Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (8)
$579.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (26)
$579.99
Reverb
4.0 (12)
$379.74 New
$349.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (6)
$429.99

Average Price: $476

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Sterling by Music Man Cutlass HSS". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Discover the Sterling by Music Man Cutlass HSS, where classic design meets modern innovation. This electric guitar is crafted to cater to the versatile demands of today's musicians without sacrificing the timeless appeal of a classic instrument. The Cutlass HSS boasts a sleek poplar body that ensures durability and a lightweight feel, making it a perfect choice for extended jam sessions or high-energy performances.

The roasted maple neck, paired with a maple fingerboard, offers smooth playability and a warm tonal response, while the 22 medium frets provide precision and comfort. Featuring an HSS configuration with 5-way switching, this guitar delivers a wide range of tones from crisp cleans to powerful leads, giving you full sonic control. The vintage-style tremolo bridge and locking tuners not only enhance tuning stability but also allow for expressive play, ensuring that your creative expression knows no bounds.

Incorporating an oversized 4 + 2 headstock for a straight string-through angle, the Cutlass HSS achieves optimal string tension and reduced friction, ensuring consistent performance and reliability. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a budding musician, this guitar offers a seamless blend of tradition and technology, making it an indispensable addition to your musical arsenal.

Key Features:

  • Poplar body
  • Roasted maple neck with bolt-on construction
  • Maple fingerboard with 22 medium frets
  • HSS pickup configuration with 5-way switching
  • Vintage-style tremolo bridge
  • Locking tuners for enhanced stability
  • Oversized 4 + 2 headstock design for straight string-through angle

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape Cutlass
Body Material Poplar
Body Finish Satin
Neck Material Roasted Maple
Neck Shape Cutlass
Neck Joint 5-way Bolt-on
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Inlay Black Dots
Number of Frets 22, Medium
Scale Length 25.5"
Nut Width 1.650"
Nut Material Polyphenylene Sulfide
Bridge/Tailpiece Vintage Tremolo
Tuners Locking
Neck Pickup Sterling by Music Man Single-coil
Middle Pickup Sterling by Music Man Single-coil
Bridge Pickup Sterling by Music Man Humbucker
Controls 1 x master volume, 1 x master tone
Switching 5-way blade pickup switch
Strings Ernie Ball Slinky, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Sterling by Music Man Cutlass HSS pickups?

The Sterling by Music Man Cutlass HSS offers a versatile range of tones. The single-coil pickups provide bright and clear sounds ideal for clean and slightly overdriven tones, while the humbucker at the bridge delivers a thicker, more powerful sound suitable for rock and heavier genres.

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

Yes, the Sterling by Music Man Cutlass HSS is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile, versatile pickup configuration, and reliable tuning stability. Its playability and tonal options make it a great choice for those starting out.

What is the neck profile like on the Sterling by Music Man Cutlass HSS?

The neck of the Sterling by Music Man Cutlass HSS features a Cutlass shape with a roasted maple construction, offering smooth playability and a comfortable grip for both beginners and seasoned players.

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

No, the Sterling by Music Man Cutlass HSS does not come with a gig bag or case. These must be purchased separately to ensure protection during transport and storage.

How does the 5-way pickup switch enhance the versatility of the Sterling by Music Man Cutlass HSS?

The 5-way pickup switch on the Sterling by Music Man Cutlass HSS allows for a wide range of tonal options by combining different pickups, enabling players to switch between bright single-coil tones and fuller humbucker sounds seamlessly.

Riffs, Beards & Gear

Riffs, Beards & Gear

2021 Sterling By Music Man Cutlass HSS

Video thumbnail for 2021 Sterling By Music Man Cutlass HSS by Riffs, Beards & Gear

2021 Sterling By Music Man Cutlass HSS

Riffs, Beards & Gear

Riffs, Beards & Gear

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sterling by Music Man Cutlass HSS.

Build quality

  • Neck described as "chunky" with a 12-inch radius, offering a flatter fretboard than typical Fender setups.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The tone knob is noted to have a significant impact, unlike some Stratocasters where it feels redundant.

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Use cases and applications

  • Considered robust enough for touring, described as being "built like a brick house."

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  • Sterling guitars are praised for their versatility, performing well across various genres, which adds to their appeal for diverse musicians.

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  • It's noted that the guitar's vintage cream finish is a selling point for those attracted to classic aesthetics.

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Value and pricing

  • Purchased under $400 on sale, despite high build quality and features like roasted maple neck and locking tuners.

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  • In Europe, prices range from €700-800, sparking debate over its worth compared to the $500 price in the U.S.

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  • The Sterling is seen as a worthwhile purchase due to its affordability, especially for those unable to afford higher-end Music Man models.

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User experience

  • Owners describe a sense of "secret discovery" with this model, comparing its value to finding something hidden and valuable.

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  • Owners often express surprise at the high-quality necks, stating they perform better than expected for a brand perceived as budget.

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Comparisons

  • It's noted that Sterling's quality rivals higher-end brands, defying its "budget" label, with some saying its playability matches guitars priced significantly higher.

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  • One user compares the Sterling neck to PRS core necks, suggesting high comfort and playability.

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  • The Sterling is compared to a MIM Strat, with the Sterling not seen as an upgrade but appreciated for its unique features.

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Mods and upgrades

  • A user considers upgrading pickups and tuners if dissatisfied with the stock components, indicating room for customization.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Sterling By Music Man Cutlass SSS & HSS

guitar.com

Sterling by Music Man's Cutlass HSS offers an intriguing alternative to the traditional Stratocaster, boasting a solid build and decent playability for budget-conscious musicians. Its unique design elements, such as the asymmetrical headstock and a variety of pickup configurations, add character. However, compromises are evident; the poplar body and basic hardware may not satisfy those seeking premium quality. Issues with the vibrato bridge and fret finish raise concerns for serious players. While the sound is generally pleasing, particularly in the HSS model, the limitations on tone control and tonal complexity might leave some wanting more. It's a solid choice for beginners, but seasoned players may find it lacking.

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Genre Usage

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

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