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Average Price: $1,190

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

Introducing the Cort Artisan A4 Ultra Ash, a bass guitar that harmonizes craftsmanship and technology for the discerning musician. This electric bass is a part of the renowned Artisan series, known for its exquisite construction and versatile tonal capabilities. The A4 Ultra Ash is crafted with an ash body, providing a resonant and balanced sound, ideal for a variety of musical genres. Its sleek design not only offers a visually appealing aesthetic but also ensures comfortable playability for extended sessions.

Equipped with Bartolini MK-1 pickups and an active EQ, this bass delivers a wide range of tones with clarity and depth. The neck is a seamless blend of five pieces of maple and panga panga, enhancing stability and sustain. Whether you're slapping, plucking, or picking, the A4 Ultra Ash responds with precision and character. Musicians who appreciate intricate design will admire the detailed inlays and high-quality hardware that contribute to its overall premium feel.

Key Features:

  • Ash body for resonant and balanced sound
  • 5-piece maple and panga panga neck for enhanced stability
  • Bartolini MK-1 pickups with active EQ for versatile tonal options
  • Detailed inlays and high-quality hardware
  • Part of the renowned Cort Artisan series, celebrated for craftsmanship and sound quality

Product specs

Brand Cort
Model Artisan A4 Ultra Ash
Year 2022 - 2025
Categories 4-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Natural, Tan
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Panga Panga
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the body of the Cort Artisan A4 Ultra Ash?

The Cort Artisan A4 Ultra Ash features a mahogany body with an ash top, providing a warm tone with enhanced brightness and clarity.

How many frets does the Cort Artisan A4 Ultra Ash have?

The Cort Artisan A4 Ultra Ash is equipped with 24 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and versatility in playing styles.

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

The Cort Artisan A4 Ultra Ash is equipped with passive pickups, which offer a traditional tone and dynamic response suitable for various music genres.

What is the pickup configuration on the Cort Artisan A4 Ultra Ash?

The Cort Artisan A4 Ultra Ash features an HH pickup configuration, providing a rich and full sound with great versatility.

Is the Cort Artisan A4 Ultra Ash suitable for beginners?

While the Cort Artisan A4 Ultra Ash offers features that can benefit advanced players, its playability and quality make it accessible for dedicated beginners as well.

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 Artisan A4 Ultra Ash.

Comparisons

  • Cort's neck-through design is praised for comfort and quality, comparable to boutique models at a lower price point.

    Source
  • The Cort A4 is often compared to the Ibanez Soundgear due to similarities in pickups and body shape, though some subtle differences exist.

    Source
  • The Spector NS Pulse II offers a thicker tone compared to the more generic sound of the A4, but the Spector's heavier body may affect playability for those with shorter arms.

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Value and pricing

  • An owner who paid around $700 feels the bass is worth the price, especially for its versatility and hardware quality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The A4 handles effects well and maintains strong signal integrity, making it ideal for pedal-heavy setups.

    Source
  • Suitable for achieving a punchy, clanky sound in modern djent and prog metal, especially effective with overdrive or distortion.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report the bass is comfortable for extended sessions, with a thin neck that facilitates fast movement, though not as thin as an Ibanez Soundgear.

    Source
  • Some owners note the instrument feels like a bass above its price point, with a flat, thin neck that enhances playability.

    Source
  • Owners praise the Cort A4 Ultra Ash for its suitability in playing Tool songs, aligning well with the bass tones and styles typical in metal and rock genres.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some users experienced a loose nut on the balance knob post, which required tightening, indicating a potential quality control issue.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The active/passive switch allows for versatile sound options, with active settings suited for funk and jazz, while passive settings suit rock tones.

    Source
  • The Cort A4 Ultra Ash uses Fluence Bass Soapbar pickups, which are well-regarded for their tone and versatility in various music styles like metal and rock.

    Source
  • Fishman Fluence pickups are described as very bright, clean, and modern, suitable for metal but perceived as "sterile" by some when played clean.

    Source
  • Recent models come with a Markbass preamp, which is a noted improvement over previous stock electronics, enhancing sound quality and tonal control.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Cort A4's lightweight swamp ash body is noted for its beautiful appearance, although it doesn't resonate as long as heavier woods.

    Source
  • Control knobs may be close to pickups, potentially interfering with pick playing.

    Source
  • The neck-through construction of the Cort A4 Ultra Ash contributes to its solid build and aesthetic appeal, with users appreciating its sleek and slim profile.

    Source

Critic Reviews

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

bassmusicianmagazine.com

The Cort Artisan A4 Ultra Ash is a versatile bass guitar that stands out for its impressive sustain, thanks to its neck-thru-body construction and Hipshot® TransTone Bridge. This bass is well-suited for both intermediate and professional players, offering a rich blend of warm lows with clear highs due to its mahogany body. The Fishman® electronics add to its adaptability across various music genres, making it a flexible choice for studio or stage. However, while the review is glowing, it doesn't highlight any substantial drawbacks, leaving potential buyers to ponder about any hidden cons.

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Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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