Hi all.

Just want some info on Cort guitars vs Yamaha. I currently have a Yamaha FX370C and its really a nice guitar, for someone like me who is an intermediate player. But I`ve really practiced hard this year and I feel I'm getting better and now I want to buy a better guitar. I was looking at Yamaha again but they seem expensive. I'm looking at something with a solid Spruce top and better electronics. Someone told me to have a look at Cort, and I did so on Marshall Music's Website and I found that the Cort guitars looks like really nice guitars for a good price, like the Cort MR710F for R3290, and the Cort SFX10 for R4950. Looking at Yamaha, Music Mate quote me R7499for a Yamaha FGX730SC and R7999 for the Yamaha CPX700. Comparing these guitars they are almost the same, except the price. What would you guys recommend? Takamine is also an option.

In that range you can find some very decent Takamine guitars which would be my personal pick. They sound great plugged in and are generally excellent value for money, and in my opinion are a better option than Cort. When I bought mine, however, it did need a fair amount of setup work so whichever route you go make sure to factor in the cost of a decent setup (R600 - R800 or so).

At the lower price bracket you're looking at laminated back and sides but I can't seem to find any info on the models you listed as to whether they offer solid woods or laminates. I will say that maple bodied acoustics (like mine) are quite bright and lack some of the warmth and character of rosewood or mahogany guitars.

Best bet is to peg a budget and head off to a few stores and play some options in that price range.

Cort guitars are the best. (My unbiased opinion ? )
But you'd be good with either brand. The key is to play them and find which one you like. And yes as stated before, the guitar is gonna need some work out of the box/store. Most guitars do.... Some stores ( I won't name and shame) have strings on their guitars that were used to play the theme song to the 12 disciples themselves....

I am biased as I own a Cort MR710 QB and I absolutely love it. The Fishman pickup is great and amplified it has a fantastic tone.

But, that is my oppinion and every guitarist will have their own. Take your time and visit a few shops and play the guitars yourself. The one you want will become obvious the instant you play it.