Synthetic Saddles Face-Off!

A Full Black Diamond Saddle

For guitar enthusiasts who emphasize on total tonal quality, this blog post may be the most wanted by them, i.e. the face-off between the synthetic guitar saddles. Much has been written about the deliverables of synthetic guitar saddles. Conversely there aren’t many literatures on comparing and contrasting of these materials. You can take this blog posting as the extension of “Saddle Materials For Guitars Part 2”. Importantly, the objective of this posting is not to subordinate one under another. Instead maximum efforts were made to reflect the full value of the saddles in question. The synthetic materials are in the limelight now. Here goes…

Synthetic is an adjective to Synthesis. It is the reaction and interaction of various chemicals concocted at the suitable and controlled quantity, coupled with the desired conditions to produce something that imitate the properties of organic materials, e.g. synthetic rubber. These are the selected materials to be featured.

1. Plastic

2. TUSQ®

3. Black Diamond™

Here is an overview of the above three materials

A Plastic Acoustic Guitar Saddle

Taken from:  http://www.mojotone.com/Mojotone-Plastic-Compensated-Acoustic-Guitar-Saddle-3-x-1-8-image.jpg

Plastics – taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic; A plastic material is any synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids that are moldable. Plastics are typically organic polymers of high molecular mass, but they often contain other substances. They are usually synthetic, most commonly derived from petrochemicals, but many are partially natural. In guitar saddle application, plastics satisfy mass production needs like no other materials. Hence it is most common used for producing guitar saddles for many entry to mid levels acoustic guitars.

An Off-White TUSQ® Saddle

Taken from: http://luthierssupplies.com.au/images/TUSQ%209200%20saddle%20Compensated.jpg

TUSQ® - taken from: http://www.graphtech.com/kbase.html?ArticleID=9; TUSQ is a proprietary material which is precision engineered under high pressure and heat. It is specifically formulated to deliver the right frequencies with the optimum transfer rate to the top of your guitar every time. Because of the way TUSQ is made, it is a consistent material that is rich in tone and harmonic content.

By the above literature on TUSQ®, one could not conclude that TUSQ® is petrochemical based or it is a derivative of plastics. Users of TUSQ® have indeed reported enhancements in tonal properties of their acoustic guitars. However certain mechanical properties do exhibit commonalities to plastics.

A Black Diamond™ Hybrid Saddle

Taken from: http://www.obbligatoinc.com/

Black Diamond™ - taken from: http://www.obbligatoinc.com/; This material is a very specialized form of carbon. There are many forms of carbon ranging from graphite to diamond. Black Diamond carbon is not graphite, nor is it a carbon-fiber composite, versions of carbon typically used for musical instruments. It is a highly engineered form of carbon requiring specialized equipment to produce. While, unfortunately, expensive to produce, the random, fine grain structure of Black Diamond carbon provides a very efficient means to create or transmit desired string harmonics of a musical instrument.

According to its patent (http://bit.ly/QJcgjr), Black Diamond™ is the result of pyrolysis of pyrocarbon onto suitable substrates. The application is wider than just guitar saddles. In fact this process is used in manufacturing of human body parts. Pyrolysis is nothing like injection molding.

Since there are many ways to skin a cat, invariably the face-off can be as simple as just making audio clips of each material, allow everyone to listen and judge according to own personal preferences. It can be a full fledge scientific testing. To make it interesting for many people, the face-off should borrow certain scientific experimental principles, but not over-complicating it.

Black Diamond™Hybrid Saddle for Martin Guitars 

Black Diamond™Hybrid Saddle for Emerald Guitars

Here are the experiment norms,

• In this experiment, the test subjects are the Black TUSQ® Saddle and Black Diamond™ Hybrid Saddle. The Black Diamond™ Saddle is made primarily from wood with acoustic properties. 6 insert cavities are cut to accommodate the Black Diamond inserts. The combination of Black Diamond and wood makes it a hybrid.
• Two Emerald Guitars were used in the experiment. The model name is X5-OS, one which is of glossy amber finish and the other is matt black. The amber one is fitted with new strings whereas the matt black has dead strings on it.
• A total of 5 audio tracks were recorded and uploaded to SoundCloud, which is sound file sharing website.
• Reference recordings were done on two Emerald Guitars, X5-OS with original factory settings, i.e. with black TUSQ saddle. The file names are X5-OS Amber.mp3 and X5-OS Black.mp3 respectively.
• The reference recording consists of the chords progression from the C major key instead of playing a tune. This chord progression is C | Dm | Em | F | G | Am | C. The chords are played at various position of the neck.
• Another recording done with switching one of the Emerald Guitars’ TUSQ saddle to the Hybrid Black Diamond Saddle. The file name is X5-OS Black Dia.mp3.
• Another two recordings done with playing the same original acoustic fingerstyle tune on both X5-OS for comparison. The file names are X5-OS Amber Hpy.mp3 and X5-OS Black Dia Hpy.mp3 respectively.
• Direct recording using ZOOM Q3, high quality WAV file format, unplugged.
• All WAV files are converted through MP3 Encoder, set at 192kbps conversion rate, thus keeping the file size manageable for uploading to SoundCloud

The Guitars and Saddle Set up,

Top Matt Black, Bottom Glossy Amber

Fitted with Black Diamond™Hybrid Saddle

The sound files,

Reference Recording, Emerald X5-OS, TUSQ® Saddle, Glossy Amber Finished, New Strings


Reference Recording, Emerald X5-OS, TUSQ® Saddle, Matt Black Finished, Dead Strings


Emerald X5-OS, Black Diamond™Hybrid Saddle, Matt Black Finished, Dead Strings


Emerald X5-OS, TUSQ® Saddle, Glossy Amber Finished, New Strings


Emerald X5-OS, Black Diamond™Hybrid Saddle, Matt Black Finished, Dead Strings
End of sound files section

My two cents,

Firstly I will discuss the comparison between both X5-OS guitars with original factory setting, fitted with black TUSQ Saddle, one with new strings and the other with dead ones. Listening to the audio clips, it was clear the one with new strings produce clearer treble notes, the ring is crisp and very audible. As the low ends, it gave rounded bass. The one with dead strings didn’t provide as clear and crisp treble notes. Not withstanding the reduction on clarity, the full range of tone was audible nevertheless. This is indicative of the capability of the TUSQ saddles. As for the bass characteristic, it wasn’t much different from the one with new strings. The conclusion was guitar strings’ conditions will affect the resulting tonal qualities. In this case, the differences were noticeable.

The Wave Patterns captured from Garage Band

I shall now discuss the comparison between X5-OS with dead strings, it audio recording with original TUSQ saddle and switching to the Black Diamond Hybrid Saddle. Listening to sound file X5-OS Black Dia.mp3, i.e. the saddle was switched from TUSQ to Black Diamond Hybrid, the immediate difference was the treble notes. They were clearer and crisper, closer to the X5-Os with new strings. The bass notes were tighter as well. By using the frequency analyzer from Garage Band Software, I noticed the wave patterns of produce by the Black Diamond Hybrid Saddle possessed evident stability whereas the wave patterns of the X5-OS with original factory settings were shifty.

The differences between X5-OS Amber Hpy.mp3 and X5-OS Black Dia Hpy.mp3; this is probably the acid test for the Black Diamond Hybrid because a full tune is being played and recorded for comparison. I find both guitars gave quality tone. Considering the amber gloss one was fitted with new strings, the Black Diamond Hybrid Saddle truly resurrected the dead strings from the grave. The crispness are comparable and I find the bass notes of the “dead strings” X5-OS became tighter with the switch of saddle. It was indeed a pleasant surprise.

Well, these are my two cents and it is your turn to be the judge!

Some tips for listening,

• Focus on one spectrum at a time, e.g. concentrate on the bass notes, block out the rest mentally.
• Repeat small parts of the audio track, do rapid comparisons between the intended audio tracks.
• If possible, use quality heard sets instead of judging by listening through the onboard PC speakers.
• A quiet environment helps.
• There is no good or bad sound, they are all sound.
• Judge base on known criteria like Bass, Mids and Trebles. Connecting the audio quality to abstract terms like majestic, shimmering, etc. will probably add more confusion. Use simple terms instead.

Thanks for reading! Any comment is welcome.

Carbon Guitars… the Emeralds have arrived

For those who are more curious than prudence, here is another chance for experimentation. Traditionally guitars are only made from wood. One might ask why. Perhaps the most logical answer is wood was available and abundant. Woodcraft must be well developed and recognized commercially in those days. The great number of furnitures that were made from wood has provided sufficient anecdotal evidence to indicate favor for wood over other materials. I suspect when we trace the history line of musical instruments, wood should have played a significant role.

Increasingly, alternate materials have been introduced in the world of guitars. In an earlier article (ArtMusicKitchen) the Emerald Guitars was feature. They are made in Ireland by a innovative and skillful young entrepreneur. They are finally in Singapore and Guitaring Passionately has been appointed as sale distributor as well as the after sales service agent. For more information of these guitars, check out Emerald guitars' website here: http://www.emeraldguitars.com/products/guitars/.

Every piece comes with a carrying bag. In stock now at introductory prices until the next shipment arrives.

• X5-OS (For detail specs, click here) - SGD $1160.00 (was SGD $1288.00) SOLD!
• X7-OS (For detail specs, click here) - SGD $1340.00 (was SGD $1488.00)

Just email adam@guitaringpassionately.com for an appointment to test drive these carbon fibre guitars. You know what, they don't need any climate control treatment, much less the need to turn truss rods! They are here to stay healthy for a long long time. Here are the pictures.

X5-OS Front

Comparison to a regular acoustic guitar

X5-OS Flat

X5-OS Back

X5-OS Top

More… a demo clip of the X7-OS,

X7-OS Front

Comparison to a regular acoustic guitar

X7-OS Flat

X7-OS Back

X7-OS Top

X7-OS Head

A client has requested to replaced the stock nut/saddle with FMI after he bought a X7-OS. The sonic properties of the guitar were enhanced greatly by the replacement. Here are some pictures of his X7-OS.

X7-OS with FMI Nut/Saddle

FMI Nut

FMI saddle

End of article

Emerald Guitars and ArtMusicKitchen…

Guitars and Kitchen seldom mix…

Emerald Guitar X5-OS

A private dinner at ArtMusicKitchen

Guitars and Kitchens… they don’t seem to fall within a category. However ArtMusicKitchen (http://artmusickitchen.blogspot.com/) is all but just a kitchen. The idea was driven by two passionately individuals who love to eat, listen to music, play musical instruments and socializing. It is located within city precinct; it provides a cosy atmosphere for private parties to take place where food, music and fun are all gathered under one roof. It wasn’t unexpected for Emerald Guitars to find its way into this kitchen as well. Check out the video clip of a party below!

About guitars… it is common for guitar enthusiast to engage in discussions about guitar tone. Jargons like woody, deep, majestic, bright, sweet, etc. are commonly exchanged within these discussions. It is true that we are attracted to certain sounds whereas the unwanted sounds are being called noise. To simplify our already very complicated world, lets’ just call them good or unwanted sound.

Guitars are traditionally made from wood. It was almost a taboo to consider otherwise in the early days of guitar making. To build one successfully, guitar makers must possessed knowledge of an engineer, skills of a craftsman, and touch of an artist. Inadvertently, tradition ways have a big influence on guitar making even until today. Some people argued that guitar is timeless… therefore it should not depart from the traditional methods. However, time will change everything regardless.

Many guitar players have been educated that guitars should only be of wood base. It wasn’t like there were plenty of alternate materials and processes in the early days where guitar were created. If all you got are trees in your backyard, it might be obvious that this so called choice materials were actually founded on basis of abundance and accessibility. Imagine you live in Planet Timbuckto and there are only carbon stems in your backyard. Guess what you would build your house with?

One of the founders of ArtMusicKitchen has always wanted to play guitar even he is on the road. The many maintenance considerations of a regular guitar didn’t allow his desire to materialize but Emerald guitars did. He felt the full value of Emerald guitars after owning the X5-OS. The lifestyle of most Singaporeans may benefit from this guitar. Driven and excited, he contacted Emerald Guitars and before he even knew it, the shipment is confirmed and arriving to his doorstep very soon. You can find ArtsMusicKitchen on Facebook as well.

Below video clip features the Emerald X5-OS, Arthur's Theme played by David Ng. 

When I first played an Emerald guitar (http://www.emeraldguitars.com/products/guitars/), I had mixed feelings. It wasn’t obvious to me why it did. Only after a short moment, I realized that I was subconsciously expecting a “typical guitar sound” during my first test drive of it. Immediately I cleared my mind of any expectation and tried the Emerald X5-OS once more. The feeling was totally fresh and I could better detect the potential and merits of this composite material guitar. I could hear the bass, mid and treble with no problem. The balance was there and playability was great. So does it sound like a guitar with Appalachian Spruce Top and Brazilian Rosewood B/S? It was not about whether X5-OS can sound like a wood guitar. It didn’t need to plainly because it wasn’t made from wood.

Below video clip features the Emerald X5-OS, Scarborough Fair played by Tomo

A good sound is a good sound regardless it is traditional or modern. By the same token, Emerald guitars were built with a different point of view that happen to take the shape, forms and functional features if a guitar. Just because it does, should this guitar be trialed by a jury that only recognizes wood? The X5-OS is a compact and enduring instrument that is suitable for any roadtrip you would be embarking. Imagine strumming your favorite tunes while sunbathing.

Guitaring Passionately is honor to be appointed to provide guitar care for the Emerald Guitars. Drop ArtMusicKitchen an email (artmusickitchen@gmail.com) to test drive the Emeralds!

I will leave you to find more from my interview with Alistair Hay, the man behind it all, the creator of Emerald Guitars. Website: http://www.emeraldguitars.com/products/guitars/

Alistair Hay and his composite guitar

1. Tell us a bit about yourself. Before embarking on making graphite guitars, what were you doing?

I grew up working in the family business which was a composites and engineering factory. I was always interested in the composite side of the business and worked with composites every weekend and during school holidays. I then went on to study Polymer Engineering in College where my interest in composites and polymers was increased further.

On leaving College I got a job in the USA building formula one race boats for the Seebold race team and work closely with the world Champion Bill Seebold. This experience changed my life as I learned about high tech composite structures and carbon fibre. Bill became my mentor and inspired me to excel and find something that I could be the best in the world at.

After that I came back to Ireland and the seed that was sown started to grow into Emerald Guitars

2. Do you have any formal training in guitar building or prior experience in dealing with carbon fiber?

I don't have any formal training in this field. I started off by reverse engineering my own guitar and making lots of mistakes. I was determined to take a new approach and the materials I was using were so different from regular guitar building. I did however find a highly skilled local Luthier who guided me a little and helped steer me a little.

It was very much trial and error and from 1998 to 2001 I made about 50 guitars just to perfect my art. None of these left my possesion and most are screwed to the roof of my factory. I knew that It was going to take alot to make a guitar good enough to sell. Since then it has been a continual development and each year we strive to make guitars better than the year before.

3. Before carbon fiber, did you ever build traditional wood guitars?

No I have never built traditional guitars but over the years I have studied traditional wood guitar building and have learned a great deal about voicing and tone and reinterpreted these rules and applied them to composite construction.

Building with carbon requires a completely different approach as the construction methods are so different and you need to think about the materials in a different way.

4. Why carbon in the first place?

First and foremost I started with carbon because it was the medium I understood best. For me the guitars I build express everything I have learned over the past 25 years and it is a medium that allows me to utilise all my knowledge and skills to the maximum through materials, engineering structure and artistic expression. Working with carbon is so natural to me and I find it very liberating. Because of composites we can do things that just arent possible with wood. I would never say we will replace wooden guitars but in some areas Carbon is just soo much better. 

5. How did Emerald Guitars start?

I first started building guitars in 1998 as a hobby but soon after I realised it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. The name Emerald Guitars came into existence in 1999.

Creating

6. I understand Emerald almost went under some years ago. What happened and will it happen again?

We had worked closely with Parker guitars and agreed a deal to use their unique fret board. It was great for a few years but then Parker was sold over to US Music and soon after without warning they stopped suplying us. This left us over night with no fretboards to complete orders and no way to create income. The Parker design is very different to conventional fret boards so we couldnt source a replacement without significantly modifying all our moulds. This was a challenge we couldnt afford to meet and put us out of business virtually over night.

I have since redesigned all our moulds and we now do everything in house giving us a much greater security and after this difficult event we have created a more secure business and a higher quality guitar as well. Its been a tough lesson but a valuable one.

7. Is there a typical profile of a Emerald Guitar buyer? What should a potential buyer expect from Emerald Guitars?

It continually surprises me how diverse our buyers are but I would say the thing the all have in common is that they judge our guitars on their merits rather than preconceived ideas of what a guitar should be.

We strive to create inovative products of high quality that allow musicians to express their music in a new way and give them the freedom to enjoy playing guitar without the worry about weather and climate effects.

8. What's the greatest reward you get from Emerald Guitars?

The greatest reward is to hear a musician play music that was inspired on my guitars and this in turn inspires me to build guitars. Its a perfect symmetry of give and take.

9. Share with us, if you will, some of your musical influences.

From a very young age I have been fascinated by guitars and any music containing lots of guitar. In my early years it was Dire Straits, Queen, BonJovi, Metallica, Black Sabbath etc.. then I went to college and a friend gave me a Steve Vai album. I had never heard solo guitar like this and it transformed me and led me to buy my first guitar 2 weeks later. That opened a world of solo guitar players to me such as Joe Satriani, Yngwie Malmsteen, John Petrucci, Paul Gilbert and acoustic players such as John Williams, Paco De Lucia, Pepina Dagostino, Eric Roche and Andy Mckee.

Music is the source of my inspiration and its been so amazing to have been able to build guitars for some of my influences and its been beyond my wildest dream to have built 3 guitars for Steve Vai, one of which he has used in his upcoming album.

10. You’ve already documented how your friendship with Wang Leehom came about (http://www.emeraldguitars.com/custom/the-art-of-guitar/bahamut/). What about your link with Singapore’s very own Tay Kewei?

I first met Tay Kewei when she was performing as a backing singer with Leehom in Malaysia and then we met again in Beijing. I really admired her singing and she was looking for a new guitar that suited here style so we built an X7 for her. She really loved its compact and comfortable proportions and the great tone she could achieve during performances with it.

- End of Article -