This is the shorter version of this review. If you want to dig deeper, you may want to switch to my In-Depth review.

The Cort CR250 is a hidden gem in the world of guitars, offering vintage aesthetics and sound reminiscent of the iconic Gibson Les Paul, but without the hefty price tag. For those seeking a classic rock vibe on a budget, the CR250 could be the perfect fit.

A Search for Vintage Vibes

As a fan of blues, rock, and jazz, I’d long admired the Gibson Les Paul for its rich tone and legendary status. However, with a price tag upwards of $2500 USD, the Les Paul was out of reach. My initial search led me to Epiphone, but I found their offerings underwhelming in terms of quality and sound. It was clear I needed to look elsewhere.

Enter Cort and Cor-Tek

Cort guitars, manufactured by Cor-Tek in Indonesia, aren’t as widely recognized as other brands, but they’re quietly produced by one of the largest and most respected manufacturers in the industry. Cor-Tek’s combination of precision machinery and skilled craftsmanship results in high-quality guitars at more accessible prices. Despite my initial hesitation about the brand, I decided to explore Cort’s Classic Rock series, known as CR, which aims to capture the vintage feel of guitars like the Les Paul.

First Impressions of the CR250

I discovered the Cort CR250 online and decided to check it out in person at a local distributor. The Vintage Sunburst finish immediately caught my eye. When I picked up the guitar, I was impressed by its solid feel and evident craftsmanship. The frets were smooth, the binding was clean, and the overall quality was far beyond what I expected in its price range. Plugging it into an amp confirmed that this guitar had the rich, resonant tone I was looking for, making the decision to buy it an easy one.

Build Quality and Design

The CR250 features a mahogany body with a set neck, a combination that enhances sustain and resonance. The gloss urethane finish allows the wood grain to show through, with a deep, dark red hue that adds to its vintage appeal. The design is clearly inspired by the Les Paul, with subtle differences like a slightly more pointed lower horn and a modified headstock to avoid legal issues with Gibson. The guitar’s neck, while not designed for shredding, is comfortable and perfect for playing blues and rock.

Hardware and Pickups

Equipped with a Graph Tech Nubone nut and a fixed Tune-O-Matic bridge, the CR250 is designed for stability and reliability. The Voiced Tone VTH-59 humbuckers are the real stars here, designed to emulate the vintage sound of Gibson’s PAF pickups. These pickups deliver a warm, dynamic tone with a powerful output, making the guitar versatile across various genres.

The tuning pegs, while not the most premium-looking, do their job well, and I didn’t feel the need to upgrade them. The overall hardware setup on the CR250 is solid, contributing to the guitar’s excellent playability and sound quality.

The Sound Experience

When I plugged the CR250 into my rig, I was immediately struck by its warm resonance and long sustain. The guitar excels in classic rock and blues, delivering a robust, fat tone that’s both satisfying and versatile. The tone controls are responsive, allowing for a wide range of sounds from bright and sharp to mellow and warm. Whether clean or overdriven, the CR250 performs well, offering a balanced tone that works in various musical contexts.

Price and Value

One of the most impressive aspects of the Cort CR250 is its price. At just over $400 USD, this guitar offers incredible value. It’s comparable to much more expensive models, providing superior craftsmanship and sound quality at a fraction of the cost. In a market where budget often means compromise, the CR250 stands out as a guitar that doesn’t sacrifice quality for affordability.

Final Thoughts

The Cort CR250 may not have the brand recognition of a Gibson or Fender, but it delivers where it counts—in sound, build quality, and playability. For anyone seeking a vintage-style guitar that offers excellent value for money, the CR250 is a fantastic option. It’s perfect for blues, rock, and jazz players who want a guitar that looks and sounds the part without breaking the bank.

Pros:

• Excellent build quality
• Vintage look and feel
• Versatile, powerful sound
• Great value for the price

Cons:

• Limited brand recognition
• Some hardware components may feel less premium

If you’re in the market for a guitar that offers classic vibes without the classic price, the Cort CR250 is definitely worth considering. It’s a hidden gem that proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great guitar.

Specs:

CONSTRUCTION: Set-Neck
BODY: Mahogany
NUT WIDTH: 1.65″ (42 mm)
TOP: Flamed Maple
NECK: Mahogany
BINDING: Cream
FRETBOARD: Jatoba (Radius: 12″ (305 mm))
FRETS: 22
SCALE: 24.75″ (628 mm)
INLAY: Rectangular White Pearl
TUNERS: Vintage
BRIDGE: Tune-O-Matic w/ Stop Tailpiece
PICKUPS: Voiced Tone VTH-59
ELECTRONICS: 2 Volume & 2 Tone, 3-Way Switch
HARDWARE: Nickel
STRINGS: D’Addario® EXL110
SPECIAL: Graph Tech® Nubone Nut