The first guitar
Alistair finally puts his idea to build a carbon fibre guitar into action and builds his first acoustic guitar.
Research and development
Research and development: Alistair spends two years in research and development honing his craft as a luthier building many prototypes and test guitars.
The Ultra Guitar
While watching Steve Vai on the Ultra Zone Tour, Alistair is inspired to make The Ultra Guitar for Steve. This actually became the first Emerald Guitar to leave the factory.
The first Emerald range
Finally, after three years of development, a range of Emerald Guitars were launched - They were the X10, X20 (original model) and X30.
First NAMM Show
In January Emerald Guitars exhibit at NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, USA for the first time. That summer Irish artist Mickey Joe Harte represents Ireland performing with an Emerald X10 at the Eurovision Song Contest watched by nearly 200 million viewers around the world.
Expansion
Emerald Guitars expands its dealer network in the USA and increases production.
Bahamut
Alistair gets commissioned to build Bahamut for world famous Chinese American pop star, Wang Leehom. Bahamut would go on to become one of the most famous guitars in the world.
Redevelopment
Alistair fully redevelops the Emerald range improving the quality and processes beyond recognition of what came before.
Growth
Emerald Guitars continues to grow expanding its customer base around the globe and product range.