Sterling by Music Man is a subsidiary of Ernie Ball Music Man, launched in 2009 to offer more accessible versions of the parent company's iconic instrument designs. Based in Los Angeles, California, the brand produces electric guitars and basses that are developed alongside Ernie Ball's engineering team and manufactured by international production partners. Sterling by Music Man instruments cover a wide range of price points, from entry-level Intro Series models to more feature-rich options, making the Music Man design lineage available to players at every stage.

The guitar lineup includes models like the StingRay SR30, Cutlass, Axis, Sabre, Majesty, and Mariposa, while the bass catalog features the StingRay — descended from one of the most recognizable bass designs in music history — along with the Bongo, DarkRay, and Sterling bass models. Many of these instruments incorporate hallmarks of their higher-end Ernie Ball Music Man counterparts, such as humbucking pickups, active electronics, and the distinctive Music Man body shapes and headstock configurations.

The brand maintains an active roster of artist signature models, with collaborations including John Petrucci (JP and Majesty series), St. Vincent, Joe Dart, James Valentine, Tosin Abasi, Pete Wentz, Steve Lukather (Luke series), and Omar Rodríguez-López (Mariposa). These signature instruments bring professional-level specifications to more attainable price points, reinforcing Sterling by Music Man's role as a bridge between aspiring players and the Ernie Ball Music Man ecosystem.

Sterling by Music Man has 158 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Solid Body Electric Guitars, Electric Basses, and Extended Range Guitars. Their gear is featured by 78 artists, with the strongest followings in Rock, Pop, and Metal. Notable users include John Petrucci, TheDooo, and Pete Wentz. Most Sterling by Music Man products fall in the mid-tier range — professional-grade without flagship pricing.