Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $827
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
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Budget
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Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Cort KX 500 Etched Black". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Step into a world of sonic exploration with the Cort KX 500 Etched Black, a solid body electric guitar that artfully combines striking aesthetics with exceptional performance. Crafted with a mahogany body topped with ash, this guitar delivers a rich, full-bodied tone that resonates with depth and clarity. The bolt-on 3-piece neck, made of maple and amaranth, is expertly paired with a sleek Macassar ebony fretboard, offering smooth playability and an elegant feel.
For the modern guitarist, the KX 500 is equipped with two Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers, renowned for their versatility and dynamic range. Whether you're shredding solos or laying down lush chords, these pickups bring your sound to life with precision and power. With active electronics and intuitive controls, including a push/pull function for Voice1/2 and coil split, you'll have the flexibility to shape your tone exactly as you envision.
Beyond its impressive sound capabilities, the Cort KX 500 features practical enhancements such as clamping machine heads for reliable tuning stability and a hardtail bridge with individual string saddles for precise intonation. The sleek design is complemented by black nickel hardware, making this guitar not only a joy to play but a statement piece on any stage.
Key Features:
- Top: Ash
- Body: Mahogany
- Bolt-on 3-piece neck: Maple / Amaranth
- Fretboard: Macassar ebony
- 24 Frets
- Scale: 648 mm
- Pickups: 2 Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers
- Active electronics with push/pull function for Voice1/2 and coil split
- 3-Way switch
- Clamping machine heads
- Hardtail bridge with individual string saddles
- String guidance through the body
- Black nickel hardware
- Strings: Daddario EXL120 Nickel Wound .009 - .042
Product specs
| Available since | March 2020 |
| Colour | Black |
| Body | Mahogany |
| Top | Ash |
| Neck | Maple, Amaranth |
| Fretboard | Ebony |
| Frets | 24 |
| Scale | 648 mm |
| Pickups | HH |
| Tremolo | None |
| incl. Bag | No |
| incl. Case | No |
FAQs
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What type of music is the Cort KX 500 Etched Black best suited for?
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The Cort KX 500 Etched Black, featuring Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers, is ideal for genres requiring high output and versatility, such as metal and rock. Its tonal range covers everything from aggressive to clean, making it suitable for various styles.
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Does the Cort KX 500 Etched Black have a tremolo system?
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No, the Cort KX 500 Etched Black does not have a tremolo system. It is a fixed bridge guitar, which provides stability and ease of tuning, especially beneficial for heavier music styles.
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What is the neck profile of the Cort KX 500 Etched Black like?
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The neck of the Cort KX 500 Etched Black is a 5-piece maple and purpleheart bolt-on design, offering a comfortable and stable playing experience. It's designed for fast playability, making it suitable for technical playing styles.
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Are the pickups on the Cort KX 500 Etched Black active or passive?
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The Cort KX 500 Etched Black is equipped with Fishman Fluence Modern humbucking pickups, which are active pickups. They provide a modern, high-gain sound with clarity and articulation.
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Is the Cort KX 500 Etched Black suitable for beginners?
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While the Cort KX 500 Etched Black offers professional features like active pickups and an ebony fretboard, its playability and versatile sound make it accessible for dedicated beginners interested in rock or metal. However, its features are typically more appreciated by intermediate to advanced players.
Videos
Riffs, Beards & Gear
LESS MONEY, MORE GUITAR! Cort KX500 Etched!
Reviews
PROS
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Unique neck profile, flat in the middle for distinct playability
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Lightweight design enhances comfort during long sessions
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High-quality craftsmanship with visible wood grain, minimal lacquer
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Excellent vibration and sustain, both unplugged and amplified
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Versatile sound range from aggressive metal to shimmering cleans
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Active Fishman pickups provide nuanced tonal options
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Stable tuning with locking tuners, well-adjusted string height
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Push/pull pots for versatile coil-splitting and voice switching
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Timeless design with a cool, sleek aesthetic
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Five-piece neck for enhanced durability and stability
CONS
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Potentiometers and pickup switch feel light and wobbly
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No gig bag included, packaged in basic cardboard box
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Binding around the body is angular, lacks smoother transitions
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Electronics are somewhat messy and lack a "snap-in" battery compartment
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Bridge and neck height could be better aligned for optimal setup
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One bridge screw was loose upon arrival, needing adjustment
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Cort KX 500 Etched Black.
Features and functionality
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The Cort KX 500 is equipped with active Fishman Fluence pickups, which are particularly appealing for metal genres.
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The Cort KX 500 comes with stock Cort locking tuners, enhancing tuning stability and convenience for players.
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The guitar features a stock hardtail bridge, which is noted for its decent quality and stability.
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Comparisons
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The Cort KX 500 is perceived to have better specifications compared to the Solar S2.6, despite being $100 more expensive.
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User experience
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Some users find the aesthetics of the Cort KX 500 more appealing due to its unique ash burl top and maple-purple neck construction.
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Owners praise the Fishman pickups for their tight and crisp tone, even at high gain with distortion, ideal for clear note definition in metal genres.
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The guitar's finish is frequently highlighted for its aesthetic appeal, with specific mentions of a black grain and an available etched deep violet finish.
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Use cases and applications
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The Cort KX 500 is specifically noted for its suitability in metal music, largely due to its active pickups.
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Value and pricing
Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings