When I was looking for a bass a few years ago, Cort was basically the only company that offered the features I wanted at a low enough price point (35" scale 5 string, 19mm spacing, Music Man style humbucker). Still happy with my GB75-JH
I'm right there with you on just about everything you said in this vid! I have been very interested in the B and Deluxe C. It has been a few years since I've been to the local "mom and pop" shop downtown, but they are an actual Cort dealer, which is nice. A few years ago they had a standard jazz type offering that had a humbucker at the bridge that was a combo of an 8 pole jazz and half a Music Man. I tried that out and was interesting, and I believe they had a C there, I can't recall. I really wanted to check out the B, which they were currently out of stock. So I exercised restraint and really pushed my attention to helping my son figure out a guitar combo amp. 😆 He ended up with an Orange and that has me wanting to try out some Orange stuff as well. Currently not in the market for any of these things financially tho. Good to build the dream and be ready once I am able.
I've played Cort pretty much exclusively for the past 5 years. I currently play the Space 5 basses, I've also owned a number of A5 and B5 models and I also own a couple of GB models for more traditional gigs. Previously I had played Tobias and Warwick, and with a few tweaks the Cort can compete with the more 'boutique' basses. Don't dismiss the headless bass, they are amazing both is sound and feel. I also wish they still made a 5 string fretless. I'm currently trying to get my rep to get the factory to make me a fretless Space.
I know that you said that the look of the GB Modern isn’t really you but it needs to be considered on your list. It’s an impressive instrument and most definitely meets your weight requirements.
If you want 'growl' then buy the B5 Element. It's the closest thing I have found to a Warwick for less that £1000. I own one.... They're very good. The Elrick is like a jazz bass on steroids.
I've been playing a Cort Element B4 for about 2 years now, the neck feels amazing, the pickups do their jobs, the tuners hold the tunning and it is really versatile. On my set of basses I use a Sterling Stingray 34 for more funky, groovy styles and the Cort for rock and heavier stuff, it works really well. I also worked with it on a few recording sessions. Higly recommend it!
I've been a fan of Cort basses recently. It started with the Cort GB74-JJ that I tried in a store. They let me try it out and I immediately fell in love. I bought that, and shortly after I got the Cort Artisan Space 5. I might get another Cort bass, probably the Modern GB or the NJS 5 string.
I own the B5 Element in Burgundy and it's the one bass i am keeping (been buying and selling off everything else..). I am on the market for a B4 Element FL tp have a fretless also.. highly recommend it
i love shopping and geeking out for new basses, im sure you love the new bas grant and the trace elliot set up. today i was checking out phillip jones bass amps the 5'x8 speaker combo. looks small and loud
This is why I subscribe to your channel. You are covering all things bass, not just playing or teaching. I'd say you might consider Sire, but I think they might be a bit heavier than you are looking for. Keep up the good work, Grant!
That’s a problem with most gear options that I’m interested in. What I have to do is perform research, solicit opinions from individuals whose insight I value and find a dealer that has a reasonable return policy. I now own a total of four Cort basses (Cort Elrick NJS 4, GB Modern 4 & 5, GB Fusion 5). Each of them was purchased without trying and I’m thoroughly impressed with ALL of them. One more thing. I always attempt to get the best deal that I possibly can and I was able to get my basses new for prices that were very near what some are asking for them used.
Ihave the b5 and it is amazing man, the only problem i found on mine its the truss rod i dont like that its a little bit to heavy for me. And I have the a6 its my absolutly favorite bass for the moment.
The MK1pickups are made by Cort with some kind of license agreement to use the Bartolini name. Some people like them, and some don't. My local store here in the states had a B4 Element on the wall so i tried it out and it was very nice, but they also had the A4 Ultra Ash. It has the Fishman Fluence system which i liked better so i bought that one. Its quite a bit more expensive though, but the build quality is outstanding and it has an asymmetrical neck (thicker on the low side) which makes the feel of it like no other bass i've played. Because of that i felt it was worth spending more. Oh and plus, you get a really nice heavy duty case with the Ultra Ash basses.
@@MoodSwingerz I think Fishman's marketing is misleading for the bass Fluence system. One of their "voicings" is called passive, but there's nothing passive about it. Its just an EQ midrange boost to try and sound more like a P-bass tone probably. The other voicings are just flat and a midrange cut. Then you also have bass and treble controls.
@@grant_r_d also I know you said you're not a fan of the wood grain look but in person it looks insane. I didn't care for it much at a glance but in person there's a shine to it that doesn't come through in photography. Also the ones I've seen in person were less burled than the preview pics but not in a bad way. To make the weight really nice but maintain tone, they have a maple tone block with paulownia wings, white ash back and walnut layer and poplar burl top. The fit and finish also reminds me of much pricier boutique basses. Also if you're a J bass guy it has that familiar feel to it. Just all around rad. Also i have a Space 5 and it's nuts. The neck alone is a masterpiece and there's a lot of consideration put into the design. There's no headstock but there's a neck heel so it feels more natural and can hang on a rack. The neck is 7 piece and rock solid. The tuners are super tight in a nice way and it holds tune ridiculously well. It also comes in under 7 pounds. I've been impressed with Cort ever since I got my first Action 4 PJ 20 years ago and they haven't let me down. I play plenty of other basses but they're always my first recommendation.
@@fnargler, I’m a recent Cort convert. I purchased a Cort Elrick NJS 4 less than a year ago and was so pleased by it that I immediately began looking at their other options. I now have four Cort basses and I’m considering adding one of the basses they have with soap bar pickups…
@@MoodSwingerz the Bartolini MK1 pickups aren't for everyone, but I'm a fan. I honestly think the criticism is less about their actual quality and more about their prevalence across the Cort/Ibanez lineup. They don't have a tone of bite when the EQ is flat, but they have a pretty strong mid presence so they have a barky, almost P bass sound and can be set up to be well suited for quite a few sounds.
Recently bought a 5 string Ibanez. Set up was horrible. A lot of fret buzz from 11 -14 frets on B to D strings. Fret buzz on 5 to 8 on the G string. Not what I expected from Ibanez. I didn't check out Cort as I think of them as the Hyundai of guitars. I really should have been more open minded.
@@HermitUnion you make it sound as if Hyundai is trash! Even they have some nice vehicle options on their roster and Cort has several nice options their own!
When I was looking for a bass a few years ago, Cort was basically the only company that offered the features I wanted at a low enough price point (35" scale 5 string, 19mm spacing, Music Man style humbucker). Still happy with my GB75-JH
That's Great :)
I used to own a GB-95..... an amazing Jazz style bass.
I'm right there with you on just about everything you said in this vid! I have been very interested in the B and Deluxe C. It has been a few years since I've been to the local "mom and pop" shop downtown, but they are an actual Cort dealer, which is nice. A few years ago they had a standard jazz type offering that had a humbucker at the bridge that was a combo of an 8 pole jazz and half a Music Man. I tried that out and was interesting, and I believe they had a C there, I can't recall. I really wanted to check out the B, which they were currently out of stock. So I exercised restraint and really pushed my attention to helping my son figure out a guitar combo amp. 😆 He ended up with an Orange and that has me wanting to try out some Orange stuff as well. Currently not in the market for any of these things financially tho. Good to build the dream and be ready once I am able.
I've played Cort pretty much exclusively for the past 5 years. I currently play the Space 5 basses, I've also owned a number of A5 and B5 models and I also own a couple of GB models for more traditional gigs. Previously I had played Tobias and Warwick, and with a few tweaks the Cort can compete with the more 'boutique' basses. Don't dismiss the headless bass, they are amazing both is sound and feel. I also wish they still made a 5 string fretless. I'm currently trying to get my rep to get the factory to make me a fretless Space.
I'm very impressed with Cort. I love how they have partnered with master builders & innovators like Greg Curbow and Rob Elrick.
Totally :)
I know that you said that the look of the GB Modern isn’t really you but it needs to be considered on your list. It’s an impressive instrument and most definitely meets your weight requirements.
If you want 'growl' then buy the B5 Element. It's the closest thing I have found to a Warwick for less that £1000. I own one.... They're very good. The Elrick is like a jazz bass on steroids.
I've been playing a Cort Element B4 for about 2 years now, the neck feels amazing, the pickups do their jobs, the tuners hold the tunning and it is really versatile. On my set of basses I use a Sterling Stingray 34 for more funky, groovy styles and the Cort for rock and heavier stuff, it works really well. I also worked with it on a few recording sessions. Higly recommend it!
great feedback :)
I've been a fan of Cort basses recently. It started with the Cort GB74-JJ that I tried in a store. They let me try it out and I immediately fell in love. I bought that, and shortly after I got the Cort Artisan Space 5. I might get another Cort bass, probably the Modern GB or the NJS 5 string.
Cort is making some really awesome basses these days!!!
I want to get the b5 element too! I hope you buy it, it is a no-brainer
Yes :) Maybe Early 2025 :)
I own the B5 Element in Burgundy and it's the one bass i am keeping (been buying and selling off everything else..). I am on the market for a B4 Element FL tp have a fretless also.. highly recommend it
i love shopping and geeking out for new basses, im sure you love the new bas grant and the trace elliot set up. today i was checking out phillip jones bass amps the 5'x8 speaker combo. looks small and loud
This is why I subscribe to your channel. You are covering all things bass, not just playing or teaching.
I'd say you might consider Sire, but I think they might be a bit heavier than you are looking for.
Keep up the good work, Grant!
Thank You :) Appreciate That!!! … Yes - Sire may be a bit too heavy :)
Problem with Cort is it is hard to find places to try them out
That’s a problem with most gear options that I’m interested in. What I have to do is perform research, solicit opinions from individuals whose insight I value and find a dealer that has a reasonable return policy. I now own a total of four Cort basses (Cort Elrick NJS 4, GB Modern 4 & 5, GB Fusion 5). Each of them was purchased without trying and I’m thoroughly impressed with ALL of them. One more thing. I always attempt to get the best deal that I possibly can and I was able to get my basses new for prices that were very near what some are asking for them used.
Ihave the b5 and it is amazing man, the only problem i found on mine its the truss rod i dont like that its a little bit to heavy for me.
And I have the a6 its my absolutly favorite bass for the moment.
Nice - Great Feedback :)
Love my Element 4..Just got the GB Fusion 5 and cant put it down.
Yeah - I gotta try the GB5 :)
The MK1pickups are made by Cort with some kind of license agreement to use the Bartolini name. Some people like them, and some don't. My local store here in the states had a B4 Element on the wall so i tried it out and it was very nice, but they also had the A4 Ultra Ash. It has the Fishman Fluence system which i liked better so i bought that one. Its quite a bit more expensive though, but the build quality is outstanding and it has an asymmetrical neck (thicker on the low side) which makes the feel of it like no other bass i've played. Because of that i felt it was worth spending more. Oh and plus, you get a really nice heavy duty case with the Ultra Ash basses.
Thanks for the feedback! That's awesome that you tried out both and went with the one you felt was best for you.
@@brianbontrager7618 does that Fishman preamp have active/passive functionality with passive tone control?
@@MoodSwingerz No, its active all the time.
@@brianbontrager7618 thanks for the clarification……
@@MoodSwingerz I think Fishman's marketing is misleading for the bass Fluence system. One of their "voicings" is called passive, but there's nothing passive about it. Its just an EQ midrange boost to try and sound more like a P-bass tone probably. The other voicings are just flat and a midrange cut. Then you also have bass and treble controls.
I'm surprised they don't put the weight under the specs. I like the Fusion 5 in red.
Definitely 24 frets not 22 on the Space 5 headless. They have it wrong on their website.
If you're going for a super light weight 5 string, the GB Modern 5 is nuts. Excellent weight, excellent feel, excellent tone.
Yeah maybe I Should Check On Of Them Out :)
@@grant_r_d also I know you said you're not a fan of the wood grain look but in person it looks insane. I didn't care for it much at a glance but in person there's a shine to it that doesn't come through in photography. Also the ones I've seen in person were less burled than the preview pics but not in a bad way. To make the weight really nice but maintain tone, they have a maple tone block with paulownia wings, white ash back and walnut layer and poplar burl top. The fit and finish also reminds me of much pricier boutique basses. Also if you're a J bass guy it has that familiar feel to it. Just all around rad.
Also i have a Space 5 and it's nuts. The neck alone is a masterpiece and there's a lot of consideration put into the design. There's no headstock but there's a neck heel so it feels more natural and can hang on a rack. The neck is 7 piece and rock solid. The tuners are super tight in a nice way and it holds tune ridiculously well. It also comes in under 7 pounds.
I've been impressed with Cort ever since I got my first Action 4 PJ 20 years ago and they haven't let me down. I play plenty of other basses but they're always my first recommendation.
@@fnargler Thanks again :) That's Great Feedback :)
@@fnargler, I’m a recent Cort convert. I purchased a Cort Elrick NJS 4 less than a year ago and was so pleased by it that I immediately began looking at their other options. I now have four Cort basses and I’m considering adding one of the basses they have with soap bar pickups…
@@MoodSwingerz the Bartolini MK1 pickups aren't for everyone, but I'm a fan. I honestly think the criticism is less about their actual quality and more about their prevalence across the Cort/Ibanez lineup. They don't have a tone of bite when the EQ is flat, but they have a pretty strong mid presence so they have a barky, almost P bass sound and can be set up to be well suited for quite a few sounds.
I was going to check out a Cort bass. Then was told it was Chinese so changed my mind
ok
They also have Arona which I like.
Cort vs Yamaha Basses?
it might be a tight battle, the indo made instrument are top shelf
Recently bought a 5 string Ibanez. Set up was horrible. A lot of fret buzz from 11 -14 frets on B to D strings. Fret buzz on 5 to 8 on the G string. Not what I expected from Ibanez. I didn't check out Cort as I think of them as the Hyundai of guitars. I really should have been more open minded.
@@HermitUnion you make it sound as if Hyundai is trash! Even they have some nice vehicle options on their roster and Cort has several nice options their own!