One is a cort model elrick signature series the other is an actual elrick. I ordered the cort for I saw no difference in specs other than the switches at the bottom. The cort has a push pull active/passive.
One is mass produced using Korean Barts (MK-1s, I believe), while the US is handmade by ONE guy, using the best materials and electronics available. There's a difference. A big one.
+1 The Cort is a fine import bass. It has the Bart MK-1 pickups and preamp, which I happen to really like. But it is not in the same league as a USA Elrick.
Yep exactly the same thing with the Cort Curbow models. They look like a Curbow, but they are nothing alike. And quite frankly i think my Cort Curbow sucks. Cheers, Dave
Reading back on this, I guess we didn't actually answer your question, "what's the difference....." The Corts are mass produced ... The USA Elricks, as stated above by Brenden, are all hand made. Cort adopted the Elrick design/shape and produced a reasonable facsimile of the "real thing". But it is mass produced in a factory overseas. I've had the pleasure of playing three USA Elricks ... each and every one was meticulously crafted and, to my eyes & ears, without flaw. While the basic body design is not to my personal liking, it's impossible to find fault with the craftsmanship or sound. Really, just look at the pricing .... there's a reason for the difference in cost Again, this is not to discredit the Cort, it's a decent bass ......
I forgot to answer you on this so i thought about it and searched and will now answer your question. The Cort Curbow is a nice playing good sounding instrument for the money, however the body is just too small for me to play. I am about 6ft 210 lbs so a little heavy and it just looks dumb on me because the bottom part of the body is so small. The pictures seem to be a deception, the body is very small, but if you like it go for it. And im willing to sell you mine haha. Cheers, Dave
I really have to jump in here and defend the Cort Curbow! IMO, it is a fabulous guitar for those of us with active but smaller hands. I have a Curbow 4-string fretless and it is my favorite guitar of the four that I own-nice sexy, slick and fast little guitar. Really. 'nuff said. BTW, I am 5'3' and weigh 118 lbs.
Cort basses look intriguing, I was actually checking their website a little bit ago looking for contenders for my next bass. I want a fretless 5 and it seems their fretless models only come in 4.... Sigh...looks like it'll probably be a Spectorcore V for me