The custom pro setup package has been at the heart of our service for 30 years. (Worth over £225) and includes FREE delivery

If you have any questions or concerns regarding our service - please do click on the live chat any hour or call us on 01789 263333

Cort Artisan A5 Plus SC Swamp Ash Amber Open Pore w/Case, Bass Guitar for sale at Richards Guitars.

Cort

Cort Artisan A5 Plus SC Swamp Ash Amber Open Pore w/Case

Name: Cort Artisan A5 Plus SC Swamp Ash Amber Open Pore w/Case
Brand: Cort
SKU: A5PLUS-SC-AOP
Price: 1006.00 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.82 (91 reviews)

Tags: +500, Bass, Bass 2023, Cort guitars, Guitar

£ 1,006.00

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Description

For bassists who seek top-of-the-line professional sounds and build quality through a single cutaway body shape which improves the body-neck balance for added comfort while still providing unfettered access to the high frets. Due to popular demand, the Artisan Single-Cut basses are now available in non-multi-scale version for conventional aesthetics and playing style. The new poplar burl top not only beautifies the already great looking bass but adds well-balanced sonic characteristics in combination with ash body for a bright and punchy modern sound.

Single Cutaway Bass

The single cutaway body shape improves the body-neck balance for added comfort while still providing unfettered access to the high frets.

Poplar Burl Top on Ash Body

The strikingly figured Poplar Burl top and Ash complement each other perfectly to produce a warm yet punchy high-midrange sound that will cut through the mix with authority.

Bartolini® MK-1 Pickups

The trademark Bartolini sound is preserved in the MK-1 while providing superb sound quality and value. The MK-1 delivers plenty of punchy and warm mids along with transparent and brilliant highs for a superbly balanced sound.

Bartolini® MK-1 EQ

Bartolini’s renowned MK-1 preamp provides powerful yet transparent boost along with its trademark crisp high-end. The MK-1 transfers the natural liveliness of the bass through a flexible 3-band equalizer for a variety of applications ranging from studio recording to large concert halls. It also provides a switchable active/passive mode for a powerful modern active sound or an organic traditional passive sound.

Hipshot® TransTone Bridge

The string-thru-body and top-load construction facilitates greater tonal range while adding punch and enhancing sustain, perfectly complementing the longer 34” scale’s tighter string tension and focused sound.

5pcs Maple & Panga Panga Neck

The strength and brightness of Maple is ideally balanced with the warm midrange of Panga Panga, resulting in superb playability, feel and tonal definition.

Neck-Thru Body Construction

When it comes to punch and sustain, nothing beats neck-thru-body construction. The strings vibrate across the body and neck in coherent and linear manner, maximizing the tightness of the low-end with rich mids and singing highs.

Hipshot® Ultralite Machineheads

A5 Plus SC is equipped with Hipshot Ultralite Tuners (classic 20:1 tuning ratio) that is made of cast zinc with aluminum strings posts and mounting nuts, resulting in 30% weight reduction over other regular tuners and which results in improved balance and tuning accuracy.

Panga Panga Fingerboard

An African hardwood, Panga Panga has characteristics of Wenge and produces a tight and coherent sound that mates extremely well with the instrument’s multi-laminate neck-thru-body construction.

Specifications


CONSTRUCTION	Neck-Thru
BODY	Ash
TOP	Poplar burl
NECK	5pcs Maple & Panga Panga
FRETBOARD	Panga Panga Radius: 15.75"(400㎜)
FRETS	24
SCALE	34"(864㎜)
TUNERS	Hipshot® Ultralite Machineheads
BRIDGE	Hipshot® TransTone Bridge
PICKUPS	Bartolini® MK-1
ELECTRONICS	Bartolini® MK-1
HARDWARE	Black
STRINGS	D'Addario® YB-XL 170

Custom Pro Setup Package (Total Value £225), Pro Guitar Setup for sale at Richards Guitars.

About The Custom Pro Setup & Workshop Package

I presented the following video a few years ago and realized it would be a perfect platform to help you see how, what we do is SO different from other guitar stores and it is this attention to every detail that has given us the reputation we have today, culminating over 30 years.

If you want to see what kind of thing we do during the Custom Pro Setup? Watch the following video.

Remember though, every guitar has its own story - its own idiosyncrasies that we need to focus on or adust or account for geometrically or cosmetically - so not every guitar setup & quality control process is the same or needs the same focus - but it gives you the idea of what happens.

The average time for a Custom Pro Setup is 60-90 minutes and will require a new set of strings (which of course are whatever gauge you request which you can tell us about in the order notes)

Its Not Always A Happy Ending

One of my favorite adverts was one by Honda which said at Honda they don't use the word "OK" and instead they use the phrase "What If". I LOVED that advert and found it so inspiring. This is the premise of every guitar setup we undertake. If that means rejecting guitars and starting again - that is exactly what we do.

In this video I show you a guitar that we COULD have sent out - We spent a lot of time on it - but.... I made the decision that this wasn't appropriate, as it would not be in the customer's long term interest - even if he never knew or would likely have cared.

The truth is, if I had let the guitar go out and a problem DID occur - I would know I let that guitar out in a way that could cause the problem and couldn't forgive myself!

Or you could just say your guitar will..

Sound Better
Pickups need to be balanced and adjusted accordingly for the optimum output. The height of the strings on an acoustic will effect the overal tone and volume. The break angle of string over saddle will also effect the volume, tone and energy that remains in the string. A poorly cut nut will sap tone and can cause various rattles and buzzes.

Feel Better
Mass produced guitars always suffer to a varying degree from sharp burs on the edges of the frets where they have been cut off in production. By spending time "softening" these edges it makes a massive difference to the feel of the guitar. From a sharp, scratchy feel when moving your hand up and down the fretboard to a guitar that feels like it has been played in for years.

Play Better
It is rare that there isn't a marked improvement on the playability of a guitar once it has been through our workshop. No matter what you pay whether it be £119 or £1119 every instrument new or used leaves our workshop fit to be played by beginner or professional. Of course, if you have a preference then the guitar will be setup to play just how you like it. I want the guitar to play like your guitar.

Stay In Tune - Longer
A bold claim? Not really! We pay close attention to the nut of the guitar by default when setting up our guitars. If the nut is cut too tight on the strings then they pinch (that clicky sound when you tune or detune). The clicking noise is the sound of the string pinging into position. In other words it is not moving freely so when you go to tune your guitar it will be at one pitch but when you bend the string or use the tremolo the string "pings" into its actual pitch - now out of tune! People blame the tremolo for poor tuning on guitars but it is actually usually the nut which is to blame.

Look Better
Thats right! Our guitars even look better than guitars bought from any other store!! A visual check is made on every guitar. We are always looking for cosmetic issues and will take the price into account. I have rejected "flame top" guitars with not enough flame, guitars with poorly aligned inlays, buff marks, dinks and dents - most scenarios have occurred over the years - all rejected on behalf of the customer. On guitars which may have been poorly buffed at the factory we even have a T-Cut which helps remove excess scratching to give surfaces like black gloss a wonderful pristine sheen. Every guitar we sell is polished of course and the only dust you will see on the guitar will have landed on it from the box we put it in for packing!

Need Advice? Call 01789 263333 (or open this tab)

Call us during office hours (Monday To Saturday 10-4pm) on 01789 263333
Why not book an appointment and spend a morning or afternoon in total peace and privacy? All the advice will be on hand whenever you need it
Live Help is available which is run by Jon, Jake & Richard most hours of the day 7 days a week
Richard has written many advice blogs relating to this brand, which can be found at the bottom of the page
Richard has provided many hours of advice via our Youtube page at www.youtube.com/richardsguitarshop
Special highlights are often featured on our Instagram

*FREE On ALL premium guitars

Custom Pro Setup Package

Click here for more details and many 5 star customer experiences

Custom Pro Setup & Follow Up Service Package Worth £200 (Available With NEW Guitar Purchases), Pro Guitar Setup for sale at Richards Guitars.

*available at heavily subsidized rates on all guitars where not available free of charge - and delivery is FREE too!

Great guitar, fantastic quality, plays great although a bit heavy. The EMG pickups sound fat and powerful with each humbucker having a very different tone to each other. The tobacco burst is really nice and looks great on my Instagram. My only fault is that Richards take there time getting your guitar to you. They claim it's for the professional setup (which IS evident), so I suppose its just a case of you can't have everything and they do communicate well. There wasn't much choice on their website but I was sold soon as I saw the Cort CR300 at a great price.

Great Service and Great Setup

Guitar arrived in perfect condition. I was sceptical re the free setup but I was very wrong. Plays very well and I certainly won’t be making any adjustment ( which is unusual for me)
A big thank you to all at Richard Guitars.

Fantastic

Excellent guitar and very helpful service. Very happy indeed

Tremendous value for money

As Richard points out, Cort manufactures guitars for some more famous brand names. This own brand guitar is every bit as good as a "name" guitar costing many times more. The sustain is excellent, balance of bass and treble is just right, looks and finish are amazing. And Richard's Guitars includes a professional set up in the sales price.

Happy chappie

I’m really happy with my new acoustic. I got the Cort because it looks fantastic and I wanted a mid sized guitar. It arrived on time and well packaged. Came with a nice gig bag. I realised quickly that the setup was superb, it’s really nice to play and it sounds great. Thanks all at Richards Guitar’s. Excellent customer service :clap::clap:

Fantastic value for money

The finish is faultless and the sound is fantastic. Sustain goes on and on and the balance between treble and bass is spot on. It's light and easy to hold and the Blackwood soundboard is beautiful. I think it's better than some of the top name guitars I've tried and certainly a fraction of the price.
And when Richards Guitars includes professional set up in the price it's remarkable value.
Thanks to Jake and Jon who answer email queries with patience and kept me up to date with delivery etc. Thank you.

Great Sounding, Highly Accessible Guitar

Bought primarily as a starter guitar for my 7yr old daughter. But wanted it to be good enough to last and be enjoyable to play - for me too! I absolutely love it! It sounds amazing for such a small guitar. Very "sweet" and rich sounding, but will also ring out the highs where needed. It's very responsive to playing technique and so easy to get a wide range of tones out of it depending on what the player's after. It's small enough to lounge around playing on the sofa. Honestly, I've never played guitar so much! This is my second guitar from Richard's Guitars. Service and guitar setup was, as usual, fantastic! The quality control is always really reassuring! You just know you're going to end up with a great guitar. Thanks!

Really nice jazz guitar

Really nice hollow body jazzer. Looks stunning, plays very well. Usual excellent customer service from all at Richards Guitars.

The best guitar I have bought to date

This guitar is by far the best guitar I have bought. It was perfectly set up by Richard's team, plays very easy and sounds amazing. On top of that, Cort's design and colors are absolutely beautiful. Comes with a very nice case as well! The communication was also fantastic , they answered every question and provided photos of the guitar when I asked them. I couldn't be happier with the purchase and could only recommend trusting Richard's services.

1 2 3

Reviews in Other Languages

Well appointed and great fun

Despite its awful name, the Cort Rithimic bass is very well appointed – Babicz Bridge, Hipshot tuners and Bartolini pickups, you almost feel it’s worth its price tag in parts alone!

The distinctive body veneering may not be to everyone’s taste (I’m not sure it’s to mine) but there’s a very capable and enjoyable bass behind the gizmos and decoration.

The body shape, headstock and neck profile are clearly Jazz bass inspired, but where I’ve found the Jazz neck a bit fiddly, the Rithimic neck is nothing but fast, comfortable and great fun to play. My “regular” bass (a Frankenstein affair of bits and pieces from here there and everywhere) weighs a ton and this bass is refreshingly light by comparison, but doesn’t seem to suffer tone-wise as a result.

Talking of tone, I love the way the bridge pickup sounds on this bass but whether you agree will probably depend upon whether or not you like the Bartolini sound. I find the neck pickup less useful – a bit too boomy for my liking, I’d have preferred it to be a bit closer to the bridge – and with both going you get that phase-ey sound you get from a Jazz when both pickups are active. To be honest not a sound I really like, but it may suit your tastes perfectly.

The service from Richard’s was exemplary – excellent communications, helpful to a fault and the set-up was perfect. I’m so glad I decided to buy from Richard’s and not elsewhere.

I’m absolutely delighted with everything about this bass and the buying experience. The bass itself may not be the most flexible tone-wise, but I can easily get a tone I love and it is so much fun to play my playing has already improved immeasurably!

For me - there is no difference between "personal" and "business" life - It is all "my life". Interconnected and therefore highly personal. Every guitar I sell (EVERY) is one I can tell you the backstory - about the people who make them - the ethos of the brand and how they align with my own - they are a genuine personal recommendations based on 28 years in the industry.

With the industry dominated by marketing, hype, and "blinkered" brand loyalty - retailers focus on what they get asked for - with little effort in raising awareness of guitars that are better than the one you asked about. This leads to a lot of poor buying decisions!

Here is a quick introduction to the brands I often refer to as "my babies" but really you could simply refer to them as "benchmarks". Check the prices - check the specs - check the quality and back story - and find me a brand that does it better - or even close. The fact is you cant buy a bad guitar from Richards Guitars - you will only find the best - set up to your personal requirements.

My "Personal Collection"

Detail - Clarity-Power-Resonance-Beauty

Furch Changed Everything...

I introduced Furch to to the UK over 20 years ago - with my good friend Keith Twine who has since retired.

At the time I was a leading supplier of brands such as Gibson, Martin & Taylor. Experiencing Furch guitars made me realize there is what you "know" and what you "should know". Just because you DON'T - doesn't mean it doesn't exist!

What does all this mean? Forget what you think you know and open your mind to the possibility that you can find better - and we will guarantee you an experience you will never forget - with help from Furch and my other personal finds from over the decades.

Buy Furch Guitars Online

Inspirational quality, tone & feel at a price you never thought would be possible.

A Benchmark British Brand

With an incredible Back story - A Truly Brtiish yet global brand utilising the shared skills of the Gordon Smith Team in England and a small boutique workshop in China - The result? Unbelievable quality that far surpasses that of recognised mass produced brands at the same price.

Buy Auden Guitars Online

Hand Made - Standard Setting - Affordable

We Were The First UK Dealer for Eastman Guitars...

....and continue to be their largest and most experienced dealer in the UK supplying Eastman guitars throughout Europe.

Originally known for their extraordinary quality, hand made arch tops - produced by violin makers - as their reputation spread they developed into the World of electric and acoustic guitar production which continue to be made by hand.

Eastman have now become a hugely dominant force in the Guitar World producing the "best in class" in any guitar genre they opt to focus on.

Nobody knows them better or can provide you a better experience.

Whether you decide on the showroom experience or buying online you could not be in safer hands.

Buy Eastman Guitars Online

Quality - Versatility - Innovation

Canadas Finest

I have specialised in Godin guitars since 1995.

Godin have been solving problems for performing acoustic and electric guitar players for over 30 years, producing the most divine instruments which are stylish, of the highest quality whilst serving the practical needs of the modern performing professional

You could say Godin is the antithesis to Gibson! Godins reputation is built largely on the word of mouth of professionals and session musicians who need their instruments to be highly reliable and consistent night after night.

Get one in your hands, and you will soon understand their unique contribution to the evolution of the guitar.

Buy Godin Guitars Online

Perfection

Hand Made In Italy

I have to thank Stuart - Director of UK Distributor Selectron for thinking of me when he made a very special find in the guise of Luigi - A man building what can only be described as playable works of art. An extraordinary man - extraordinary guitars and I can only thank Luigi & Stuart for thinking of me as a perfect fit to help represent Luigis work in the UK.

Buy Valenti Guitars Online

Hand Made In Ukraine

Valiant Guitars

Breathtaking guitars made by men who continue their passion literally in a war zone.

The human story is inspiring but no less than the impeccable, meticulous qualitywith an enormous dash of the secret ingredient so many guitars can never find - MOJO!

View Our Valiant Guitars

The most comprehensive collection of affordable electric guitars money can buy.

We will help you find The best playing - Affordable electric guitar

I have been promoting Vintage brand guitars since the day they were "born" some 20+ years ago! In this time they have just got better... and better... and better! Not just that but the range has just become EPIC. Something for everyone!!

In the past couple of years ProShop has become one of the mmost exciting UK hand built guitars- using the Vintage range as the building blocks to create wonderful and exciting guitars that would normally cost thousands of pounds.

Buy Vintage Brand Guitars Online

Hand Made Ultimate Luxury Leather Guitar Straps

You will see so many marketing stories and false claims of hand made guitar straps in the UK - often with a massive premium price tag added.

TRUST ME - THESE ARE...

The finest hand made leather guitar straps money can buy

Hand made in Walsall using traditional tooling methods by own of the UKs greatest horse sadlers.

Memory foam insert ensures premium comfort - These straps will last you a lifetime.

Learn More

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Fantastic archtop, great communication and service

A wonderful archtop acoustic from Eastman, 16 inch bout and basically a more affordable Gibson L5. Fantastic service from Richard and the team, great communication throughout, and the guitar arrived in absolutely perfect condition and plays wonderfully. Its getting a daily workout of Eddie Lang!

Eastman T386 (After 1 year, and having bought more from Richards Guitars)

I was anew customer when I purchased my Eastman T386 just over a year ago, and was very pleased with thre service and expertise of the staff, as well as the wonderful experience I had choosing the guitar oin their showroom. I went on to buy another guitar (this time a Fretless Bass, by Cort) which was a "Pre-Loved" instrument. Again the experience was very good, and the setup was excellent. Having recently had mny free 1 year setup up, I can again say that thee service offered at Richards Guitars is second to none. They are accommodating when it comes to organising things to suit you, and the setup itself ranks as the best I have ever had.

Incredible guitar

Handmade with precision and attention to detail by Eastman. Set up to perfection by the Richards Guitar team.

A modern boutique re-imagining of the classic single-cut mahogany bodied guitar of the '50s.

Beautiful clear, articulate, and dynamic tones. My Eastman SB59 is my main guitar, used for writing, recording, out on the road, and peaceful moments of home playing.

Bought on trust ... and they delivered.

I purchased my Furch, sight unseen and unplayed. I explained to Jake my style of music, how I played and the sound I was looking for. Originally I thought a Dowina was for me but after a few online chats, watching a few online videos etc., I was persuaded that I should go for Furch Blue Gc-CM Master's choice with the CNR active neck model instead. I am extremely pleased with the service I received, the advice given and the updates on ordering, arrival and delivery. All spot on. I was in no great hurry to get it but it was good to be kept informed.

T98 ACE

This guitar is something special to hold, to play and to look at. It really is beautiful in all aspects. I had wanted to buy another acoustic (ideally electro) for a while and with the advice of a friend who has the T98 Parlour Lag I went for the T98 ACE. I wanted a high quality guitar that would feel equally at home with finger picking and strumming, had a warm tone, well balanced highs and lows, has a lovely resonance and could somehow effortlessly amplify my soft figure picking in the absence of long finger nails...oh and at a modest price (below £500) - not too much to ask for right!? Ha ha

Well I must say this has exceeded all expectations and I got more than I'd hoped for with the T98 ACE and that's even before I plug it in!

What made it even more special was the much needed advice and guidance I received from the team at Richard's Guitars whilst weighing up my options as well as the care and attention that went into setting up the guitar to my specifications and making sure that it was nothing less than amazing before it was posted out.

The quality of the guitar makes me play better and sound better. Part of my goal was to get back into guitar playing after going through a period of years where life was getting in the way. I can safely say since purchasing this guitar I have played more in the past few weeks than I had in the past 5 years! It even spurred me on to put up a proper guitar hanging rack.

I highly recommend the guitar and what's more I highly recommend Richard's Guitars

FGN Guitar

Richards guitars provided an unbelievable experience via on line purchase. he guitar came well packed and arrived in fantastic condition. Communication via email was flawless. I've attached a picture of me in the Amazon jungle from this past July!

Auden 12 string

Just bought another wonderful guitar from Richard's Guitars. It's an Auden 12 string. It's what I was missing in my arsenal of guitars. It is an amazing guitar that was recommended to me by Jon and Jake and they never let me down. It sings so sweetly and I can't put it down. Another massive thanks to Richard, Jon, Jake and Chris the guitar tech for all the expert advice and knowledge they gave me. They are all so understanding and great guys. The fingertips are sore but I'm a very happy guy...all the best, Barrie

Richard Guitars - Furch Yellow Gc-CR SPA Master's Choice

I had a appointment to try some guitars in the showroom.
Jake had already selected some he thought I'd be interested in and was on hand when needed for information and advice. It was a lovely experience. I played a lot of guitars in those 3 hours and never felt rushed or pressured in any way.
The Dowina guitars are some of the most beautifully crafted instruments I've seen and play beautifully.
In the end I picked a Furch. The sound is exceptional - rich and resonant.
I left the showroom confident I'd picked the right guitar for me and paid a very reasonable price for it.
The guitar was delivered 3 days later. I'd asked for a couple of minor tweaks which had been done and overall the setup was spot on.
The whole team were a pleasure to deal with and I am a very happy customer. Would highly recommend.

Richards Guitars and LAG met my needs!

I'm 74 years old, have been an electric guitar player since my teenage years and haven't owned an acoustic since my teenage 'folk' days. I've been playing live in bands for many years but stopped a couple of years ago and have some issues with arthritis in my hands. I still have 3 of my electric guitars but wanted an acoustic in order to encourage more spontaneous bouts of playing instead of having to pull an amplifier out and get an electric set up. I also feel that an acoustic will help me to focus on my technique.
I have spent a lot of time researching brands, suppliers and watching reviews. Richards Guitars, I thought, had a really customer focused attitude so, after talking to Jake about my short list and taking his very honest advice, I ordered a LAG T118ACE. Getting the guitar set up by Richards Guitars with the best possible action was a big factor and, within a few days, my guitar arrived ready to play. It's a complete beauty and a real quality instrument! Throughout the process, Jake has been there for me, answering my questions and pointing me in the right direction.
A huge "thank you" to Richards Guitars. All I have to do now is get used to playing an acoustic again!

Great Service

Thanks very much to Richard's Guitars for providing such an outstanding service.My beautiful guitar arrived in perfect condition and was set up perfectly and ready to be played straight from the box.This service was invaluable to me as It would have been very hard for me to find someone in my area to do a proper set up for me.All in all top class.I'll definitely be back.
Thanks again.Luke.

Hi Luke

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a kind review! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with us and that your guitar arrived in perfect condition. We always strive to provide top-notch service and we're glad we could make the set up process easier for you. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Happy playing!

Richard

Cort Artisan A5 Plus SC Swamp Ash Amber Open Pore w/Case

Its Not Always A Happy Ending

Or you could just say your guitar will..

Custom Pro Setup Package

Customer Reviews

Reviews in Other Languages

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