Cort Explorer Guitars

The Cort Explorer is actually just an Explorer shaped guitar. It is actually called the Cort Effector.

Tons of Cort guitars have been reviewed at competing guitar forums, but we're hoping for some firsthand reviews of the Cort Explorer style guitars here in out forum. Punch a few keys and tell us your Cort guitar story.

About Cort Explorers

Sometimes you can still stumble on a review of the Effector if you look hard enough. Cort guitars are primarily known for being budget priced, economical starter guitars.

Their reviews are mixed obviously depending on the owner. Some complain of cheap workmanship, and others boast of unusually desirable playability. Some even consider the Cort to be road-worthy, the debate continues.

Personally I never owned a Cort guitar but have had friends who have. Early in their playing career, I never heard complaints or saw any physical problems with these instruments.

As they became more accomplished in the art of guitar playing, the guitars found themselves with more closet time, so I more or less developed my thoughts from that standpoint.

Cort is currently producing a guitars called the VX-2X which is somewhat Explorer shaped. I do not see the Effector listed or featured anywhere on their website cortguitars.com at this time but one can never tell if they would resurrect this vintage model if consumer demand were to dictate.

The Effector has a hockey-stick head and the expected set of effects buttons along the bottom bout: Wah, Phaze, Distort, etc. All Effectors, regardless of style (they made a strat style one, too) have the effects bay I've described (thanks David for the info). These were also produced abroad.

Cort Guitars, being a well-known and established brand, has an extensive distribution network that includes international distributors. This means that Cort guitars are available for purchase in many countries around the world through authorized dealers and retailers.

Having international distributors allows Cort Guitars to reach a broader customer base and make their instruments more easily accessible to players outside of their home country (South Korea). If you feel the need to buy a Cort, you can find sellers on the Cort distributor list.

If you are interested in purchasing a Cort guitar and you are located outside of South Korea, you can check Cort's official website or contact their customer support to find out the list of authorized dealers and distributors in your region. Additionally, many musical instrument retailers with an online presence also offer international shipping options for Cort guitars.

Cort Explorer Forum

Stand by for the Cort forum at "Explorer Guitars".

Cort for Dummies

For those who are unfamiliar with the Cort brand, this is what I call "Cort for dummies". The first Cort guitar was made in 1973. Cort Guitars is a South Korean guitar manufacturer that was established in that year. Initially, the company focused on building guitars for other brands as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). They manufactured guitars for various well-known companies, but it wasn't until later that they began producing guitars under their own brand name, "Cort."

In the 1980s, Cort started to develop and release their own line of electric and acoustic guitars, gaining recognition for their quality, affordability, and innovative designs. They continued to grow in popularity over the years and became one of the world's largest guitar manufacturers.

Cort Guitars' commitment to craftsmanship and value has made them a popular choice among players of all levels and musical genres. They offer a wide range of instruments, catering to beginners, intermediate players, and professional musicians alike.

Cort Guitars continues to be a significant player in the guitar industry, known for producing quality instruments at various price points.

Pros and Cons of Corts

Cort Guitars, a well-known manufacturer based in South Korea, has received a mix of feedback from customers and players. While many players are highly satisfied with their Cort instruments, there have been some gripes or criticisms voiced by certain individuals, including:

1. Quality Control: Some players have reported issues with quality control, such as minor cosmetic flaws, uneven fretwork, or sharp fret ends on certain guitars.
2. Setup: Some customers have mentioned that their Cort guitars required additional setup adjustments out of the box to achieve optimal playability and intonation.
3. Electronics and Hardware: There have been occasional reports of electronics or hardware issues, such as loose components or pickups that may not meet certain players' preferences.
4. Finishes: A few players have expressed concerns about the durability of certain finishes or paint jobs on their Cort guitars.
5. Weight: Some players have commented on the weight of certain Cort guitar models, which may be a concern for those seeking lighter instruments.

individual experiences can vary widely, and many other customers have had positive experiences with Cort Guitars. Cort is a reputable brand that offers a wide range of instruments to cater to players of all levels and musical styles, particulary rock and metal.

Guitarists stand by Cort guitars for several reasons, and the brand has garnered a loyal following among musicians worldwide. Some of the factors that contribute to the support and loyalty of guitarists towards Cort guitars include:

1. Affordable Quality: Cort Guitars offer a great value for their price, making them accessible to players on a budget without compromising on quality and performance.
2. Diverse Range of Models: Cort produces a wide range of guitar models, catering to different playing styles and musical genres. They offer electric guitars, acoustic guitars, and basses, allowing players to find the right instrument for their preferences.
3. Solid Construction: Cort guitars are known for their solid construction and craftsmanship. They use quality tonewoods and components, ensuring durability and reliability.
4. Versatility: Cort guitars are versatile instruments that can handle a wide range of musical styles. This makes them attractive to players who explore different genres and want an all-around guitar.
5. Consistency: Cort is known for its consistent quality across different models and price ranges. This reliability gives players confidence in their purchase.
6. Professional Endorsements: Cort has collaborated with various professional musicians and artists, creating signature models tailored to specific player preferences. This association with respected musicians adds to the brand's appeal.
7. Innovation: Cort continues to evolve and innovate, introducing new models and technologies. Their commitment to progress attracts players looking for modern features in their instruments.
8. Positive Reviews: Many satisfied customers and players have shared positive experiences with Cort guitars, contributing to the brand's positive reputation within the guitar community.
9. Supportive Community: Cort has a dedicated fan base and an active online community, providing resources, discussions, and advice for owners and potential buyers.

Cort Guitars' combination of affordability, quality, versatility, and innovation has endeared them to guitarists of all levels. Some of the popular and best-selling Cort guitar models that have gained recognition among players include: Cort X Series:, CR Series, G Series, S Series, Artisan Series, and the Gold Series.

Other Explorer style guitars...

See also: Agile | Aria Pro | Cort | Dean | Dommenget | Epiphone | ESP | Gordon Smith | Hamer | Ibanez | Jackson | Kramer | LTD | O Hagan | Peavey | Tokai