NBD : Oh dear, I got another Cort...

V8

C'mon peeps - I've seen a lot of gear move this spring - where are your new toys? I'll start us off with another Cort... ::) Got this a few weeks ago from the really awesome fellows at the Gear Junkie...Yeaaaahh, there are benefits to being a honorary junkie 8) 1997 Cort Artisan 5 stringer, literally untouched! It did need a chunk of tlc (solid cleanup, new strings and a setup), but plays like a dream - action low and a touch clanky/buzzy -perfect for what I need it for... My first 5 stringer, so I have little to compare it to - I was looking for a Ibby Soundgear (Even a Gio) or a Jackson JS3V, coz' they have slimmer necks, which I was hoping would make for a easier transition into the 5 string world. Alas, budget 5 stringers are few and far between, especially 2nd hand - the Jackson is pretty well priced (just under 4k new) and gets grand reviews - but I dislike the inline headstock, I reckon it tends to exaggerate neck diving. And what kinda junkie would I be buying new ??? So when the Cort pitched up, had a narrow string spacing (15mm) I was all over it. Soundwise, it's very similar to my Curbow (mighty mite alnico pups w/cheap preamp) - bright and snappy on the bridge pup and the neck pup has a hint of P-bass about it, which pleasantly surprised me! 2 Band eq (bass/treble) , master vol & pickup blend. Simple, set and forget controls. Slim body, though it is weighty - the neck is a serious chunk of wood, not overly wide or a stoopidly chunky profile - just a lot of it...especially when you are coming of a short scale or a jazz bass. The brass nut is a classy touch and overall the quality is the higher end of what Cort does (real value for $), though I'm unconvinced about the "Custom" logo at the 12th fret :P

studmissile

Very smart! Love the wood colors!

morph

Nice, I too like that wood look

Even though I have an el-cheapo Cort Bass, I am having lost of fun with it.

Shibbibilybob

wenge neck? Looks amazing.

V8

Shibbibilybob wrote: wenge neck?

I believe so, certainly looks like it - at least that's what I can find when googling for the specs for a MIK (1997-2000) Artisan B5. Wenge Neck and apparently a Mahogany body (doesn't look like it though).

Thanks for comment gents, I'm undecided about the sunburst - but everyone seems to like it, the grain does show nicely through and the finish has lasted 19yrs!

I'm reallllyy digging the low B string...to be able to grab a low B.C or D or fret a low E and bend it. I never expected to be fond of it, but it took about 2 weeks to become a complete convert. I'll have a 5 stringer from here on out - it's really useful!

peterleroux

That's a stunning instrument, and I do like Cort 5s- my Curbow was awesome. One of my favourite things about 5 string (apart from that handy thumb rest next to the E string ? ) is that you can not only play lower, but all the first position notes are available higher up the neck- so you can play open E at fret 5 on the B string instead, meaning you can get an easier stretch up the neck for arpeggios.

The only thing I _don't_ like about 5s is the narrow string spacing- and that's why I am currently playing a four. But I do miss those low notes (D especially) so I had to put a D-tuner on my 4.

wern101

I am not particularly fond of a bass, but this is sexy!
Jiss I Love the wood. Congrats Meron.

Norman86

sweet! loving the neck btw.