NGD ~ Emerald X7 Artisan ~ Amber

[DHart]

We've had some discussion on this in another thread, but I think it might be appropriate to have a "NGD" thread for the X7, so... I'll start this and include some of my comments from the other thread.

I have one other CF guitar already, a RainSong CH-OM1100NS, which is a short-scale, 12-fret Orchestra Model with unidirectional top. I could not be happier with the RainSong; it plays wonderfully, has full, rich, deep and very well-balanced tone, and a crisp, brilliant sparkle that pleases me very much. This RainSong is a stellar instrument - worth every penny! (Thank you Ted!)

That said, I've had a hankering for an even smaller guitar, along the lines of an Emerald X7, which is particularly well-suited to playing while curling up on a sofa or in a recliner.

The guitar arrived yesterday. Though I didn't order, ask for, nor pay extra for the LR Bags Element electronics, the "in-stock" X7 Amber Artisan that I ordered through the Emerald website came with the pickup system installed.

I had been watching and considering this "in stock" Amber X7 Artisan on the Emerald website for at least a couple of weeks. Having quite a few guitars already, I decided to sell a Colt 1911 to finance the guitar (my wife can't really squabble about me buying yet another guitar, IF liquidating an unused firearm - yes, I have "a few" - covers the expense). Glad I bought all those pistols years ago! They are like money in the bank (er, safe).

So when the pistol quickly sold, I gleefully clicked "BUY" on the Emerald website. And I'm glad that I did.

That being the case....my beautiful wife just had to ask if would be selling a guitar... now that I was getting another NEW one. SO FUNNY!




Needless to say, "no, I'm not selling any other guitars."

Here's the X7 in our front courtyard:


It's come a long way from the damp Emerald Isle, but arrived in perfect condition and doesn't mind the dry 20% humidity of the Sonoran Desert one bit!

To be honest, the stock EXP11 coated strings sounded sort of "thuddy" to me. I was NOT impressed. I wanted more sparkle, more brilliance in the tonal response of the guitar. After all, I've been playing my RainSong for a while and it has brilliant sparkle (which I appreciate) galore.

With a string change to D'Addario EJ11 uncoated 80/20s, there has been a very nice improvement in that regard. The tone is brighter and there is more brilliant sparkle now.

I like the short-scale, the wide string-spacing, and the chunky neck! All very good!

I do notice a somewhat short sustain of fretted notes with the X7, but I think that is probably just the nature of the beast. Longer scale instruments put more tension on the top and they seem to sustain longer than short scale instruments.

For my purposes (personal use, travel, playing on the sofa or recliner, leaving out on a guitar stand regardless of temperature or humidity changes) it plays well, sounds good, looks good, and meets the need nicely. The build quality and finish - including the deep amber tone, are truly impressive.

So, all-in-all, it's another good "New Guitar Day" on the acousticguitarforum!

[Kerbie]

Congratulations, DH! I think you're gonna love it. Nice pic too... perfect guitar for that environment.

[121]

Congratulations, I think Amber is the best looking color.
My Amber X7 looks almost like your, except for some reason mine only has 19 frets rather than 20 frets like yours.

What do you mean you like the 12 fret neck ?
From the picture it looks like 14 frets at the neck.

[Long Jon]

Congratulations ! Great guitar , Fantastic setting, somewhat different climate from here.

It’s pouring rain in London right now, so I might go outside and take some pics of mine !

Keep us updated on any particularly good string choices you may find. (Thinking of trying Monels myself)


Ps. Mine’s got 20 frets, as has the 2013 X7 I sold to my friend. . .

So I’m afraid 121’s 19 fretter is probably a counterfeit, they always get something wrong.

[Song]

Beautiful, pure, undiluted CF! Way to go!

[Captain Jim]

A lovely new X7 captured beautifully in your desert environment! Enjoy!

[steelvibe]

Congrats DHart. Looks absolutely killer!

[Acousticado]

Originally Posted by 121

Congratulations, I think Amber is the best looking color.
My Amber X7 looks almost like your, except for some reason mine only has 19 frets rather than 20 frets like yours.

What do you mean you like the 12 fret neck ?
From the picture it looks like 14 frets at the neck.

I could be wrong, but I think D’s reference to a 12 fret was regarding his recent Rainsong CH-OM acquisition.

Beautiful photo and guitar, D!

[bry]

Very nice addition to your stable. What a great combo with the Rainsong and the Emerald.

Congratulations on the new family member. The picture is also very nice--the guitar looks indigenous.

[Res Ipsa]

Spectacular! Enjoy your X7!

[Methos1979]

Congrats and welcome to the X7 club - we're having jackets made!!

I love how the amber pops in the sun.

[Acousticado]

Originally Posted by Methos1979

Congrats and welcome to the X7 club - we're having jackets made!!

I love how the amber pops in the sun.

Here ya go...Carbon fiber is the new leather...Have fun X7ers!

[Saltamontes]

Congratulations on the new acquisition, I am loving my August series X7 Artisan

[jdinco]

Beautiful Amber DHart....congrats and I hope you enjoy it !