Cort Curbow 5 String Review

History: Been playing bass for about 30 years. Currently play a 4-string Spellbinder bass (by Stanley Clarke and Tom Lieber), and a 10-string Chapman Stick.

Purchase: Wanted an inexpensive 5-string to mess with, but wanted one that wasn't a complete washout. Research indicated that many experienced players liked this one, but occasionally it has production flaws. Unfortunately, mine is in the latter category.

What I Like About This Unit: Nice looking, not very heavy, small body. As you'll see, that's all I can find out about it at the moment...

What I Do NOT Like About The Cort Curbow 5 String: Terribly bad construction in the neck. Arrived with a bowed neck (about 3/8 inch at the mid-point of the neck). In adjusting the tension rod, after about two cautious 1/4 turns, a loud SPANG! was heard, and rod apparently disconnected at the far end. The bass was never even played. The neck was not well enough made so that it could even be properly straightened. What was a good deal is now a horrible one, as it was used and no warranty. A new neck is going to be between $200 and $300, plus the cost of labor in replacement and setup. Not worth the money at any price.

Curbow 5 String Quality: As above. Finish is very nice, all lines clean. But apparently under the skin this one was sloppily constructed. So quality = unplayable. As bad as it gets, since all the rest doesn't matter in this case.

Summary: Spend more money next time on a well-made instrument.

Rating of this product: 1

This Cort Bass Guitars Review Submitted By: Oz

Date: 2006-03-21