Birdsong Guitars CortoClassic

The corto classic is hand-built by a small, family-owned company in the United States. My model was made in the spring of 2006. This particular model is designed for those who are looking for a simple, single-pickup bass with only a volume control.

The neck is laminated maple with a unique contour that I've found helps me maintain proper playing position. It has a thick rosewood fretboard with 24 frets with a zero fret. It has a what I'd describe as a "longer short scale" of 31 inches.

Body on this particular model is a very dense poplar. Finish is natural (oil/poly mix) which the manufacturer states is for tonal reasons. I personally find it to be very attractive. They offer numerous body wood options.

String-through body brass (chrome plated) hipshot bridge, Gotoh tuners, switchcraft volume pot., EMG select passive humbucker, and an excellent hardshell case included.

There were numerous options available but after listening to sound samples I took the standard configuration and find it to be all that I want in a bass. Although it might seem a bit sparse to some, the list above warrant a high rating in this category.

I play mostly blues/rock with a little jazz thrown in. I play through a SWR Baby Blue (original) with no effects.

No noise. None.

I was expecting a bit darker sound, but was pleased when I found the sound to be warmer--tending toward bright. I have never played a bass that responded so well tonally to variations in finger pressure. It is amazing the range of sounds that I am able to get from such a simple bass. I have to admit that I was tentative about this at first--most short scale basses I have played tend to be a bit on the muddy end. This has a surprisingly piano-like sound. Incredible sustain.

The advantage of working with a small, customer-centric bass-player owned company is the conversations before you buy. I had a few e-mail conversations with the guy who built and set up the bass--and deferred to his judgement on action. The action is set at 2.5mm, which seemed a bit high to me, but he thought it fit the bass very well. And, well, he was right. It played great right out of the box. I've never had a bass that I didn't have to tinker with for weeks to get to play the way I wanted it--until now. This thing is fast and sweet.

These are handbuilt instruments made to be played--this is not a boutique bass that you'd be afraid to take on stage with you. The finish is natural. There are natural flaws in the wood (I'd call it "character"). The fit and finish where it matters is pefect (neck pocket, tuners, nut, bridge, etc.) It has great balance. But it still shows signs of being handbuilt--on my particular model the mother of pearl fret markers aren't pefectly aligned (they are where they are supposed to be, but slightly misaligned horizontally...)

One last thing--this bass balances incredibly well. No neck dive. Hardly notice it is even there.

Quality materials. Excellent attention to construction details. This bass is durable.

Oh, and when it got here I found it to be in tune. It travelled from Texas to the Northwest via UPS and the thing was still in tune. These things are incredibly stable.

The finish will wear off--it's not one of those 10 layers of clear plastic style finishes. I could care less--I like that worn look.

You can call and talk to the person who built your bass. I e-mailed birdsong about different pickup configurations on this model and they made and e-mailed me a custom CD to demonstrate the differences. I have every indication that they truly understand that taking care of the customer is the most important thing in running a business.

Comes with a 5 year warranty. I doubt I'll ever need it.

I've been playing bass for more than 25 years, and have owned or played a little of everything in that time. If you are looking for a short scale bass (or even a medium scale--this is close enough), prefer a simple single-pickup bass with quality build and components, then I'd encourage you to look at the Corto-classic. I was a bit hesitant buying a bass I never played in person, but the more questions I asked the more confident I became. I am extremely happy with my Corto-classic. (I'd say it was worth twice as much, but I want to keep the prices low in case I get an overwhelming desire to purchase a fretless model.) ;^)

This is a no-frills, players bass. One volume knob and no other controls. Excellent passive humbucker pickup. A player with a little experience and a good ear will be able to get a great number of tones out of this bass without having to thing about any controls. This bass is great for those who want to focus on their playing. NOTE: Birdsong does make other models with more features and controls and I bought this bass specifically because of its simplicity.

As stated above, this bass, if played properly, can offer a wide range of tones from very punchy to round and full. Finger-style players will be able to find excellent tones for rock, blues, jazz, swing and more. Pick-style players will find additonal tones that I don't look for. Can punch through or lay back with the full band.

Birdsong Guitars hand-builds each one of their instruments with care and obvious expertise. This bass weighs a little over 7 lbs., so it's great for long sets/nights. It has a 31 inch scale and a slim neck that makes the action super fast and smooth. Finish is a great satin-feel oil finish; the wood can be felt, seen and heard. The neck/body joint is tight and the bass was obviously assembled and checked; arrive in perfect playing shape and no adjustments needed on the aciton or setup. This bass kicks any factory-made short scale bass to the curb.

Have played it live with a very loud blues/rock band. No complaints, problems or issues of any kind. This little bass is a pro workhorse.

This is a small owner-operated company in Wimberly, TX. If you've ever been to the Texas Hill Country, then maybe you understand the good mojo from location alone. Scott and Jamie have always responded immediately to my questions before and after purchase, and they have a good thing going. You will find dealing with them a pleasant and personable experience.

I'm a 30 year vet of regular, small-time gigging and have owned many basses. I play short and medium scale basses exclusively, and Birdsong really has got it right. They make what they advertise; a pro-quality short scale bass. It is surper comfortable and lighthweight. And FUN to play too. I am currently talking with them about a fretless version of the same bass. This bass offers a chance to understand what Stanley Clark figured out over 30 years ago for a fraction of the cost of one of his signature basses; that the short scale has many valid uses and possibilities. www.birdsongguitars.com