Sterling by Music Man JP70

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$829.99 to $849.99 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (3)

3 Critic Reviews

Find out who is using Sterling by Music Man JP70

1 community setup

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

3.5 (3)

$849.99

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5.0 (5)

$829.99 New

$699.99 Used (Like New)

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5.0 (12)

$829.99 5 available New

$329.99 13 available Used

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Average Price: $710

Standard/Professional

$400

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Extended Range Guitars category, Sterling by Music Man JP70 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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Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Sterling by Music Man JP70". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Sterling by Music Man JP70 is your gateway to the world of extended range guitars, bringing the revered John Petrucci Signature Series experience to your fingertips. This 7-string marvel is designed for those who crave versatility, precision, and an exceptional playing experience. Adorned with the iconic JP Shield inlay on the first fret, the JP70 is a testament to both style and substance.

Crafted from a basswood body, this guitar boasts a sleek aesthetic with a comfortable contoured forearm scoop, making it a delight for both shredders and rhythm players alike. Its bolt-on maple neck and rosewood fingerboard, along with 24 medium/jumbo frets, ensure a smooth and fast playability that can easily handle complex solos and intricate chord progressions. The high output EBMM humbucking pickups paired with a 3-way switch provide a versatile tonal palette, allowing you to switch effortlessly between crisp cleans and searing leads.

The JP70 is equipped with high-quality die-cast locking tuners and a modern tremolo bridge, offering unmatched tuning stability and smooth operation, no matter how aggressive your playing style. Black hardware completes the look, making this guitar not just a tool for performance, but a statement piece on stage.

With the Sterling by Music Man JP70, you're not just purchasing an instrument; you're investing in an extension of your musical expression.

Key Features:

Basswood body with a gloss finish
Bolt-on maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard
24 medium/jumbo frets
2 high output EBMM humbucking pickups with a 3-way switch
Modern style tremolo bridge
Die-cast locking tuners
Black hardware

Product specs

Brand	Sterling
Model	JP70 John Petrucci Signature 7-String
Finish	Mystic Dream, Pearl Red Burst, Stealth Black, Trans Green Burst, Trans Purple Burst
Year	2010s
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material	Basswood
Body Shape	S-Style
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Tremolo Bridge
Color Family	Black, Green, Purple, Red
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Fretboard Radius	16"
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	24
Number of Strings	7-String
Offset Body	Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	HH
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	25.5"

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Sterling by Music Man JP70?: The Sterling by Music Man JP70 features a comfortable bolt-on maple neck with a satin finish, designed for smooth playability and fast action, suitable for intricate playing styles.
What kind of tones can I expect from the JP70's pickups?: The JP70 is equipped with two high-output EBMM humbucking pickups, providing a powerful and versatile tone ideal for rock and metal genres, with a 3-way switch for tonal variety.
Is the Sterling by Music Man JP70 suitable for beginners?: While the JP70 is designed with advanced players in mind, its comfortable neck and versatile tone make it accessible for dedicated beginners looking to explore 7-string guitars.
Does the JP70 have a tremolo bridge?: Yes, the Sterling by Music Man JP70 features a modern-style tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and vibrato effects.
What is the scale length of the Sterling by Music Man JP70?: The scale length of the Sterling by Music Man JP70 is 25.5 inches, providing balanced tension across the strings, which is ideal for a 7-string guitar.
How many frets does the JP70 have, and what is the fretboard material?: The JP70 has 24 medium frets on a rosewood fingerboard, offering a wide range for soloing and chord playing.

Videos

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Ernie Ball

John Petrucci demos his Sterling by Music Man JP70

Ernie Ball

Sterling by Music Man JP70 - A Pretentious Review

Man Bun Metal Head

Sterling By Musicman JP70 Demo/Review - Sean Ashe

Sean Ashe

Sterling JP70 Guitar Demo

Sweetwater

$Video thumbnail for I BORROWED A STERLING JP70 \\ IS IT FOR YOU? by Brian Bower$

I BORROWED A STERLING JP70 \\ IS IT FOR YOU?

Brian Bower

Sterling JP70 Review and Demo

Christian Arnold

Sterling by Music Man John Petrucci JP70 | REVIEW

A MINOR ERROR

STERLING by MUSICMAN JP70 | PLAYTHROUGH

MUSIC ZONE

STERLING by Musicman JP70 Mystic Dream [Test & Set-Up]

Jutasin 7 Strings Guitar

Reviews

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PROS

Locking tuners enhance tuning stability significantly.
Versatile stock pickups suitable for various tones, from clean to heavy distortion.
Surprisingly high-quality gig bag included.
Beautiful color-changing paint job under different lighting.
Flat neck design similar to Ibanez RG for easy shredding.
Comfortable neck width without choking string spacing.
Well-balanced with no neck dive issues.
Easy setup with pinwheel truss rod and simple adjustments.
Suitable for a range of genres, from jazz to prog rock.
Matte-finished neck adds to smooth playability.

CONS

Pickup selector switch can be intrusive during strumming.
25.5" scale length limits lower tuning stability.
Set screw trem bar attachment is inconvenient.
Stock strings may feel unbalanced in tension.
Maximum string gauge for lowest tuner limited to 60.
Floating bridge can be tricky for beginners.
Muddy pickups for some users, upgrade recommended for long-term use.

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sterling by Music Man JP70.

Build quality

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The paint-to-fretboard boundary is often sloppy, with glue residue visible on the first fret and inlays.
Source
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Owners note the arm cutout is very comfortable, but the bridge is positioned further back than on similar guitars, which can feel awkward initially.
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Setup and maintenance

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Saddles are prone to breaking the high e string frequently, even with minimal use.
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Comparisons

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PRS SE 245 models offer flawless quality at the same price, suggesting better alternatives.
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Some users prefer the JP70 over higher-end models like the EBMM Majesty, citing personal preference in body shape and feel despite the Majesty's superior build quality.
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The JP70 lacks Crunchlab/Liquifire pickups, found only in models ending in 'D', impacting tonal quality.
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Value and pricing

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At $600, many expect higher QC standards, comparable to more affordable brands like Schecter or Squier.
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User experience

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Owners note that Sterling's QC has declined in recent years, affecting even higher-end models like the JP157D.
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Other

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Praxis, not Ernie Ball Music Man, manages production, which may impact quality control standards.
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Features and functionality

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The locking tuners are praised as a standout feature, while the knobs are described as feeling cheap, though they are easily replaceable.
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The JP70 uses Sterling's proprietary pickups, which differ from Petrucci's signature models in higher-end guitars.
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Mods and upgrades

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Many JP70 owners swap the stock pickups for Juggernauts or consider Seymour Duncan Alpha Omegas for improved tone and ease of producing pinch harmonics.
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Owners recommend swapping Sterling pickups for BKP Blackhawks to reduce muddiness and enhance sound clarity.
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Use cases and applications

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The guitar is recommended for those planning to transition to an 8-string due to its comfortable scale length, particularly when considering multi-scale options.
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The JP70's stock pickups contribute to a muddy sound, unsuitable for styles requiring clarity, like progressive metal.
Source

Critic Reviews

JP70 Review: It is perfect for that. The looks are amazing. | Sterling by Music Man | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Sterling by Music Man JP70 showcases solid construction and stunning aesthetics but suffers from inconsistent quality control. While its playability and locking tuners earn praise, the stock pickups disappoint, lacking clarity and punch, necessitating upgrades for optimal performance. Setup issues upon arrival further complicate the experience, yet the guitar's overall reliability and durability impress. With a beautiful neck suited for progressive genres, the JP70 ultimately stands out, provided buyers inspect their individual units closely. A mixed bag that offers potential for the right player willing to invest in upgrades.

neutral

Full Review

JP70 Review: Petrucci and MM did a great job to create this guitar. | Sterling by Music Man | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

With its ergonomic design and comfortable neck, the Sterling by Music Man JP70 checks many boxes for players seeking a reliable 7-string guitar. However, the sound falls flat due to lackluster pickups and tonal articulation, while the action and fit suffer from quality control issues that shouldn't exist at this price point. Despite its solid build and attractive appearance, significant fret buzz and cosmetic flaws mar the overall experience. For those willing to overlook these shortcomings, the JP70 could still be a worthy addition, but buyers might find better options in the same price range.

neutral

Full Review

Review round-up: mid-priced seven-string electric guitars | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Sterling by Music Man JP70 shines as a mid-priced seven-string guitar, boasting solid build quality and a comfortable shape that enhances playability. While it lacks some advanced features found in pricier models, such as a double-locking tremolo, it compensates with reliable locking tuners and impressive tuning stability—even under aggressive whammy use. The JP70 excels in high-gain scenarios, delivering thick, warm tones, but some may find its lack of versatility in clean settings limiting. Overall, it’s a fantastic choice for metal enthusiasts and offers great value for those looking to dive into the seven-string realm without breaking the bank.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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