Cort Artisan Series A5 Plus 5 String Bass Guitar, Open Pore Amber (A5PLUSSCAOP)

The Cort Artisan Series A5 Plus 5-String Bass in Open Pore Amber is a precision instrument built for players who demand articulate tone, unmatched sustain, and a balanced playing feel across the entire fretboard. Designed with a single-cutaway body, it not only looks stunning but sits comfortably in the lap or on a strap, giving you unfettered access to the upper frets without sacrificing balance during long gigs or studio sessions.

• Poplar Burl Top on Swamp Ash Body: A bright, punchy modern voice with a visually striking grain. The poplar burl top adds musical texture to the already lively swamp ash body, delivering a well-balanced, lively response from the strings.
• Bartolini MK-1 Pickups & MK-1 EQ: Professionally voiced pickups paired with a transparent, powerful active preamp. Expect clear articulation across all five strings, from tight low B to sparkling upper harmonics, with a controllable boost and scoop-free, natural high-end sheen.
• Hipshot TransTone Bridge: This bridge design offers a broad tonal range, punchy attack, and extended sustain. It locks in intonation reliably while enhancing overall resonance, so your notes ring with clarity whether you’re digging in or playing softly.
• 5-Piece Maple & Panga Panga Neck-Through Construction: A rock-solid core that delivers exceptional stability, sustain, and resonance. The neck-through construction plus a layered maple and panga panga spine ensures consistent action and a smooth, comfortable feel from open to high-register tones.
• Non-Multi-Scale, Conventional Playability: Designed for traditional playing styles and stringing preferences, offering familiar tension and response, while still delivering the modern, professional-level sound Cort is known for.
• Open Pore Amber Finish: A natural, breathable finish that showcases the woods’ character and grain. It not only looks contemporary and premium but also contributes to a vibrant, dynamic tonal response.

Why this bass stands out

The Artisan A5 Plus is more than a high-end badge—it's a thoughtfully engineered instrument designed for real-world use. The combination of a swamp ash body and poplar burl top yields a bright, punchy core with subjectively open lows and sparkling highs. The neck-through design and 5-piece construction improve sustain and tuning stability, so you can lock in a groove and ride it through intricate passages without the body shifting out of balance. The Bartolini MK-1 electronics offer a transparent boost path that preserves the natural character of the pickups while giving you room to cut through a mix when the stage demands it.

This bass is ideal for players who blend genres—from tight funk and groove-driven rock to modern jazz fusion and studio sessions where every tone counts. The extended low B string provides a substantial range for heavy grooves, while the upper frets stay accessible thanks to the single-cutaway body and thoughtful balance. If you value a warm, articulate fundamental with crisp highs and a strong midrange presence, the A5 Plus delivers with precision.

Use cases and practical scenarios

• Live performance in funk, rock, and fusion where you need punch, sustain, and clear note definition across five strings.
• Studio sessions demanding a versatile voice that translates well both in solid-state and tube-forward rigs.
• Session work requiring reliable tuning stability and a broad dynamic range for clean plucks and aggressive picking.
• Comfortable, balanced feel during long playing sessions thanks to the ergonomic single-cut design and neck-through construction.

Carefully chosen woods, meticulous craftsmanship, and professionally voiced electronics make the Cort Artisan A5 Plus a standout choice for players who want a premium instrument that remains practical on stage and in the studio. Its Open Pore Amber finish, powerful yet transparent electronics, and reinforced neck structure all converge to deliver a bass that not only sounds fantastic but also inspires confidence during performance. Whether you’re outlining a tight groove or exploring nuanced phrasing, this bass is built to respond to your touch with immediacy and musical intent.