Cort X1

A low-cost-priced but high-quality superstrat for beginner guitarists who dream of learning how to play the guitar solo as well as the famous Steve Vai, Joe Satriani and John Petrucci (Dream Theater).

Cort X1 is a workhorse that will heroically endure hundreds of hours of rehearsals, share the joy of success, the bitterness of failure, and will be your faithful and reliable friend until you replace it with an instrument of a higher class.

Soundboard and fretboard

Cort is famous for its build quality and the X1 is no exception. All the details fit well, nothing dangles, does not rattle, despite the low-cost. The body is made of agathis, a very common coniferous species in Asia. Agatis is a very light wood, similar in properties to mahogany, only its timbre is not so complex and flatter.

The neck is simply made for fast play. The 24 high frets (2.9 mm) and the modern U-type profile, which is comfortable enough for the hand to slide over it easily, can be easily played with variable stroke, legato or tapping.

Electronics and mechanics

Another argument in favor of the X1 as a solo guitar is the tremolo bridge. Well, what beginner wouldn't try vibrato on a dangling note. However frequent use of the lever detunes the instrument, and over time it starts to keep the system worse. Still, this is not an Ibanez for 400-500 dollars, and you should not forget about it.

Although two open Powersound humbuckers sound quite decent, especially when overdriven, and, in addition to soloing, they also allow you to “shake” riffs quite well.

Design

The guitar looks aggressive. It is the best for beginner rockers playing in heavy styles. Black or white satin finish. The headstock is beveled sharp with in-line pegs, which is typical of many superstrats, especially the Ibanez. All fittings are chrome-plated: tuning pegs, bridge, potentiometer knobs, belt screws.