Cort
Performer PE500
Acoustic· Korea acoustic workhorse
The Cort Performer PE500 is Korea's gigging acoustic workhorse — solid cedar top with mahogany back/sides, dreadnought body, and Fishman Presys+ electronics at a price that embarrasses Taylor and Martin entry models. Cort's Korean factory QC rivals Japanese production at two-thirds the price. The best value amplified acoustic on the market.
Best strings for Cort Performer PE500
Character-matched pairings, ordered by fit
Elixir
Nanoweb Phosphor Bronze
12–53 · $14.99
Nanoweb PB on Performer PE500 — coated longevity for touring Korean acoustic with Fishman electronics.
Brightness7
Warmth7
Sustain7
Durability9
Playability6
Value8
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D'Addario
EJ16 Phosphor Bronze
12–53 · $6.99
EJ16 on Cort PE500 — reference PB gauge for Korean gigging acoustic, balances cedar top brightness.
Brightness6
Warmth7
Sustain6
Durability4
Playability6
Value9
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Martin
Authentic Acoustic SP
12–54 · $7.99
Martin SP on Cort — American strings warm the Korean factory voicing toward Martin territory.
Brightness5
Warmth9
Sustain8
Durability4
Playability6
Value8
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More strings in this sonic family
Similar character, different brand or gauge
Newtone
Heritage Acoustic
12–54 · $14.99
Brightness6
Warmth9
Sustain8
Durability6
Playability7
Value6
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D'Addario
ETB92 Phosphor Bronze Baritone
13–62 · $9.99
Brightness4
Warmth7
Sustain8
Durability5
Playability3
Value7
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John Pearse
600L Phosphor Bronze
12–53 · $10.99
Brightness7
Warmth8
Sustain8
Durability5
Playability7
Value6
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Elixir
Nanoweb 80/20 Bronze
12–53 · $13.99
Brightness8
Warmth5
Sustain6
Durability9
Playability6
Value8
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Martin
MA540 Custom Light
11–52 · $7.49
Brightness7
Warmth8
Sustain7
Durability5
Playability8
Value8
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D'Addario
EJ17 Medium Phosphor Bronze
13–56 · $7.99
Brightness6
Warmth7
Sustain8
Durability4
Playability3
Value9
Read more