The world of acoustic guitar is not one we readily associate with truly revolutionary design – following tradition is often the norm. But Donegal's Emerald Guitar Company are an exception with refined cutting edge guitars that are the result of years spent in research and development.
Now that investment has come to fruition with its new X10 model; a world-class guitar born for the stage that matches its striking looks with advanced sonic performance.
“It’s great acoustically,” says founder Alistair Hay of the X10, “but when you plug this in, that’s when it really shines.”
While the tonal performance of electro acoustic guitars can often feel like a compromise for live musicians, the carbon fibre X10 confidently addresses these challenges with its advanced approach to materials, electronics and ergonomics.
A slim C profile neck combines with a new highly accessible heel design to enhance the fast electric-like playability for the Emerald X10's 24 frets. Indeed, the traditional heel is removed altogether in favour of a T-profile.
Even the soundhole placement eschews tradition. "The offset soundhole design is to project the sound as much to the player as it is to project it forwards," explains Alistair. "It's like a monitor – you're hearing your own sound as you play."
The hardware choices are equally crucial to the X10’s player experience. The Graph Tech Ghost pickup system is available as part of three different options: its piezo with adjustable string balance can then be combined with a Krivo humbucker and MIDI pickup options to fully realise the X10's huge sonic potential.
The Graphtech Ghost’s trailblazing system offers pickups installed in each saddle to allow for the individual amplified string output to be fine-tuned and MIDI possibilities to be explored.
The X10 is designed to deliver a world-class acoustic and electric experience for the player, with prices starting from €/$1,850. The model is also available in a range of colours and exotic wood veneer options.
Further options from Emerald's custom shop include scale length, fan fretting and even 7, 8, 9 and 12-string builds.
Why carbon fibre?
Carbon fibre's structural integrity allows Emerald's highly sculpted designs to be realised while enhancing the guitars' strength and resonance. And founder Alistair Hay's experience working with it goes back years.
Alistair’s family background in fibreglass engineering would lead him to work on carbon fibre Formula 1 speedboats in the US during the mid ‘90s. He was inspired to explore the idea of a carbon fibre guitar and in 1999 he’d created the concept of a one-piece instrument.
The instruments are built at the company's facility in Donegal using Emerald’s unique monocoque moulding system (MMS) that eliminates the need for joins and enhances resonance.
The MMS process allows for the guitar’s neck, body, top, bridge and fretboard to be created at the same time in the mould. There are no joints in the guitars that create points of weakness, instead the entire guitar is resilient and able to resonate more readily through vibration. And that’s very good news for tone.
The strong but lightweight guitars in Emerald’s range of series not only look distinct, optional veneer materials including kosipo, quilted maple and bubinga add stunning visual character
The Irish company has forged ahead to offer a wide range of instrument options to players too. These include harp, double-neck, fanned fret, nylon, archtop, bass and baritone instruments in addition to its comprehensive range of six-string designs.
For more information visit Emerald Guitars
