6 Best Alternatives to the Cort KX Series 700 Evertune Electric Guitar (2026)

How alternatives compare to Cort KX

Epiphone Les Paul Custom Alpine White

The Epiphone Les Paul Custom Alpine White swaps the Evertune bridge for a traditional stop bar tailpiece. You lose the automatic tuning stability of the Cort, but you gain a classic Les Paul feel. This model uses 490/498 humbuckers instead of the Seymour Duncan Sentient and Nazgûl set. The mahogany body remains similar, but the ash top is absent. It weighs 19.4 pounds, making it significantly heavier than the 6.61-pound Cort. You should choose this if you prefer classic tone and traditional hardware over modern tuning systems. The width is 15.8 inches, offering a different hand feel. It is best for players who value vintage aesthetics and reliable stop-bar performance.

ESP LTD James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte Black Satin

The ESP LTD James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte offers robust construction with high-output active pickups. Unlike the Cort’s passive humbuckers, these pickups provide a different tonal character suited for rhythm playing. The guitar weighs 25 pounds, which is much heavier than the Cort’s 6.61 pounds. You sacrifice lightweight comfort for increased sustain and tone stability. The width is 23 inches, which is wider than the Cort’s 13.8 inches. This model is not for those seeking a light instrument. It fits players who prioritize heavy metal tones and solid build quality. The black satin finish offers a distinct look compared to the Cort’s open pore black. Choose this if you need high output and do not mind the extra weight.

Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster HSS Floyd Rose

The Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster HSS Floyd Rose provides HSS versatility and tremolo stability. It uses a Floyd Rose bridge instead of the Evertune system, offering a different type of pitch bending capability. The pickup configuration is HSS, giving you single-coil and humbucker options, unlike the Cort’s dual humbuckers. This guitar weighs 13.9 pounds, which is heavier than the Cort. The width is 15.3 inches, providing a different neck feel. It suits players who need versatile tones and a stable tremolo. You give up the specific sustain of the mahogany body for Fender’s classic Stratocaster tone. It is ideal for those who value neck comfort and tonal variety over the Cort’s specific tuning stability features.

ESP LTD EC-1000 Evertune Black Satin

The ESP LTD EC-1000 Evertune Black Satin shares the Evertune bridge with the Cort, ensuring similar tuning stability. However, it uses active pickups instead of the Cort’s passive humbuckers. This model weighs 12 pounds, which is nearly double the weight of the Cort’s 6.61 pounds. The width is 16 inches, wider than the Cort’s 13.8 inches. It offers a dark look with a black finish. You should pick this if you like active pickups and a heavy, stable instrument. It is not for those seeking lightweight comfort. The build quality is robust, but the weight difference is significant. This guitar fits players who want Evertune stability with a different tonal profile provided by active electronics. It is a solid choice for black finish enthusiasts.

Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Cherry Red with Hard Case

The Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Cherry Red offers a classic semi-hollow design with a stop bar tailpiece. It lacks the Evertune bridge, so you do not get the same automatic tuning stability as the Cort. The model uses a stop bar, which is a traditional hardware choice. The width is 19.7 inches, making it wider than the Cort. This guitar fits players who want a classic semi-hollow tone and look without complex hardware. It is best for those who value vintage aesthetics and acoustic resonance over modern tuning systems. The cherry red finish provides a distinct visual appeal. You give up the Cort’s solid body sustain for the ES-355’s unique tonal character. Choose this if you prefer classic rock tones and traditional hardware.

ESP LTD EC-1000QM Piezo

The ESP LTD EC-1000QM Piezo offers piezo versatility for players who value tonal range over Evertune stability. It lacks the Evertune bridge, so tuning stability relies on traditional hardware. This model features piezo pickups, providing acoustic-electric hybrid capabilities. It weighs 10 pounds, which is lighter than the ESP LTD EC-1000 Evertune but heavier than the Cort. The width is 5 inches, which seems to be a measurement error in the data, but the length is 45 inches. It fits those who prioritize premium tonewoods and acoustic-electric hybrid capabilities. You give up the Cort’s specific tuning stability for expanded tonal options. Choose this if you need piezo versatility and do not require the Evertune system. It is ideal for players seeking acoustic sounds from an electric guitar.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Cort KX Series 700 Evertune

Best for: Players seeking tuning stability and classic tone

Body Material

Ash Top on Mahogany

Neck Material

5pcs Roasted Maple & Walnut

Fretboard Material

Ebony

Dimensions

5.91 × 13.8 × 41.3 inches

Weight

6.61 pounds

View on Amazon: Cort KX Series 700 Evertune Affiliate link

The Cort KX Series 700 features an ash top on a mahogany body and an EverTune bridge for consistent tuning stability. It uses a Seymour Duncan Sentient and Nazgûl humbucker set for tone. The neck combines roasted maple and walnut, while stainless steel frets and an ebony fingerboard offer durability. This full-size guitar weighs 6.61 pounds and measures 13.8 inches wide.

Pros

• EverTune bridge for automatic tuning stability
• Seymour Duncan Sentient and Nazgûl humbuckers
• Stainless steel frets on ebony fingerboard
• Ash top on mahogany body construction

Cons

• Heavier at 6.61 pounds compared to some alternatives
• Only one volume and one tone control
• Fixed 3-way selector switch limits coil splitting

Good fit if

• You need reliable tuning stability without manual adjustment
• You prefer the sustain of mahogany with an ash top
• You want durable stainless steel frets

Skip if

• You prefer lighter instruments under 6 pounds
• You need multiple tone controls for varied sounds
• You require coil-splitting capabilities

Verdict: Cort KX Series 700 Evertune suits players who prioritize tuning stability and classic humbucker tone. It fits those who value the durability of stainless steel frets and the sustain of a mahogany body with an ash top.

2 Also great

Epiphone Les Paul Custom Alpine White

Best for: classic Les Paul tone seekers

Pickup Configuration

Gibson 490/498 Humbucker set

Dimensions

43.8 × 15.8 × 5.91 inches

Weight

19.4 pounds

View on Amazon: Epiphone Les Paul Custom Alpine White Affiliate link

This Epiphone Les Paul Custom features a two-piece maple top over solid mahogany. It uses the Gibson 490/498 Humbucker set for tone. The long neck tenon aims for maximum sustain. It weighs 19.4 pounds and measures 43.8 inches long. You get Alpine White finish options. It suits players seeking classic Les Paul specs without the Evertune bridge.

Pros

• Gibson 490/498 Humbucker pickup set
• Two-piece maple top over solid mahogany body
• Long neck tenon for sustain
• Alpine White finish option

Cons

• Heavier at 19.4 pounds
• No Evertune bridge system
• Fixed bridge hardware

Good fit if

• You want Gibson-style pickups
• You prefer classic Les Paul weight
• You like the Alpine White look

Skip if

• You need Evertune tuning stability
• You prefer lightweight instruments
• You want a Stratocaster style

Verdict: Epiphone Gibson Custom Les Paul Custom offers classic specs. It fits players who value the 490/498 tone and mahogany body over modern tuning systems.

3 Best premium

ESP LTD James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte Black Satin

Best for: rhythm players seeking high output

Body Material

Mahogany

Neck Material

Three-piece mahogany

Fretboard Material

Ebony

Number of Frets

22

Scale Length

24.75"

Dimensions

53 × 23 × 6 inches

View on Amazon: ESP LTD James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte Black Satin Affiliate link

This ESP LTD model is a James Hetfield signature guitar with a mahogany body and set-neck construction. It features a 24.75-inch scale length and an ebony fingerboard with 22 extra-jumbo frets. The instrument uses active EMG JH SET pickups and a TonePros locking bridge. It weighs 25 pounds. This setup suits players seeking high-output tones and specific ergonomic traits for heavy music styles.

Pros

• Set-neck mahogany construction for sustain
• Active EMG JH SET pickups
• Ebony fingerboard with 22 extra-jumbo frets
• TonePros locking bridge and tailpiece

Cons

• Heavier build at 25 pounds
• Active pickups require battery power
• Fixed bridge limits vibrato flexibility

Good fit if

• You prefer the sustain of set-neck construction
• You want active pickups for high output
• You like ebony fingerboards for speed

Skip if

• You need a lightweight instrument under 20 pounds
• You prefer passive pickups for vintage tones
• You require a floating tremolo system

Verdict: The ESP LTD James Hetfield Signature Snakebyte offers robust construction and high-output active pickups. It fits rhythm players who prioritize sustain and tone stability over lightweight comfort.

4 Best budget

Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster HSS Floyd Rose

Best for: players needing HSS versatility and tremolo stability

Neck Material

Modern "C" neck (not specified)

Fretboard Material

12" radius fingerboard (not specified)

Pickup Configuration

HSS

Dimensions

42.1 × 15.3 × 4.7 inches

Weight

13.9 pounds

View on Amazon: Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster HSS Floyd Rose Affiliate link

This Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster features an HSS pickup configuration with a bridge humbucker and noiseless single-coils. It includes a Floyd Rose Special tremolo system for stable pitch changes and a coil-split control for versatile tones. The Modern C neck offers rolled edges for comfort. It comes in a bundle with a gig bag, strap, cable, and cleaning kit, weighing 13.9 pounds.

Pros

• HSS pickup configuration with a bridge humbucker and noiseless Strat pickups
• Floyd Rose Special tremolo system with double-locking design
• Coil-split tone control on the second knob for single-coil tones
• Modern C neck with rolled edges and 12-inch radius fingerboard

Cons

• Heavier build at 13.9 pounds compared to standard Stratocasters
• Floyd Rose system requires more setup complexity than fixed bridges
• Bundle includes gig bag rather than a hard case for protection

Good fit if

• You want versatile tones from HSS pickups with coil-splitting
• You need a stable tremolo system for pitch changes
• You prefer a comfortable Modern C neck profile

Skip if

• You prefer a lighter guitar under 8 pounds
• You want a hard case included in the bundle
• You dislike the complexity of a double-locking tremolo

Verdict: Fender Player II Modified Strat HSS Floyd Rose suits players who need versatile tones and a stable tremolo. It fits those who value a comfortable neck and do not mind a heavier instrument.

5 Best black

ESP LTD EC-1000 Evertune Black Satin

Best for: Black finish players needing stable tuning

Body Material

mahogany

Neck Material

mahogany

Fretboard Material

ebony

Pickup Configuration

2 active humbucking pickups

Body Type

solidbody

Color

Black

View on Amazon: ESP LTD EC-1000 Evertune Black Satin Affiliate link

The ESP LTD EC-1000 Evertune BB is a solidbody electric guitar with a mahogany body and mahogany neck. It features an ebony fingerboard and a maple top. The instrument includes two active humbucking pickups. It measures 44 inches in length and weighs 12 pounds. This setup suits players seeking a stable tuning platform with a dark aesthetic and robust construction.

Pros

• Mahogany body and neck for resonance
• Ebony fingerboard for smooth playability
• Maple top for tonal brightness
• Two active humbucking pickups

Cons

• 12-pound weight may cause fatigue
• Black satin finish shows fingerprints
• Active pickups require battery power

Good fit if

• You want stable tuning with Evertune
• You prefer a black finish
• You need active humbucking tone

Skip if

• You prefer passive pickups
• You want a lighter instrument
• You need a glossy finish

Verdict: ESP LTD EC-1000 Evertune BB Black is a heavy, stable guitar for players who need reliable tuning. It fits those who like active pickups and a dark look. It is not for those seeking lightweight comfort.

6 Also great

Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Cherry Red with Hard Case

Best for: players wanting a classic semi-hollow with a stop bar

Dimensions

47.2 × 19.7 × 6.3 inches

View on Amazon: Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Cherry Red with Hard Case Affiliate link

The Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1959 ES-355 is a full-size semi-hollow electric guitar in Cherry Red. It features a gold-plated lightweight aluminum stop bar tailpiece and a long neck tenon for stability. Multi-ply binding adds visual detail. This model includes a hardshell case. It suits players seeking a classic Les Paul-style aesthetic with a distinct semi-hollow body shape.

Pros

• Gold-plated lightweight aluminum stop bar tailpiece
• Long neck tenon for structural stability
• Includes a hardshell case
• Multi-ply binding on the body

Cons

• Fixed stop bar tailpiece lacks the vibrato range of Floyd Rose or Evertune systems
• Full-size body may be heavier than compact alternatives
• No piezo or electronic switching options listed in specifications

Good fit if

• You want a classic semi-hollow look with a stop bar
• You prefer the included hardshell case for protection
• You like the 1959 Les Paul aesthetic but want a double-cutaway

Skip if

• You need a tremolo system for dive bombs
• You require piezo acoustic-electric hybrid capabilities
• You prefer a solid-body construction over semi-hollow

Verdict: Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Cherry Red offers a stable build with a stop bar tailpiece. It fits players who want a classic semi-hollow tone and look without complex hardware.

7 Also great

ESP LTD EC-1000QM Piezo

Best for: players wanting piezo versatility

Body Material

mahogany

Fretboard Material

ebony

Dimensions

45 × 5 × 17 inches

Weight

10 pounds

View on Amazon: ESP LTD EC-1000QM Piezo Affiliate link

This ESP LTD model features a mahogany body with a quilt maple top and an ebony fretboard. It includes two humbucking pickups and a Fishman Powerbridge piezo system for acoustic-like tones. The guitar weighs 10 pounds and measures 45 inches in length. It suits players seeking versatile sound options with a classic EC-style shape and premium tonewoods.

Pros

• Mahogany body construction
• Fishman Powerbridge piezo system
• Ebony fretboard
• Quilt maple top

Cons

• 10-pound weight is heavy
• Piezo system adds complexity
• Limited to EC-style body shape

Good fit if

• You want piezo versatility
• You prefer mahogany bodies
• You like ebony fretboards

Skip if

• You need Evertune stability
• You prefer lighter guitars
• You want standard humbuckers only

Verdict: ESP LTD EC-1000QM Piezo offers piezo versatility for players who value tonal range over Evertune stability. It fits those who prioritize premium tonewoods and acoustic-electric hybrid capabilities in a classic EC shape.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• allset 700 professional electric drum alternatives
• weston pro series electric meat alternatives