The Cort AF500MCE Electro-Acoustic Guitar is a standout instrument in Cort’s lineup, offering both the natural warmth and resonance of a solid wood acoustic guitar, along with the added versatility and convenience of built-in electronics for amplification. This guitar is designed to cater to musicians who seek exceptional tonal quality from both acoustic and amplified settings. Whether you're performing live, recording, or just playing at home, the Cort AF500MCE provides a robust and balanced sound in both environments.
The Cort AF500MCE is the electro-acoustic version of the AF500 series, which features a solid mahogany body and a Fishman Sonicore pickup system with an onboard preamp. This electro-acoustic guitar combines the traditional warm sound of mahogany with the ability to plug in for larger performances, making it an ideal choice for gigging musicians, singer-songwriters, and performers who want to bring their acoustic sound to the stage without sacrificing tone or quality. The guitar’s design incorporates a classic dreadnought shape with solid mahogany for the top, back, and sides. It also features a slim mahogany neck, rosewood fretboard, and bone nut and saddle, ensuring a smooth playing experience with great tone. The AF500MCE is equipped with a Fishman Isys+ preamp system, which includes a built-in tuner, volume control, and a 3-band EQ for adjusting the tone to suit different performance settings.
The Cort AF500MCE shares the same build quality as the AF500MC, but with the addition of electronic components that enhance its versatility. The solid mahogany construction is key to its tonal character. The combination of mahogany top, back, and sides results in a guitar with a naturally warm and balanced sound. Mahogany is prized for its rich midrange tones, full-bodied lows, and smooth highs, which make it a go-to wood for musicians who prefer a more subdued yet rich tone. The neck of the AF500MCE is crafted from mahogany, providing a smooth feel and contributing to the warm tonal response. The rosewood fretboard and bridge further enhance the instrument's tonal quality by adding a slight brightness and clarity to the sound, which complements the overall warmth of the mahogany. The electronics system in the AF500MCE is one of its most notable features. The Fishman Isys+ preamp system includes a high-quality Sonicore pickup and a control panel with an integrated tuner, 3-band EQ, and volume control. The Sonicore pickup is designed to capture the natural resonance of the guitar while minimizing unwanted noise, ensuring a clean, clear amplified sound. Wood Type Breakdown:
Finish: The Cort AF500MCE comes in a natural satin finish, allowing the beauty of the solid mahogany to shine through while providing some protection to the wood.
Visually, the Cort AF500MCE offers a sophisticated, vintage-inspired design with its rich mahogany finish and traditional dreadnought body shape. The natural wood grain is beautifully showcased by the satin finish, giving the guitar an elegant, understated appearance. The cutaway design provides both functional and aesthetic benefits, allowing for easier access to the higher frets while maintaining a traditional look. The rosewood fretboard features dot inlays, and the guitar’s headstock carries the classic Cort logo. The instrument’s smooth contours and sleek design make it not only a pleasure to play but also a visual standout. The combination of mahogany, rosewood, and the Fishman electronics gives the AF500MCE a premium, high-quality appearance.
The Cort AF500MCE excels in sound quality, both acoustically and when amplified. When played unplugged, the guitar’s solid mahogany construction produces a warm, resonant tone with excellent midrange presence. The solid wood top gives the instrument a robust, balanced sound that can handle a wide range of musical styles, from folk and blues to acoustic rock. The dreadnought body shape provides excellent projection and volume, ensuring that the guitar performs well in both intimate and larger settings. Its well-defined bass, smooth midrange, and clear highs make it suitable for both strumming and fingerpicking styles. The addition of the Fishman Sonicore pickup and Isys+ preamp system makes the AF500MCE even more versatile. The Sonicore pickup captures the guitar’s natural tone, allowing for a clear, accurate amplified sound. The 3-band EQ allows for further tonal adjustments, and the built-in tuner ensures that your guitar stays in tune during live performances. The volume control provides precise management of the output level, allowing you to adjust the signal strength without altering the tone. The playability of the Cort AF500MCE is excellent, thanks to the smooth neck profile and well-spaced frets. The cutaway design improves accessibility to higher notes, which is a welcome feature for lead players and soloists. Whether you’re playing basic chords or complex lead lines, the AF500MCE offers a comfortable and enjoyable playing experience.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Body Shape | Traditional Dreadnought with Cutaway |
| Top Wood | Solid Mahogany |
| Back and Sides Wood | Solid Mahogany |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fretboard Wood | Rosewood |
| Bridge Wood | Rosewood |
| Nut and Saddle Material | Bone |
| Pickups | Fishman Sonicore Pickup |
| Preamp System | Fishman Isys+ with 3-band EQ and Built-in Tuner |
| Scale Length | 25.5 inches (648 mm) |
| Nut Width | 1.69 inches (43 mm) |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Finish | Satin |
| Tuning Machines | Die-cast Tuners |
| Inlays | Dot Inlays |
| Pickguard | Yes (Black) |
| Strap Button | Yes (1) |
| Accessories | None (Guitar only) |
| Price Range | Mid-Range |
| Country of Manufacture | Indonesia |
| Recommended Genre | Acoustic Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Blues, Folk, Live Performances |
The Cort AF500MCE is a versatile instrument that performs excellently in both acoustic and amplified settings. The solid mahogany construction provides a deep, resonant sound with a pronounced midrange, which is ideal for genres such as acoustic rock, blues, and folk. The dreadnought shape allows for excellent projection, making it a powerful guitar both in terms of volume and tonal richness. When plugged in, the Fishman Sonicore pickup ensures that the guitar’s natural sound is faithfully reproduced, while the 3-band EQ on the Isys+ preamp system allows you to further shape the tone to suit your performance needs. The preamp’s built-in tuner is a helpful feature for keeping the guitar in tune during live performances, while the volume control allows for easy adjustment of the output level.
The Cort AF500MCE is built with durability in mind, thanks to its solid wood construction and high-quality hardware. The guitar is designed to withstand the rigors of both practice and performance, making it a reliable choice for gigging musicians. The Fishman electronics are built to handle the demands of live sound, providing consistent performance over time. Proper care is essential to maintain the longevity and tonal quality of the guitar. It is recommended to store the AF500MCE in a climate-controlled environment to prevent damage to the wood, especially the solid mahogany top, which can be sensitive to humidity changes. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the fretboard and strings will help preserve the instrument’s sound and appearance.
The Cort AF500MCE Electro-Acoustic Guitar is a high-quality instrument that combines the warmth and tonal richness of solid mahogany with the added convenience of built-in electronics. It is perfect for musicians who need an acoustic guitar that performs well in both unplugged and amplified settings. The Fishman Sonicore pickup and Isys+ preamp system make this guitar ideal for live performances, while its solid wood construction ensures a rich, resonant tone in any situation. Whether you’re an aspiring musician looking for your first electro-acoustic guitar or a seasoned performer seeking a reliable and versatile instrument, the Cort AF500MCE offers excellent value for its price. With its exceptional sound, playability, and durability, it is a great choice for musicians across various genres.
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