Well, I was the last one to think that I would get a Cort, but here I am with one! I was looking for a jazz recently for quite a while, and started to really like the idea of a MM/J configuration, as I didn't really love the tone or a rear single coil only (a little thin sounding for me), and I personally would be better served with the MM. The more I thought about it, the more it made sense for me over a passive jazz. I absolutely loved the looks of this and had been eyeing it for a while and the top quality hardware, and pups made it easy to pull the trigger on, considering I got an absolutely redonkulous deal. It arrived yesterday and first impressions are excellent, although I only got to noodle for about 30 minutes on it, and figure out the controls and find some nice settings.
First thing I noticed is the build quality is VERY good. I'm not sure why where a bass built is more important than how it's built, but it doesn't bother me. The Cort factory makes Squier, Lakland Skylines etc, which have more than solid reps, so that didn't concern me in buying a Cort. Hipshot hardware, Duncan Pups, Neutrik locking jack, spalt top, bound neck.
The neck is C shape, super smooth, and very, very nice, albeit, thinner (1.5") than I am use to with playing my P and Ray34. It felt a little thin at first, especially so because I have gorilla hands but I quickly got used to it. Another new detail for me is the flatter fingerboard radius (12"), and it took me a good 15 minutes to adjust, but after some extended playing, I found it to lend it's self to precision fretting where I can get away with being sloppier with my Precision. I also realize that I can get a lower action with a flatter fingerboard should I want it, although the bass came set up very well. No complaints there at all. I went up and down the neck very carefully as I was inspecting it and there is not one dead note at all.
Another pleasant detail is the string spacing. I have been unable to find the exact string spacing of the Hipshot bridge, but it is definately tighter than my P, and I really liked it alot better. I felt my fingers were running up and down the strings much faster than my other 2 basses.
Another standout feature is the pups. I could instantly tell that the Duncan MM pickup had more growl than my Ray34, and when I solo'd it and added some bass, I got a great thump and pretty meaty sound, which I great because I play alot of reggae. The jazz sound is what I would call "modern mellow", I liked it alot. In the short time I played, I did prefer one pickup or the other over both but I am sure I will find a setting there I like. Duncan 3 band EQ is pretty quiet. The slap countour switch did have some use, and could be used for quick tone change in certain situations. I could go on and on about the sounds, but it's pretty subjective so I'll let that go.
It could be that my NBD and gas has not subsided yet, but so far, I'm a happy camper. I'm suprised that Corts are not more popular, probably because anything not named Fender is harder to resell, but this is a very versatile and high quality bass, with alot of high quality sounds available.
Here are the pics:
Nice Spalting:
