TEST: Cort KX 300

 If you wanted to throw a question along the lines of “Name me an Asian guitar maker”, 99.9% of all participants addressed would probably answer with the name “Ibanez”. Perhaps the name ESP or perhaps even Schecter or Yamaha would be mentioned here and there, but the manufacturer Cort would certainly not be mentioned. It would be wrong to say that the Korean manufacturer is one of the largest guitar producers in the world. Many musicians will not realize that the Korean manufacturer's production machines are responsible for far more instruments than the headstock of the instruments suggests. For example, the manufacturer works as an OEM producer for the companies Fender, Schecter, Ibanez and G&L. With the Cort KX 300 Etched Black Red we now have another model from the Korean manufacturer, which is clearly out of the ordinary, especially visually.

The construction of the Cort KX 300 Etched Black Red

If you want to be successful in the commercial sector in Korea, you have to fight very hard. You can therefore assume in advance that the instrument will not fall below a minimum level of quality. Furthermore, it also suggests that the company, which emerged from the Cor-Tek company in 1973, still exists today, although in 2007 a few very black marks were left on the manufacturer's vest in the form of worker uprisings due to inhumane working conditions. Back to the actual instrument.

Let's go straight into the details when it comes to the appearance of the instrument. An ash top was attached to the Strat-like mahogany body, which appears to have been sandblasted. The resulting depressions were colored red, while the remaining surface remained black. All other sides of the body, such as the back or sides, were also finished in matt black, which also have subtle recesses in the wood structure. Although cleanly executed, the bright white binding looks a bit “plastic-like”, which is probably due to the retail price of €549 for the instrument, which is made in Indonesia.

The 4-fold screwed neck consists of 3 strips and was once again provided with the currently very popular Pau Ferro as fingerboard wood, a wood that is said to have the vibration properties of rosewood, but which is a little lighter and, above all, has no problems in the area of species protection. In order to design the headstock according to the Cort trademark, 2 small pieces of wood were added to the bottom area, so that the headstock consists of a total of 5 strips of wood.

The instrument has a long scale length of 648 mm and 24 frets. The entire hardware is made of the slightly darker shimmering Black Nickel, consisting of 6 encapsulated tuners and a hardtail bridge, with the strings being led through the body.

The pickups

Particular attention should be paid to the built-in pickups. These are EMG RetroActive Super77 humbuckers in the black/red coil arrangement, which visually harmonize perfectly with the instrument. The question arises as to which came first, the chicken or the egg, maybe Cort designed the color scheme of the instrument around the layout of the pickups, who knows.

If the typical EMG 81 / 85 combination had been mounted on the instrument, the equally typical Hard'n'Heavy Powerstrat would have been complete, but things turned out differently. The special thing about the Super77 pickups is the fact that EMG, who have turned very successfully to the passive pickup market in recent years, have also used a passive humbucker as a basis, but have equipped it with an internally installed preamp. The pickup has the same advantages of the legendary active representatives cast in synthetic resin in the form of very low background noise and low impedance, but in return it has the resonance behavior of a passive pickup. A 9V battery is also required for the active circuit, which can be accessed via a flap on the back of the body.

In the Super77 version, EMG has taken the typical guitar tone of the seventies as a starting point, that high-pitched and very dynamic tone that depends very much on the volume control of the respective instrument. The sound of the seventies with an instrument layout of the eighties? Maybe the coloring just fit way too well... ;-) Otherwise, one volume control, one tone control, both relatively stiff in the speed dome version, a three-way switch, done.

The Cort KX 300 Etched Black Red in practice

First of all, if you don't like fingerprints on your instrument, you will only want to touch the Cort KX 300 Etched Black Red with gloves. Matte black has the unpleasant characteristic of depicting every “groper” directly on the surface. Nothing can be seen on the ceiling, but the back is completely “bapped” within a short time. Long live the cleaning cloth!

Unamplified, the Cort KX 300 Etched Black Red conveys a very high-pitched basic sound. Once again, the fact that the neck is primarily responsible for the overall sound of an instrument can also be clearly understood with this instrument. The screwed neck construction supports the fast attack and the bridge construction, which has no friction losses, works in conjunction with the other components to generate an astonishing sustain, which is only minimally slowed down by very few resonance peaks. A very good first impression.

When connected to the amplifier, you then receive confirmation of what the dry test has already specified. For a double humbucker constellation, the Cort KX 300 Etched Black Red sounds unusually lively, without lacking in pressure. The instrument's response is fast and crisp and allows for moderate level implementation even in the clean range. Some instruments that are delivered with the EMG classics sometimes have problems not overrunning the amp, which is not the case with the Super77. You can clearly hear the preamp, which has a very positive effect in terms of linearity and coloring.

However, the pickups can generate the real highlights in the crunch and lead areas, which, as already mentioned, has to do with the excellent interaction with the amplifier with variable volume control settings. To show how much the pickups depend on the volume control, I created two sound files, which initially work with almost 20% control and then work up to 100%. You get the impression that up to around 80% the control path corresponds to a regular passive pickup, and then in the last few meters it is topped up with a kind of subtle booster. This means that an ambitious crunch sound can be reduced to almost clean, or a decent lead sound at a crunch level.

The seventies character of the pickups always remains in the foreground, i.e. the guitar easily maintains the classic “Höhennöhl” even with higher gain passages. Very suitable for classic rock, AOR and of course for any oldie band whose material is primarily drawn from the decades 60 and 70.

Of course, the Cort KX 300 Etched Black Red can also do high gain, but in a modified form. Even with maximum gain, the passive character of the pickups is always retained and therefore produces a sound that has a resonance frequency above the classics 81 / 85 etc. and does not have anywhere near the high degree of their own compression. The sound remains more dynamic and is better understood in detail. So a lot of what would otherwise be pure metal in the EMG cosmos suddenly becomes much more hard rock. Very nice if you're looking for a little less pounds and a little more character.

Conclusion

With the Cort KX 300 Etched Black Red, the Koreans have an instrument on the market that offers a lot of quality for a moderate price. The elaborate look and especially the EMG RetroActive Super77 humbucker pickups offer far more than what you would otherwise expect from an instrument under the €600 mark. If the unusual look doesn't bother you, perhaps even excites you, if you find your tonal ideals in the most innovative decade of guitar sounds, and if you don't mind minor blemishes like the somewhat uninspired binding, you should definitely give the instrument a try.

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Additional Informations:

Cort Guitars stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence in the world of guitar manufacturing, renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship, cutting-edge designs, and unwavering commitment to quality. Delving into the technical intricacies of Cort's diverse portfolio reveals a tapestry of features and innovations that cater to the discerning needs of musicians across genres and skill levels. From classic designs to avant-garde innovations, Cort's repertoire exemplifies a harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation.

### Electric Guitars:
Cort's electric guitar lineup encompasses a myriad of models tailored to suit diverse playing styles and preferences. At the heart of these instruments lies a commitment to tonal versatility, playability, and aesthetic appeal. From the timeless allure of the Stratocaster-inspired G-Series to the contemporary sophistication of the X-Series, Cort electric guitars boast an array of features designed to inspire creativity and elevate performance.

#### Pickup Configurations:
Cort electric guitars are equipped with a variety of pickup configurations, ranging from traditional single-coil and humbucker setups to more specialized configurations tailored for specific tonal palettes. Whether it's the punchy articulation of single-coil pickups or the warmth and sustain of humbuckers, Cort ensures that each instrument delivers a distinctive sonic character suited to the player's preferences.

#### Hardware and Electronics:
Precision-engineered hardware and electronics are integral to the performance and functionality of Cort electric guitars. From high-quality tuning machines and locking tremolo systems to advanced electronic controls and switching options, Cort guitars are designed to deliver unparalleled tuning stability, intonation, and sonic versatility, empowering musicians to explore a myriad of tones and techniques with confidence and precision.

#### Neck Construction and Profile:
The neck construction and profile play a pivotal role in shaping the playing experience of Cort electric guitars. Utilizing a combination of premium tonewoods and ergonomic design principles, Cort crafts necks that strike the perfect balance between stability, comfort, and playability. Whether it's the fast and fluid feel of a slim "C" profile or the vintage-inspired charm of a chunky "V" profile, Cort offers a diverse range of neck options to cater to every player's preference.

### Acoustic Guitars:
Cort's acoustic guitar lineup embodies a harmonious marriage of tradition and innovation, blending time-honored craftsmanship with modern design sensibilities. From entry-level models to professional-grade instruments, Cort acoustic guitars are crafted with precision and care, delivering exceptional tone, playability, and aesthetic appeal.

#### Tonewoods and Construction:
Cort acoustic guitars are meticulously crafted from a diverse array of tonewoods, each chosen for its unique sonic properties and aesthetic characteristics. Whether it's the warm and resonant tones of mahogany, the crisp and articulate sound of spruce, or the rich and complex timbre of rosewood, Cort sources the finest materials to ensure that each instrument exhibits a balanced and expressive voice.

#### Body Shapes and Sizes:
Cort offers a wide range of body shapes and sizes to accommodate players of all preferences and playing styles. From the intimate comfort of a parlor guitar to the robust projection of a dreadnought, Cort acoustic guitars are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit every player's needs. Additionally, Cort's innovative Bevel Cut design provides enhanced comfort and ergonomics, allowing players to enjoy extended playing sessions without fatigue or discomfort.

#### Electronics and Amplification:
For players who demand amplified performance, Cort acoustic guitars are available with advanced onboard electronics and amplification systems. From discreet preamp and pickup systems to full-featured onboard EQ and tuner units, Cort ensures that acoustic-electric players have access to a range of options to suit their specific performance requirements, whether on stage, in the studio, or at home.

### Bass Guitars:
Cort's bass guitar lineup showcases a commitment to innovation, versatility, and playability, catering to the needs of bassists across genres and skill levels. From traditional four-string models to extended-range instruments, Cort bass guitars deliver a powerful low end, exceptional clarity, and effortless playability, empowering bassists to anchor the rhythm with confidence and authority.

#### Scale Length and String Configuration:
Cort bass guitars are available in a variety of scale lengths and string configurations, allowing players to tailor their instrument to suit their preferred playing style and tonal palette. Whether it's the thunderous punch of a four-string bass or the extended range and versatility of a five or six-string instrument, Cort offers a range of options to accommodate the diverse needs of modern bassists.

#### Electronics and Tone Shaping:
Equipped with advanced electronics and tone shaping controls, Cort bass guitars provide bassists with the tools they need to sculpt their sound with precision and finesse. From passive pickups and simple tone controls to active EQ circuits and onboard preamps, Cort basses offer a wealth of sonic possibilities, allowing players to dial in the perfect tone for any musical scenario.

#### Ergonomics and Playability:
Comfort and playability are paramount considerations in the design of Cort bass guitars. Featuring ergonomic body contours, slim-profile necks, and smooth-playing fingerboards, Cort basses are engineered to provide maximum comfort and playability, allowing players to perform with ease and confidence for hours on end.

### Conclusion:
In conclusion, Cort Guitars' diverse portfolio represents the pinnacle of technical innovation, craftsmanship, and sonic excellence. From electric guitars imbued with tonal versatility and ergonomic design to acoustic guitars crafted with premium tonewoods and meticulous attention to detail, Cort instruments embody the perfect union of form and function. With a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible, Cort continues to inspire musicians around the globe, empowering them to unleash their creativity and express themselves with passion and precision.