Emerald Guitars just discontinued its entire product range – but it makes way for an exciting new lineup of carbon fibre guitars
Irish carbon fibre guitar specialist Emerald Guitars has made the decision to abruptly discontinue its entire product range in order to make way for a new line of instruments.
While confirmed orders of previous-generation models will be fulfilled, all 16 are no longer available to purchase. They make way for four new next-gen X20 models, plus an all-new blueprint, the X20 Noir.
The four new next-gen X20 models – the X20, X20 Short-Scale, X20 12-String and X20 Nylon – are all highly customisable, with customers able to pick between different veneer types, colours and other specifications via an online 3D Guitar Builder. The core X20 range seeks to combine “acoustic performance with beauty and customisation”, Emerald says.
Credit: Emerald Guitars
Meanwhile, the all-new X20 Noir has a more standard spec sheet. “A focused specification and streamlined production allow us to bring our carbon fibre craftsmanship to more players at a more accessible price,” the company says.
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The substantial new overhaul to Emerald’s product lineup coincides with a newly completed manufacturing facility which was built to cope with growing demand, and will see “improvements to the manufacturing process”.
Core to each new X20 model is a newly redesigned soundhole that flows across the top and side of each instrument, alongside an updated neck profile, and truss rod adjustment accessible via this new soundhole, meaning a tidier looking headstock.
Emerald’s new Noir blueprint introduces a “distinct” new identity for the brand’s product lineup. Aiming for a recognisable visual character with a “straightforward buying experience”, this one isn’t customisable, but features a sculpted carbon fibre body, offset soundhole and updated neck profile, along with a distinctive Crystal Ice carbon finish and an onboard pickup, preamp and tuner.
Credit: Emerald Guitars
The streamlined buying experience and lack of customisation options on the Noir does mean it clocks in cheaper, though, at just $1,495 / €1,595 / £1,295, compared with the £4k-plus base price of the core X20 range models.
These models mark the first stage of a new chapter for Emerald Guitars, with the company eyeing up more redesigned models for “progressive introduction” throughout 2027 and beyond.
Credit: Emerald Guitars
Emerald Guitars appeared on the Guitar.com Cover earlier this year, when founder Alistair Hay told us about how his previous career in Formula 1 powerboat racing and a chance purchase of a guitar magazine while waiting for a delayed flight in 1999 led him to map his expertise onto the world of acoustic guitars.
“A racing boat has to actually work with the vibrations of the water: to flex and move. That really is the essence of a really good quality acoustic guitar too,” he said.
Learn more about Emerald Guitars’ refreshed product lineup.
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
