Cort Released the New KX500 Baritone Guitar
The Indonesian-made electric guitar features a 28.03-inch scale length and humbucking pickups.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Metal
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Cort has introduced the KX500 Baritone, a six-string electric guitar designed to meet the growing demand for lower-tuned instruments. The model features professional-grade components including Seymour Duncan humbucking pickups.
Why it matters
The model aims to capitalize on the rising popularity of baritone guitars among metal musicians looking for extended range and tuning stability. It represents the latest development from a manufacturer that has produced millions of instruments over the past half-century.
Cort has reached a historic milestone with 20 million total instruments shipped as of 2023. The new KX500 Baritone carries a retail price of $929.99 and weighs 3.1 kilograms.
The players
Cort
Cort is a major musical instrument manufacturer that has produced millions of guitars for various brands and its own label since its founding.
Seymour Duncan
Seymour Duncan is a well-known manufacturer of high-quality guitar pickups and musical accessories used by professionals worldwide.
The details
The KX500 Baritone is equipped with 24 jumbo stainless steel frets and a 28.03-inch scale length for optimal tension. The instrument features a five-piece roasted maple and walnut bolt-on neck, with tone shaping controlled via a three-way toggle and a push-pull coil-split knob.
Timeline
Cort began manufacturing guitars in 1973.
The manufacturer had shipped 20 million instruments total by 2023.
The KX500 Baritone model was officially released on October 1, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The introduction of the KX500 Baritone follows the broader industry trend of mass-producing professional-grade extended-scale instruments for the metal market. This release positions Cort to compete directly against premium boutique brands by offering high-spec features at a mid-tier price point.
At a retail price of $929.99, the KX500 Baritone provides consumers with a factory-ready extended-range instrument that avoids the need for immediate custom modifications. Musicians can expect the 28.03-inch scale length to facilitate lower tunings without sacrificing string tension or playability.
The takeaway
Guitarists interested in exploring lower tunings should prioritize models with longer scale lengths to maintain proper string tension. The combination of stainless steel frets and roasted maple necks significantly improves the long-term durability and maintenance requirements of the instrument.
Further reading
For more on the latest hardware trends in heavy music, visit the Metal section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Guitarworld.
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