2023 Emerald X10 Vibrant Blue Carbon Fiber Acoustic Electric #9639 – LR Baggs – Hiscox Case

Here is an absolutely beautiful 2023 Emerald X10 in Vibrant Blue carbon fiber, handcrafted by Emerald Guitars in Donegal, Ireland.

This is Emerald #9639, and one of the nice things about this particular guitar is that its original configuration can be documented through Emerald’s own records. It was built with Emerald’s striking Vibrant Blue carbon weave, LR Baggs Element electronics, chrome Gotoh 510 tuners and pinless carbon-fiber bridge.

The guitar is in excellent overall condition, plays beautifully and is an impressive example of Emerald’s modern X10 design.

If you’ve never played an Emerald X10, it is quite different from a conventional acoustic guitar. The X10 combines the response and resonance of an acoustic with a slim, comfortable neck and exceptional upper-fret access that will feel immediately familiar to many electric-guitar players.

And visually, this one is spectacular. The blue finish allows the carbon weave to remain clearly visible underneath, and the appearance changes dramatically as the light moves across the guitar.

Condition

I would conservatively describe this guitar as being in Excellent condition.

The guitar is extremely clean overall with very little evidence of use. There are two cosmetic scratches in the high-gloss finish, which I have photographed and disclosed for complete transparency. They appear to be finish-level cosmetic marks only and have absolutely no effect on the guitar’s structure, playability or performance. They may potentially respond to professional polishing/buffing, but I have chosen to leave them as-is rather than unnecessarily work the finish.

Please examine the photographs carefully and pardon the lint :-). I make every effort to accurately represent the instruments I sell, and the photos are considered part of the description.

The X10 Design

The X10 is one of Emerald’s most distinctive designs.

Rather than attaching a conventional wooden neck to a separate body, Emerald utilizes molded carbon-fiber construction to create an exceptionally rigid and stable instrument. The sculpted neck/body transition provides tremendous access to the upper register without the traditional heel getting in the player’s way.

The asymmetrical body incorporates Emerald’s ergonomic contours, including the distinctive offset soundhole. Besides giving the X10 its unmistakable appearance, the soundhole position allows the player to hear the instrument particularly well while playing.

At approximately four pounds, the X10 is also remarkably comfortable.

Specifications

• Model: Emerald X10
• Year: 2023
• Emerald Number: #9639
• Made in: Donegal, Ireland
• Color: Vibrant Blue
• Construction: Carbon Fiber
• Carbon: Vibrant Weave
• Wood Veneer: None — exposed carbon weave
• Finish: High Gloss
• Scale Length: 25.5” / 650 mm
• Nut Width: approximately 1 11/16” / 43 mm
• Frets: 22 medium stainless steel
• Fingerboard Radius: 12”–14” compound radius
• Bridge: Emerald pinless carbon-fiber bridge
• Tuners: Gotoh 510, chrome, 18:1 ratio
• Electronics: LR Baggs Element
• Soundhole: Offset
• Fingerboard Inlays: None
• Truss Rod: Double action
• Approximate Weight: 4 lbs.
• Case: Emerald/Hiscox custom fitted hard case

LR Baggs Electronics

This X10 is equipped with the proven LR Baggs Element pickup system.

I actually like the simplicity of this configuration. There are no complicated onboard controls or multiple pickup systems to deal with—just a quality acoustic pickup that provides a clean signal for an acoustic amplifier, PA system or recording interface.

The electronics have been tested and are working properly.

Playability

One of the things that separates the X10 from many traditional acoustic guitars is just how easy it is to play.

The 43 mm nut, slim neck profile, compound-radius fingerboard, stainless-steel frets and dramatically sculpted upper-fret access give the X10 an almost electric-guitar-like feel while retaining the response of an acoustic instrument.

The carbon construction also makes the guitar extremely resistant to the humidity and temperature changes that can affect traditional wooden acoustic guitars.

That makes an Emerald particularly appealing as a performance or travel instrument.

Tone

The X10 has a distinctive voice of its own.

It is clear, articulate and responsive, with excellent note separation and impressive sustain. The carbon construction produces a very immediate response with excellent consistency across the fingerboard.

The offset soundhole also directs some of the instrument’s acoustic output toward the player, giving the X10 something of a natural monitoring effect.

It responds equally well to strumming, fingerstyle and flatpicking.

Included

The guitar includes its Emerald/Hiscox custom fitted hard case.

The case is an important part of the package and provides excellent protection while remaining considerably lighter than many traditional wooden hardshell cases.

Final Thoughts

This is a particularly attractive X10 configuration.

The Vibrant Blue exposed carbon weave is stunning in person, and the straightforward combination of Gotoh 510 hardware and LR Baggs Element electronics makes this an excellent choice for someone who wants an Emerald to simply pick up and play.

Most importantly, this isn’t an Emerald whose history or configuration has to be guessed. Emerald #9639 is documented as a Vibrant Blue X10, giving the next owner additional confidence in exactly what they are purchasing.

If you’ve been looking for an Emerald X10—particularly one of the newer-generation instruments—this is a beautiful example.

The guitar will be carefully packed, fully insured and shipped in its fitted Emerald/Hiscox case.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or if you would like additional photographs.

Thanks for looking!