Cort SFX-ME Black Satin Electro-Acoustic Guitar

The Cort SFX-ME BKS is an acoustic-electric guitar designed for musicians who need a versatile and reliable instrument. It's part of the Cort SFX series, known for their unique body shape and exceptional build quality. The SFX-ME BKS combines the beauty of acoustic guitar tones with the convenience of electronic amplification. This guitar is well-suited for both beginners and intermediate players who are looking for a stage-ready instrument with a solid build and excellent sound quality.

Overview:

The Cort SFX-ME BKS is an acoustic-electric guitar featuring a smaller body with an integrated preamp system, which enhances its tonal range and playability in amplified settings. It boasts a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, which contribute to its warm, resonant sound. The black satin finish on the body gives it a sleek, modern appearance that contrasts well with the natural wood grain of the top. It comes equipped with a Fishman Isys+ preamp system, which includes a built-in tuner and EQ controls for fine-tuning the amplified sound. The guitar’s electronics ensure that players can seamlessly transition from acoustic to amplified performances without compromising sound quality.

Body Design:

The SFX body shape is compact yet resonant, providing the perfect balance between portability and rich tonal output. Its cutaway design allows for easier access to higher frets, making it a versatile choice for players who like to incorporate lead lines and intricate fingerpicking into their performance. The black satin finish (BKS) adds a touch of elegance while also providing durability against wear and tear.

Specifications Table:

Specification	Details
Model Name	Cort SFX-ME BKS
Body Shape	SFX (Compact, slim acoustic-electric body with cutaway)
Top	Solid Spruce
Back & Sides	Mahogany
Neck	Mahogany
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Scale Length	634mm (25 inches)
Nut Width	43mm
Frets	20 (Medium size)
Electronics	Fishman Isys+ Preamp System
Pickup System	Fishman Sonicore Pickup
Tuner	Built-in chromatic tuner with LED indicator
Preamp Features	Volume, Bass, Mid, Treble controls; Phase switch for feedback reduction
Finish	Black Satin (BKS)
Binding	Ivory ABS binding
Bridge	Rosewood
Strings	D’Addario EXP16 coated phosphor bronze strings
Hardware	Chrome die-cast tuners
Headstock	Classic Cort headstock with logo
Pickguard	Black pickguard
Body Dimensions	15" x 4" x 19" (W x D x L)
Weight	Approx. 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg)
Recommended Use	Live performance, studio recording, fingerstyle playing
Country of Manufacture	South Korea

Materials:

• Solid Spruce Top: The solid spruce top is a hallmark of high-quality acoustic guitars. It provides a crisp and bright tone with excellent resonance. As the wood ages and matures, it tends to deepen and enrich the overall sound, making this guitar even better over time.
• Mahogany Back and Sides: Mahogany is a popular tonewood choice for acoustic guitars due to its warm, smooth tonal character. The combination of spruce and mahogany helps to produce a balanced sound with clear highs and rich lows, making it ideal for a variety of musical genres.
• Rosewood Fingerboard and Bridge: Rosewood is known for its smooth texture and durability, providing a comfortable playing surface. It also enhances the tonal quality of the instrument, offering a warm, full-bodied tone with good sustain.
• Mahogany Neck: The mahogany neck ensures stability and durability while providing a slightly warmer tone than maple necks. This contributes to the overall balance of the guitar’s sound.

Electronics:

The Fishman Isys+ preamp system is one of the standout features of the Cort SFX-ME BKS. This system includes a Fishman Sonicore pickup that captures the guitar’s natural sound and transmits it to an amplifier or sound system. The built-in chromatic tuner is a convenient tool for tuning on the go, while the volume, bass, mid, and treble controls allow you to fine-tune the sound according to your preferences. The phase switch on the preamp is particularly useful for reducing feedback when performing live. It allows players to adjust the output to avoid undesirable feedback loops that can occur when amplifying acoustic guitars.

Playability:

The Cort SFX-ME BKS is designed with the player in mind. Its cutaway body allows for easy access to the upper frets, making it ideal for lead playing and solos. The slim neck profile and smooth fretboard provide comfortable playability, especially for those who prefer a fast, responsive neck. The scale length of 634mm (25 inches) is a balanced choice that offers a comfortable feel for both fingerstyle and strumming techniques. It’s long enough to produce a rich, resonant sound, yet short enough to make the guitar easy to handle for players of all skill levels.

Aesthetic Appeal:

The black satin finish (BKS) gives the Cort SFX-ME BKS a modern, sleek look that will stand out on any stage. The minimalist design, coupled with the natural wood grain of the spruce top, creates a visually stunning instrument. The ivory ABS binding around the body adds an elegant touch that complements the overall aesthetic. The black pickguard is both functional and stylish, protecting the body of the guitar from pick scratches while adding to the overall visual appeal.

Sound Quality:

The Cort SFX-ME BKS offers a rich, full-bodied sound that is perfect for both acoustic and amplified performances. The solid spruce top delivers bright, crisp tones, while the mahogany back and sides add warmth and depth to the overall sound. This combination creates a balanced tonal output with clear highs, defined mids, and a solid low end. When amplified through the Fishman Isys+ preamp system, the guitar retains its natural acoustic characteristics while providing the necessary volume and tonal control for live performances. The EQ controls on the preamp allow players to shape the tone to suit various musical styles, from bright and punchy to warm and mellow.

Durability:

The Cort SFX-ME BKS is built to last. The solid spruce top is less prone to damage than laminated tops, and the mahogany back and sides provide strength and durability. The chrome die-cast tuners ensure precise tuning and stability, even with extensive use. The black satin finish is not only visually appealing but also resistant to scratches and wear, making it a great choice for gigging musicians.

Conclusion:

The Cort SFX-ME BKS is a high-quality acoustic-electric guitar that offers an impressive combination of performance, playability, and aesthetics. Whether you're playing in a studio or performing on stage, this guitar delivers exceptional sound and versatility. With its solid construction, Fishman Isys+ preamp system, and sleek design, the Cort SFX-ME BKS is a top choice for musicians who demand both acoustic and amplified capabilities. Its compact body, rich tonewoods, and thoughtful design make it an excellent choice for a wide range of musical styles, including folk, country, pop, and light rock. Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate player, the Cort SFX-ME BKS offers the right balance of affordability, performance, and quality. This guitar is perfect for musicians who want a stage-ready instrument that doesn't compromise on sound quality, playability, or aesthetics.