NGD: Emerald X20 Cocobolo Woody
 

I've been a fan of cocobolo wood guitars for a long time (Taylor's and Custom Luthier Built Guitars) and after seeing some fine examples of cocobolo veneers used on Emerald guitars decided about 7 months ago to commission an X20 woody of my own.

Sean was a pleasure to work with and provided a good picture selection of available cocobolo veneers for me to choose from. I selected one that had some nice sap wood through the center of the set for both the body and headstock.

I had the opportunity to play my buddy Jim's X20 a few times and really liked the looks and sound of the guitar but found the neck a bit chunky for me as I played further up the neck. So, I was pleased to learn from Sean that Emerald could build a modified neck on my custom order along the lines of the Taylor neck carve which I find very comfortable.

So for a reasonable upcharge I opted to have that done on mine and was quite pleased with the result. Sean mentioned that Alistair worked on the custom neck himself on this guitar. I find the slimmer carve makes for easier playing. The fretboard itself still is slightly wider than a Taylor's as you move up the neck, I assume due to the X20 design and how the neck joins the body.

I've have only spent one evening with the guitar so far but it sounds really great both unplugged and with the Baggs Anthem through a PA. Factory strung with D'Addario EXP coated 80/20 strings which I like. Fit and finish are top notch. I'm looking forward to spending some quality time with this new addition to the family, after a short trip to the Woodstock Invitational Luthier's Showcase this weekend.

Without further adieu, here are some glamour shots:

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What a beauty! My X20 custom woody (also in cocobolo/amber) is due in the coming weeks having been ordered about six months ago. Like you, I went with a custom neck carve although mine will be based on the Santa Cruz V neck which is my preferred carve. I also went with a K&K and a short scale. I'm looking forward to getting it. Make sure you update us after you've run it through its paces for a while.

Another coco looker. Congrats! I have a coco/sapwood Chimaera (body and headstocks), so I know how you feel about your new X20. Have fun!

That guitar is beautiful! Very nice selection on the wood.

It's very beautiful! Congratulations! :up:

Wow! That is a beauty! Congratulations on your X20! Looking forward to more impressions as you get to know it over time. (My X20 continues to impress.)

:up:

That is indeed a very beautiful guitar! Particularly loving the superb book matching.

I too have an Emerald coming very shortly, although it’s been nearer 8 months in the making... getting very excited now. I’m hearing nothing but praise for the finish and fit of these guitars, so really looking forward to joining the ‘club’.

What a beautiful musical instrument. Looks like a collectors item to me.

Sean just sent me a picture today of my Custom Woody build that ships this Friday. Can't wait to get my hands on it. I too went with a custom neck carve and a little thinner width where it meets the body. Short scale too.

WOW! That is beautiful!
How much extra was the neck modification?

Wow, is that lovely?!!! :)

That is one fine looking babe you got there!

Gosh that is purtty right there!! Playable art.

Killer X20you got there dude!

Love that parallelly aligned sap wood! Very very nicely matched veneer!

Enjoy playing it!

Love my all black Opus X20, but your guitar is outstanding.