In a move set to shake up the mid-range guitar market, Cort Guitars has officially announced the launch of the G290 Modern, a high-performance electric guitar designed to bridge the gap between affordable workhorses and high-end boutique instruments.
Building on the massive success of the G290 FAT, the new “Modern” iteration refines the formula for today’s session players and gigging musicians. By combining a pro-level HSS pickup configuration with premium hardware usually reserved for instruments twice the price, Cort is delivering a “do-it-all” platform that refuses to compromise on tone or playability.
Boutique Specs, Practical Design
At the heart of the G290 Modern is a distinct shift in materials designed for tonal balance and stability. The instrument features a bolt-on poplar body, a lightweight choice known for its balanced resonance, paired with a stunning roasted maple neck and fingerboard.
Ergo V profile
The roasting process (torrefaction) removes moisture and impurities, resulting in a neck that is rock-solid against humidity changes—a crucial feature for touring musicians. The neck is carved into Cort’s slim Ergo V profile, offering a fast, modern feel that transitions effortlessly from rhythm playing to high-speed solos.
Pro-Level Playability
Cort has loaded the fretboard with features typically found on custom shop models:
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Compound Radius (12”–15.75”): Allows for comfortable chording near the nut and low-action bends without “fretting out” in the upper registers.
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22 Stainless Steel Frets: Tall medium-jumbo frets ensure silky smooth bends and zero wear over years of heavy playing.
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Luminous Side Dots: Glow-in-the-dark markers make navigating the fretboard easy on dimly lit stages.
Sonic Versatility: One Guitar, Endless Tones
The “Modern” moniker is best represented by the electronics. The guitar moves away from the dual-humbucker layout of its predecessor to a highly versatile HSS layout:
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Bridge: A legendary Seymour Duncan TB4 (JB Model) humbucker provides the high-output punch and harmonic richness needed for rock, metal, and searing leads.
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Middle & Neck: Cort Voiced Tone VTS-63 single-coils deliver the glassiness, “quack,” and articulate sparkle required for clean passages, funk, and blues.
A 5-way switch and a push-pull tone knob (for coil-splitting the bridge humbucker) ensure players can access everything from thick, saturated drive tones to spanky, strat-style cleans without swapping instruments.
Hardware That Holds Up
Rounding out the spec sheet is the Cort CFA-III S tremolo, a recessed 2-point system that allows for pitch-perfect flutters and dives.
Paired with Cort staggered locking tuners and a self-lubricating Graph Tech Black TUSQ nut, the G290 Modern promises exceptional tuning stability even under aggressive whammy bar use.
Finish Options
The guitar is available now in three sophisticated finishes: Pale Graphite (PGR), Dusty Rose (DRS), and Military Beige (MBG).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the benefit of the roasted maple neck on the G290 Modern?
A: Roasting the maple increases the wood’s stability, making it highly resistant to temperature and humidity shifts. It also gives the neck a smoother, “played-in” feel and adds a snappy attack to the tone.
Q: Is the G290 Modern suitable for metal?
A: Absolutely. The Seymour Duncan TB4 bridge humbucker is a staple in rock and metal genres due to its high output and cutting midrange. However, the single coils also make it capable of handling pop, jazz, and funk, making it a true “Swiss Army Knife” guitar.
Q: Does the G290 Modern come with a gig bag?
A: Availability of gig bags can vary by retailer and region. It is best to check with your local dealer, but Cort instruments in this tier often provide excellent value, leaving budget room for a case of your choice.
Q: How does the “Ergo V” neck profile feel?
A: The Ergo V is designed to be slim but not “toothpick” thin. It fits the natural curve of the hand, providing enough grip for chords while staying out of the way for fast legato runs.
Guitar Bomb Conclusion: The Verdict
The Cort G290 Modern is a masterclass in smart manufacturing. By prioritizing the specs that actually affect the playing experience—stainless frets, locking tuners, and brand-name pickups—Cort has created an instrument that feels arguably “professional” right out of the box.
We loved the G250 SE, and the G290 Modern takes quality and value to the next level!
While the switch to a poplar body might deter tonewood purists who prefer ash or alder, the sonic difference is negligible when paired with high-quality electronics like the Duncan TB4. For the modern player who needs to cover Top 40, rock, and fusion gigs with a single axe, it is hard to find a better contender at this price point.
Value Score: 9/10
A near-perfect execution of modern features and versatility. If you are looking for boutique performance without the boutique tax, the G290 Modern is a winner.
Price & Availability
Available at Thomann – Pale Graphite, Military Beige, and Dusty Rose: €599 each
More Information
#Cort Guitars #G290 Modern
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