Cort B4 (and a hello)

[Babunar]

Hi everyone, I'm Ben and I'm a lefty playing righty from England.

So today I got a new bass to replace the Encore (!) I started off with.

I came across a Cort B4 for what I *think* was a good price, after a bit of crafty googling on my mobile. A Hiscox liteflite case was included.

Just a few nooby questions:

1. What's the approximate value of this bass? It's in good condition, the worst damage is a couple of light scratches on the back and maybe the volume pot is a bit knackered...
EDIT: If this is against the rules, which I've just read, then sorry. I don't think it is though - it's not unreasonable to ask for a rough estimate is it?

2. Is there a way to reduce the fuzz/hum I get at high volumes? I'm inclined to think it's a product of my 10 watt practice amp, which is rubbish.

3. I have a thing for wood finishes. The bass is solid mahogany (or swamp ash maybe, the B4 is/was available in both, but the wood looks too dark to be ash), what's the best way to get it looking its best?

I hope this is the right forum. Thanks in advance,

Ben

 

[snyderz]

Hello Babunar, and welcome to TB. I'm a lefty/righty too.

Looks like street value over here is about $300-$400. There can be lots of reasons for a hum, but if you have a 10 watt amp that is rubbish, for the love of God, replace it with something over 100 watts. Preferably over 200 watts! Your bass playing experience will be much greater. Don't know about the finish on the B4, but generally if your wood is coated, use a polish. If it is not, use a wax.
Doc

 

[lousybassplayer]

Well if it was a good Cort B4, it'll be a good Cort after.

 

[Babunar]

Thanks for the replies guys. Very funny, lousybassplayer

I took the bass to my friend's house and tried it through his Orange amp, and the tone is amazing. Definitely going to get hold of a proper amp.

I don't think the wood is coated, I'll investigate.

 

[bucardo]

You made a good election. I own a B4 (ash) from 2004, and it is the best purchase of my life. The tone is awesome. The buzzing is the low wattage amp. This bass is oil-finished, without any polymer-based coating. The best way to preserve the finish, is, from time to time (say every 4-6 months) rubbing it with colorless furniture care wax or raw lineseed oil. The average street value of a B4 is 600-700 $. It's quite cheap if you consider the quality of this bass.

 

[Outsider]

I've also got a B4. I'm not sure what its made of, but its a good bass with a good sound.
I had a problem with fret buzz, but I raised the action and that sorted it out.

I'm not sure what to do to lower the action and still get rid of the buss though.