Pricing and availability

Average Price: $2,249

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Ernie Ball Music Man Ball Family Reserve Cutlass HSS is a standout choice for those who crave a blend of classic charm and cutting-edge innovation. This limited-edition guitar is not just an instrument; it's a statement piece, crafted with the finest materials and designed for the discerning musician. Featuring a highly figured maple neck and fingerboard, it promises both visual appeal and exceptional playability. The guitar is equipped with two custom-wound Music Man single-coil pickups and a potent DiMarzio zebra humbucker, making it a versatile powerhouse ready to tackle any genre from blues to metal.

One of the defining features of the Cutlass HSS is the Silent Circuit technology, which ensures a hum-free performance, allowing you to enjoy true single-coil tones without any unwanted noise. The Music Man Floyd Rose licensed locking vibrato bridge provides precise pitch modulation, so whether you're diving into a solo or holding a sustained note, you can be confident that your guitar will stay in tune.

With its resonant basswood body and high-gloss finish, this guitar is as durable as it is beautiful. The Ball Family Reserve designation ensures that each piece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, providing a playing experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly modern.

Key Features:

  • Resonant basswood body with high-gloss polyester finish
  • 5-ply black/cream pickguard
  • Select figured maple neck and fingerboard
  • Hand-rubbed gunstock oil and special wax blend neck finish
  • 22 high-profile, medium-width, stainless steel frets
  • Custom-wound Music Man single-coil neck and middle pickups
  • DiMarzio Axis zebra humbucker bridge pickup
  • Master Volume and Tone controls; 5-way selector switch
  • Silent Circuit for hum-free performance and true single-coil tone
  • Music Man Floyd Rose licensed locking vibrato bridge
  • Schaller M6LA tuners
  • Handcrafted in the USA with a hardshell case included

Product specs

Brand Ernie Ball Music Man
Model Ball Family Reserve Cutlass HSS HT
Made In United States
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What type of tones can I expect from the Ernie Ball Music Man Ball Family Reserve Cutlass HSS pickups?

The HSS pickup configuration provides a versatile range of tones. The humbucker delivers rich, full-bodied sounds suitable for rock and heavier genres, while the single-coil pickups offer bright, clear tones ideal for clean and bluesy styles.

Is the Ernie Ball Music Man Ball Family Reserve Cutlass HSS suitable for advanced players?

Yes, this guitar is designed for advanced players, featuring high-quality materials like a roasted maple neck and custom-wound pickups, which provide exceptional playability and a wide range of tonal options.

How does the Silent Circuit in the Ernie Ball Music Man Ball Family Reserve Cutlass HSS work?

The Silent Circuit reduces hum and noise typically associated with single-coil pickups, allowing for a cleaner sound without sacrificing the classic single-coil tone.

What is the neck profile of the Ernie Ball Music Man Ball Family Reserve Cutlass HSS?

The guitar features a 25.5"-scale roasted maple neck with a comfortable profile that is ideal for fast playing and smooth transitions across the 22-fret fingerboard.

Does the Ernie Ball Music Man Ball Family Reserve Cutlass HSS come with a tremolo system?

Yes, it is equipped with a Music Man tremolo bridge, which allows for expressive pitch modulation and maintains tuning stability thanks to the locking Schaller tuners.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ernie Ball Music Man Ball Family Reserve Cutlass HSS.

Build quality

  • The neck features a unique profile, transitioning from a soft V at the lower frets to a C shape by the 12th fret, offering a distinct feel.

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  • The neck is praised for its hand-rubbed oil and wax finish, providing a smooth satin feel that surpasses other high-end models like Charvel Pro and Reverend.

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  • The knobs and switches on Music Man guitars, including the Cutlass HSS, are noted for their superior quality compared to other brands.

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Features and functionality

  • The tremolo is Ernie Ball's own design, not floated but bolted, allowing for downward bends only.

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  • The guitar offers a wide range of tonal options, making it versatile for different playing styles.

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Comparisons

  • Nut width is 1.625", similar to original '60s Strats, offering a narrower feel compared to Jackson's typical 1.686".

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  • The Ernie Ball Music Man Cutlass HSS is often compared to Suhr guitars, with some users suggesting Suhr offers a better experience than Fender Custom Shop models.

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User experience

  • The guitar is notably resonant and loud unplugged, surprising owners accustomed to heavier instruments.

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  • Owners frequently mention Music Man guitars as having the most comfortable necks, making them a preferred choice over others like Fender and Gibson.

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  • The guitar is often overlooked due to limited availability in stores, despite its praised quality and high price point.

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Mods and upgrades

  • For those seeking a more traditional single-coil sound, some owners suggest exploring the PRS Silver Sky as an alternative to modifying the Cutlass HSS.

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Value and pricing

  • Ernie Ball Music Man guitars, including the Cutlass HSS, are recommended to be bought used due to their high new price but excellent resale value.

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  • While priced around $2k, it's considered worth every penny by those who have purchased it.

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Other

  • The Cutlass HSS is frequently recommended as part of a shortlist alongside PRS and Suhr for those seeking high-quality alternatives to Fender and Gibson models.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Owners quickly swap the stock 9-gauge strings for 10-gauge, indicating a preference for heavier strings right from the start.

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