As of late, there are extra superstrats than you’ll be able to shake a stick at, however a current development towards natural-finish variations of this excessive efficiency idea are making information. Cort’s entry is the brand new X700 Triality, a double-cut with an open-pore end that provides to its natural really feel, excellent for gamers who need sophistication with their shred.

The X700 has a swamp-ash physique and a sunburst-stained part on its face. The roasted neck (25.5″ scale) is laminate maple/walnut, whereas the fretboard is roasted maple with black dots and Luminlay aspect dots. A floating Cort CFA-III Tremolo and locking tuners maintain tune, aided by a headstock that tilts again barely. A rounded bolt-on heel and easy-access truss add to the daredevil options.

Electronics are based mostly on its Fishman Open Core Traditional Humbucker and Single Width pickups, which provides the S/S/H sounds which were part of rock for 40 years. There are additionally pull pots for Quantity and Tone that give an overwound single-coil sound within the bridge or a classic PAF tone; as a substitute of the 5 pickup positions, the Triality brings seven.
The X700’s neck carve is a shallow, wide-D form with a flatter radius (15.75″) that delivers all of the velocity and thrills, particularly if you happen to’re a fan of technical wizards like Guthrie Govan, Greg Howe, and Mark Lettieri. Frets and fretboard are immaculately arrange for fast legato runs and tips. The physique can be light-weight, making for simpler gigging, and exuding a top-oriented tone. Via an amp with crunchy acquire, massive tone gained’t be a problem, however if you happen to’re on the lookout for bassier resonance, you’ll need to preserve exploring.

Roasted-neck solidbodies are eminently hip today, and producers preserve driving down the value level. Within the case of the X700 Triality, we’ve got a flashy performer that additionally delivers the sensual really feel of open-pore wooden.

This text initially appeared in VG’s July 2024 situation. All copyrights are by the writer and Classic Guitar journal. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.