Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $800

Standard/Professional

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Cort Frank Gambale Luxe is a steel-string acoustic guitar crafted for musicians who demand precision, power, and playability. This collaboration between Cort and Frank Gambale, the renowned fusion guitarist, brings a unique instrument that blends traditional craftsmanship with modern innovations. The Luxe features a solid Sitka spruce top known for its exceptional resonance and clarity, paired with mahogany back and sides for a warm, rich tone. The guitar's Venetian cutaway design allows for easy access to higher frets, making it perfect for complex solos and intricate fingerstyle playing.

The Luxe is equipped with Cort's CE304T preamp system, ensuring that its natural acoustic tones are faithfully amplified during live performances. The Fishman Sonicore pickup complements this setup, providing musicians with a reliable and consistent sound across different venues. Guitarists will appreciate the smooth, responsive neck made from mahogany, finished with a rosewood fingerboard that offers both durability and comfort during long play sessions.

Attention to detail is evident in the Luxe's elegant appointments, including ivory binding, a rosette inlay, and vintage-style tuning machines that not only enhance its visual appeal but also ensure stable tuning. This guitar is not just an instrument; it's a tool for expressing your musical creativity, designed to meet the demands of both studio sessions and live performances.

Key Features:

  • Solid Sitka spruce top for enhanced resonance
  • Mahogany back and sides for rich tonal quality
  • Venetian cutaway for easy high-fret access
  • Cort CE304T preamp system with Fishman Sonicore pickup
  • Mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • Ivory binding and rosette inlay
  • Vintage-style tuning machines for stable tuning

Product specs

Brand Cort
Model LUXE NAT Frank Gambale Series Adirondack Spruce/Blackwood Concert Cutaway with Electronics
Finish Natural Glossy
Year 2010s
Categories Acoustic-Electric Guitars
Active Preamp Yes
Back Material Blackwood
Body Shape Concert
Color Family Natural, Tan
Fretboard Material Ebony
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Undersaddle Piezo Pickup
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Sides Material Blackwood
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the back and sides of the Cort Frank Gambale Luxe guitar?

The back and sides of the Cort Frank Gambale Luxe guitar are made from Blackwood, which contributes to its rich tonal quality and aesthetic appeal.

Does the Cort Frank Gambale Luxe guitar have a built-in preamp?

Yes, the Cort Frank Gambale Luxe features an active preamp, allowing for enhanced sound control and amplification when plugged in.

What kind of pickup is installed in the Cort Frank Gambale Luxe guitar?

The Cort Frank Gambale Luxe is equipped with an undersaddle piezo pickup, providing clear and natural sound amplification.

Is the Cort Frank Gambale Luxe suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Cort Frank Gambale Luxe is designed with a concert cutaway body and active electronics, making it ideal for live performances where clarity and projection are important.

What is the top material of the Cort Frank Gambale Luxe guitar?

The top of the Cort Frank Gambale Luxe guitar is made from Adirondack Spruce, known for its strong, dynamic sound and responsiveness.

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Cort Frank Gambale Luxe Acoustic Guitar Review

Video thumbnail for Cort Frank Gambale Luxe Acoustic Guitar Review by Guitar Interactive Magazine

Cort Frank Gambale Luxe Acoustic Guitar Review

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Video thumbnail for Gear Review: Cort’s Frank Gambale Luxe Is a Fast-Playing Flattop by Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Gear Review: Cort’s Frank Gambale Luxe Is a Fast-Playing Flattop

Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Video thumbnail for Roy Fulton - Cort Luxe Frank Gambale Model by Roy Fulton

Roy Fulton - Cort Luxe Frank Gambale Model

Roy Fulton

Roy Fulton

Reviews

PROS

  • Plays like an electric, offering a unique feel for electric players

  • Enormous, clear sound with warm yet bright tone

  • High-quality workmanship with a beautiful, distinct look

  • Lightweight yet solidly built, ideal for versatile playing

  • Great acoustic and electrified sound performance

  • Comfortable neck similar to PRS electric or Gibson wide thin

  • Easy action and fretboard, suitable for lead players

  • Offers excellent value compared to high-end brands like Martin and Taylor

CONS

  • Requires professional setup for optimal intonation and playability

  • Volume and tone controls may need regluing or adjustment

  • Lacks locking tuners, which could improve tuning stability

  • Factory setup may be inconsistent, leading to unexpected playability issues

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Cort Frank Gambale Luxe.

Features and functionality

  • The guitar comes equipped with an L.R. Baggs pickup system, enhancing its amplified sound quality.

    Source

Build quality

  • The included case is a notable addition, providing extra value and protection for the instrument.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar's aesthetic appeal was a major factor in its selection, indicating its use in visually-focused performances or settings.

    Source
  • The guitar is considered one of the few steel-string acoustics that can offer a feel similar to electric guitars, making it suitable for electric players seeking acoustic versatility.

    Source

User experience

  • The transition from a Squier acoustic to this model highlights a significant upgrade in both playability and sound quality, as noted by a recent buyer.

    Source
  • Owners mention that the guitar's playability is a standout feature, especially when comparing it to other acoustics in its class, like the Godin Multiac series.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Cort Frank Gambale Luxe is noted alongside Riversong guitars for having an easy-to-play neck, a key feature for players transitioning from electric to acoustic.

    Source
  • It stands out as a strong alternative to the Fender Acoustasonic for players seeking better unplugged sound quality while retaining playability.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Video Review: Cort’s Frank Gambale Luxe Is a Fast-Playing Flattop | Acoustic Guitar

acousticguitar.com

The Cort Frank Gambale Luxe is a fast-playing acoustic that mimics the feel of an electric, ideal for jazz-fusion guitarists. With its sleek design, featuring an Adirondack spruce top and Australian blackwood back, it offers a punchy midrange but lacks significant bass. The L.R. Baggs pickup provides clear sound, but the guitar is best suited for lighter playing due to its extra-light strings. While it excels in speed and style, players accustomed to heavier strings may need to adjust their technique. Overall, it's a well-thought-out instrument for specific playing styles.

Cort Luxe Frank Gambale signature electro-acoustic

guitarinteractivemagazine.com

The Cort Frank Gambale Luxe is a standout electro-acoustic guitar that marries premium craftsmanship with unique design elements, all tailored to Gambale's specifications. The Australian flamed blackwood and Adirondack spruce deliver impressive resonance and aesthetics. Its setup, akin to an electric guitar, offers exceptional playability without sacrificing acoustic warmth. The L.R. Baggs EQ system enhances its dynamic sound. While priced higher than typical Cort models, it offers excellent value, especially with its included hard case. For both acoustic enthusiasts and Gambale fans, this guitar is a superb, must-have instrument.

positive

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Frank Gambale uses Cort Frank Gambale Luxe

Frank Gambale

Guitarist

Return to Forever

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"For acoustic, Gambale goes with his Cort Frank Gambale Luxe. He strings it up with D'Addario extra light strings, but uses the plain 3rd string."

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Cort Frank Gambale Luxe, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More Cort Acoustic-Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    kkolar
    kkolar

    Gear IQ 120856