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Cort MMP-1 Master Series Guitar |
Cort MMP-1 Master Series Guitar
Another Cort guitar has arrived to road test and as with any other Cort I have reviewed before, this guitar too is a visual delight. Immediate standout features of the MMP-1 are the design, craftmanship and the hand selected woods used. In past Cort reviews I have noted that this company only use North American Hardwoods but as that claim has disappeared from their website I am not certain if this is still fact across the board however it is certainly one of the features of the M Series
The MMP-1 is carved from mahogany and features an arched, flamed maple top and chamber design. A high quality laquered finish sets off an antique burst which is edged with a dark violin antique hue. A blonde maple binding completes the effect. The end result is incredibly deep and lustrous.
The set in neck is also mahogany and has a comfortable silken feel. A rosewood fretboard sports 22 large frets, they sit flush with the edges of the binding and the fret levelling is very consistent. The ivory coloured, graphite nut is also perfectly set and cut. At the rear base of the headstock the neck has been contoured into a deep lip. A complex "Tree of Life" design snakes along the full length of the fretboard and designates the position markers. This design is made from a combination of pearl and abalone inlays set around intricately carved and inlaid wood which creates a fine trunk and branches. Because of the combined features of the design I have laboured for a long time to find a description that doesn't make it sound overdone and clumsy. You will have to trust me; this is very fine work indeed. A true example of "master craftsmanship".
The ebony headstock has 3 Sperzel Trim lock tuners a side, a chrome Cort logo and the characteristic bite from the top right side. The truss rod adjustment is easily accessed in the front of the headstock behind the nut.
The Sperzel trim lock tuners and the graphite nut combined with the tune-o-matic style bridge and the top loading stop tailpiece allow fast restringing and keep the guitar in tune. The controls are a three way toggle switch, a volume control and a tone control.
At first glance the neck join seems far too thick to allow access to the high end and I was very reticent about the combination of a thick neck join and the arched top for the playability factor. However, after playing the guitar I can honestly say that there was none of the anticipated restriction and in fact, it is particularly comfortable playing in the higher register as the double cutaway and the neck join contouring has been specifically, ergonomically designed to enable the reach needed.
Although slightly heavy, the guitar is well balanced and comfortable. I have played the MMP-1 through a Laney VC30 and a Marshall JMP 100. As soon as I began playing the MMP-1 it was clear that this is a sophisticated instrument that plays as well as many guitars of twice the price.
I was amazed that the dual Seymour Duncan Humbuckers: JB in the bridge and Jazz in the neck, also provide comparable tones to a single coil solid body guitar. (The generic specs on the Cort website state that the MMP-1 is fitted with Mighty Mites and as the guitar I am reviewing has the Seymour Duncans, I suggest you check specs with your Cort dealer if ordering a
MMP-1. I can say though that I have played a Cort M800 that had Mighty Mites fitted and although distinctly different tonal qualities I was very pleased with that result as well)
The response was very even all the way down the neck and the clarity is fantastic. The bridge pickup has great treble response which can be rolled off well with the tone control. Solos here literally scream. With the toggle switch in the middle position both pickups are activated and the tone opens up giving a nice quality for rhythm, there are some nice blues tones for solos here as well. The neck pickup has smooth, fat, tones very suitable for jazz and blues.
I am quite impressed with the balanced and articulated tones throughout and although there is only one tone control it is extremely efficient for all pickup positions. This guitar is very versatile and will translate all styles of music really well.
It is surely a sign of a great instrument when it sounds fantastic played "clean" straight through the amp however I found a great level of enhancement with everything I tried it through in my effects rack as well. Quite frankly, I found the MMP-1 to be flawless and inspirational to play.
Cort claim that their instruments are "designed by musicians for musicians" and this doesn't appear to be a mere slogan. I am always impressed by the fine craftsmanship of the Cort custom shop luthiers and their obvious attention to detail. The MMP-1, at $2395 including a plush, deluxe Cort case, is the highest end of the M Series, It is a professional guitar that doesn't appear to have many rivals in its price range. Cort are continuing to set extremely high standards in custom shop guitars for a very reasonable price.