Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (3)
$399.99
Guitar Center
4.0 (7)
$399.99
Reverb
5.0 (6)
$347.17 2 available Used
Thomann
4.4 (5)
$341.00
Gear4Music
£349.00

Average Price: $378

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Series AX3 Axis Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Designed for musicians who demand both style and substance, the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Series AX3 Axis Electric Guitar brings versatile performance to every stage. This solid body electric guitar boasts a basswood construction, offering a lightweight feel without compromising on tone. The hard maple neck and jatoba fingerboard provide a smooth playing experience, with bright, articulate notes that cut through any mix. Whether you're dialing in high-gain riffs or smooth, soulful melodies, the AX3's dual humbuckers and 5-way selector deliver a spectrum of tones with precision.

The AX3 is more than just a pretty face; its asymmetrical neck profile and generous cutaway design ensure comfortable playability and easy access across all 22 frets. The fulcrum tremolo system adds a dynamic layer to your performances, allowing for expressive bends and vibrato without losing tuning stability. Whether you're a rocker, a blues player, or anything in between, this guitar adapts seamlessly to your unique style.

Crafted with the gigging musician in mind, this guitar's robust 5-bolt neck joint ensures durability and stability on the road. The dedicated volume and tone knobs, along with a 1.65-inch nut, keep your sound clear and buzz-free. From the stage to the studio, the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Series AX3 Axis Electric Guitar is a reliable partner that promises to elevate your sound and inspire your next musical endeavor.

Key Features:

  • Solid basswood body for balanced tone
  • Hard maple neck with a jatoba fingerboard for crisp, clear notes
  • 22 narrow frets with a 12-inch fingerboard radius
  • Dual humbuckers with a 5-way pickup selector for diverse tonal options
  • Asymmetrical neck profile for enhanced playability
  • Fulcrum tremolo system for expressive playing
  • 5-bolt neck attachment for structural integrity
  • Dedicated tone and volume controls

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape Axis
Body Material Basswood
Body Finish Gloss
Neck Material Hard Maple
Neck Shape Asymmetrical
Neck Joint 5-way Bolt-on
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Inlay White Dots
Number of Frets 22
Scale Length 25.5"
Nut Width 1.650"
Nut Material Polyphenylene Sulfide
Bridge/Tailpiece Fulcrum Tremolo
Tuners Die-cast
Neck Pickup Sterling by Music Man Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Sterling by Music Man Humbucker
Controls 1 x master volume, 1 x master tone
Switching 5-way blade pickup switch
Strings .009-.042
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Series AX3 Axis Electric Guitar?

The Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Series AX3 Axis Electric Guitar features an asymmetrical neck shape, which provides a comfortable grip and facilitates faster playing, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

What type of pickups does the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Series AX3 Axis Electric Guitar have?

This guitar is equipped with Sterling by Music Man humbuckers in both the neck and bridge positions, offering a powerful and versatile sound suitable for various music genres.

Is the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Series AX3 Axis Electric Guitar suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Series AX3 Axis Electric Guitar is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile, lightweight basswood body, and versatile sound, making it easy to play and adapt to different musical styles.

What kind of tremolo system does the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Series AX3 Axis Electric Guitar have?

This guitar features a fulcrum tremolo bridge, allowing for smooth pitch modulation and expressive playing techniques, ideal for rock and blues styles.

How many frets does the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Series AX3 Axis Electric Guitar have?

The Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Series AX3 Axis Electric Guitar has 22 frets, providing a standard range for most playing styles and genres.

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Axis Electric Guitar - Incredible Value For Money!

Video thumbnail for Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Axis Electric Guitar - Incredible Value For Money! by PMTVUK

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Axis Electric Guitar - Incredible Value For Money!

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Sterling Axis S.U.B (Almost Budget Friendly) by Elmo Karjalainen

Sterling Axis S.U.B (Almost Budget Friendly)

Elmo Karjalainen

Elmo Karjalainen

Video thumbnail for Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Series Axis | Incredible Value Guitar | Brothers Breakdown by Brothers Guitar Shop

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Series Axis | Incredible Value Guitar | Brothers Breakdown

Brothers Guitar Shop

Brothers Guitar Shop

Reviews

PROS

  • Asymmetrical neck provides comfort and fast playability

  • Stock pickups offer warm, responsive tones

  • Five-way switch delivers versatile tone options

  • Solid build quality for a budget guitar

  • Truss rod adjustment at the neck heel simplifies setup

  • Resonant basswood body enhances acoustic volume

  • Lightweight and compact, yet full 25.5" scale length

  • Smooth fretboard and well-finished frets

  • High-quality finish with matching headstock

  • Great value for money, rivaling more expensive models

CONS

  • Tuners feel cheap and are notchy to turn

  • Tremolo bridge is loose and lacks tonal control

  • Fret buzz and uneven frets may require adjustment

  • Needs setup and intonation adjustments out of the box

  • Plastic nut instead of higher-quality materials

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Series AX3 Axis Electric Guitar.

Build quality

  • The Sterling Axis has a matte poly finish on the neck, whereas the Axis features an oiled finish and a more asymmetric, comfortable neck profile.

    Source
  • Concerns about Sterling's quality control include issues like missing pickup screws causing playability problems.

    Source
  • Users often find the volume knob on the Jaguar too close to the bridge pickup, causing accidental adjustments during play.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Axis includes a Floyd Rose with a brass sustain block, providing better tuning stability compared to the Sterling version.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report noticeable improvements in sound and tidier fretwork on the Axis compared to the Sterling AX40D, despite having the same pickups.

    Source
  • Quality of in-store Sterlings can be poor, with some showing signs of abuse and damage, complicating purchase decisions.

    Source
  • Users report that Squier VM Jaguars offer a good sound but note the parts feel cheap, especially the bridge and volume knob placement.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Sterling JP150 features a smooth roasted maple fretboard and neck, offering a fast feel without the hollowness some associate with Ibanez guitars.

    Source
  • Split humbuckers on the AX3 don't match the tone of traditional single coils, especially compared to a Telecaster.

    Source
  • Some players find Epiphone Les Pauls feel toy-like and prefer Agile guitars for a similar style with potentially better quality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Sterling AX3 is considered for its potential flexibility compared to a Telecaster, though not as appreciated for classic Tele sounds.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend replacing the bridge on Squier Jaguars immediately due to poor quality, enhancing playability and tone.

    Source
  • For a more authentic Johnny Marr sound, consider using the Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar for its original wiring and tonal options.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's suggested to inspect the ground wire soldering and overall tidiness inside a guitar when buying to ensure quality.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Sterling S.U.B. AX3 & Silo3 Review

guitar.com

The Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Series AX3 Axis Electric Guitar punches above its price with impressive playability and finish, capturing the essence of pricier Music Man models. Its neck is particularly commendable, offering a refined feel that belies its budget status. While the unbranded humbuckers are a noticeable weak point, lacking in sparkle and clarity, they perform better with added gain, delivering decent crunch and sustain. The guitar's aesthetics, featuring a quilt maple veneer and satin-finished neck, add to its appeal. Despite some tonal compromises, especially in clean tones, the AX3 remains a strong contender for those seeking affordability without sacrificing the Music Man vibe.

positive

Reviewed: Sterling by Music Man Axis AX3 - Mixdown Magazine

mixdownmag.com.au

The Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Series AX3 Axis Electric Guitar is a reliable entry-level option that delivers solid performance typical of budget guitars. While the build quality falls short of higher-end models, the stock pickups surprisingly exceed expectations, offering rich resonance suitable for rock and metal. However, the guitar's awkward sitting position and less robust tuners are drawbacks. It delivers a distinct sound across various amps and handles drop tunings well, making it a versatile choice for beginners seeking a taste of Music Man's design without the hefty price tag. Expect a no-frills, straightforward experience.

Sterling By Music Man SUB AX3 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Series AX3 Axis Electric Guitar is a beginner's delight with its 80s rocker vibe and quality build. It offers great value with an impressive asymmetric neck for comfort and a vibrato system that maintains tuning. The coil-split tones shine, ideal for percussive and funky styles. However, the humbuckers fall short, lacking the punch expected from a rock guitar. The quilted maple finish is faux but stylish from afar. Overall, it's a solid choice for those starting out, despite some tonal limitations.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings

5 star
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omegaman_jonny

First Musicman Guitar I got and i love it

I've always loved the sound of music man guitars and at the time couldn't afford the Ernie Ball version so got this and its just as good, a really affordable.

Genre Usage

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