand and a Faberge egg ; solid as Gibraltar and sparkling like jewelery. Temperature change and humidity bounces right off my Emeralds and they hold tune no matter what. Soon I'll be taking them to SE Asia without worry. Thanks again , Alister! Uncle Buck ;)

[@bessiebraveheart]

I have one of their guitars, the Virtuo model. I just Love it. One of the best guitars I have ever played. The build quality amazes me. I'm a 77 yr old player and believe me i've played some top end guitars in my life, but my Virtuo takes some beating.

[@thehotcorner3337]

Fantastic interview and look into the Emerald factory and build process. This is the video a lot of us Emerald owners have been hoping for. Very thorough and provided a lot of insight into the builds and factory setup! Thank you for doing this for us!

[@catmandoodoo7903]

I’ve wanted one of their guitars for a while but can’t afford one. Your brilliant video shows that they’re actually really good value. I just wish they’d do a pure electric model. Also, you’re a very talented interviewer who gives the interviewee the space to express themselves fully. Brilliant 😎

[@recipoldinasty]

How much are they?

[@catmandoodoo7903]

@@recipoldinasty the one I spec’d was 2,500GBP.

[@secallen]

@@catmandoodoo7903 That is actually bloody good value.

[@catmandoodoo7903]

@@secallen it certainly is. Still too rich for my pocket though.

[@secallen]

@@catmandoodoo7903 Looks like £1850 for the X20 without the veneer and other purely aesthetic extras. If I bought a guitar like that I would do so for the stability and ergonomics, not the looks. I like the black carbon weave anyway. If anything, the veneer detracts from the authenticity.

[@germantoenglish898]

It's great to see the passion of these craftsmen. Jerry seems particularly proud of his work. Great documentary. 😃👍

[@84homey]

Very interesting, thanks. Five guitars a day - this is a very high quality setup. I love the fact that they are so strong and robust, but at the end of the day it comes down to what it feels like when you play it, and of course how it sounds, so I would love to try one. These are similar money to my Guild F-55 or to many Gibsons, Taylors or Martins for example, and it would be interesting to compare an Emerald guitar side by side with one or two similar quality/cost guitars of a more traditional build to see how it really compares.

[@mrk4510]

Those Guitars look Amazing! What a Great Video! 💯🙂👍

[@kennethhacker3014]

These guitars are unbelievable and the musicians that endorse them... thank you and great presentation

[@cancelbubble6535]

Incredible guitars, never heard of them before but they certainly know what they're doing. Pretty impressive factory setup for a small shop.

[@invizoman]

Mate ! Only the Irish !!!! God bless them !!!!😊

[@-chrisburke]

thanks KDH for the great video, i'm really impressed by Emerald's guitars and the building process. It's great to see innovation in the guitar space.

[@TurfShifter]

Stunning guitars. I'm not in the market for one of those but lovely to see them made.

[@muttznuttz2972]

Amazing walk through of an outstanding Irish company! Love to see it...

[@BarrySW19]

What a cool company - really bringing some innovation to the guitar world.

[@Dreyno]

There was a story about the early Fender prototypes not having a truss rod. To demonstrate that it didn’t need one, Leo Fender put a neck between two milk crates and stood on it. They had to explain to him that it wasn’t about the strength but the effects of changing temperatures and humidity when bands were touring all over the US and Canada. Leo relented when it was explained to him and started to fit truss rods. Not being a musician himself, he hadn’t considered the action and playability beyond it leaving the factory within specs.

[@deebojones]

I went to their website. Wow. Having all the veneers uploaded, the customization options, definitely the best guitar site I've ever been to.

[@ClarkVangilder]

Dang! 1/1000 of a millimeter is a micron. A super thin human hair might be 50-60 microns. The ability to fine tune the fretboard to a single micron is insane. Then it’s going to stay that way for 100 years, or if it shifts it’ll be less than any other guitar would. Wow. Just wow.

[@josephmansfield2875]

A pure Irish success story so professional well done to Emerald guitars continued success to you in 2024

[@kotogray8335]

Great guitars and amazing factory for these beautiful customs, KDH! And I'm so glad you continue to say "Bye bye!" at the end of your videos!

[@bacongl]

These guitars look amazing. Pro shop, that is for sure. Love to see luthiers with passion for their craft.

[@DANWRIGHTITIS]

Great studio tour & Great Building!! I lived in Dublin 15 years ago - but never got up to Donegal. I like that the tour was just a stroll & an informed chat - Not like you were auditioning to host TOP GEAR!! I love these guitars, I just sold my ErnieBall Van Halen so i got the cash - but I´d best stay away from the BUY NOW button!!

[@hkguitar1984]

AMAZING, Thank You KDH and thank You Emerald Guitars. I've never wanted a carbon fiber acoustic more than I want one right now, most certainly mine will be an Emerald.

[@fluxfaze]

Great tour, even without secret bits revealed. I was surprised by the amount of mind/eye/handwork involved in their design phase, now also on the production level, too. Standing on the guitar made me tense up considerably, but is reassuring. I travel across climate zones spanning hundreds of miles with thousands of feet in elevation changes and sundry associated temperatures and humidity levels. It seems to be the ideal instrument to withstand such nature-induced stresses.

[@MikeS-1969]

This video makes me wanna buy one and I am not a guitar player primarily. Well, the world is full of passionate people who love what they do and thus doing it best. THat gives me hope. You just have to know where to look to find them. Great stuff.

[@PhilipCockram]

Great job KDH.

[@paulodonnell4831]

I have 4 Emeralds but still am blown away by how much goes into them. Each one is a work of art.

[@joeking433]

That's a really nice little factory! Wow! Better than most I've seen!

[@injuredtabletennisplayer1474]

Was considering another tour of Ireland. Just got back in May. But will probably await another round of quilted maple and obtain another Emerald.

[@PatrickGeneLeBlancHardy]

Hello, From the StateS 🇺🇸 Thanks For Sharing 🎸 🇮🇪 💪

[@reecespecis8669]

Best Factory tour I've seen hands down !

[@jeremiahlyleseditor437]

Incredible workmanship. Probably the finest in the world with that PLEK machine.

[@mathiasjohannesson9833]

Hi all! Just wanna quote myself about my thoughts of Emerald Guitars: "I am a tone nerd, and I was a bit suspicious before I got my X30, but all my fears was unnecessary. The tone is beautiful. A lot of bass but not too much, just natural. The mid and highs are clear and well balanced. Many quiet nights when the family has gone to bed I sit in the living room with candles and tea (In a nice Emerald merch mug) and just let the inspired harmonies flow from the guitar. And I am amazed by the sound of the guitar. I am a car dude. Used to have BMW and Mercedes Benz. But now I borrow my neighbours Volkswagen Caddy. The guitar set me back a bit and I save money for a high end acoustic mic to have installed in the guitar and a high end preamp/blender to let the superb sound be available for the people who hear my guitar via a speaker system. And not at least for myself via my Shure SE846 in ear monitors... Worth noting, I am in the high end home audio business. Manufacturing gear for a well known brand and strive for perfection. So one other thing I need is a better interface to connect my X30 to the different speaker systems I got." And the issue about carbon fiber vs. wood: "I love wood. I like the smell of my old Martin. But the sound and playability of my X30 is just superb. Not to mention it is unaffected by temperature and moisture. And I have been in the business of glass/carbon fiber polyester/vinylester/epoxy so the tiny smell of my X30 is familiar. Not wonderful, but not bad in any way. The advantages of carbon fiber is also one of the reasons for me to consider another Emerald guitar in the future. But now I am fully occupied to explore the possibilities of my X30." The environmental issue of carbon fiber and resin someone brought up: ""I guess they are aware of the environmental responsibility of working with carbon fiber and epoxy. But compared to the environmental damage the blades of all these wind farms cause, it is not even a drop in the ocean. As all the plastic debris from the blades in the ocean the wind farms literally cause. And if we should care about the recyclability of the guitars, I guess that too compared to the wind energy plants, is a not even a drop in the ocean. Or rather, in the soil, as they sometimes dig down the "recycled" wings in the ground. And, the lifespan of an Emerald guitar is many times the lifespan of the wind plant wings. So a conclusion, all the guitars Emerald will ever make, will not add up to the environmental effect of a single wind turbine blade. And they are still supposed to be the Holy Graal of environmental focused individuals." With all these words, I just wanna let you know that the sound from my X30 is really really good. And this guitar also makes me both able and inspires me to play better then I have been since I started to play the guitar 40 years ago. Take care!

[@PetreRodan]

@25:30 I think I see a password on a sticker :)

[@lawrencesinderson]

Love these videos, with your backpack on its looks like youre recording for a school project 🙂

[@panmo2110]

Wow! This is amazing! Would be great if they did/ would love to see a line of thin electric guitars.. and would imagine these would sell like hot cakes, and reminds me of the Parker Fly. Thanks for the tour, and amazing work Emerald Guitars! ❤❤❤ P.s. they have a KZbin page, would be good to add their link.. I've just subscribed to them also

[@uv77mc85]

yeah thats exactly what i was thinking.Thinlines gotta be a no brainer

[@Docbaldi]

Had my X10 for almost 3 years now. Play it in the 115* heat, rain, cool desert nights from the desert floor to 7k feet altitude of Arizona USA - if I’m out of tune, the strings are bad. ❤❤ my Emerald. 🎸🎸

[@ryanriggs9963]

I love the concept behind this. The customers get exactly what they want with the guaranteed strength and quality of carbon fiber

[@robjones7725]

Very very impressive! Two words: Strength & Precision. I can see why they are top end guitars and command top end prices. I like the fact that Emerald Guitars incorporate the exotic wood veneers to give a bit of natural soul to their guitars. That's the only possible weakness, despite its strength & accuracy, I find carbon fibre a bit soul-less and prefer good old more inconsistent and less durable woods! Alistair gave a very impressive tour of the factory and I get the impression he would be a very fair owner to work for. Very interesting video - thanks.

[@fishdude666ify]

I've got a 3"×1.5'×1.5' block of redwood burl that looks just like the first r.b. he pulled out. Use it for knife handles and sheaths. Honestly I never thought I'd see another piece like it.

[@joanarling]

Oh, man... I am a firm believer in "guitars are made of wood". Like everyting else is a fake. Well, you certainly shook me up. Perhaps that is really the future, especially regarding how fine woods are less and less available. Would I like one? I'd like to test one, and I might just be scared at the outcome.

[@BumblebeeElectron]

I got an Emerald X20 over 10 years ago, and loved it as soon as it came out of the case. But I was wondering if the next time I picked up my 1965 Brazilian rosewood Martin D-28 I would then be let down when I played the Emerald again. Are they different beasts? Certainly. Did the comparison make me disappointed in the Emerald? No way! It's an exceptional instrument in its own right. I use the D-28 for most of the recording I do, because 19-freaking-65 Brazilian rosewood Martin D-28, okay? But the Emerald also gets a bit of studio work… and as for performing, travel, everything else… it's the Emerald all the way.

[@barretprivateer8768]

Him standing on it was very impressive even with the little creaking noise.

[@KiwiExpressCream]

It might've been his knees 😂

[@sc0repio662]

KDH at Emerald! Ya got to meet & talk with the main man, Alistair, and ya got a how they're made tour of the new factory. VERY COOL. Is an Emerald worth it? incredibly subjective, to say the least, but I thought so enough that when I could, I got 2. They are THE MOST TUNING STABLE guitars I own. The builder page lets ya select from the large number of custom options including being able to select a one of a kind wood veneer for the top. My CSP topped X20 isn't just beautiful, it's the most comfortable acoustic I've ever played. My RWB topped Virtuo is not only gorgeous, it's noticeably lighter & has more tone options than my 2408... and that's before it's 13 pin GK mainlines to the BOSS SY-1000. ;)

[@EarleMonroe]

That was great to watch, and Alistair was very cool. I kept wondering why you left your backpack on though. Very sus like you were gonna grab a guitar and make a run for it😉

[@Millennial_Mike]

Stunning guitars... I'm really interested in them thanks to those vid.

[@kevinconville9258]

This really makes me want to buy one of these guitars now. Kudos Alistair!

[@robertnewell5057]

I've got an X20. I also have 3 high end Martins and few handmades (I'm old, not rich!), and the Emerald is up there with them.

[@Chris_Lohmann]

Every guitar manufacturer needs a 3d builder like that on their website. I know what I’m going to be doing for the next couple of hours. 😆

[@ClintsCrypt]

I don't know much about carbon fiber nor asbestos fiber, other than both are considered harmless while intact and contained and asbestos fiber is dangerous when not. But when I was jumping through all the hoops for asbestos fiber restrictions while importing my two motorcycles (a UK made Triumph a U.S. made Honda) to Australia this last year, I ran into government import officials in both the U.K. and Australia who stated there is a growing concern regarding the long term effects of carbon fiber possibly being similar to asbestos fiber. I was told that further research was being done to determine if there should be carbon fiber restrictions similar to asbestos restrictions. So that is something I would look into further before making a purchase of this size. Otherwise the guitar seems awesome, as is your video. 🙂

[@macleodfoto]

Amazing work

[@adventureawaits3646]

great video, stunning instruments, so interesting to see some of the process! Way out of my price range, but seems well worth it.

[@oliverlamb8892]

Yeah, I've had one of these for a decade. It's great. It's also a distinct sound from other guitars, a particular character. It's not a timbre that matches every song, just like a nylon string doesn't always work where a steel string would.

[@tranquilitybase6417]

Love my Amicus!

[@trident1314]

Not a brand ive heard of before this. Impressive factory!..i do recognise the Steve Vai guitar though.

[@seanmacmusic1]

Great Company, Great Team & Great Guitars. 👍👍👍

[@vinnyjr7029]

Amazing video Really interesting, Alistair is a real artist, so passionate on all aspects of the making and playing of the guitars Respect. I would love to own one of these especially the harp guitar that looks crazy good.. Would be great to create new music on it. Thank-you for uploading this very informative video. 👍😎💭🎸💜🎵🎶

[@urielfranciscofloreslozano5149]

I want to save up for the 12 string parlor guitar from their brand, looks amazing and a pickup would make it amazing

[@will-6668]

I really like your jacket, where did you buy it? 😅

[@distrustfulmonkey2832]

I already wanted one before you uploaded the video...

[@scottbrower9052]

Very cool ☘️

[@bkebradley]

The 3D builder is genuinely super cool, I spent a lot of time making a custom guitar, which there was no way I could afford, but it was a lot of fun!

[@JohnnyArtPavlou]

We can dream!

[@gilbosh1]

Great vid, i'd never heard of Emerald Guitars, thank you, i'm already spec'in out a beautiful teal X20.

[@greenslider]

Fascinating clip. Been aware of this company and Dolmen for a while. Lovely pieces. Pretty much an investment.

[@niallpadden]

Sublime. At another level.

[@EJSjjh]

Loved the video, such beautiful acoustics

[@DMSProduktions]

'I've never done this on camera before!' That's what she said!

[@theneverwas2835]

Top shelf video. Thank you.

[@lazrbeam117]

Ocean gate watching for new and improved hull processing

[@RadityoPramAdi]

incredible !! love the acoustic bass !!!

[@northernlefty5412]

Been considering an x20 left handed. Maybe sometime soon.

[@theariesexperiment4642]

I imagine it was a tricky dance to find a finish that wouldn't clash or be adversely affected by the resin.

[@BinarySecond]

Can you send a guitar back to get it re-PLEK'd? That seems like an awesome service

[@rodoherty1]

I really wanted to hear what that bass sounded like!

[@caiusmadison2996]

I want a harp model after seeing their take on it.

[@claudevieaul1465]

Looks phenomenal!! I'd absolutely love that redwood burl veneer... Definitely having a proper ogle at the website! Thanks for sharing this 😎👍

[@zedudli]

Beautiful guitars, super interesting video 👏🏻👏🏻

[@gregmize01]

This is badass! Thanks!

[@sagittated]

If anyone is curious to see more of the carbon fiber process, Mercedes F1 team has done videos from their factory. ✌️

[@ponder889]

I want to hear one!

[@CaptainCraigKWMRZ]

Damnit. Now I want one. Great tour.

[@mygreatbigfoot1679]

How do those fellows sanding-down know or judge when to stop?

[@gwvest]

would be nice to try one of these guitars

[@matthewotremba9230]

Gimme a close replica of a Danelectro , with Vintage Lipstick Pups And a Slim Taper neck profile

[@PeterWasted]

I've seen these before and thought them to be gimmicks. I've changed my mind. I'm struggling with how to justify the potentially, massively increased carbon footprint over a conventional guitar. This is something I don't see mentioned on their website which makes me think they have no justification...

[@darksu6947]

If you're that worried about our changing climate the morally correct thing to do is to become a do it yourselfer and commit the old sewerslide. You don't want to be a morally bankrupt person do you? Think of the children 😂

[@joeking433]

Reminds me of how Parker made his guitars.

[@coastalgeorgia6558]

impreeive for sure! would like to hear that bass... all of them really

[@dingbatjack1234]

Anybody know if they use CARBON FIBER?

[@NunSuperior]

Great job getting good audio quality in such a noisy environment.

[@mullrump2]

Never heard of these guys...either have alot of other musicians i know...thanks to KDH....i look like ive the inside track....

[@volkiruski1221]

Impressive brand...for sale in NL?

[@alittlebitgone]

"Emerald12345"! That's the same combination I have on my luggage!

[@RedRose4711]

The site cannot be accessed. It said 502 Bad Gateway.

[@aipsong]

WOW!!!!!!

[@pompom906]

Looks like a start up company, never seen a workshop that looks like an office before.