Cort Space 5 Star Dust Black Headless 5-String Bass Guitar, (Used)

The Cort Space 5 in Star Dust Black is a modern headless 5-string bass guitar designed for players who want extended-range low end, compact ergonomics and versatile active tone control. With its lightweight headless design, Bartolini electronics and bold Star Dust Black finish, the Space 5 is built for bassists who need a comfortable, stage-ready instrument that stands out visually and performs across a wide range of styles.

This pre-owned Cort Space 5 is listed in Very Good condition, meaning it shows some cosmetic wear consistent with careful ownership but remains fully functional and ready to play. It comes with a gigbag and weighs 8 lbs, making it a practical option for players who want a modern 5-string bass that remains manageable for rehearsals, gigs, studio sessions and extended playing time.

The Space 5 combines a compact body shape with headless hardware, a 7-piece roasted maple, purpleheart and walnut neck, Bartolini MK-1 pickups and an active 3-band EQ. Cort designed the Space 5 to deliver strong balance, tuning stability and a more controlled playing experience, especially for bassists who want a modern alternative to a traditional full-sized 5-string bass.

Condition Overview

Very Good Condition

This Cort Space 5 is in Very Good condition. This means it shows some cosmetic wear consistent with careful ownership, but remains fully functional and ready to play.

Very Good condition is ideal for players who want a clean, reliable pre-owned 5-string bass that has been looked after and is ready for regular use.

What’s Included?

✔ Cort Space 5 Star Dust Black Headless 5-String Bass Guitar
✔ Gigbag

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

This bass is listed in Very Good condition, so it shows light signs of previous use such as small marks, minor surface scratches or general handling wear.

The bass weighs 8 lbs.

No faults, repairs or modifications have been supplied for this listing. The bass has been checked for playability and functionality before sale.

Fair Deal Inspection & Assessment

This pre-owned Cort Space 5 has been inspected and assessed by the Fair Deal Music team before being offered for sale.

Our checks include:

• Electronics tested
• Bartolini pickups checked
• Active EQ tested
• Output jack tested
• Controls checked
• Frets inspected
• Headless tuning system checked
• Individual bridge units checked
• Neck relief assessed
• General playability assessed
• Weight noted at 8 lbs
• Gigbag checked for basic usability

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned bass guitars at Fair Deal Music are set up and checked before leaving the shop.

This Cort Space 5 has been assessed for playability, with the following checked:

• Action checked
• Neck relief checked
• Frets inspected
• Tuning stability checked
• Electronics tested
• Hardware checked
• Headless bridge and tuning system checked

Please note that guitar and bass setup can sometimes shift slightly during delivery due to changes in temperature and humidity. We take this into account during our checks, but wood can naturally move in transit.

Why Choose The Cort Space 5?

Modern Headless 5-String Design

The Cort Space 5 is built around a headless format, giving it a compact feel and excellent playing balance. Without a traditional headstock, the bass feels more controlled whether seated or standing, reducing neck dive and making long sessions more comfortable.

Strong Low-End With Extended Range

As a 5-string bass, the Space 5 gives players access to an extended lower register. This makes it especially useful for modern styles, worship music, metal, funk, pop, fusion, R&B and session work where low B string range is needed.

Bartolini MK-1 Pickups

The Space 5 is fitted with Bartolini MK-1 pickups, giving it a strong tonal foundation with punchy mids, clear highs and a balanced low end. Cort highlights these pickups as part of the Space 5’s versatile tone platform, making it suitable for a wide range of playing styles.

Active 3-Band EQ

The active 3-band EQ gives players control over bass, mid and treble frequencies directly from the instrument. This is especially useful for live performance and studio work, where small tonal adjustments can help the bass sit better in the mix.

7-Piece Roasted Maple, Purpleheart And Walnut Neck

The Space 5 features a 7-piece roasted maple, purpleheart and walnut neck, designed to support stability, definition and a fast playing feel. Cort describes this neck construction as helping provide tight mids and well-defined highs, which are important for clarity on a modern 5-string bass.

Specially Designed Headless Hardware

Cort developed the headpiece and individual bridge units specifically for the Space 5. This gives the bass a compact, stable and practical headless system designed for tuning stability and easy handling.

Star Dust Black Finish

The Star Dust Black finish gives the Space 5 a bold modern look that suits its headless design. It feels contemporary without being overly flashy, making it a strong choice for players who want something visually different from a traditional bass.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Cort Space 5 vs Ibanez EHB Series

The Ibanez EHB series is one of the closest modern alternatives, offering headless ergonomics, lightweight construction and active electronics. The Cort Space 5 offers a strong-value alternative with Bartolini MK-1 pickups, active 3-band EQ and Cort’s distinctive body design. Choose the Cort if you want a modern headless 5-string with clear value and a slightly different visual identity.

Cort Space 5 vs Ibanez SRMS805

The Ibanez SRMS805 uses a multiscale design, while the Cort Space 5 uses a headless layout with a compact balanced body. The Ibanez is aimed at players who specifically want fanned-fret tension balance, while the Cort is better suited to players who want a more compact headless bass with straightforward 5-string playability.

Cort Space 5 vs Traditional 5-String Jazz Bass

A traditional 5-string Jazz Bass gives players a familiar full-sized body, passive-style character and classic ergonomics. The Cort Space 5 feels more modern, compact and balanced, with active EQ and headless hardware. Choose the Cort if comfort, portability and modern tone shaping are priorities.

Cort Space 5 vs Cort Artisan B5

The Cort Artisan B5 is a more traditional full-scale 5-string bass format, while the Space 5 moves into a compact headless design. Both are modern Cort basses, but the Space 5 is the better choice for players who want reduced overall length, improved balance and a more contemporary look.

Who Is It For?

Beginner Players

The Cort Space 5 is best suited to committed beginners who specifically want to start on a 5-string bass. Its balanced design and manageable 8 lbs weight help make it more approachable than many heavier extended-range basses.

Intermediate Players

Intermediate players will benefit from the active EQ, Bartolini pickups and headless comfort. It is a strong upgrade from a basic bass and offers the flexibility needed for rehearsals, recording and live work.

Professional Players

Professional players will appreciate the Space 5 as a compact, reliable and modern 5-string bass for stage and studio use. Its active electronics, balanced design and extended range make it suitable for players who need versatility without excessive size or weight.

Suitable Genres And Uses

This Cort Space 5 is well suited to:

• Modern rock
• Funk
• Fusion
• Pop
• Worship music
• Metal
• Progressive styles
• R&B
• Soul
• Session work
• Studio recording
• Live performance
• Players wanting a compact 5-string bass
• Bassists looking for a headless instrument

Why Choose A Headless 5-String Bass?

A headless 5-string bass is designed to solve several practical issues that players often experience with traditional extended-range basses. Standard 5-string basses can be long, heavy and prone to neck dive, especially during longer rehearsals or gigs. A headless design removes the headstock and shifts the balance closer to the body, helping the instrument feel more controlled.

This can make a major difference on stage. A more balanced bass reduces shoulder fatigue, helps with playing posture and makes the instrument easier to move around with. The compact format is also useful for travel, storage, smaller stages and players who want a modern instrument without unnecessary bulk.

The Cort Space 5 adds active electronics and Bartolini pickups to that ergonomic format, giving players both physical comfort and flexible tone shaping. For modern bassists who need low B range, strong balance and direct tonal control, it is a highly practical choice.

Looking for advice on choosing the right 5-string bass, headless bass or modern active bass setup? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

Story & Context: Cort Space 5

The Cort Space 5 brings Cort’s headless bass concept into a modern 5-string format. Cort helped pioneer headless guitar and bass design during the 1980s with its original Space line, and the modern Space 5 revisits that innovative spirit with updated hardware, electronics and ergonomic design.

The current Space 5 is designed for players who want a compact, balanced and performance-ready bass with modern features. With Bartolini electronics, specially designed headless hardware and a visually striking Star Dust Black finish, it offers a strong alternative to more conventional full-sized bass guitars.

For bassists who want something forward-thinking but still practical, the Cort Space 5 is a serious option.

Technical Specifications

Power Requirements

The Cort Space 5 uses active electronics and requires a battery for the onboard EQ system.

For normal use, connect the bass to a suitable bass amplifier, audio interface or DI box using a standard 1/4" instrument cable. Unplug the cable after playing to help preserve battery life.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Fair Deal Music is a family-run independent music retailer founded in 1987 and is Birmingham’s largest independent music store. With over 6,000 Excellent Trustpilot reviews, we have built our reputation on honest advice, strong product knowledge and reliable service for musicians across the UK.

When buying a pre-owned bass guitar from Fair Deal Music, you benefit from a team that checks instruments before they leave the shop. Our staff are musicians themselves and can offer advice by phone, online or in-store, whether you are choosing your first 5-string bass, comparing active electronics or looking for a modern headless instrument for stage and studio use.

We offer fast UK delivery, secure online ordering and a large Birmingham showroom where you can browse new, used and vintage basses, guitars, amps, pedals, keyboards, drums, PA equipment and accessories. We also buy, sell and trade pre-owned gear, helping musicians upgrade, part-exchange or sell used instruments with confidence.

FAQ

Is a headless bass comfortable to play?

Yes. A headless bass can feel very comfortable because the design improves balance and reduces the pull of a traditional headstock. This is especially useful for longer rehearsals, gigs and standing performance.

Is a 5-string bass harder to play than a 4-string?

A 5-string bass has a wider neck and an extra low B string, so it can take some adjustment. The benefit is extended low-end range, which is useful for modern styles, worship music, metal, funk and session work.

Is the Cort Space 5 suitable for live performance?

Yes. The active EQ, Bartolini pickups and balanced headless design make it a strong choice for live bass players who need flexible tone and comfortable handling.

Can this bass be used for recording?

Yes. The Space 5 is suitable for recording, with active EQ for shaping the sound and a clear 5-string voice that works well in modern mixes.

What styles suit Bartolini MK-1 pickups?

Bartolini MK-1 pickups work well for modern bass sounds, including funk, fusion, rock, pop, worship, R&B and heavier styles where clarity and tonal control are important.

Does the active EQ make a big difference?

Yes. The active 3-band EQ allows bass, mid and treble adjustment directly from the instrument, helping players adapt their tone for different amps, rooms and playing styles.

Is this a good choice for players moving from 4-string to 5-string?

Yes. The balanced body and compact headless design make it a practical option for players moving into 5-string bass, especially if they want something comfortable and modern.

Can it be used with pedals?

Yes. The Space 5 works well with bass pedals including compression, overdrive, envelope filter, octave, chorus, delay and preamp pedals.

Is 8 lbs a comfortable bass weight?

Yes. At 8 lbs, this bass sits at a manageable weight for many players, especially for a 5-string instrument.

Can I try this bass in-store?

Fair Deal Music has a large Birmingham showroom, and our team can offer advice on 5-string basses, headless bass guitars and modern active bass setups.