You have some of the best reviews I've seen on line. Great job not only explaining the physical differences - but also in the side-by-side comparison. Super useful.
Wow. I've never seen such a useful, thorough and slickly produced guitar demo. Thanks and bravo! I suspect I'd be completely happy with either of these instruments. CF technology has come a long a way.
Really appreciate the time you take to put these together. You even use different glasses in the comparison, and that's a bonus. The X20 sounds pretty great.
Great scientific review. Especially the sound comparison at end... never came across something like this on youtube. Appreciate it so much, esp when I'm considering a 3 to 5k pirchase.
I never gave a comment on this video but I’ve seen it a few times and I just wanted to say great job on this!!! This video helped me a lot during my buying process
Thank you for the comparison! I’ve been looking at the Sable for a year and recently came across the Emerald series. The X10 or 20 are the ones I’m considering now. I also really like the Emerald Kestrel. Being a MIDI fan, I also want to mention that the Emerald models offer a Graphtech Ghost system with piezo, MIDI mix capability with controls tucked inside the soundhole or on the soundboard. I still need to decide between the Kestrel and X-20 but definitely the sound in this comparison convinced me to go for the Emerald. They also have a 3D builder on their website to see what you want on your guitar in 3D!
Very informative review. I thought the X20 had a more pleasing sound. Before I’d seen the review, I’d bought a Sable hoping that it would play and sound like a wooden McPherson. It didn’t. It was its own thing. I ended up selling it and buying a new X20, which I much prefer. It’s lighter, louder, more comfortable, and somehow feels more “alive” when I play it.
Great job with the vid. I kinda wish I hadn’t seen this. I now ordered an Emerald X20 and working my way to purchase the McPherson Sable. “You know it don’t come easy.”
Excellent comparison video. A very practical, thorough and honest review covering all the features that matter for any potential purchaser. The sound comparison was the best I have seen. Too many guitar reviews show off the skills of the guitar reviewer rather than the instrument itself. Great work! I sincerely hope you do more reviews and comparisons.
Really enjoyed this review. Amazing job seamlessly joining the side-by-side comparison playing. Personal preference is for the Emerald, but, like you, I'd be worried about getting it dinged. I recently bought a Lava ME2. Although not in the same league it does have the take anywhere ease and lack of worry. Maybe I'll get to add an Emerald some day. Thanks!
That Emerald is absolutely stunning I dont know why anyone wouldn't like them. I have just bought a used journey of660 it ticks alot of boxs for me we live on a sail boat so room and durability is good. Cheers
That was a very well done comparison.... Love the way you demo them side by side. On a funny note, first video that I saw of yours, for a brief moment, I thought you had a twin brother... 😊
what a great video! comparison should be always like this one, starting from using the same strings for both guitars till alternate and continous play of the same song. Thanks Alex!
I am not in the market for a new, expensive guitar... and I still found your video extremely entertaining. Loved the side-by-side (with different shirts & glasses... and, maybe, pants?) at the end!
The June Hymn... what a song!! "Here's a hymn to welcome in the day..." etc. nice demo on these two lovely guitars. I'm off to chech out the Emerald website now!
Thanks for the excellent video. I bought a Sable for playing while living on my sailboat in the Caribbean. It’s sounds good and is pretty bullet proof in this environment. I tried a Emerald X7 first but wasn’t happy with the size and some odd ghost tones it had. I’ve been curious about the X20. From your video, it definitely projected better than the Sable. I prefer the Sable sound for strumming. The Emerald sounded very good fingerstyle. Thanks again!
thank you for a very good side-by-side comparison of these two guitars. I’ve got a Composite Acoustics GXi and i love it, but have been torn between adding a Emerald X20 (the X20-7 seven string) and a McPherson. Probably can’t go wrong with either one, but I’m going to go with the Emerald X20-7 for the following reasons & differences: the extra 7th string for deeper bass notes while fingerpicking, the fanned fret design for better intonation and longer bass string, and on a purely subjective perspective: the beauty of the Emerald’s vibrant carbon & colors, with the option of an enormous variety of gorgeous wood veneer overlays (I recently saw a different review which said the veneer is only about 0.3mm thick! ... less than 0.012 inches)
"...you get inspired by the Emerald; you brave the world with the Sable." This is a brilliant and very apt description. Well done. In the sound samples, my impression is that the Emerald sounds slightly brighter, with a tiny bit of a boxy tonal element, and it seems a little more forward than the McPherson. By comparison, the Sable seems a little more mellow, with the midrange slightly scooped and a bit more low end. As a former music store owner and McPherson dealer, I personally owned a Sable for a while. Though I quite liked it, I ended up selling that one. I kept for myself one of the McPherson Touring models, which occasionally accompanies me on my travels. I also have two McPherson 4.5 redwood over rosewood guitars, which I absolutely love. I have one of the new Emerald Virtuo custom models on order, with a Koa veneer top. BTW, I appreciate your soft-spoken and relaxed reviewing style. It's a refreshing change from the brash, over-excited presentation styles of most youtubers.
what a heartwarming reflection, thank you! and thank you for taking time to share in the content i put out there. someone once described me as “interesting as a potato” in a comment, and i had just been reading michael pollan’s book botany of desire, so i was flattered. :-D
terrific review - very clear - one vs. one - thank you you can really tell the difference fingerstyle - it seems like many of the treble notes are missing on the Emerald
one of the best review comparisons of guitars I've seen on TH-cam. thank you for doing this video. I love both guitars. having played both brands I truly do agree with your assessment of them. just like wood guitars (which I have owned/played way too many looking for the "perfect" sound - carbon fiber guitar manufacturers bring their own stamp/sound and depending on the player and need dictates the tool to buy/use. two of my tools are the X7 - size and comfort and the CA vintage (one of the first mfg by CA back in the day) range of tone and boom. each has its place and each will not go anywhere from my "toolbox". the best part for me that I found is the carbon fiber does not have the 'care' element of the wood guitar and the overall tone does not change with humidity temperature or age. it is what it is. 😁
Fantastic work, thanks a lot :-) You probably spent a crazy amount of time to edit the video! I have owned both the X20 and the Sable at the same time and ended up selling the X20 as I preferred the Sable tone and playability. The ergonomic features of the Emerald are nice, but the fretboard is indeed wider up the neck with E strings moving away from the edges, which makes it feel even wider for thumb fretting. The guitars react very differently to strings and picks (I disliked the Santa Cruz parabolic low tension on the Sable). I had Elixir Phosphor in light gauges on the X20 while I prefer Elixir 80/20 in Medium-Light gauges on the Sable. To each their own, they're both excellent guitars anyway!
I can def see why you'd stick with the Sable for those reasons. This X20 I got sounds a lot better than my first X20 -- or maybe it's me, so hard to know, although I've played different X20s side by side and they've had surprisingly different sound -- so my Sable is stashed in the basement. But I do miss it!
Thank you for the really great video, very helpful! I’m looking for a CF guitar but I wanted custom positioning of the headstock holes to ad a Tronical tuner (I use a lot of open tunings when I perform live) Emerald told me they are no longer offering anything custom other than what’s available to order from their site. Question: is there anywhere to get a diagram of the Mcphearson headstock?
Great video, really interesting. The Sable definitely sounds more natural but then the Emerald has a tone of its own and I wonder if that is down to the sound hole position and its slightly upward direction.
Nice job discussing the differences and offering comments and opinions on both guitars. Based on your comments and my experiences, I think both guitars: look good, sound good, and play well. And, I completely understand your position about having multiple guitars for different situations. I too have more than one guitar, and I use them for different playing situations just as you suggest - some audio, some esthetics, and physical. As for conclusions, from your discussion and my own experience the key points, to me, are: 1. The McPherson neck is narower (especially up the neck) and therefore would be more to my liking (I have smaller hand). And 2. Based on your audio examples (and yes I listened via good headphones and some better stereo speakers - ndefintiely ot on my phone) the more balanced sound of the McPherson stood out to me (for normal accoustic work - there are situations where I would prefer the Emerald sound, too). As I said I have several guitars and that includes a couple McPhersons (a wood one and a Sable carbon) - I do not currently own an Emerald but I have looked at getting one, by the way. Oh, and for your satisfaction, I find that your comments and discussion agreed with my own (of these two offerings) although I last looked at the X20 about 4 years ago and the new release looks to have been improved. Thank your for spending the time doing this you tube.
Thank you...an awesome review. The aesthetics of the Emerald blow me away. They each sound wonderful, though...sometimes I preferred the Emerald, sometimes the McPherson. But only the Emerald wins for beauty. You're a great player!
I think in a recording studio the sable woukd sound balanced and need very little if any eq. The x20 however would likely need more eq to sound great in the studio.
I really like your reviews! The thing I like the most is simply the fact that you obviously LOVE guitars, just like me. You provide great info, and accurate specs, but I value your opinions more! Have ordered a RainSong Jumbo, so I can use the Seymour Duncan MagMic pickup. BUT, thinking of an X20 Baritone at a later date.
@@alextryan Hi Alex! Just watched the 2021 Emerald Festival video, and now there is no doubt of buying an Emerald, just so I can pick it up at the Cottage, and attend the festival! Been working in China since 2009, and will retire before the end of the year, and return to the states. So, probably can’t make next year, but 2023, barring emergency, I will attend… that looked like way too much fun to miss!
Fantastic job on this comparison video. I am a life long full time gigging musician and I often use the X30 on acoustic gigs. I bought it from the Emerald “in stock” site. It came with a terrible set-up, but once I got it set up it is great. Over the years, I have put a lot of money into luthier’s pockets fixing the ever shifting and dinging of major name brand wooden guitars. If I sit at home and play, A Martin is great but from now on it’s carbon fiber for acoustic gigs. (I have done a lot of work with Ovations for the same consistency reasons in the past too)
Bad luck with your setup. I have seen one or two other concerns regarding this, and Alastair Hay of Emerald has always stood by the product and made any necessary adjustments, but it does mean a trip back to the factory, which is painful if you don't happen to live in Ireland! Mine was high at fret 12 but otherwise fine and easily adjusted in a couple of minutes as it came with the individual adjustable saddles (like a strat, basically).
All bull aside they both sound fantastic. Great review. Have all the wood big boys but have reasonally be me interested in carbon fiber acoustic guitar. They are a different world but so as in different styles wood guitars. Again super review. Jeff Clark from Rockdale Texas
I have a McPherson CF and love it but have considered an Emerald as an additional vs replacement but I'm concerned with the string spacing and fretboard width at the body and bridge being to wide. I have small hands. How would you compare this to the McPherson?
Wow. Thanks. They seem both to be incredible guitars…it just depends what you are on the mood for. The McPherson was kind of my favorite…but the Emerald is incredible too. The best would be to own both.
I just ordered the Chimaera Custom Build. Can't wait for it to arrive. Currently playing a Taylor 652CE builders edition and an older ovation 6 string. I played my buddy's X10 the other day for 3 hours. I had to have one. I agree the Sable was not as perky as the Emerald.
Nice video.. Alex Liked the Emerald there's a lovely tone from. But both sound great, me would love a bit more bass resonance. Maybe Emerald could make a similar model but with more bass?
Beautiful demo, thanks! Both sound exquisite, I think the Sable blends better for strumming. I'm still biased toward my wood McPherson and Taylors :D. What's your signal path?
nothing too fancy - sEx1 condenser, scarlett interface, audio recorded into logic then patched into final cut. one of my mics just started flaking out, prob time to upgrade.
He even has different glasses between the two. This of course is a primer on advanced videography, not the X20, vs. Sable ;-) Seriously, nice job, Alex.
I had to subscribe after watching your videos. These are truly the best guitar comparisons out there. I like the sound of the X20 better but am put off by the lack of distinct bass in the sound. The McPherson has better bass. I already own the Sable and was considering the X20. Thank you for your time in putting this together!
I like how you said it. I play my 3.5 Adrondak/Indian McPherson for inspiration and my Sable for battle. Mcpherson make the best guitars on the planet!
Sparta,WI! Both of these guitars are flawless. Neither one is better than the other. Both are fabulous. I mean, if I had to pick one by force I would probably pick the emerald. It has a fuller darker tone than the McPherson. Like I said though, both of these guitars are flawless.
I have yet to try these two Carbon Fiber guitars, but what I have tried are several CA Composite Acoustics Guitars. The Cargo, the Ox and the Xi.. And oddly the only one i really like sound wise is the cargo. Odd because the Cargo is a travel guitar. The Xi sounds nice for a thin body guitar, just not as punchy as the Cargo oddly . More than likely I'll sell the thin body electric Xi shortly. I just don't play it and someone else surly will more than I.
I don't know. I'd use the emerald for rock, country... the McPherson sound is soft, warm, more mellow. Both guitars sounds incredible. That's why we have several guitars to play. I like them very much.
There seems to be a more pronounced upper midrange "Honk" to the Emerald, which is sad. I know it can be eq'd out, but I think the McPherson has a more natural tone.
It seems a side-effect of too much resonance and the unusual position of the soundhole which makes a long cavity that resonates those upper midrange "wolf"
I have the X20 12 string from Emerald Guitars…, They did a custom neck for me and 0MG does this thing sing… It is awesome in the five years that I have had it I've only had to tune it twice I love this guitar but I'm definitely going to check out the McPherson guitars
Great video. I am puzzled by all the commentators saying the X20 has more bass than the Sable on this video. Listening on both full range studio monitors and high quality headphones the X20 sounds really weak in the bass compared to the Sable, with the low E being overpowered by the other strings on the X20. The X20 does sound slightly sweeter and more woody to me.
I have been considering the Sable, until I watched your video. The X20 sounds so much richer. That said, the difference is especially pronounced while using a pick. It wasnt' THAT obvious when you(s) performed your beautiful fingerpicking pieces. You did an excellent job in your preface to the sound demo in "setting the stage" of expectations. This thread has probably gone cold, but just curious, when fingerpicking, do you find yourself picking harder on the Sable to get the tone and volume you like, than on the X20? Cheers! Bill
you know..... i never thought about it but I suspect you're right. The X20 has always glowed as a fingerpicker. The Sable is more intimate, and I think you're correct that it therefore needs a little more juice to project.
@@alextryan Well there it is. Based upon your amazing review/comparison, and the statement, "The X20 has always glowed as a fingerpicker," I am off to Ireland--well, at least virtually. Thank you so much!
Man, I love that x20. One of the most beautiful guitars I've ever seen. And I'd buy it in a heartbeat, if it sounded like the McPherson. sigh. lol X20 just sounds louder and harsher to me. The McPherson is smoother and more refined, be easier to eq. The notes on Chords seem to blend better on the Mcpherson. Which isn't as much an issue when finger picking notes individually. Which brings me to my most important need...what do they sound like plugged in? What Electronics do they use? I need a stage guitar. That "quieter" more subtle sound of the McPherson would be easier to mix and add outboard eq's and effects I think. Easier to boost things than to reign them in on stage. But, damn...that X20 is hot :) And yeah, I agree with others...this is a fantastic review. Good job. Just what I was looking for.
The Sable sound much nicer. Warmer, richer and fuller with some nice sparkle and chime. However the X20 looks way nicer and the 24 frets is nice touch. As much as Love what Emerald is offering since for me it's all about the sound I would buy the Sable. Money no object I have have one of each, such as yourself.
Did you need to change saddle after switching to light gauge strings? I’m thinking of using light strings but I’m hoping I can use low action saddle and get great playability and tone in my sable.
@@alextryan thank you. Both saddles are set up for mediums but honestly I think lights will probably work great then too. Your Sable sounds great with lights on it.
Great job Alex ! I have an X20, (which I love) and one, possibly little known feature is that you can carry it around by the sound hole, it is comfortable and balances perfectly. Never seen a Sable, so don’t know if that works on them.
Great review again, so balanced and detailed you are really informative. The carbon fibre ‘sound’ as in the Emerald guitars is very seductive as is the Emerald aesthetic. The McPherson appeal for me is based on the scientific, empirical approach of its designer. I would probably favour the Emerald if it were not so elusive an animal to track down in the wild. You basically have to order one to try it out. This is not acceptable to me especially as I will need a custom option (I would like a shorter scale and I play with the guitar on my left knee so the angle of the lower bout may not suit me - both issues stem from my classical training) This means that if I dont like it I have to return it within 10 days at my expense with a 20% restocking fee on top. I have not been able to talk these points through with anyone from the company as yet. Meanwhile my ‘carbon ardour’ is beginning to cool. The wood built Mcphersons sound exceptionally good (though well out of my budget) Thanks again for your reviews. Mike
hahah i love "carbon ardour!" i think our hearts beat for carbon at first for the novelty, then again later for the reliability. i just moved across the country to parts unknown and left all my treasured wood guitars in my dad's basement. the X20 is my One Guitar now and i'm so grateful not to have to worry about it at all. one day i'll have a stable living space again where I can control humidity and i'll get all my wood beauties back.
Love the song choice...simple man Nice playing but I can't decide it varies song to song and capo or not pick or finger. Really varies on what you want for what song
I should have listened to this comparison closer before I pulled the trigger on the McPherson. Got it today and I don't like it. It doesn't project at all. You can obviously hear the Emerald projects much better. I mainly finger pick. The McPherson is not the guitar for that style. Thanks for this review. I'll sell the McPherson and go with the Emerald.
I have an x20 12 string and it’s a great 12 string. I think the Sable sounds more like a wood guitar. I compared my sable to an American made Breedlove and the sable sounded better.
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You have some of the best reviews I've seen on line. Great job not only explaining the physical differences - but also in the side-by-side comparison. Super useful.
makes my day to read such a nice comment. i really enjoyed making this so i’m happy when people have fun with it!
Thanks for making this video! Very helpful! Both guitars are wonderful and you’re lucky to have em both! Enjoy them in good health! Cheers!
Wow. I've never seen such a useful, thorough and slickly produced guitar demo. Thanks and bravo! I suspect I'd be completely happy with either of these instruments. CF technology has come a long a way.
Thank you so much! Makes me so happy to hear when someone enjoys these. And truth -- my X20 has become my One Guitar and I love it.
this
One of the best comparison videos I have seen. Great breakdowns and demos! Cool guitars too.
Wow, fantastic job Alex! Thank you for posting.
Really appreciate the time you take to put these together. You even use different glasses in the comparison, and that's a bonus. The X20 sounds pretty great.
The Sable had a more natural sound. I must add, that was the best review I've seen in a long time. Very nice job.
Thank you so much! And yeah the Sable does have a very sweet, smooth sound. Super elegant guitar.
@@alextryanWhat is the second demo song being played?
I LOVE the sound of the X20 - more punchy mids, but great balanced overall tone.
Great scientific review. Especially the sound comparison at end... never came across something like this on youtube. Appreciate it so much, esp when I'm considering a 3 to 5k pirchase.
I never gave a comment on this video but I’ve seen it a few times and I just wanted to say great job on this!!! This video helped me a lot during my buying process
Thank you for the comparison! I’ve been looking at the Sable for a year and recently came across the Emerald series. The X10 or 20 are the ones I’m considering now. I also really like the Emerald Kestrel. Being a MIDI fan, I also want to mention that the Emerald models offer a Graphtech Ghost system with piezo, MIDI mix capability with controls tucked inside the soundhole or on the soundboard. I still need to decide between the Kestrel and X-20 but definitely the sound in this comparison convinced me to go for the Emerald. They also have a 3D builder on their website to see what you want on your guitar in 3D!
Very informative review. I thought the X20 had a more pleasing sound. Before I’d seen the review, I’d bought a Sable hoping that it would play and sound like a wooden McPherson. It didn’t. It was its own thing. I ended up selling it and buying a new X20, which I much prefer. It’s lighter, louder, more comfortable, and somehow feels more “alive” when I play it.
Great job with the vid. I kinda wish I hadn’t seen this. I now ordered an Emerald X20 and working my way to purchase the McPherson Sable.
“You know it don’t come easy.”
Fantastic review. I like your thoughtful and articulate commentary.
Excellent comparison video. A very practical, thorough and honest review covering all the features that matter for any potential purchaser.
The sound comparison was the best I have seen. Too many guitar reviews show off the skills of the guitar reviewer rather than the instrument itself. Great work!
I sincerely hope you do more reviews and comparisons.
Really enjoyed this review. Amazing job seamlessly joining the side-by-side comparison playing. Personal preference is for the Emerald, but, like you, I'd be worried about getting it dinged. I recently bought a Lava ME2. Although not in the same league it does have the take anywhere ease and lack of worry. Maybe I'll get to add an Emerald some day. Thanks!
Fantastic video, thank you. I’m sure it took a lot of time to put that together, and I appreciate the effort.
That Emerald is absolutely stunning I dont know why anyone wouldn't like them. I have just bought a used journey of660 it ticks alot of boxs for me we live on a sail boat so room and durability is good. Cheers
That was a very well done comparison.... Love the way you demo them side by side.
On a funny note, first video that I saw of yours, for a brief moment, I thought you had a twin brother... 😊
Awesome video. Excellent job comparing these two fine instruments. Thank you.
really appreciate that you demo’ed with a capo. oft overlooked element of understanding the tone and character of a guitar’s sound.
what a great video! comparison should be always like this one, starting from using the same strings for both guitars till alternate and continous play of the same song. Thanks Alex!
thank you for the warm words Dadan!
I am not in the market for a new, expensive guitar... and I still found your video extremely entertaining. Loved the side-by-side (with different shirts & glasses... and, maybe, pants?) at the end!
The June Hymn... what a song!! "Here's a hymn to welcome in the day..." etc. nice demo on these two lovely guitars. I'm off to chech out the Emerald website now!
Sumptuous review my friend! Cheers from Floridaman
Thanks for the excellent video. I bought a Sable for playing while living on my sailboat in the Caribbean. It’s sounds good and is pretty bullet proof in this environment. I tried a Emerald X7 first but wasn’t happy with the size and some odd ghost tones it had. I’ve been curious about the X20. From your video, it definitely projected better than the Sable. I prefer the Sable sound for strumming. The Emerald sounded very good fingerstyle. Thanks again!
thank you for a very good side-by-side comparison of these two guitars. I’ve got a Composite Acoustics GXi and i love it, but have been torn between adding a Emerald X20 (the X20-7 seven string) and a McPherson. Probably can’t go wrong with either one, but I’m going to go with the Emerald X20-7 for the following reasons & differences: the extra 7th string for deeper bass notes while fingerpicking, the fanned fret design for better intonation and longer bass string, and on a purely subjective perspective: the beauty of the Emerald’s vibrant carbon & colors, with the option of an enormous variety of gorgeous wood veneer overlays (I recently saw a different review which said the veneer is only about 0.3mm thick! ... less than 0.012 inches)
Nicely done! Great review
"...you get inspired by the Emerald; you brave the world with the Sable." This is a brilliant and very apt description. Well done. In the sound samples, my impression is that the Emerald sounds slightly brighter, with a tiny bit of a boxy tonal element, and it seems a little more forward than the McPherson. By comparison, the Sable seems a little more mellow, with the midrange slightly scooped and a bit more low end. As a former music store owner and McPherson dealer, I personally owned a Sable for a while. Though I quite liked it, I ended up selling that one. I kept for myself one of the McPherson Touring models, which occasionally accompanies me on my travels. I also have two McPherson 4.5 redwood over rosewood guitars, which I absolutely love. I have one of the new Emerald Virtuo custom models on order, with a Koa veneer top. BTW, I appreciate your soft-spoken and relaxed reviewing style. It's a refreshing change from the brash, over-excited presentation styles of most youtubers.
what a heartwarming reflection, thank you! and thank you for taking time to share in the content i put out there. someone once described me as “interesting as a potato” in a comment, and i had just been reading michael pollan’s book botany of desire, so i was flattered. :-D
@@alextryan -- please promise you'll name your next band or album "Interesting As A Potato." Love it! :)
Accuracy of the comment is off the charts 😅. Think the difference maybe due to the uni body construction vs composite/moulded body?
terrific review - very clear - one vs. one - thank you you can really tell the difference fingerstyle - it seems like many of the treble notes are missing on the Emerald
Really helpful review, thoroughly done. Both guitars are interesting.
Great comparison video!!
Thank you so much. Well done!
Thank you for doing this video. Love the idea of an indestructible guitar but the sound...well, I'll keep my Larivee and Taylor. Thanks again.
one of the best review comparisons of guitars I've seen on TH-cam. thank you for doing this video. I love both guitars. having played both brands I truly do agree with your assessment of them. just like wood guitars (which I have owned/played way too many looking for the "perfect" sound - carbon fiber guitar manufacturers bring their own stamp/sound and depending on the player and need dictates the tool to buy/use. two of my tools are the X7 - size and comfort and the CA vintage (one of the first mfg by CA back in the day) range of tone and boom. each has its place and each will not go anywhere from my "toolbox". the best part for me that I found is the carbon fiber does not have the 'care' element of the wood guitar and the overall tone does not change with humidity temperature or age. it is what it is. 😁
Yes! All of this! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and your warm words.
Fantastic work, thanks a lot :-) You probably spent a crazy amount of time to edit the video!
I have owned both the X20 and the Sable at the same time and ended up selling the X20 as I preferred the Sable tone and playability. The ergonomic features of the Emerald are nice, but the fretboard is indeed wider up the neck with E strings moving away from the edges, which makes it feel even wider for thumb fretting.
The guitars react very differently to strings and picks (I disliked the Santa Cruz parabolic low tension on the Sable). I had Elixir Phosphor in light gauges on the X20 while I prefer Elixir 80/20 in Medium-Light gauges on the Sable.
To each their own, they're both excellent guitars anyway!
I can def see why you'd stick with the Sable for those reasons. This X20 I got sounds a lot better than my first X20 -- or maybe it's me, so hard to know, although I've played different X20s side by side and they've had surprisingly different sound -- so my Sable is stashed in the basement. But I do miss it!
Thank you for the really great video, very helpful! I’m looking for a CF guitar but I wanted custom positioning of the headstock holes to ad a Tronical tuner (I use a lot of open tunings when I perform live) Emerald told me they are no longer offering anything custom other than what’s available to order from their site. Question: is there anywhere to get a diagram of the Mcphearson headstock?
Great video, really interesting. The Sable definitely sounds more natural but then the Emerald has a tone of its own and I wonder if that is down to the sound hole position and its slightly upward direction.
Nice job discussing the differences and offering comments and opinions on both guitars. Based on your comments and my experiences, I think both guitars: look good, sound good, and play well. And, I completely understand your position about having multiple guitars for different situations. I too have more than one guitar, and I use them for different playing situations just as you suggest - some audio, some esthetics, and physical. As for conclusions, from your discussion and my own experience the key points, to me, are: 1. The McPherson neck is narower (especially up the neck) and therefore would be more to my liking (I have smaller hand). And 2. Based on your audio examples (and yes I listened via good headphones and some better stereo speakers - ndefintiely ot on my phone) the more balanced sound of the McPherson stood out to me (for normal accoustic work - there are situations where I would prefer the Emerald sound, too). As I said I have several guitars and that includes a couple McPhersons (a wood one and a Sable carbon) - I do not currently own an Emerald but I have looked at getting one, by the way. Oh, and for your satisfaction, I find that your comments and discussion agreed with my own (of these two offerings) although I last looked at the X20 about 4 years ago and the new release looks to have been improved. Thank your for spending the time doing this you tube.
Thanks, this is a great example how reviews have to be done 👍
Thank you...an awesome review. The aesthetics of the Emerald blow me away. They each sound wonderful, though...sometimes I preferred the Emerald, sometimes the McPherson. But only the Emerald wins for beauty. You're a great player!
Great video!
My $.02: I prefer the tone of the Emerald: warmer, more focused and refined-the Sable didn't sound as full and was kind of hollow in the mids.
Very informative and unique, (entertaining), video. Laid-back presentation. Thank you :)
Great video. Thank you.
I fit a tuner in my Sable just fine. I modded a Daddario to make it fit and attached it with some doublesided tape.
I think in a recording studio the sable woukd sound balanced and need very little if any eq. The x20 however would likely need more eq to sound great in the studio.
I prefer the look and tone of the Emerald. Awesome video by the way. Great comparison.
This was great but would love a similar comparison demo with one of your wood acoustics please. Preferably a rosewood back and sides model.
My most recent vid compares the X20 with Martin D28 and a Taylor PS16ce
I really like your reviews! The thing I like the most is simply the fact that you obviously LOVE guitars, just like me. You provide great info, and accurate specs, but I value your opinions more! Have ordered a RainSong Jumbo, so I can use the Seymour Duncan MagMic pickup. BUT, thinking of an X20 Baritone at a later date.
thank you so much! my X20 has become my One Guitar -- still love it every day.
@@alextryan Hi Alex! Just watched the 2021 Emerald Festival video, and now there is no doubt of buying an Emerald, just so I can pick it up at the Cottage, and attend the festival! Been working in China since 2009, and will retire before the end of the year, and return to the states. So, probably can’t make next year, but 2023, barring emergency, I will attend… that looked like way too much fun to miss!
Fantastic job on this comparison video. I am a life long full time gigging musician and I often use the X30 on acoustic gigs. I bought it from the Emerald “in stock” site. It came with a terrible set-up, but once I got it set up it is great. Over the years, I have put a lot of money into luthier’s pockets fixing the ever shifting and dinging of major name brand wooden guitars. If I sit at home and play, A Martin is great but from now on it’s carbon fiber for acoustic gigs. (I have done a lot of work with Ovations for the same consistency reasons in the past too)
Bad luck with your setup. I have seen one or two other concerns regarding this, and Alastair Hay of Emerald has always stood by the product and made any necessary adjustments, but it does mean a trip back to the factory, which is painful if you don't happen to live in Ireland! Mine was high at fret 12 but otherwise fine and easily adjusted in a couple of minutes as it came with the individual adjustable saddles (like a strat, basically).
@@robertnewell5057 It was easier to pay a luthier to fix the poor set-up. It is great now, and I don't regret the purchase.
Did I hear some Decemberists in there?? Beautiful!
All bull aside they both sound fantastic. Great review. Have all the wood big boys but have reasonally be me interested in carbon fiber acoustic guitar. They are a different world but so as in different styles wood guitars. Again super review. Jeff Clark from Rockdale Texas
I have a McPherson CF and love it but have considered an Emerald as an additional vs replacement but I'm concerned with the string spacing and fretboard width at the body and bridge being to wide. I have small hands. How would you compare this to the McPherson?
Very good job!!!!
Wow. Thanks. They seem both to be incredible guitars…it just depends what you are on the mood for. The McPherson was kind of my favorite…but the Emerald is incredible too. The best would be to own both.
I just ordered the Chimaera Custom Build. Can't wait for it to arrive. Currently playing a Taylor 652CE builders edition and an older ovation 6 string. I played my buddy's X10 the other day for 3 hours. I had to have one. I agree the Sable was not as perky as the Emerald.
Couple of great guitars. I'd be happy with either I think. X20 sure is pretty
"I'm using my own fingers when I play with fingers" lol. Thank God 😊 loved this comparison video. Thanks
😂
May I know is there any guitar shop in Singapore selling the Sable X20 or any Emerald carbon fibre guitar?
Have you played the X7 and X10? If so, are there tonal differences beyond volume/bass? Thanks.
Nice video.. Alex
Liked the Emerald there's a lovely tone from.
But both sound great, me would love a bit more bass resonance.
Maybe Emerald could make a similar model but with more bass?
Beautiful demo, thanks! Both sound exquisite, I think the Sable blends better for strumming. I'm still biased toward my wood McPherson and Taylors :D. What's your signal path?
nothing too fancy - sEx1 condenser, scarlett interface, audio recorded into logic then patched into final cut. one of my mics just started flaking out, prob time to upgrade.
Like the both but they're both priced for the professional. Your production was superb.
Outstanding video, and I agree tota
Can they make a solid wood top and fiberglass back and sides?
He even has different glasses between the two. This of course is a primer on advanced videography, not the X20, vs. Sable ;-) Seriously, nice job, Alex.
I had to subscribe after watching your videos. These are truly the best guitar comparisons out there. I like the sound of the X20 better but am put off by the lack of distinct bass in the sound. The McPherson has better bass. I already own the Sable and was considering the X20. Thank you for your time in putting this together!
Thank you Todd! I hope you end up with a guitar you like. I appreciate the kind words.
Where did you have the mic pointed on the Sable? How far from the guitar was it??
I like how you said it. I play my 3.5 Adrondak/Indian McPherson for inspiration and my Sable for battle. Mcpherson make the best guitars on the planet!
That emerald is the best looking thing I have ever seen. To me sounds more refined . Would have to own both though
Superb review. I thought the Emerald tone was more defined and warmer. To my ears, it sounded a bit like a high-quality mahogany guitar.
Super underrated video! 1000000/10
thank you rueben!!!
Sparta,WI! Both of these guitars are flawless. Neither one is better than the other. Both are fabulous. I mean, if I had to pick one by force I would probably pick the emerald. It has a fuller darker tone than the McPherson. Like I said though, both of these guitars are flawless.
10:32 killed me
What is the first demo song being played?
Totally agree with your comment about guitars on youtube.
When I was growing up they told me not to play with myself. Boy were they wrong!
Great review. I'm curious how you found both necks. Do they feel similar? I have pretty small hands so this is a factor for me.
the mcpherson def wins on neck. slender and elegant. emerald neck is PLENTY good, but mcpherson is my favorite neck out of 25 acoustic guitars.
I have yet to try these two Carbon Fiber guitars, but what I have tried are several CA Composite Acoustics Guitars.
The Cargo, the Ox and the Xi..
And oddly the only one i really like sound wise is the cargo.
Odd because the Cargo is a travel guitar.
The Xi sounds nice for a thin body guitar, just not as punchy as the Cargo oddly .
More than likely I'll sell the thin body electric Xi shortly.
I just don't play it and someone else surly will more than I.
That X20 is BEAUTIFUL
I don't know. I'd use the emerald for rock, country... the McPherson sound is soft, warm, more mellow. Both guitars sounds incredible. That's why we have several guitars to play. I like them very much.
There seems to be a more pronounced upper midrange "Honk" to the Emerald, which is sad. I know it can be eq'd out, but I think the McPherson has a more natural tone.
Hear the same.
I would agree!
It seems a side-effect of too much resonance and the unusual position of the soundhole which makes a long cavity that resonates those upper midrange "wolf"
I have the X20 12 string from Emerald Guitars…, They did a custom neck for me and 0MG does this thing sing… It is awesome in the five years that I have had it I've only had to tune it twice I love this guitar but I'm definitely going to check out the McPherson guitars
What were your neck customizations? Shorter/longer scale? Nut width? Radius?
Great video.
I am puzzled by all the commentators saying the X20 has more bass than the Sable on this video.
Listening on both full range studio monitors and high quality headphones the X20 sounds really weak in the bass compared to the Sable, with the low E being overpowered by the other strings on the X20.
The X20 does sound slightly sweeter and more woody to me.
I heard the bass much more pronounced on the Sable.
Yes X20 sounds more middly, "narrow" and perhaps even a touch muddy. People mistake it for "bass"
Did you need to change the saddle in sable when you changed from medium strings to the light gauge strings? Which saddle do you use??
I used the stock saddle and the action seemed good to me!
I have been considering the Sable, until I watched your video. The X20 sounds so much richer. That said, the difference is especially pronounced while using a pick. It wasnt' THAT obvious when you(s) performed your beautiful fingerpicking pieces. You did an excellent job in your preface to the sound demo in "setting the stage" of expectations. This thread has probably gone cold, but just curious, when fingerpicking, do you find yourself picking harder on the Sable to get the tone and volume you like, than on the X20? Cheers! Bill
you know..... i never thought about it but I suspect you're right. The X20 has always glowed as a fingerpicker. The Sable is more intimate, and I think you're correct that it therefore needs a little more juice to project.
@@alextryan Well there it is. Based upon your amazing review/comparison, and the statement, "The X20 has always glowed as a fingerpicker," I am off to Ireland--well, at least virtually. Thank you so much!
Man, I love that x20. One of the most beautiful guitars I've ever seen. And I'd buy it in a heartbeat, if it sounded like the McPherson. sigh. lol
X20 just sounds louder and harsher to me. The McPherson is smoother and more refined, be easier to eq. The notes on Chords seem to blend better on the Mcpherson. Which isn't as much an issue when finger picking notes individually.
Which brings me to my most important need...what do they sound like plugged in? What Electronics do they use? I need a stage guitar. That "quieter" more subtle sound of the McPherson would be easier to mix and add outboard eq's and effects I think. Easier to boost things than to reign them in on stage.
But, damn...that X20 is hot :)
And yeah, I agree with others...this is a fantastic review. Good job. Just what I was looking for.
Alex, great review! Your progression that starts at 11:15 playing Em on the 7th fret sounds very familiar...can you ID the song and artist? Thanks.
Yup that's Drive by Incubus!
@@alextryan Great, thanks!
The Sable sound much nicer. Warmer, richer and fuller with some nice sparkle and chime. However the X20 looks way nicer and the 24 frets is nice touch. As much as Love what Emerald is offering since for me it's all about the sound I would buy the Sable. Money no object I have have one of each, such as yourself.
What the hell exactly is "richer" and "fuller?" Rich in what? Full of what?
Did you need to change saddle after switching to light gauge strings? I’m thinking of using light strings but I’m hoping I can use low action saddle and get great playability and tone in my sable.
i thought the standard saddle was set up for lights? if not, then i’m not sure. action is great with these santa cruz parabolics.
@@alextryan thank you. Both saddles are set up for mediums but honestly I think lights will probably work great then too. Your Sable sounds great with lights on it.
Great review. You are too hard on yourself.
Very good sound comparison, I like the form of your review!
Great job Alex ! I have an X20, (which I love) and one, possibly little known feature is that you can carry it around by the sound hole, it is comfortable and balances perfectly. Never seen a Sable, so don’t know if that works on them.
that’s cool! i think it would work with the Sable.... if you were wearing a glove. That edge is fairly thin/sharp on the inside.
Great review again, so balanced and detailed you are really informative. The carbon fibre ‘sound’ as in the Emerald guitars is very seductive as is the Emerald aesthetic. The McPherson appeal for me is based on the scientific, empirical approach of its designer. I would probably favour the Emerald if it were not so elusive an animal to track down in the wild. You basically have to order one to try it out. This is not acceptable to me especially as I will need a custom option (I would like a shorter scale and I play with the guitar on my left knee so the angle of the lower bout may not suit me - both issues stem from my classical training) This means that if I dont like it I have to return it within 10 days at my expense with a 20% restocking fee on top. I have not been able to talk these points through with anyone from the company as yet. Meanwhile my ‘carbon ardour’ is beginning to cool. The wood built Mcphersons sound exceptionally good (though well out of my budget) Thanks again for your reviews. Mike
hahah i love "carbon ardour!" i think our hearts beat for carbon at first for the novelty, then again later for the reliability. i just moved across the country to parts unknown and left all my treasured wood guitars in my dad's basement. the X20 is my One Guitar now and i'm so grateful not to have to worry about it at all. one day i'll have a stable living space again where I can control humidity and i'll get all my wood beauties back.
@@alextryan Glad you have the X20 to keep you going. Best wishes for a stable future
thanks for reviewing . . . . x20 has a martin sound (ish) and the Mcpherson has a taylor vibe (ish)
Great comparison, thanks! Might wanna ease up on the reverb, though. :)
I backed off a lot and I convinced myself it was good. So much to learn! Hope it didn't distract too badly.
Loved the comparison Alex. Was an amp used? If so, which one? Thank you.
Nope, all acoustic!
@@alextryan THANKS
Love the song choice...simple man
Nice playing but I can't decide it varies song to song and capo or not pick or finger. Really varies on what you want for what song
I should have listened to this comparison closer before I pulled the trigger on the McPherson. Got it today and I don't like it. It doesn't project at all. You can obviously hear the Emerald projects much better. I mainly finger pick. The McPherson is not the guitar for that style. Thanks for this review. I'll sell the McPherson and go with the Emerald.
That's pretty much how I feel about them. Love them both, but the Sable tends to live in the closet.
I have an x20 12 string and it’s a great 12 string. I think the Sable sounds more like a wood guitar. I compared my sable to an American made Breedlove and the sable sounded better.
When are the lefty’s coming…..?