Cort AD850SE Open Pore Natural Electro-Acoustic Guitar

Description

Cort AD850SE Open Pore Semi-Acoustic Guitar Overview

The Cort AD850SE Open Pore Semi-Acoustic Guitar is part of Cort’s highly acclaimed AD Series. This model is tailored for intermediate to advanced players who are looking for an instrument that combines a classic acoustic design with modern performance features. The AD850SE not only offers a superior playing experience in an acoustic setting, but it also features built-in electronics, making it ideal for amplification in live performances or studio recordings. One of the standout features of this model is its open pore finish. Unlike traditional glossy finishes, the open pore design allows the wood to breathe more freely, enhancing tonal resonance and providing a more organic sound. The guitar’s solid spruce top ensures clarity and projection, while the mahogany back and sides deliver warmth and depth. These tonal qualities make the AD850SE perfect for various music genres such as folk, rock, pop, and blues. Additionally, the AD850SE is equipped with Fishman Isys+ electronics, providing natural-sounding amplification when plugged in. The cutaway body offers easy access to the higher frets, while the scalloped X-bracing optimizes the tonal response, making it more dynamic and resonant. The Cort AD850SE Open Pore Semi-Acoustic Guitar is a fantastic choice for any guitarist seeking an instrument that delivers excellent acoustic sound and the added benefit of onboard electronics for amplified performances.

Key Features:

• Solid Spruce Top: Provides brightness, clarity, and projection.
• Mahogany Back & Sides: Adds warmth and depth to the sound.
• Open Pore Finish: Enhances tonal resonance and natural sound.
• Cutaway Body Design: Offers access to higher frets for solos and advanced playing.
• Fishman Isys+ Electronics: Provides natural amplification and tone control.
• Advanced Scalloped X-Bracing: Improves tonal response and resonance.
• Die-Cast Tuners: Ensures accurate and stable tuning.

Detailed Specifications

Below is a detailed table that includes all specifications of the Cort AD850SE Open Pore Semi-Acoustic Guitar:

Additional Features:

1. Solid Spruce Top:
   • The solid spruce top of the Cort AD850SE is a major contributor to its bright and resonant tone. Spruce is a widely regarded tonewood that is well-suited for a variety of playing styles. It delivers excellent projection, clarity, and dynamic range, allowing it to excel in both strumming and fingerpicking. The solid top enhances the guitar's sound over time, improving its tonal richness as the guitar is played in.
2. Mahogany Back & Sides:
   • The mahogany back and sides complement the spruce top by adding warmth and depth to the overall sound. Mahogany is known for its rich, midrange-focused tonal quality, which provides a smoother, warmer sound than many other tonewoods. This makes it ideal for musicians looking for a balanced tone that is not overly bright but has a nice full-bodied resonance.
3. Open Pore Finish:
   • The open pore finish is an important feature that sets the AD850SE apart from traditional guitars with glossy finishes. This finish allows the wood to breathe, improving the guitar’s resonance and providing a more organic, natural sound. Additionally, the open pore finish makes the guitar feel lighter and more comfortable to play while still offering a robust and durable protective layer for the wood.
4. Fishman Isys+ Preamp System:
   • The Fishman Isys+ preamp system is one of the most trusted names in guitar amplification. It includes a built-in tuner, volume control, tone shaping controls, and an overdrive switch for adjusting the EQ and gain to match your desired tone. Whether you’re performing on stage or recording in a studio, the Fishman Isys+ provides excellent amplification without compromising the guitar’s natural tone.
5. Cutaway Body Design:
   • The cutaway body design is another key feature of the AD850SE. The cutaway allows easier access to the higher frets, which is perfect for lead playing and soloing. This feature enhances the guitar’s versatility, especially for musicians who play in different styles and need access to the higher registers of the fretboard.
6. Advanced Scalloped X-Bracing:
   • The scalloped X-bracing is an essential feature of the AD850SE. Scalloped bracing allows the guitar top to vibrate more freely, improving its tonal response and projection. The X-bracing also enhances the guitar’s sustain, making it sound fuller and more resonant.
7. Ovangkol Fretboard and Bridge:
   • The ovangkol fretboard offers a smooth, fast playing surface that is perfect for both rhythm and lead guitar work. The fretboard’s tone is brighter than rosewood but warmer than ebony, making it a perfect match for the solid spruce top. The ovangkol bridge helps to transfer the vibrations of the strings to the body of the guitar, improving resonance and sustain.
8. Die-Cast Tuners:
   • The chrome die-cast tuners ensure precise tuning adjustments and excellent tuning stability, making the AD850SE easy to tune and keep in tune. The tuners are smooth to operate and provide a high degree of accuracy, which is essential for live performances and studio recording.

Sound and Performance:

The Cort AD850SE Open Pore Semi-Acoustic Guitar delivers an outstanding sound both acoustically and when amplified. The solid spruce top provides clear and vibrant tones, while the mahogany back and sides offer warmth and depth. The guitar’s tonal range is balanced and well-rounded, with a bright treble response and a warm midrange. The Fishman Isys+ electronics provide a seamless transition from acoustic to amplified performance, ensuring that the guitar’s natural tone is preserved when plugged in. Whether you're playing a quiet solo or performing in front of a large crowd, the Fishman Isys+ system delivers excellent sound quality with clear volume and tone control. The cutaway design provides excellent access to the higher frets, making it ideal for playing solos, melodies, and advanced lead guitar techniques. The scalloped X-bracing also contributes to the guitar's dynamic tonal range, giving it excellent sustain and responsiveness.

Comfort and Playability:

The Cort AD850SE is built with comfort in mind. The low action and ergonomic neck ensure that players can play for extended periods without feeling discomfort. The cutaway design improves access to the upper frets, which is particularly useful for lead guitarists or players who enjoy advanced fretwork. The ovangkol fretboard offers a smooth and fast playing surface, while the mahogany neck provides a solid foundation that ensures stability and durability. The open pore finish also contributes to the guitar’s lightweight and comfortable feel, allowing for easy handling and effortless playing.

Pros and Cons of the Cort AD850SE Open Pore Semi-Acoustic Guitar

Pros:

• Rich, Balanced Sound: The combination of a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides delivers a bright, clear, and full-bodied sound.
• Built-in Electronics: The Fishman Isys+ preamp system ensures natural amplification for live performances and recordings.
• Cutaway Body Design: Offers easy access to the upper frets for lead guitar work.
• Comfortable Playability: The low action and smooth ovangkol fretboard make the guitar easy and comfortable to play.
• Open Pore Finish: Enhances the guitar’s resonance and provides a natural, organic sound.
• Affordable Price: The AD850SE delivers excellent value for players looking for a versatile semi-acoustic guitar.

Cons:

• Limited Advanced Electronics: While the Fishman Isys+ system is highly functional, it lacks advanced features like built-in EQ or a notch filter.
• Basic Aesthetic: The simple design may not appeal to players looking for more elaborate inlays or decoration.

Conclusion

The Cort AD850SE Open Pore Semi-Acoustic Guitar is an excellent choice for players looking for an instrument that combines superior acoustic performance with the added versatility of built-in electronics. Its solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides provide a rich, balanced tone, while the open pore finish enhances its resonance. The Fishman Isys+ preamp system ensures that the guitar sounds just as good when amplified as it does acoustically. Whether you are a solo performer, a band member, or a recording artist, the Cort AD850SE provides a great balance of affordability, playability, and sound quality. Its cutaway design, advanced scalloped X-bracing, and excellent electronics make it a standout in the mid-range price segment.