Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Reverb
$704.52 New
$661.99 Used
Thomann
4.6 (14)
$535.00 $529.00 $6.00 · All time low

Average Price: $661

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Cort Artisan B5 Element". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 25, 2026.

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Description

Unleash your musical potential with the Cort Artisan B5 Element, a 5-string electric bass that combines elegance with powerful performance. Crafted with a mahogany body and topped with ash, this bass offers a rich, resonant tone that suits a variety of genres. The Bartolini MK-1 humbuckers, paired with an active Bartolini MK-1 preamp, deliver a dynamic range of sound, ensuring each note is heard with clarity and depth. Whether you prefer a smooth jazz groove or a punchy rock riff, this bass can handle it all.

The neck, a blend of panga panga and walnut, is both robust and comfortable, making extended jam sessions a breeze. The roasted maple fretboard not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also enhances playability with its sleek surface and 24 frets. Adjust your sound effortlessly with the 3-band EQ and switch between active and passive modes using the convenient mini switch.

Designed for precision, the Metalcraft M5 bridge and Hipshot Ultralight tuners ensure your instrument stays in tune, no matter how hard you play. The open pore finish, combined with black hardware, adds a touch of sophistication to its design, making it not just an instrument but a statement piece.

Key Features:

  • Body: Mahogany with an ash top
  • Bolt-on neck: Panga panga/walnut
  • Roasted maple fretboard with a 400 mm (15.75") radius
  • 34" scale length
  • 24 frets
  • Pickups: 2 Bartolini MK-1 humbuckers
  • Active Bartolini MK-1 preamp with 3-band EQ
  • Volume and balance control
  • Mini switch for active/passive selection
  • Metalcraft M5 bridge with 18 mm string spacing
  • Hipshot Ultralight tuners
  • Factory strings: Daddario EXL 170-5 Nickel Wound .045 - .130
  • Finish: Open pore with black hardware

Product specs

Available since June 2021
Colour Natural
Body Mahogany
Neck Panga Panga, Walnut
Fretboard Maple
Frets 24
Scale Longscale
Pickup System HH
Elektronic Aktive, Passive
Incl. Case No
Incl. Gigbag No

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the body of the Cort Artisan B5 Element?

The Cort Artisan B5 Element features a mahogany body, which is known for providing a warm tone with excellent resonance and sustain.

How many frets does the Cort Artisan B5 Element have?

The Cort Artisan B5 Element is equipped with 24 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and versatility across different playing styles.

Is the Cort Artisan B5 Element suitable for both active and passive playing styles?

Yes, the Cort Artisan B5 Element supports both active and passive electronic modes, providing flexibility for various musical genres and playing preferences.

What is the neck material of the Cort Artisan B5 Element?

The neck of the Cort Artisan B5 Element is made from a combination of panga panga and walnut, offering durability and a smooth playing experience.

Does the Cort Artisan B5 Element come with a case or gig bag?

No, the Cort Artisan B5 Element does not include a case or gig bag. These items would need to be purchased separately for transportation and protection.

BassTube

BassTube

Contrabaixo Cort B5 Element Artisan Series - Contra Baixo 5 Cordas

Video thumbnail for Contrabaixo Cort B5 Element Artisan Series - Contra Baixo 5 Cordas by BassTube

Contrabaixo Cort B5 Element Artisan Series - Contra Baixo 5 Cordas

BassTube

BassTube

Video thumbnail for The BEST Bass Under $700? Cort Artisan B5 Element 5-String Demo by Brooksy's Bass Corner

The BEST Bass Under $700? Cort Artisan B5 Element 5-String Demo

Brooksy's Bass Corner

Brooksy's Bass Corner

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight design enhances portability and comfort during performances

  • Bartolini preamp provides clarity and unique wood resonance

  • Versatile sound, especially suited for metal, hard rock, and post-rock genres

  • Excellent sustain due to construction of neck and bridge

  • Comfortable neck allows smooth playability both sitting and standing

  • Solid low B-string performance with a gnarly, clear sound

  • Open pore finish with matching headstock looks stylish

  • Multiple sound variations with built-in equalizer and passive mode

  • Suitable for touring, offering reliable performance on stage

CONS

  • Bridge positioning issues require modification for accurate intonation

  • Lacks warm vintage sound even with equalizer adjustments

  • Passive mode offers limited tonal control, missing a tone knob

  • Minor finishing flaws, such as small dents and paint speckles

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Cort Artisan B5 Element.

Build quality

  • The neck has an oil/wax finish, providing a smooth feel without the typical varnish layer.

    Source

User experience

  • After 4 months, one owner described the bass as a transformative purchase, emphasizing its superior playability compared to other instruments they have tried.

    Source
  • A fan of the Ibanez BTB series found its neck remarkably adjustable, allowing for extremely low action without compromising playability.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The active/passive switch requires a battery for the pickups, influencing the preamp's EQ capabilities when active.

    Source
  • Licensed Bartolini MK1 pickups are used in the Cort B5 Element, but users note they don't sound like true Bartolinis, impacting tone expectations.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • An owner experienced a faulty A string sound due to a suspected manufacturing error with the Bartolini pickup poles, suggesting potential quality control issues.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Cort B5 Element is perceived as a significant upgrade over the B5 Plus, with the former's overall better build and sound quality.

    Source
  • Both Cort and Ibanez BTB series basses are manufactured in the same Indonesian factories, implying similar build quality across the brands.

    Source
  • The Cort B5 Element is perceived as more aesthetically pleasing compared to Yamaha and Ibanez models, influencing purchase decisions based on looks alone.

    Source
  • Users find the Yamaha TRBX305 has more character in sound, while the Cort B5 Element is described as having a flatter tone, which some find beneficial.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Cort B5 Element's 34" scale may be less ideal for achieving a strong low B string compared to a 35" scale bass, which could affect performance in certain genres.

    Source
  • For casual players or those performing at minor events like church gigs, the licensed Bartolini MK1 pickups in the Cort are deemed sufficient.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Purchasing used basses is often more cost-effective, with a fair price being 60% of the original cost, making them better value than new models.

    Source
  • The Cort B5 Element is available at a significant discount of around 50%, making it more attractive to budget-conscious buyers.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Cort Artisan B5 Element review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Cort Artisan B5 Element stands out as a robust and versatile five-string bass that offers great value for its price. With an appealing construction, including Bartolini pickups and a roasted maple fingerboard, it delivers impressive tones suitable for various playing styles. However, its midrange characteristics may not suit everyone's taste, potentially limiting its appeal to some players. Overall, it’s a solid choice for those seeking an affordable yet high-performing bass guitar, making it a worthy contender against more expensive models.

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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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