Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
5.0 (2)
$249.99
Amazon
3.9 (2)
$249.99
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$249.99
zZounds
4.0 (1)
$249.99
Thomann
5.0 (1)
$292.00 $289.00 $3.00 ยท All time low

Average Price: $256

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Musicman Sterling cutlass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Musicman Sterling Cutlass is a versatile electric guitar that combines classic design with modern functionality, making it perfect for players of all styles. Its poplar body offers a balanced tonal foundation, while the bolt-on neck constructed from roasted maple provides exceptional stability and comfort. The rosewood fingerboard, adorned with white dot inlays, enhances playability with a smooth feel and a 12" radius designed for effortless bending.

Equipped with a distinctive pickup configuration, the Cutlass features one Alnico humbucker and two Alnico single coils, delivering a dynamic range of tones from rich and warm to crisp and bright. The 5-way switch allows for quick and intuitive tonal shifts, making it adaptable for both studio sessions and live performances.

A vintage tremolo bridge and locking machine heads ensure reliable tuning stability and expressive vibrato effects, while the chrome hardware adds a touch of classic elegance. Whether you're laying down tracks or shredding on stage, this guitar's ergonomic design and quality components make it a reliable companion for any musician seeking a blend of tradition and innovation.

Key Features:

  • Body: Poplar
  • Bolt-on neck: Roasted maple
  • Fingerboard: Rosewood with white dot inlays
  • Fingerboard radius: 12" (305 mm)
  • Scale length: 25.5" (648 mm)
  • Nut width: 1.65" (42 mm)
  • 22 Medium frets
  • Pickup configuration: 1 Alnico humbucker, 2 Alnico single coils
  • Control layout: Volume and tone controls with 5-way switch
  • Bridge: Vintage tremolo
  • Locking machine heads
  • Chrome hardware
  • Original strings: Ernie Ball 2221 Regular Slinky

Product specs

Available since August 2024
Colour Charcoal
Body Poplar
Top None
Neck Roasted Maple
Fretboard Rosewood
Frets 22
Scale 648 mm
Pickups HSS
Tremolo Vintage
incl. Bag No
incl. Case No

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the body of the Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS?

The body of the Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS is made from poplar wood, which is known for its lightweight and balanced tonal qualities.

What is the neck profile of the Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS?

The Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS features a roasted maple neck with a comfortable custom โ€œVโ€ to โ€œCโ€ neck profile, offering smooth playability for both chord work and soloing.

What pickup configuration does the Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS have?

The Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS is equipped with an HSS pickup configuration, providing versatile tonal options suitable for a wide range of music genres.

Does the Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS come with a case or gig bag?

No, the Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS does not include a case or gig bag.

Is the Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS is suitable for beginners, offering easy playability and a versatile range of tones that can accommodate various playing styles.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Musicman Sterling cutlass.

Mods and upgrades

  • Several users recommend swapping out the stock humbucker, which is described as weak and thin, with an unspecified upgrade for improved sound.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Cutlass Plus is seen as a great value, offering premium features like roasted maple necks and locking tuners at a $500 price point.

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User experience

  • Owners of other Sterling guitars, like the JP150, report significant improvements in sound quality after upgrading the pickups.

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  • One owner highlights the distinctiveness of all five pickup positions on their CT50, particularly noting the "quacky/snappy" fourth position for funk genres.

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Comparisons

  • The Sterling Cutlass models are preferred over budget S-type guitars like Squier and Ibanez AZES by some users for their quality and features.

    Source
  • Some users find the Sterling neck superior to the Player Series Fender Strat due to its satin finish and feel, with the neck resembling a Gibson's in thickness.

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  • One owner preferred the Sterling Cutlass over the Silver Sky because of the larger neck, which felt more comfortable.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The CT30 model does not have locking tuners or a roasted maple neck; these are exclusive to higher-end models like the Cutlass Plus.

    Source
  • The CT-50 Plus model includes a mid boost feature not present in the standard version, appealing to those seeking enhanced tonal options.

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  • The Sterling Cutlass CT50 features a contoured heel for better access to higher frets, enhancing playability compared to other models like the Fender Strat.

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  • The tone knob is noted to have a noticeable effect, unlike many Strat-style guitars where it feels superfluous.

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Build quality

  • There is mention of inconsistent quality control, with some models having less detail and sound quality despite similar specifications.

    Source
  • The neck is described as chunky with a 12-inch radius, offering a flatter fretboard compared to a typical Fender setup.

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  • Owners appreciate the body-side truss rod adjustment, making neck adjustments more convenient without removing the neck.

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Use cases and applications

  • The CT50's tonal versatility is praised for achieving a Cory Wong-esque clean tone in the fourth pickup position without additional pedals.

    Source
  • Owners express confidence in using the Sterling Cutlass for touring due to its robust build quality.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The bridge is reportedly not ideal for floating, but some are curious about its potential for flutters in a floating setup.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Lana Del Rey uses Musicman Sterling cutlass

Lana Del Rey

Singer

...
Verified via YouTube

In a 2007 live performance of "For K part 2," Lana Del Rey, then known as Lizzy Grant, plays a Musicman Sterling Cutlass guitar. This performance is available on YouTube, uploaded by Lili Marleen.

See how Josh WIldhorn uses Musicman Sterling cutlass

Josh WIldhorn

Guitarist, Bassist

Dragged Under

...
Verified via Photo

Josh Wildhorn shared on Instagram that he sold his 7-string guitar to purchase a Musicman Sterling Cutlass. Although he initially aimed to buy a Strat, he chose the Cutlass instead, praising it as an amazing instrument.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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