Head to head

Cort Core-DC Mahogany vs Fender FA-125 Dreadnought

The short answer is that they sit in different price brackets ($500 - $1,000 against Under $300), and the scale lengths are not the same (25.5" against 25.3"). Below, every specification we hold for both instruments is lined up, with the 20 rows that actually differ marked out.

Cort

Core-DC Mahogany

Open Pore Black Burst

All-solid mahogany, bone nut and saddle — the specification usually costs twice this

8.3/10

See it on Amazon Read the full analysis

Fender

FA-125 Dreadnought

Sunburst, with accessory bundle

The same FA-125 bundle, in the sunburst finish

7.0/104.5 (2,793)

See it on Amazon Read the full analysis

As an Amazon Associate we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through our links, at no additional cost to you. We do not publish prices, because Amazon prices change constantly and a stale figure helps nobody. Follow the link for the current price and availability.

Score profile

Six editorial axes, overlaid. Where one shape sits outside the other, that is where the instrument gains ground.

Cort Core-DC Mahogany8.3
Fender FA-125 Dreadnought7.0

Scores are Fretline editorial ratings on a 1-10 scale. They are our own assessment and are not supplied or endorsed by Amazon or by any manufacturer.

Specification by specification

Cort Core-DC Mahogany compared with Fender FA-125 Dreadnought
	Core-DC Mahogany	FA-125 Dreadnought
Brand	Cort	Fender
Model	Core-DC Mahogany	FA-125 Dreadnought
Finish	Open Pore Black Burst	Sunburst, with accessory bundle
Instrument	Acoustic guitar	Acoustic guitar
Fretline score	8.3 / 10	7.0 / 10
Value for money	9 / 10	8 / 10
Amazon rating	—	4.5 / 5 (2,793)
Price	$500 - $1,000	Under $300
Type	Acoustic-electric guitar	Acoustic guitar starter bundle
Body	Dreadnought cutaway	Dreadnought
Body wood	Solid mahogany back and sides	Laminated basswood back and sides
Top	Solid mahogany	Laminated spruce
Bracing	—	X-bracing
Neck joint	—	Set neck
Neck wood	Mahogany	Nato
Neck profile	C shape	—
Scale length	25.5" (648 mm)	25.3" (643 mm)
Fingerboard	Ovangkol	Walnut
Radius	15.75" (R400)	11.81" (300 mm)
Frets	20	20
Fret size	—	2 mm
Nut	Genuine bone	Crème plastic
Nut width	1.6875" (43 mm)	1.69" (43 mm)
Bridge	Ovangkol	Walnut with white bridge pins
Tuners	Die-cast with black metal knobs	Die-cast sealed
Electronics	Fishman Presys VT	—
Orientation	Right-handed	Right-handed
Skill level	Intermediate, Advanced, Professional	Beginner
Styles	Folk, Blues, Country, Rock, Pop, Indie	Folk, Country, Blues, Pop, Rock
In the box	—	Gig bag, Clip-on tuner, Spare strings, Picks, Instructional DVD

A marked row is one where the two differ. A highlighted cell is the stronger figure where one can be judged objectively. Empty cells are specifications the manufacturer does not publish — never estimates.