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Average Price: $899

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Discover the Cort A4 Ultra Ash, a refined electric bass guitar crafted for both seasoned musicians and aspiring bassists. This instrument is designed to deliver remarkable tonal clarity and versatility, making it an ideal choice for a variety of musical genres. The A4 Ultra Ash stands out with its ash body, which not only provides a visually striking appearance but also contributes to its rich, full-bodied sound.

Equipped with a Bartolini MK-1 Pickup system, this bass ensures clear and articulate sound reproduction, capturing the subtleties of your performance with precision. The 5-piece maple and panga panga neck offers excellent stability and a smooth playing experience, while the ebony fingerboard enhances the overall tonal response.

For those who appreciate customizability, the A4 Ultra Ash offers an onboard EQ system, allowing you to fine-tune your sound with ease. The Hipshot UltraLite tuners ensure reliable tuning stability, so you can focus on your music without distractions. Whether you're laying down a groove in the studio or performing on stage, the Cort A4 Ultra Ash is engineered to meet the demands of any playing situation.

Key Features:

  • Ash body for a resonant and visually appealing design
  • Bartolini MK-1 Pickup system for articulate sound
  • 5-piece maple and panga panga neck for enhanced stability
  • Ebony fingerboard for superior tonal response
  • Onboard EQ system for sound customization
  • Hipshot UltraLite tuners for reliable tuning stability

Product specs

Brand Cort
Model A4 Ultra RWAS OPN Artisan Series Rosewood/Swamp Ash 4-String Bass
Finish Open Pore Natural
Year 2010s
Categories 4-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Brown, Natural
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the body of the Cort A4 Ultra Ash bass?

The Cort A4 Ultra Ash features a body made from swamp ash, known for its lightweight and resonant qualities, contributing to a bright and punchy tone.

Does the Cort A4 Ultra Ash have active or passive pickups?

The Cort A4 Ultra Ash is equipped with passive pickups but includes an active preamp, allowing for enhanced tonal shaping and versatility.

What is the neck profile like on the Cort A4 Ultra Ash?

The Cort A4 Ultra Ash has a comfortable, modern neck profile that facilitates smooth playability, making it suitable for a variety of playing styles.

How many frets are on the Cort A4 Ultra Ash bass guitar?

The Cort A4 Ultra Ash features 24 frets, providing a wide range for both traditional and extended range playing techniques.

Is the Cort A4 Ultra Ash suitable for slap bass techniques?

Yes, the Cort A4 Ultra Ash's swamp ash body and active preamp make it well-suited for slap bass, offering clarity and punch in the low and high frequencies.

BassTheWorld.com

BassTheWorld.com

These pickups can do WHAT? - [ Cort Artisan A4 Ultra Ash ]

Video thumbnail for These pickups can do WHAT? - [ Cort Artisan A4 Ultra Ash ] by BassTheWorld.com

These pickups can do WHAT? - [ Cort Artisan A4 Ultra Ash ]

BassTheWorld.com

BassTheWorld.com

Video thumbnail for The Sessions: Cort Artisan A4 Ultra Ash by Cort Guitars and Basses

The Sessions: Cort Artisan A4 Ultra Ash

Cort Guitars and Basses

Cort Guitars and Basses

Video thumbnail for Hear the Cort Artisan A4 Ultra Ash by Cort Guitars and Basses

Hear the Cort Artisan A4 Ultra Ash

Cort Guitars and Basses

Cort Guitars and Basses

Video thumbnail for CORT A4 ULTRA ASH - QUICK TEST -  Bassiste Magazine (par Bruno Ramos) by BASSISTE MAGAZINE

CORT A4 ULTRA ASH - QUICK TEST - Bassiste Magazine (par Bruno Ramos)

BASSISTE MAGAZINE

BASSISTE MAGAZINE

Video thumbnail for Bass Musician Magazine Reviews - Cort Artisan A4 Ultra Ash Bass by Bass Musician Magazine

Bass Musician Magazine Reviews - Cort Artisan A4 Ultra Ash Bass

Bass Musician Magazine

Bass Musician Magazine

Video thumbnail for Cort Artisan A4 Ultra Ash || Igor Odaryuk by 🇺🇦 IGOR ODARYUK

Cort Artisan A4 Ultra Ash || Igor Odaryuk

🇺🇦 IGOR ODARYUK

🇺🇦 IGOR ODARYUK

Video thumbnail for Cort Artisan A4 Ultra Ash by Gregor Fris

Cort Artisan A4 Ultra Ash

Gregor Fris

Gregor Fris

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Cort A4 Ultra Ash.

Features and functionality

  • The Cort A4 Ultra Ash features Fluence Bass Soapbar pickups, which are praised for their sound quality, particularly suitable for metal and rock genres.

    Source
  • This model includes a neck-through construction, which enhances sustain and stability, making it appealing to players seeking solid build quality.

    Source
  • The A4's active/passive switch provides tonal versatility, with a growly sound and plenty of mids when set flat.

    Source
  • The bass features a master volume, pickup balance, and low, mid, high EQ knobs, with the mid control centrally located.

    Source
  • The Cort A4 Plus FMMH's Bartolini Mk-1 pickups are split-coil humbuckers, offering a clearer tone closer to a single-coil sound.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Cort A4 is described as having a more generic tone compared to the Spector NS Pulse II, which offers a thicker sound and different body balance affecting playability.

    Source
  • The Spector NS Pulse II is noted to be considerably heavier than the Cort A4, which may impact comfort and playability for some users.

    Source
  • Compared to Ibanez Soundgear, the A4's neck is described as slightly thicker but still easy to maneuver.

    Source
  • The Cort A4 Plus FMMH is noted for its split-coil humbuckers, contrasting with typical humbuckers that pick up every string with both coils.

    Source

Build quality

  • The A4 Ultra Ash uses swamp ash, a lightweight wood that may affect resonance duration but enhances portability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A common issue noted is the need to tighten the nut holding the balance knob post and a setup upon purchase.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners describe the A4 as comfortable for extended sessions, with some reporting playing 5-6 hour sessions without discomfort.

    Source
  • Users report that Cort's advertising may not always clearly distinguish the pickup types, leading to confusion about their specifications.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some users express regret at not finding the A4 under $500, noting its purchase on Amazon for around $700.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gear Review: Cort A4 Ultra Ash Bass... Wicked Sustain! - Bass Musician Magazine, The Face of Bass

bassmusicianmagazine.com

The Cort A4 Ultra Ash Bass stands out for its stunning aesthetics and impressive sustain, driven by its neck-thru-body design and advanced Fishman electronics. It offers versatile tonal adaptability, making it suitable for a variety of musical genres, which is a significant plus for both intermediate and professional players. However, while the craftsmanship is commendable, some may find the bass's weight a drawback for long performances. Overall, this instrument delivers excellent value and is a solid choice for those seeking quality and flexibility in their sound.

positive

Cort Artisan A4 Ultra Bass - Guitar Interactive Magazine

guitarinteractivemagazine.com

Cort’s Artisan A4 Ultra Bass is a strikingly beautiful instrument that balances modern aesthetics with versatile tonal options. Its neck-through design and premium materials, like the panga panga neck and sandblasted ash top, provide both comfort and visual appeal. The Fishman Fluence pickups offer dynamic tonal capabilities, allowing players to switch seamlessly from passive to active sounds. However, the review notes that the bass may not cater to traditionalists seeking purely old-school tones, and the missing demonstration of the single coil option leaves a slight gap in showcasing its full potential. Overall, it’s a solid choice for serious bassists across genres, but it may not fully satisfy those with a vintage mindset.

positive

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