Sterling by Music Man JP160

$835.91 Price Tier: Standard

1 Critic Review

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

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5.0 (1)

$835.91 1 available Used

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Average Price: $836

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Sterling by Music Man JP160 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Experience the fusion of innovation and affordability with the Sterling by Music Man JP160 electric guitar, a tribute to John Petrucci's signature style. This guitar is designed to deliver exceptional performance for musicians who demand precision and versatility without breaking the bank. The JP160's standout feature is its double-locking tremolo system, which guarantees extraordinary pitch control without compromising tuning stability, making it a perfect choice for dynamic playing and expressive solos.

Plug into your amp and explore a spectrum of tones, from smooth and mellow to fierce and intense. The custom-designed humbuckers are tailored to capture the essence of Petrucci's iconic sound, while the onboard active 12dB boost allows you to effortlessly transition into a rich, saturated distortion. The ergonomic Petrucci forearm cutaway ensures comfortable playability, facilitating swift and fluid fretwork across the ultra-flat 16" radius rosewood fretboard.

Crafted with an ultra-stable roasted maple neck, the JP160 promises durability and a superb playing experience. Whether you’re shredding through a solo or laying down a solid rhythm, this guitar is engineered to keep up with your musical ambitions. Sterling by Music Man brings the essence of a premium instrument to all musicians, combining top-notch quality and authentic sound with superb value.

Key Features:

John Petrucci Signature electric guitar
Rosewood fretboard with ultra-flat 16" radius
Ultra-stable roasted maple neck
Low-profile double-locking tremolo for comfortable pitch control
Dual Sterling by Music Man-designed humbuckers
Onboard active 12dB boost
Ergonomic Petrucci forearm cutaway

Product specs

Brand	Sterling
Model	JP160 John Petrucci Signature
Finish	Black Metallic, Pearl White, Toluca Lake Blue
Year	2010 - 2020
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material	Basswood
Body Shape	S-Style
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Locking Tremolo Bridge
Color Family	Black, Blue, White
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Fretboard Radius	16"
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	24
Number of Strings	6-String
Nut Width	1.65"
Offset Body	Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	HH
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	25.5"

FAQs

What type of pickups are used in the Sterling by Music Man JP160?: The Sterling by Music Man JP160 features a dual humbucker (HH) pickup configuration, providing a rich and versatile sound suitable for various music genres, especially rock and metal.
Does the Sterling by Music Man JP160 have a floating tremolo system?: Yes, the JP160 is equipped with a locking tremolo bridge, allowing for precise pitch modulation while maintaining tuning stability, ideal for expressive playing styles.
What is the neck profile of the Sterling by Music Man JP160?: The JP160 features a slim, fast-playing neck profile with a 16" fretboard radius, making it comfortable for both rhythm and lead playing, particularly suited for shredding and intricate solos.
Is the Sterling by Music Man JP160 suitable for beginners?: While the JP160 is designed with advanced features appealing to experienced players, its ergonomic design and playability can also benefit dedicated beginners looking to invest in a quality instrument.
What materials are used in the construction of the Sterling by Music Man JP160?: The JP160 has a basswood body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard, combining to produce a balanced tone with warmth and clarity, favored for its tonal versatility.

Videos

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Ernie Ball

John Petrucci Demos His Sterling by Music Man JP160

Ernie Ball

STERLING BY MUSIC MAN JP160 DEMO

Joey Westerlund

Sterling by Music Man John Petrucci JP160, Black Metallic

Gear4music Guitars

Sterling by Music Man John Petrucci JP160, Pearl White | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

JP16 vs. JP160 - How Does The Indonesian Made Guitar Hold Up? | AI's Soundcheck | No Talking

Artificial Insolence

Sterling by Music Man JP160 Overview - Sterling by Music Man John Petrucci JP160 Electric Guitar

American Musical Supply

Sterling by Musicman JP160 (John Petrucci Signature) at Sherwood Phoenix

Sherwood Phoenix

Sterling JP160 John Petrucci Signature Guitar at Sherwood Phoenix

Sherwood Phoenix

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sterling by Music Man JP160.

Features and functionality

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The DiMarzio Crunch Lab and LiquiFire pickups are praised for delivering a loud and punchy tone, effectively pushing the front end of an amp.
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Majesty models feature hotter pickups than the JP160, although specific pickup models were not recalled.
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The JP160 features a DB boost, enhancing responsiveness for techniques like 3-note-per-string legato.
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The super accentuated forearm carve and favorite bolt-on heel design offer excellent ergonomic comfort.
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User experience

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A user noted the Majesty's neck feels quicker, but preferred the JP160's body style and traditional switching system.
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The pickup switch placement is highly praised for its ergonomic positioning, improving ease of use compared to other guitars.
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One owner, despite not being a Petrucci fan, finds the JP160 one of the most comfortable guitars, unexpectedly making it their main guitar.
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Value and pricing

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One user found no significant $200 difference in tuning stability or playability between the JP160 and Majesty, suggesting the JP160 offers better value.
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Comparisons

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Majesty guitars are made from different materials and may include a Piezo option, differing from the JP160's setup.
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The neck profile is reportedly thicker compared to some models, akin to a bass guitar feel, contrasting with the slimmer necks of PRS and Ibanez guitars.
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The Sterling JP160 is noted for being more comfortable and playable than an Ibanez JS100.
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Build quality

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Some users reported issues with the Majesty's finish, including overspray and cracking, contrasting with the generally higher quality of JP models.
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Some owners report variance in finish quality, with some guitars looking flat or dull compared to others of the same color.
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The guitar features a stable tremolo, which is claimed by Petrucci to be among the best on the market.
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Mods and upgrades

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Stock Sterling pickups may not satisfy all players; upgrading to DiMarzio pickups is suggested to achieve a more desired sound.
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Consider adding gold pickup covers with F-spaced for the bridge and regular spaced for the neck for a custom look.
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Setup and maintenance

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The bridge is sensitive; improper setup can cause tuning instability, especially during tremolo use, highlighting the need for precise adjustment.
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Critic Reviews

Reviewed: Sterling by Music Man John Petrucci Signature JP160 - Mixdown Magazine

mixdownmag.com.au

The Sterling by Music Man JP160 offers impressive versatility, blending shredder precision with emotional expressiveness. Its lightweight design and comfortable 'C' profile neck make it a joy to play, especially with features like the low-profile push/pull Floyd Rose tremolo and active noiseless pickups that deliver a significant boost. However, while the guitar excels in ballad-like tones, it may not satisfy those seeking the raw speed typical of Petrucci’s previous models. It’s a solid all-rounder but might feel less intense for hardcore metal fans. Overall, it strikes a commendable balance between shredding capability and melodic feel, making it a worthy contender for both genres.

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John Petrucci

Guitarist, Composer

Dream Theater

Verified via YouTube

Modeled of his Ernie Ball Music Man JP16. Roasted maple neck, rosewood fretboard. Double locking trem system. Floyd Rose. Pickup designed by Music Man with +12dB push/push boost on the volume control! Comes in 2 color: Pearl White & Black Metallic.