Description
Cort AF500CE Open Pore Natural Electro-Acoustic Guitar
The Cort AF500CE Open Pore Natural Electro-Acoustic Guitar is a high-quality instrument designed for both amateur and professional players. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, this guitar combines aesthetics, functionality, and exceptional sound quality. It is part of Cort's renowned lineup of acoustic-electric guitars and is specifically designed to cater to diverse musical styles.
Features and Overview
- Body Design:
The AF500CE features a concert-sized body with a cutaway, making it perfect for fingerstyle players and those who need easy access to higher frets. The concert body delivers a balanced tone with clarity and warmth, ensuring it can adapt to various playing styles.
- Tonewoods:
- Top: Solid spruce, known for its excellent resonance and projection, serves as the guitar's top wood. The spruce top ensures a dynamic range and responsiveness, ideal for both strumming and fingerpicking.
- Back and Sides: Mahogany, chosen for its warm and rich tonal characteristics, complements the spruce top, creating a full-bodied sound with an articulate midrange.
- Neck and Fretboard:
The mahogany neck is paired with an ovangkol fretboard, which is smooth and durable. The combination offers excellent playability and sustain, making it easy for players to navigate chords and solos.
- Electronics:
The AF500CE is equipped with the Cort CE304T preamp and a ceramic pickup. This system ensures a natural, amplified tone, suitable for live performances and studio recordings. The preamp includes a 3-band EQ and a built-in tuner for on-the-go adjustments.
- Finish and Aesthetics:
The Open Pore Natural finish not only highlights the wood grain but also allows the guitar to resonate more freely. The minimalistic yet elegant design makes it an attractive choice for players who value both form and function.
- Bridge and Nut:
The ovangkol bridge and nut are designed to enhance sustain and tonal clarity, providing stable intonation and a consistent playing experience.
Detailed Specifications
Feature |
Details |
Body Shape |
Concert with Cutaway |
Top Wood |
Solid Spruce |
Back & Sides Wood |
Mahogany |
Neck Wood |
Mahogany |
Fretboard Material |
Ovangkol |
Bridge Material |
Ovangkol |
Scale Length |
25.3" (643mm) |
Body Depth |
91mm (3.58") - 106mm (4.17") |
Nut Width |
43mm (1.69") |
Number of Frets |
20 |
Inlays |
Dot |
Finish |
Open Pore Natural |
Electronics |
Cort CE304T Preamp with 3-band EQ and Built-in Tuner |
Pickup Type |
Ceramic |
Strings |
Coated D'Addario EXP16 (Light 0.012 - 0.053) |
Tuning Machines |
Die-Cast Tuners |
Binding |
Black |
Rosette |
Abalone |
Weight |
Approximately 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) |
Sound and Performance
Acoustic Performance
The solid spruce top combined with mahogany back and sides produces a versatile tonal palette. Its clarity in the highs and warmth in the lows make it suitable for genres ranging from folk to pop. The concert body ensures a balanced sound, especially beneficial for fingerstyle players.
Plugged-in Performance
When amplified, the Cort CE304T preamp ensures a clean, natural sound. The 3-band EQ allows players to fine-tune their tone, whether they’re performing on stage or recording in a studio. The built-in tuner is a handy addition, ensuring that you’re always pitch-perfect.
Playability
The AF500CE’s slim neck profile and concert body make it comfortable for extended playing sessions. The cutaway design enhances access to higher frets, making it ideal for intricate solos.
Ideal For
- Beginners: Its comfortable size and excellent playability make it an excellent choice for learners.
- Intermediate Players: The high-quality tonewoods and electronics provide the versatility needed for advancing skills.
- Professional Musicians: The solid build and reliable electronics ensure that it can handle the demands of live performances and recordings.
Why Choose the Cort AF500CE Open Pore Natural Electro-Acoustic Guitar?
- Exceptional Value: Combining quality craftsmanship, premium materials, and advanced electronics, this guitar offers excellent value for its price.
- Versatility: Its ability to produce both rich acoustic tones and amplified sounds makes it a versatile instrument for various musical styles and settings.
- Durability: The open pore finish and sturdy construction ensure longevity, even with frequent use.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The natural wood grain and minimalist design make it a visually striking instrument.
Care and Maintenance Tips
- Humidity Control: Store the guitar in a controlled environment to prevent the wood from drying out or warping.
- Regular String Changes: Replace strings every 2–3 months or sooner if you notice a decline in sound quality.
- Cleaning: Use a soft cloth to clean the body and fretboard regularly, and apply a fretboard conditioner occasionally.
- Tuning Stability: Ensure the tuning machines are tightened properly to maintain stable tuning.