The Cort MR500E is a highly regarded acoustic-electric guitar from Cort's MR series, designed to offer excellent playability, versatility, and tonal quality. It is particularly popular among guitarists who need a reliable instrument for both live performances and studio recordings. Here's a comprehensive description and specification breakdown of the Cort MR500E.
The Cort MR500E is an electro-acoustic guitar, part of the MR Series, which is known for its performance-oriented design, traditional tonewoods, and advanced electronics. Combining the warmth of traditional acoustic sound with the convenience of onboard electronics, the MR500E is a perfect choice for musicians looking for a well-rounded instrument.
The MR500E features a dreadnought-style body with a cutaway design for easy access to the higher frets. The body dimensions are typical of a dreadnought, offering a rich and full sound with deep bass and clear treble. This model stands out with its solid sitka spruce top, which provides excellent resonance and volume, especially when amplified. The back and sides are crafted from mahogany, which gives the guitar a warm, balanced tone. The combination of the solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides helps the MR500E produce an acoustic sound that is both bright and warm, perfect for a wide range of musical genres, from folk to rock and blues. The cutaway allows easier upper fret access, enhancing its playability for lead players or those who like to explore the higher range of their instrument.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Body Shape | Dreadnought with Cutaway |
| Top | Solid Sitka Spruce |
| Back & Sides | Mahogany |
| Neck | Nato |
| Fretboard | Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 25.3 inches (643 mm) |
| Nut Width | 1.69 inches (43 mm) |
| Electronics | Cort CE304T Preamp (3-band EQ & Tuner) |
| Bridge | Rosewood |
| Tuners | Die-Cast |
| Pickguard | Tortoise Shell |
| Finish | Satin |
| Strings | D'Addario EXP (usually 12-53) |
| Overall Length | 40.5 inches (1029 mm) |
| Body Length | 19.3 inches (490 mm) |
| Body Width | 15.7 inches (400 mm) |
| Body Depth | 4.9 inches (124 mm) |
| Fretboard Radius | 16 inches (406 mm) |
| Pickup Type | Under-saddle Piezo |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) |
The sound quality of the Cort MR500E is one of its most impressive features. The combination of a solid sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides creates a sound that is both bright and warm, with well-balanced lows, mids, and highs. The dreadnought body shape enhances projection, allowing the guitar to fill a room with rich, full-bodied sound. The solid top contributes to improved tonal depth and clarity, while the mahogany sides and back help to produce a warm and mellow tone. This gives the MR500E a versatile character that works well for both strumming and fingerstyle playing. Whether you are performing solo or playing in a band setting, the MR500E is capable of delivering a dynamic sound suitable for a wide range of musical styles. When plugged in, the Cort CE304T preamp system ensures that the acoustic character of the instrument is preserved. The system’s 3-band EQ (bass, middle, treble) allows you to shape your sound to suit different environments, whether you're performing on stage or recording in a studio. The built-in tuner is a convenient feature that helps keep your guitar in tune, even during live performances.
The Cort MR500E is designed with playability in mind. The neck is constructed from nato, a wood known for its strength and stability. This gives the guitar a smooth, fast-playing feel that works well for all types of players, from beginners to experienced professionals. The rosewood fretboard is smooth and offers excellent note clarity. The medium-jumbo frets are easy to navigate, and the cutaway body allows easy access to higher notes on the fretboard. This makes the MR500E a versatile instrument for both rhythm and lead players. The action of the MR500E is set up well from the factory, making it easy to play right out of the box. The neck shape is comfortable, and the guitar feels well-balanced in the player's hands, even during extended playing sessions.
Cort is known for producing high-quality guitars at an affordable price, and the MR500E is no exception. The attention to detail in its construction is evident from the perfectly fitted neck joint to the cleanly finished binding around the body. The guitar feels solid and durable, able to withstand the rigors of both live performances and everyday practice. The die-cast tuners provide excellent tuning stability, and the smooth action of the tuners ensures that adjustments can be made quickly and accurately. The tortoise-shell pickguard adds a touch of visual flair, complementing the guitar’s natural satin finish.
One of the standout features of the MR500E is its onboard electronics. The Cort CE304T preamp is equipped with a piezo pickup, which picks up the vibrations of the guitar’s top and transmits them to the amplifier. This type of pickup preserves the natural acoustic tone of the guitar, ensuring that the sound is as close to the unamplified tone as possible. The 3-band EQ on the preamp allows you to adjust the bass, midrange, and treble frequencies, giving you control over the tonal balance when amplified. The built-in tuner is a useful addition for live performances, as it lets you quickly tune your guitar without needing an external tuner. The CE304T system is designed to provide clear, transparent amplification with minimal coloration, allowing the MR500E’s natural tonal qualities to shine through when plugged into a sound system or an amplifier.
The Cort MR500E is an excellent choice for guitarists looking for a high-quality, affordable acoustic-electric guitar. Its solid sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides deliver a rich, balanced tone, while the Cort CE304T electronics ensure a clear, natural amplified sound. The comfortable playability, excellent build quality, and great sound make the MR500E a versatile and reliable instrument for players of all levels. Whether you are performing on stage, recording in the studio, or just playing for personal enjoyment, the Cort MR500E offers exceptional value and performance. It's an instrument that delivers both in terms of tone and reliability, making it a great addition to any guitarist's collection.
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