• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Cort B5 element question

LeonThePeon

LeonThePeon

Dec 29, 2025
46
86
37
Utrecht, The Netherlands
#1
Hey guys,
Looking for a good 5 string to replace my Sire Z3.
Does anybody here own or have played a Cort B5 element? I have 2 questions:

1. How is its balance? Does it neck dive a lot?

2. Those volume and balance knobs near the bridge; do they get in the way during playing? They seem to be located so close to the pickup!

I hope I can try one out, but it doesn’t seem like they are available at shop in my area.

Thanks!


IMG_3647.jpeg
 
  • Like
Reactions: lowendrachel, Frank Kreber and ricknote
#2
I've never played one.
But the Cort B5 is basically the Ibanez SR505 and that one served me well. Plays way out of its league. This Cort plant is who makes Ibanez's regular series basses (Premium series as well, I think).
These level basses are well suited to a pickup and preamp upgrade, like USA Barts
 
  • Like
Reactions: LeonThePeon
#3
Bliff Curton 2 said:
I've never played one.
But the Cort B5 is basically the Ibanez SR505 and that one served me well. Plays way out of its league. This Cort plant is who makes Ibanez's regular series basses (Premium series as well, I think).
These level basses are well suited to a pickup and preamp upgrade, like USA Barts
Click to expand...
Doe you feel the knobs are in the way on your Ibby? They are roughly in the same position as on the Cort. How’s the balance on your bass? Is it neck diving at all?

By the way: fun bit of trivia that the b5 and sr505 are the same instrument. I did know almost all of the Indonesian made guitars are from the Cort factory.
 
Last edited:
#4
Bliff Curton 2 said:
But the Cort B5 is basically the Ibanez SR505
Click to expand...
One glaring difference is the Cort's 18mm spacing vs the SR505s 16.5mm.

Otherwise they're fairly similar feeling. I have a couple of SR 5 strings and an A5 Ultra Ash which is identical in basic construction (body size, neck shape etc) to the B5, except the A5 is NT. The B5 has Hipshot ULs just like my A5 and that balances nicely so I'd be surprised if it didn't too. The control layout doesn't bother me on my A5UA or my A6, but I'm almost 100% finger style.

My A5 is superbly built and one of the best values in basses and the B5 seems to be about the same.

If I was in your situation, I wouldn't hesitate in buying it, even over an SR505.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bliff Curton 2 and LeonThePeon
#5
crazycloud said:
One glaring difference is the Cort's 18mm spacing vs the SR505s 16.5mm.

Otherwise they're fairly similar feeling. I have a couple of SR 5 strings and an A5 Ultra Ash which is identical in basic construction (body size, neck shape etc) to the B5, except the A5 is NT. The B5 has Hipshot ULs just like my A5 and that balances nicely so I'd be surprised if it didn't too. The control layout doesn't bother me on my A5UA or my A6, but I'm almost 100% finger style.

My A5 is superbly built and one of the best values in basses and the B5 seems to be about the same.

If I was in your situation, I wouldn't hesitate in buying it, even over an SR505.
Click to expand...
Sounds good thanks!
 
#6
I been own the older version B5 plus Ash . I never bond with the pickup/preamp sound at all , no heft , lack bottom , just dry and honky .
But she has no neck dive issue .
YAP_1868.JPG


Here my current 5 string bass .... play well and great tone ! The B string just sing !
TTM_8820.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Toffa and LeonThePeon
#7
I used to own one, with the red finish. It was a fantastic instrument that i regret selling.

The balance was great, and i am mostly a fingers player also, never use a pick and rarely slap, and the controls never god in the way.

Sold it because i was moving away from 5 string.. sold it... then auditioned and got into 2 bands that require 5-str basses.. 🤦🏽‍♂️
 
  • Like
Reactions: LeonThePeon
#8
LeonThePeon said:
Hey guys,
Looking for a good 5 string to replace my Sire Z3.
Does anybody here own or have played a Cort B5 element? I have 2 questions:

1. How is its balance? Does it neck dive a lot?

2. Those volume and balance knobs near the bridge; do they get in the way during playing? They seem to be located so close to the pickup!

I hope I can try one out, but it doesn’t seem like they are available at shop in my area.

Thanks!


View attachment 7522948
Click to expand...
I own one of these. There is zero neck dive. The hipshot ultralite tuners eliminate that. It’s very comfortable standing or when seated. The knobs don’t get in the way for me at all, but I’m a finger style player. If you play with a pick down near the bridge pick up I suppose it could get in the way. The electronics are quite versatile. It’s a tough bass to beat for the money.
 
  • Like
Reactions: LeonThePeon and neil|lien
#11
I
LeonThePeon said:
Hey guys,
Looking for a good 5 string to replace my Sire Z3.
Does anybody here own or have played a Cort B5 element? I have 2 questions:

1. How is its balance? Does it neck dive a lot?

2. Those volume and balance knobs near the bridge; do they get in the way during playing? They seem to be located so close to the pickup!

I hope I can try one out, but it doesn’t seem like they are available at shop in my area.

Thanks!


View attachment 7522948
Click to expand...
I had a fretless version years ago. It was a very well built instrument with a wenge neck and ash body. Unfortunately, I was not ready for fretless at the time so it was sold fairly quick. Great instrument though
 
  • Like
Reactions: LeonThePeon
#15
LeonThePeon said:
fun bit of trivia that the b5 and sr505 are the same instrument. I did know almost all of the Indonesian made guitars are from the Cort factory.
Click to expand...
When Cort builds other companies' instruments they work from their client's design specifications. They will consult with the client over materials and engineering details (client always wants stuff better for cheaper, and has ideas that won't physically work the way they wished), but they can't allow the things they build for anyone influence how they make something for somebody else, and that includes themselves.

Or in other words, If the two instruments look similar, it's because Cort wanted their own Soundgear-like product and it has nothing to do with also making actual Soundgears. Being caught building a house-brand instrument from Ibanez's designs would be the fastest way for them to lose Ibanez as a client.

Contract manufacture is a weird business.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back