Cort KX508MS II Marina Blue Burst
The Cort KX508MS II delivers an unusually versatile pickup system and a useful extended-range layout for its price. Quality-control reports are mixed, so inspect the frets and confirm your preferred string gauges fit before committing.
★★★★☆ 4.4/5 · 15 buyer reviews · 6 min read · updated 2026-10-07 · Tested by Cal Whitaker
Cort KX508MS II Marina Blue Burst review
The Cort KX508MS II is an eight-string electric guitar built for players who want extended range without giving up a familiar electric-guitar feel. Its fanned frets pair a 26.5-inch scale on the treble side with a 28-inch scale on the bass side. That longer reach helps keep low strings firm, while the fan can feel unfamiliar for the first few minutes. Several players report adjusting quickly, particularly when playing riffs and single-note lines.
At a listed price of 815, the KX508MS II offers a distinctive combination of multiscale construction, active Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers, and locking tuners. It weighs relatively little for an extended-range instrument, according to owners, though one player notes some neck heaviness. Individual examples also drew reports of fret and finish issues, so a careful inspection and setup matter.
Construction and playability
The body is made from okoume with a poplar top, finished in Marina Blue Burst. Owners describe the finish as darker and less saturated than product photos suggest. Some like its satin, open-grain character; others prefer a smoother, fully clear-coated surface. Reports vary on finish quality, from examples described as flawless to minor surface marks and rough patches.
A five-piece maple and amaranth neck is bolted to the body. The ebony fingerboard has teardrop inlays, a 400 mm radius, and 24 fanned frets. Its nut measures 56.5 mm across, a substantial width that comes with the territory on an eight-string guitar. Players praise the slim neck profile and fast fingerboard, and some say the multiscale layout became comfortable quickly. Reaching the highest frets on the thickest strings can take more effort because of the wide neck.
Setup quality is the main caution. Multiple owners report uneven or sharp fret ends, fret buzz, or isolated notes with reduced sustain. These problems were not universal, but they appear often enough to make a close inspection worthwhile. A professional setup may address action and intonation, while uneven frets can require additional work. One player also found the body edge uncomfortable against the forearm during longer sessions.
Pickups, controls, and hardware
The two active Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers are the guitar's central feature. Players consistently praise their clarity, especially on the low strings, and describe a wide range of usable tones. Owners report using the voice options for high-output sounds, more passive-style response, and clearer single-coil-like tones. The volume and tone controls, along with a three-way switch, provide access to the available pickup combinations. The exact switching layout is worth checking before purchase if a particular voice or coil configuration is essential.
Locking tuners earn strong marks for stability, including in low tunings. The hardtail bridge anchors strings through the body, with no tremolo. There is no case or gig bag included. The instrument uses an active pickup system, so it needs a working battery; at least one buyer received a guitar with a depleted battery and initially thought it was faulty.
String changes can be fiddly because the bridge saddles sit at an angle to the string openings. More importantly, some owners have found that the tuner hole or nut slot will not accept thicker strings without adjustment. The supplied set is listed as D'Addario NYXL 0980, but one reported guitar arrived with a thinner low string than expected. Check the actual strings and fit before ordering replacements, especially if you plan to use a heavy gauge.
Verdict
The Cort KX508MS II makes a persuasive case for an affordable eight-string multiscale guitar. Its long bass-side scale, stable locking tuners, and versatile Fishman pickups give it the range and clarity players want for low tunings, while owners also report using it for clean sounds and styles beyond metal. Its relatively low weight and quick neck help make the transition from a six-string less daunting than the extra width might suggest.
Quality control is the deciding factor. Many players received a satisfying instrument and kept it as a main guitar, but reports of fretwork flaws, finish imperfections, a tight output jack, and string-fit limitations deserve attention. At 815, the feature set is compelling if the individual guitar is well finished and properly set up. Inspect the frets, test the jack, confirm the battery and string gauges, and budget for professional adjustment if needed.
Shipping and duties
The retailer ships from its warehouse in Germany. Prices are shown in US dollars and do not include import duties. Orders under roughly $800 usually clear US customs without duty; above that, a duty of a few percent may be collected on delivery. 30-day money-back and a 3-year warranty apply.
Scores by area
Where it shines, where it stumbles
What convinced me
- Fishman Fluence Modern pickups offer clear low-string response and several distinct tonal voices.
- The 26.5-inch to 28-inch multiscale design supports low tunings, and reviewers often found the fanned frets easy to adjust to.
- Locking tuners, a lightweight body, and a comfortable, slim neck add practical value.
What bugged me
- Multiple reviewers reported inconsistent fretwork, including sharp fret ends, uneven frets, or isolated buzzing and sustain problems.
- The output jack can grip the cable too tightly, and some owners found the neck balance head-heavy.
- The nut and string openings may not accommodate some heavier string gauges without adjustment.
Is it the right one for you?
Good pick if
A strong fit for players exploring extended-range guitar, low tunings, and modern metal or progressive styles. Also appealing to buyers who want versatile active pickups and are willing to inspect or adjust the setup.Look elsewhere if
Not ideal for buyers who expect flawless fretwork and a perfect setup straight from the box. Consider another option if you need included case protection or use especially heavy strings without modification.Suggested level: Intermediate
Specifications
- Color
- Blue
- Body
- Okoume
- Top
- Poplar
- Neck
- Maple, Amaranth
- Fretboard
- ebony
- Frets
- 24
- Scale length
- 711 mm
- Pickup
- HH
- Tremolo
- No
- Including case
- No
- Incl. gigbag
- No
- Number of strings
- 8
- Style
- ST
- Long scale
- 711 mm
What other players say
Owners commonly praise the Fishman Fluence Modern pickups for their clarity and range, along with the locking tuners, attractive finish, and comfortable feel for an eight-string guitar. Many report that the multiscale layout becomes easy to play with brief adjustment and appreciate the value compared with similarly equipped instruments. Negative experiences center on inconsistent fretwork and finish details; some also mention neck-heavy balance, a tight output jack, setup issues, and difficulty fitting certain heavy strings. Several buyers remain very satisfied, but the reports suggest checking the specific instrument on arrival.
Pickups are great sounding in all voices, really crisp tone.
Very light guitar for an extended scale.
The Fishman pickups sound huge and the coil taps/push-pull knobs give a lot of possibilities for tonal variety.
Up close
Watch and listen
Before you decide
Questions players ask
Is this a good first eight-string guitar?
Several owners moved from six strings to this model and found the transition manageable. The wider neck and fanned frets still require adjustment, especially for chord work and access to the lower strings.
How versatile are the pickups?
Owners report a broad range of sounds, from tight, clear tones for low-tuned riffs to cleaner sounds. The controls provide multiple pickup voices, including a single-coil-style option.
Can it handle very low tunings?
The multiscale length extends to 28 inches, and reviewers praised its tuning stability and clarity on low strings. Check string gauge fit carefully, since some owners reported that thicker strings did not pass through the nut or tuner openings.
Should I expect to need a setup?
A setup may be needed to suit your playing style and tuning. Some reviewers also reported uneven or sharp fretwork, buzzing, or isolated sustain issues, so inspect the instrument rather than assuming every unit is finished identically.
Does it include a case or gig bag?
No. The listed specifications say that neither a case nor a gig bag is included.
The last word from the bench
This eight-string guitar pairs Fishman Fluence Modern pickups with a 26.5-inch to 28-inch multiscale design that owners praise for low-tuned clarity and tonal range. Its locking tuners and generally comfortable neck make the format approachable, even for some players moving up from six strings. However, recurring reports of fretwork flaws, cable-jack resistance, and limited clearance for some heavy strings make a careful inspection worthwhile. It is a strong value when the individual instrument is well finished and set up for your tuning.
Hanging next to it
Cort KX508MS II Marina Blue Burst
Today's price and delivery time are shown at the retailer.
Guitar Gear Reviews