Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,482
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Sterling by Music Man JP157". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Sterling by Music Man JP157 is a masterstroke of design, blending meticulous craftsmanship with cutting-edge functionality to meet the high standards of progressive metal virtuosos. Born from the collaboration with Dream Theater's John Petrucci, this 7-string electric guitar is engineered for speed, precision, and tonal versatility. The roasted maple neck and ebony fingerboard offer a silky-smooth playing experience, while the nyatoh body capped with a flame maple veneer provides a robust tonal foundation with remarkable sustain.
Equipped with DiMarzio LiquiFire and Crunch Lab pickups, this guitar delivers a dynamic range of tones from crystal-clear cleans to searing high-gain leads. The modern tremolo bridge and locking tuners ensure tuning stability, even during the most demanding performances. The intuitive control layout includes a push-pull volume knob for coil-splitting, extending your sonic possibilities without complicating your setup. Whether you're shredding through intense solos or laying down complex rhythm patterns, the JP157 is designed to keep pace with your creativity.
Key Features:
- 7-string model designed in collaboration with John Petrucci
- Nyatoh body with Flame Maple veneer top
- Roasted Maple neck with Ebony fretboard
- 25.5" Scale Length and 16" Neck Radius
- DiMarzio LiquiFire neck and Crunch Lab bridge humbuckers
- Stainless steel frets for smooth playability
- Modern Tremolo bridge and locking tuners for excellent tuning stability
- Push/Pull Volume knob for split-coil tones
- Deluxe gig bag included
Product specs
| Model | JP157 |
| Artist | John Petrucci |
| Fret Type | Medium Jumbo |
| Fret Material | Stainless Steel |
| Number of Strings | 7 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Type | Solidbody |
| Body Shape | Signature Doublecut |
| Body Material | Nyatoh |
| Top Material | Flame Maple Veneer |
| Body Finish | Gloss |
| Neck Material | Roasted Maple |
| Neck Joint | 5-way Bolt-on |
| Radius | 16" |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Custom JP Inlays |
| Number of Frets | 24 |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Nut Material | Polyphenylene Sulfide |
| Tuners | Locking |
| Neck Pickup | DiMarzio LiquiFire Humbucker |
| Bridge Pickup | DiMarzio Crunch Lab Humbucker |
| Controls | 1 x master volume (push/push volume boost), 1 x master tone |
| Switching | 3-way toggle pickup switch |
| Strings | Ernie Ball Regular Slinky, .010-.046 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Gig Bag |
FAQs
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What type of neck profile does the Sterling by Music Man JP157 have?
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The Sterling by Music Man JP157 features a roasted maple neck with a smooth satin finish, designed for fast playability and comfort, making it ideal for technical playing styles.
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Are the pickups on the Sterling JP157 suitable for progressive metal?
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Yes, the Sterling JP157 is equipped with DiMarzio LiquiFire and Crunch Lab humbuckers, which are known for their high output and clarity, making them well-suited for progressive metal and similar genres.
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Is the Sterling JP157 suitable for advanced players?
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The Sterling JP157 is designed with advanced players in mind, featuring high-quality components, a 7-string configuration, and a versatile tonal range, making it an excellent choice for experienced musicians.
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Does the Sterling JP157 come with a gig bag?
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Yes, the Sterling by Music Man JP157 comes with a gig bag, providing convenient protection and transport for the guitar.
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What is the function of the push/push volume boost on the Sterling JP157?
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The push/push volume boost on the Sterling JP157 provides an active 9V powered 12dB boost, allowing for increased output and dynamic range at the push of a button.
Videos
Trey Xavier
STERLING BY MUSIC MAN JP157 Guitar Review | GEAR GODS
Reviews
PROS
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Smooth, flat neck reminiscent of high-end Ibanez models
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Comfortable arm bevel prevents forearm discomfort
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Stays in tune exceptionally well
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Versatile sound, great clean and with distortion
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Affordable alternative to high-end Music Man models
CONS
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Some fret ends are slightly sharp
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Stock pickups may sound muddy with high-end replacements
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Stock electronics setup not ideal for non-active pickup systems
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20db boost circuit considered unnecessary by some users
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Initial string quality might be lacking
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sterling by Music Man JP157.
Setup and maintenance
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Common issue with the high E string slipping off due to misaligned nut; replacing with a Graph Tech nut and adjusting neck position can resolve this.
Source
User experience
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Transitioning from 6 to 7 strings, the neck width is noticeably wider, enhancing playability in lower tunings like drop G, providing a unique feel.
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Despite nut issues, overall build quality and feel are often compared favorably to higher-end Music Man models, implying good value for a signature model.
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Despite some quality concerns, a user appreciated the unique sound and playability differences of a Sterling JP70D with Crunch Lab and LiquiFire pickups compared to other guitars.
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Roasted maple neck with Sahara burst finish exceeded visual expectations, looking better in person than anticipated.
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Comparisons
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Some users prefer purchasing from Sweetwater due to their Guitar Gallery feature, allowing careful selection of guitars with centered strings.
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The Sterling Richardson's neck is slightly flatter than the JP157, affecting playability and comfort slightly, but remains accessible and user-friendly.
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Veneers are used instead of solid wood slabs, maintaining quality but differing from higher-end models.
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Build quality
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The fretboard is praised for its smoothness, enhancing the overall playing experience despite initial concerns with string alignment.
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A user reported that the frets on a Sterling JP70D needed a fret dress to improve playability, suggesting potential variability in fret finishing.
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Locking tuners are noted as decent, enhancing tuning stability, though some users disliked the plastic knobs.
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Mods and upgrades
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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