Cort GB34a breakdown and review

Stinsok · #1 05-28-2011, 11:01 AM

I got this the other day and wanted to share what I got for the money. I bought this new on the 'bay for $239.99 shipped, with no case or gigbag. Here are some details:

The body: Agathis/ 3pc construction. No flaws in the finish. It looks alright, but maybe sunburst isn't the best finish for a 3pc body. I like the back better than the front. In it's defense it looks as good as a MIM Fender. The bridge is a serviceable high mass unit. I don't see a need to upgrade it. The pickguard (cream/3ply) is flat without any waviness. All the screws are in straight. The bass weighs about 9lbs.

The neck: Maple (C shape,) 22 frets. I was suprised to find it was a one piece neck with no scarf joint. It has a light satin finish that was uniform. No drips or runs that I can find. The frets were not sharp! The tuners work well without slack. It came strung with D'addario strings.

Electronics: Jazz p/u at the neck and a MM type at the bridge. Controls are Volume, Blend, Bass/Treble. It can be used active or passive.

Sound: I didn't buy this thinking "I'm getting a Stingray clone!" It really doesn't sound like one. The MM pickup solo'd doesn't have that "airy" quality. It's clean and clear but not as full as I would like. The J pickup solo'd is clean as well and has a lot of bottom. I like this bass best with both pickups used. Here is a youtube clip (in German) that will give you an idea of what it sounds like:

YouTube - ‪Cort GB-34 A 3TS‬&rlm;

Overview: For the price I think it's a very good purchase. I was pleased with the fit/finish and playability. That being said, with the availability of giggable basses available in this price range I don't think I would pay that much more for it.

Stinsok · #2 05-28-2011, 11:05 AM

Some more pics.

gitlvr · #3 05-28-2011, 04:09 PM

Congrats on your new bass. I like it.

RonChase · #4 05-29-2011, 09:46 PM

I wanted a Curbow but got this Cort bass that is a P bass copy I dont use it a real lot but I have took it on gigs and in fact I do like it and will even say that it has bettered some P bass instruments Ive owned

Andy_D · #5 05-30-2011, 03:35 AM

I bought a new Cort Artisan B5 off Ebay for close to what you paid for yours. Nicely put together, and gets great tones. BUT... it gets an extremely annoying clicking sound when my plucking finger comes to rest on and mute the next lowest string. Raising the action a good bit will make this go away, but I don't like high action. The small neck has taken a bit for me to get used to as I feel more comfortable on my BTB or Cirrus. If I could figure out how to make the damn clicking go away I'd probably keep it and learn to like the small neck. It's frustrating because having owned more than a dozen bases and doing my own setups I've never had this problem. If I can't figure out how to make it go away it'll probably go up for sale

aussiebasshero · #6 07-29-2011, 09:28 AM

I've got this bass - killer for the price. Ps I can't stand Music Schmitt reviews anymore because that guy plays the SAME riff every time! Play something else for some tonal variety

Orangeclawhamme · #7 07-29-2011, 02:36 PM

I haveone with the pickguard missing. I got it cheap even though I told the dealer I thought the missing pickguard was an improvement. It was the one I used the most until I got my Squier Jaguar SS.