The X clearly has the sophisticated, more full-range tonality that we have come to expect from modern acoustics, while the L has that very woody, focused, midrange "bark" that old school blues players so love. The L is sort of a one trick pony, but sounds great for what it does. The X is more versatile.
One could argue that's the reason why people have more than one guitar so if you want something that excells in that area and you already have guitars that cover the other bases that's not a bad idea. Because x brace will never sound like l braced, if you can afford it both is ideal
The X definitely has the clean, sharp punch in the mids, but I'm an old-school guitar fan (Lead Belly, etc.) and I really love that beautifully hollow, spacious, "old" sound of the ladder. Seems to me the ladder would be better for many singers for accompaniment, not competing as much in the crucial high midrange with the voice; but that might not be the right thing for other singers, I suppose.
I love this. Many people will hear these guitars and like them both. I have gone to the trouble of re-bracing ladder-braced guitars and heard only scant differences....in the SMALLER guitars like these, The Jumbos/Dreads are a different story. There's a reason for that, and that is that BOTH the small and big guitars have the same scale length and string tension. On a big guitar, ladder bracing strains to maintain stability on the larger top. Smaller guitar, no problem. The same is true for resonance. Its harder to get a big top vibrating than a small one, and the x bracing pattern does a much better job of this, due to its fanning out over the top from a center "X"" which is attached to a smaller bridge plate ( ladder braced guitars have a bridgeplate that is almost the entire width of the guitar, x bracers have one about the same size of the bridge itself). The BIG LIE is that ladder braced guitars always sound boxy, twangy and crappy. If you go to a shop that has a bunch of LG-1's and 2's, try them. It's not at all uncommon to find an lg-1 that sounds better than LG-2's., or even big Harmony Sovereigns ( ladder braced) that sound waay better than x-braced 70's Martins that sold for 4 times the money back in the day ( certainly not comparable in quality, but both were solid wood instruments) Hopefully the public will become educated that "Ladder braced=crappy guitar" is not always true.
I have a WLXTR - and it's incredible. Super light, super resonant, and incredibly versatile. Would recommend it for literally any style. Awesome awesome awesome guitar.
In November 2016, I went out t buy a Gibson L-00 at a store which had a number of variable choices. Tried them all - Saw the Waterloo display in the corner. Funky presentation, but still beter done that the wavy lines on the Gibson binding and poor set up, and dead sound. so, it looked better and played better. I chose the WL12 because I like 12 fretters. Frankly when i got it home I wasn't over impressed so hung it on the wall and made a video to sell it on. Then started a few months of cancer treatment and nothing else got done, until later in 2017. Took it down and wow - it had opened up so well! Then a student dropped his two ton Aria jumbo on it, scoring two bid dents on the top, so its a keeper now!
I got the L instead of the X since I play snappy finger style. I figured it would be similar to choosing between a biscuit cone or a tri-cone resonator. As of now its the best guitar i have ever owned.
I was minutes away from buying this guitar (hadn't decided on bracing yet) after I see Julian Lage (if you haven't seen him play a guitar I strongly suggest you look him up) play one in a video interview on TH-cam. I ended up buying a Martin OM-28 and I have zero regret. These Waterloo guitars are still amazing though and it's awesome that you Guys are carrying them.
+fone jeenee I think it's a 1936 or something 000-18 that he plays on stage. One of the reasons I didn't end up buying the Waterloo was after I realized I would not make it sound like Julian lage made it sound
yea think your right...they go through them at the end of this workshop www.fretboardjournal.com/video/chris-eldridge-and-julian-lages-vintage-guitar-workshop
I know this is way old...but it caught my eye because the one rare duck that's missing from that comparison, because basically no one makes them, is a steel string fan braced guitar. There's a guy in Scotland who makes his steel string guitars that way, and the sound is really nice. And he claims that the fan design goes a long way toward eliminating the typical steel string bulge. I was mainly impressed by the sound though. It was full and even and rich.
Thank you for the detailed review, that was great. But what would make it even greater - play the SAME melody, or the SAME parts of a tune with two different guitars. It'll make the video less interesting but it'll make the guitar comparison more precise. This is a beginner player's point of view. Thanks for your videos.
Simply comes down to the type of music you enjoy playing. I also like a guitar made of cheap woods. I know it's odd, but I get the sound I want. Parlor or concert size. Dreads are far too loud and often too bright. Grab me a May Bell parlor tuned down a half step and boom goes the dynamite.
The ladder-bracing has a much clearer high-end, whilst the X-bracing has a rounder and (I'd dare to say) a "vintage" tone, with its more defined low-end. I think double-tracking with both guitars would make for a great recording.
Both types of bracing can have various degrees of hardness, heaviness, thickness, and scalloping or non scalloping. If heavily braced, both ladder or x type of bracing will sound very different than thinner, lighter, scalloped braces.
For blues fingerstyle the ladder. It's more balanced between bass and treble, possessing a certain compressed honk ideal for the genere. Anything else i go with X.
This was a very cool video. I am trying to decide now what L-00 model out there I should buy, and Waterloo is sounding the best so far. The Gibson Blues King and Blues Master suck by the way. What I find difficult is that so many of these models fret out when you attack on the high end, and sound like toys. But so far these models sound great. X bracing sounds fuller to me, while the Ladder sounds like it will fret out--what I mean is that you hit the B and E and they die. Agh! So, thank your for such a cool video.
Both sound more than good enough to make me happy, but if I had to choose, I'd take the ladder braced... why...? The X model sounds a bit more middle of the road, the L has a very unique character that would fit well to what I like to play: old-time and country blues...
It does not matter it is the player who make the tone it is the same with a pick or if you fingerpick it is the player who create how it sounds. They also say a floating bridge is not as loud as a glued on but that is not true either.
I don’t know. I like them both. Yes. I’ll take one of each please. Lol. All my guitars are X braced. They all sound great as does this fine example here. For that reason alone I would opt for the L braced guitar. The ears like variety.
Seems to be hard to record, i own both and they are VERY different, barely noticeable here. I prefer the X, kind of "accidently" bought the ladder braced too and now that i have it don't want to sell it.
I wonder how they'll hold to belly -n at the bridge over time with the routing around the sides to allow more movement. sometimes movement causes problems
I'm looking for a pickup that reproduces the acoustic sound as naturally as possible. Is it a good choice to place an LR Baggs Anthem SL in a Waterloo WL-14 ladder braced with Truss Rod?
I'll venture to say that either the sound system you're using to listen to this video isn't up to par, or your hearing is failing you. I have my PC connected to $3,000 Gallo Reference speakers, powered by a B&K Components preamp and amplifier. With these, I can most definitely hear a difference. With the X bracing, the lower midrange tone are much more prevalent, lending to an overall increase in bass sensation and warmer tone. Also, each string is more pronounced, while the L braced guitar's string tones are much more similar. While I personally prefer the sound of the X-bracing, I can certainly see where the L-bracing would have its perks. It would fit in perfectly with a bluegrass ensemble.
I own the Kalamazoo version of this guitar, which is also ladder braced. It's from 1936, so it's 80 years old now. Although there is some very slight bellying going on, it really isn't an issue at all. There is no need to address this now, and I don't think there will be for years to come. Of course it all depends on wood and build quality as well. Considering the fact that these are built by Collings, I don't believe you'll have any issues with these guitars at all.
That is not a real well made comparison. Because in all examples X braced is louder here then ladder ,and louder always noticed in ear better. So... maybe ladder is indeed not so loud ,but for studio thats not so important ,and here quieter cant't hear full tone range directly compared. But i did like it.
There may be more harmonics on the x brace but the L brace is louder n more straight forward n articulate. This is the first L brace I've heard. Apart from the possible structural difference that may make x bracing stronger wat is the big deal about x bracing? If it is not scalloped it's not worth the fuss. Now I've heard L bracing I regret all the time spent watching x bracing comparisons lol.
If it is not scalloped it is not worth the fuss ? Wow. I've played many boutique guitars and I've not found scalloped to be better. Some straight bracing can sound like another scalloped guitar. There's a lot more to tone formation than the simple scalloped or straight.
These guitars are NOT cheap guitars. Collins stated himself that these guitars are NOT the best made guitars(Check out his video). For a price in the $2000's surely you can find a better guitar with out a stencil painted headstock. There are so many good guitars out there for less than half this price. I guess when your guitars start at 6K, 2K seems cheap.
If you know how guitars are built and dont rely solely on listed features, the off- the -chart fine craftsmanship with which these guitars are built makes the prices makes sense, Collings wanted to do everything done on these guitars perfect, but less is done. No shiny finishes, fancy binding or inlay work, but PERFECT construction. Some guys just like the decoration, and for those guys, these are not a good choice at any price. Fender imports solid top scalloped braced guitars with shiny finish, more inlay and binding for like 200 dollars, but they are built crudely if you look inside or take them apart. To each his own.
How can you compare? I play Manouche style and only ladder brace brings out the fundamental notes, the X bracing brings out all the harmonics. Very different purposes....why would someone ladder brace this style of guitar
So its a point of taste you mean? the video i mean? surely x brace is sweeter for this style of guitar so why would ladder be used? Is it purely to get the reduced tone of old?
Man, i prefer the ladder version of this instrument. Sweetness is not always the way to go, somebody like it rough and old. The x-braced is just too 'cheesy' for my music, i like strong fundamentals.
X=Martinish...love the woody mids L=Taylorish..nice highs and lows.. interesting comparisons.....i'd get the X...older trad.....L...more "modern" sound....
Hey tony , I hope u r doing fine . I would really like to take ur advise . I am a professional guitarist and I am thinking to buy a new acoustic guitar . I need a guitar that sounds great at an affordable price .unfortunately , in the country I am living in guitars are very over priced. So, I am scared to buy a cheap guitar and at the end regret buying it. Moreover, I came up with 2 solutions : 1) buying one of these epiphones :aj 220 s , humming bird, or EL-00 pro. 2) buying one from u , but I am scared the shipping will take a really long time. Please note that I am a guitarist that plays a mixture of fingerpicking and strumming , and I need the guitar to be in my hands as soon as possible. What do u think I should do ? Do u have another solution? I would really appreciate it if u would answer quickly . Thank you.
Am I the only one that likes the sound of ladder bracing better?
His tattoo almost lines up perfectly with the body lines of the guitar... Very satisfying I gotta admit.
The X clearly has the sophisticated, more full-range tonality that we have come to expect from modern acoustics, while the L has that very woody, focused, midrange "bark" that old school blues players so love. The L is sort of a one trick pony, but sounds great for what it does. The X is more versatile.
Dackycat I have a ladder braced Kay guitar from the 50s and it sure sounds boxy and mid focused. Good from old school swamp blues or slide playing.
One could argue that's the reason why people have more than one guitar so if you want something that excells in that area and you already have guitars that cover the other bases that's not a bad idea. Because x brace will never sound like l braced, if you can afford it both is ideal
I've got versatile guitars...I want a pony as well
The X definitely has the clean, sharp punch in the mids, but I'm an old-school guitar fan (Lead Belly, etc.) and I really love that beautifully hollow, spacious, "old" sound of the ladder. Seems to me the ladder would be better for many singers for accompaniment, not competing as much in the crucial high midrange with the voice; but that might not be the right thing for other singers, I suppose.
And that's what it all comes down to.
I love this. Many people will hear these guitars and like them both. I have gone to the trouble of re-bracing ladder-braced guitars and heard only scant differences....in the SMALLER guitars like these, The Jumbos/Dreads are a different story. There's a reason for that, and that is that BOTH the small and big guitars have the same scale length and string tension. On a big guitar, ladder bracing strains to maintain stability on the larger top. Smaller guitar, no problem. The same is true for resonance. Its harder to get a big top vibrating than a small one, and the x bracing pattern does a much better job of this, due to its fanning out over the top from a center "X"" which is attached to a smaller bridge plate ( ladder braced guitars have a bridgeplate that is almost the entire width of the guitar, x bracers have one about the same size of the bridge itself).
The BIG LIE is that ladder braced guitars always sound boxy, twangy and crappy. If you go to a shop that has a bunch of LG-1's and 2's, try them. It's not at all uncommon to find an lg-1 that sounds better than LG-2's., or even big Harmony Sovereigns ( ladder braced) that sound waay better than x-braced 70's Martins that sold for 4 times the money back in the day ( certainly not comparable in quality, but both were solid wood instruments)
Hopefully the public will become educated that "Ladder braced=crappy guitar" is not always true.
I have a WLXTR - and it's incredible. Super light, super resonant, and incredibly versatile. Would recommend it for literally any style. Awesome awesome awesome guitar.
Most noticeable difference was when played with a pick. More bass response with the X brace.
my opinion, X for stumming, L for finger picking
Ladder for both.
But hey, it's a personal choice.
They have different voices, just like people ;)
In November 2016, I went out t buy a Gibson L-00 at a store which had a number of variable choices. Tried them all - Saw the Waterloo display in the corner. Funky presentation, but still beter done that the wavy lines on the Gibson binding and poor set up, and dead sound. so, it looked better and played better. I chose the WL12 because I like 12 fretters. Frankly when i got it home I wasn't over impressed so hung it on the wall and made a video to sell it on.
Then started a few months of cancer treatment and nothing else got done, until later in 2017. Took it down and wow - it had opened up so well! Then a student dropped his two ton Aria jumbo on it, scoring two bid dents on the top, so its a keeper now!
I got the L instead of the X since I play snappy finger style. I figured it would be similar to choosing between a biscuit cone or a tri-cone resonator. As of now its the best guitar i have ever owned.
Did you play them side by side? Can't do that anymore dang it.
Wow, super interesting comparison! Its amazing how much it can change the sounds
Thank you for this video! Two very different voices. I like both but if I'd have to choose, the versatility of the x is a keeper in my opinion
I love how your tattoo makes your body and guitar meld.
I never actually knew about ladder bracing. That is so interesting. I need to look it up more.
I was minutes away from buying this guitar (hadn't decided on bracing yet) after I see Julian Lage (if you haven't seen him play a guitar I strongly suggest you look him up) play one in a video interview on TH-cam. I ended up buying a Martin OM-28 and I have zero regret. These Waterloo guitars are still amazing though and it's awesome that you Guys are carrying them.
+jamziz22 That album Lage did with that guitar is amazing! Also I think he usually plays an OM-28 when with Eldridge and such.
+fone jeenee I think it's a 1936 or something 000-18 that he plays on stage. One of the reasons I didn't end up buying the Waterloo was after I realized I would not make it sound like Julian lage made it sound
yea think your right...they go through them at the end of this workshop
www.fretboardjournal.com/video/chris-eldridge-and-julian-lages-vintage-guitar-workshop
I know this is way old...but it caught my eye because the one rare duck that's missing from that comparison, because basically no one makes them, is a steel string fan braced guitar. There's a guy in Scotland who makes his steel string guitars that way, and the sound is really nice. And he claims that the fan design goes a long way toward eliminating the typical steel string bulge. I was mainly impressed by the sound though. It was full and even and rich.
Thank you for the detailed review, that was great. But what would make it even greater - play the SAME melody, or the SAME parts of a tune with two different guitars. It'll make the video less interesting but it'll make the guitar comparison more precise. This is a beginner player's point of view. Thanks for your videos.
Kinda like splitting hairs, you'd be lucky to have either, but I'm going with the Ladder bracing.
J...
Simply comes down to the type of music you enjoy playing. I also like a guitar made of cheap woods. I know it's odd, but I get the sound I want.
Parlor or concert size. Dreads are far too loud and often too bright.
Grab me a May Bell parlor tuned down a half step and boom goes the dynamite.
Ladder bracing? Never heard of it haha. Thanks for the video.
Got the X-bracing covered in my Gibson AJ, so I'm coveting one of these with the ladder bracing for sure....
The ladder-bracing has a much clearer high-end, whilst the X-bracing has a rounder and (I'd dare to say) a "vintage" tone, with its more defined low-end. I think double-tracking with both guitars would make for a great recording.
Both types of bracing can have various degrees of hardness, heaviness, thickness, and scalloping or non scalloping. If heavily braced, both ladder or x type of bracing will sound very different than thinner, lighter, scalloped braces.
Wow that ladder bracing sounds awesome for that rapid fire finger picking. Why are there not more of these? Bet Billy Strings got one.
Interesting video. For me just listening, the differences are more apparent with the strumming techniques. I like the X.
I'm more of an X man myself but the L does have an older, woody, boxy coolness. Very nice comparison.
For blues fingerstyle the ladder. It's more balanced between bass and treble, possessing a certain compressed honk ideal for the genere. Anything else i go with X.
my opinion the L sounds more profound and warm
Play a boutique ladder guitar and you'll love it. Dreamy 3d sounds with loads of depth and separation. You won't put it down.
They both sound incredible, why pick? I'll take both!
Mostly because $4000 is a lot more than $2000, for starters ;)
This was a very cool video. I am trying to decide now what L-00 model out there I should buy, and Waterloo is sounding the best so far. The Gibson Blues King and Blues Master suck by the way. What I find difficult is that so many of these models fret out when you attack on the high end, and sound like toys. But so far these models sound great. X bracing sounds fuller to me, while the Ladder sounds like it will fret out--what I mean is that you hit the B and E and they die. Agh! So, thank your for such a cool video.
This comparison will stand the test if time.
Great comparison, 2 beautiful guitars, bit hard to buy now, well played, x is my preference.
Both sound more than good enough to make me happy, but if I had to choose, I'd take the ladder braced... why...? The X model sounds a bit more middle of the road, the L has a very unique character that would fit well to what I like to play: old-time and country blues...
I have an old Silvertone with ladder bacing. Barky is a good word.
It has its own distortion that sounds good when you play a little harder
It does not matter it is the player who make the tone it is the same with a pick or if you fingerpick it is the player who create how it sounds. They also say a floating bridge is not as loud as a glued on but that is not true either.
L braced is unbeatable for fingerstyle
X produce compressed sound , the L is opposite , it gives you alot of dynamics
Ladder bracing gives that honk. X has the modern acoustical feel we all expect. Hmmm...I may need to go to elderly and play one. Today.
X brace hands down - no question
there is something absolutely obscene about paying a couple grand for a dust-bowl-era guitar
wish the guitar audio was louder compared to your speaking voice its so low can barely hear it.
turn the volume up while he's playing lol
The low end capture really tails off.. anything on the E string in any of these videos is a whisper.
X for everything...just one man's preference
The ladder braced had better crisper projection. But the X braced was slightly fuller sounding.
I don’t know. I like them both. Yes. I’ll take one of each please. Lol.
All my guitars are X braced. They all sound great as does this fine example here.
For that reason alone I would opt for the L braced guitar. The ears like variety.
Stairway, Over the Hills and Far Away, Ramble On, that’s ladder bracing you’re hearing.
Excellent comparison! Well done.
L has a very cool and specific thing but I'd certainly get more use from the range of the X braced model..
X seems to have more projection and aggressive midrange. L sounded more focused
The Choice of strings could have a bigger effect than bracing. I hope there are the same kind of strings on both? Which ones, by the way?
The burst makes the biggest difference in tone.
I'd go for the X without a doubt
Seems to be hard to record, i own both and they are VERY different, barely noticeable here. I prefer the X, kind of "accidently" bought the ladder braced too and now that i have it don't want to sell it.
wonderful playing -- what is the first song you're picking?
Good sounding on both guitars. I did prefer the L bracing better
Thanks! Now i know that i like X-braced better
wow, really like the X braced!
The X sounded like a chic sophisticated woman and the L sounded like a rough and tough man
Great info thanks
Thank you brother😊.
For me it comes down to the color of the sound..And for struming chords, X wins.
I wonder how they'll hold to belly -n at the bridge over time with the routing around the sides to allow more movement. sometimes movement causes problems
I'm looking for a pickup that reproduces the acoustic sound as naturally as possible. Is it a good choice to place an LR Baggs Anthem SL in a Waterloo WL-14 ladder braced with Truss Rod?
Both are great but X for brightness of sound
I don't find any difference
I'll venture to say that either the sound system you're using to listen to this video isn't up to par, or your hearing is failing you.
I have my PC connected to $3,000 Gallo Reference speakers, powered by a B&K Components preamp and amplifier. With these, I can most definitely hear a difference.
With the X bracing, the lower midrange tone are much more prevalent, lending to an overall increase in bass sensation and warmer tone. Also, each string is more pronounced, while the L braced guitar's string tones are much more similar.
While I personally prefer the sound of the X-bracing, I can certainly see where the L-bracing would have its perks. It would fit in perfectly with a bluegrass ensemble.
I find ladder bracing warmer!
I couldn't tell any difference until strumming and then the ladder bracing was smoother.
L brace sounded better to me
You must play the same melody, otherwise comparison is not correct
X for me.
I prefer the X-braced guitar.
Both are great, L for me.
Do they make one with a C shaped neck and 1 11/16 nut width?
What about longevity. Will the Ladder bulg sooner on the top than Ex or vice versa?
I own the Kalamazoo version of this guitar, which is also ladder braced. It's from 1936, so it's 80 years old now. Although there is some very slight bellying going on, it really isn't an issue at all. There is no need to address this now, and I don't think there will be for years to come. Of course it all depends on wood and build quality as well. Considering the fact that these are built by Collings, I don't believe you'll have any issues with these guitars at all.
I expected to hear more of a difference but if I was in the presence of the guitars I probably would.
On these smaller guitars, there isn't much difference. I have played lots of LG-1's that sound better than lots of LG-2's.
dam love both guitars
The Les Paul sounded the best
That is not a real well made comparison. Because in all examples X braced is louder here then ladder ,and louder always noticed in ear better. So... maybe ladder is indeed not so loud ,but for studio thats not so important ,and here quieter cant't hear full tone range directly compared.
But i did like it.
I want them both..........yes
There may be more harmonics on the x brace but the L brace is louder n more straight forward n articulate. This is the first L brace I've heard. Apart from the possible structural difference that may make x bracing stronger wat is the big deal about x bracing? If it is not scalloped it's not worth the fuss. Now I've heard L bracing I regret all the time spent watching x bracing comparisons lol.
If it is not scalloped it is not worth the fuss ? Wow. I've played many boutique guitars and I've not found scalloped to be better. Some straight bracing can sound like another scalloped guitar. There's a lot more to tone formation than the simple scalloped or straight.
Black!
didnt know that bracings could make a difference in tone
Great vid
These guitars are NOT cheap guitars. Collins stated himself that these guitars are NOT the best made guitars(Check out his video). For a price in the $2000's surely you can find a better guitar with out a stencil painted headstock. There are so many good guitars out there for less than half this price. I guess when your guitars start at 6K, 2K seems cheap.
If you know how guitars are built and dont rely solely on listed features, the off- the -chart fine craftsmanship with which these guitars are built makes the prices makes sense, Collings wanted to do everything done on these guitars perfect, but less is done. No shiny finishes, fancy binding or inlay work, but PERFECT construction. Some guys just like the decoration, and for those guys, these are not a good choice at any price. Fender imports solid top scalloped braced guitars with shiny finish, more inlay and binding for like 200 dollars, but they are built crudely if you look inside or take them apart. To each his own.
Thanks!
Dig both
Prefer the X-braced. I like the stronger mids.
How can you compare? I play Manouche style and only ladder brace brings out the fundamental notes, the X bracing brings out all the harmonics. Very different purposes....why would someone ladder brace this style of guitar
Garvey R because they were historically ladder braced?
So its a point of taste you mean? the video i mean? surely x brace is sweeter for this style of guitar so why would ladder be used? Is it purely to get the reduced tone of old?
Man, i prefer the ladder version of this instrument.
Sweetness is not always the way to go, somebody like it rough and old.
The x-braced is just too 'cheesy' for my music, i like strong fundamentals.
X for my ear though I'd be happy with either.
X=Martinish...love the woody mids
L=Taylorish..nice highs and lows..
interesting comparisons.....i'd get the X...older trad.....L...more "modern" sound....
I love these videos, but seriously... A full 1 minute ad, to watch these now? It's not going to fly.
L braced I like best.
ladder bracing makes for a stiffer top with less midrange and sounds a lot "hollower". thats the reason why it was replaced by x bracing.
i lilked the x-bracing better
x bracing has more tonal qualities
whatever that means....
Hey tony ,
I hope u r doing fine . I would really like to take ur advise . I am a professional guitarist and I am thinking to buy a new acoustic guitar . I need a guitar that sounds great at an affordable price .unfortunately , in the country I am living in guitars are very over priced. So, I am scared to buy a cheap guitar and at the end regret buying it. Moreover, I came up with 2 solutions :
1) buying one of these epiphones :aj 220 s , humming bird, or EL-00 pro.
2) buying one from u , but I am scared the shipping will take a really long time.
Please note that I am a guitarist that plays a mixture of fingerpicking and strumming , and I need the guitar to be in my hands as soon as possible.
What do u think I should do ? Do u have another solution?
I would really appreciate it if u would answer quickly .
Thank you.
X Braced has more mid range projection.
X sounds better... Imo
X 100% I can hear it . Still both guitars are nice .
But look at Julian Lage video.
The X sounds quite soulless, and is everything that is wrong with modern guitars. Loved the L.