Cort Artisan A5 Plus FMMH Open Pore Natural

Cort Artisan A5 Plus FMMH Open Pore Bass Guitar - Review

The Cort Artisan A5 Plus FMMH Open Pore is a professional-grade bass guitar that combines high-quality craftsmanship, stunning aesthetics, and versatile sound. With its 5-string setup, premium tonewoods, and advanced electronics, this bass is tailored for serious bassists who demand performance and style.

Design & Build

The A5 Plus FMMH is built with a mahogany body topped with a gorgeous flamed maple veneer, finished in an open-pore design that showcases the natural wood grain. The contoured body is lightweight and ergonomic, making it comfortable for extended playing sessions.

The 5-piece maple and panga panga neck is reinforced with multiple layers for stability and features a neck-through construction that enhances sustain and resonance. The ebony fingerboard, adorned with abalone inlays, offers smooth playability and adds to the guitar’s premium aesthetic.

The hardware is robust, with Hipshot Ultralite tuners and a high-mass individual bridge for exceptional tuning stability and intonation.

Electronics & Sound

At the heart of the Artisan A5 Plus FMMH are the Bartolini MK-1 pickups, paired with a  MK-1 EQ system. This combination delivers a powerful and versatile tonal palette:

• The Bartolini MK-1 pickups produce a rich, well-balanced tone with plenty of clarity and punch. They excel in capturing the full range of the 5-string setup, from deep, growling lows to sparkling highs.
• The 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.

Playability

The thin “C”-shaped neck and 34-inch scale length make this bass a joy to play, providing a fast and comfortable feel for both fingerstyle and slap techniques. The 24 frets and deep cutaways ensure easy access to the upper register, perfect for soloing or intricate runs.

The string spacing is well-suited for precise playing, and the neck-through design provides seamless access to every part of the fingerboard.

Features

• Body: Mahogany with flamed maple top
• Neck: 5-piece maple and panga panga, neck-through
• Fingerboard: Ebony, 24 frets
• Pickups: Bartolini MK-1
• Electronics:  Bartolini MK-1 EQ  
• Hardware: Hipshot Ultralite tuners, individual bridge saddles
• Finish: Open Pore

Pros

• Premium materials and craftsmanship
• Versatile tone with Bartolini pickups and EQ
• Neck-through construction for enhanced sustain and resonance
• Lightweight and ergonomic design for comfortable play
• Stunning aesthetics with a natural wood finish

The Cort Artisan A5 Plus FMMH Open Pore is an outstanding bass guitar that combines exceptional sound quality, versatility, and top-notch construction. Its professional-grade components make it a fantastic choice for advanced players and gigging musicians. With its sleek design and powerful tone, the A5 Plus FMMH is perfect for a wide range of styles, from jazz and funk to rock and metal.

If you’re looking for a high-performance 5-string bass with a unique and natural aesthetic, the Artisan A5 Plus FMMH should be at the top of your list.