Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
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
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What is the neck profile like on the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Series AX3 Axis Electric Guitar?
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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.
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What type of pickups does the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Series AX3 Axis Electric Guitar have?
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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.
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Is the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Series AX3 Axis Electric Guitar suitable for beginners?
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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.
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What kind of tremolo system does the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Series AX3 Axis Electric Guitar have?
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This guitar features a fulcrum tremolo bridge, allowing for smooth pitch modulation and expressive playing techniques, ideal for rock and blues styles.
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How many frets does the Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Series AX3 Axis Electric Guitar have?
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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.
Videos
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Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Axis Electric Guitar - Incredible Value For Money!
Reviews
PROS
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Asymmetrical neck provides comfort and fast playability
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Stock pickups offer warm, responsive tones
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Five-way switch delivers versatile tone options
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Solid build quality for a budget guitar
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Truss rod adjustment at the neck heel simplifies setup
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Resonant basswood body enhances acoustic volume
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Lightweight and compact, yet full 25.5" scale length
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Smooth fretboard and well-finished frets
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High-quality finish with matching headstock
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Great value for money, rivaling more expensive models
CONS
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Tuners feel cheap and are notchy to turn
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Tremolo bridge is loose and lacks tonal control
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Fret buzz and uneven frets may require adjustment
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Needs setup and intonation adjustments out of the box
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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
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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.
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Concerns about Sterling's quality control include issues like missing pickup screws causing playability problems.
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Users often find the volume knob on the Jaguar too close to the bridge pickup, causing accidental adjustments during play.
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Features and functionality
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The Axis includes a Floyd Rose with a brass sustain block, providing better tuning stability compared to the Sterling version.
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User experience
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Owners report noticeable improvements in sound and tidier fretwork on the Axis compared to the Sterling AX40D, despite having the same pickups.
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Quality of in-store Sterlings can be poor, with some showing signs of abuse and damage, complicating purchase decisions.
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Users report that Squier VM Jaguars offer a good sound but note the parts feel cheap, especially the bridge and volume knob placement.
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Comparisons
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The Sterling JP150 features a smooth roasted maple fretboard and neck, offering a fast feel without the hollowness some associate with Ibanez guitars.
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Split humbuckers on the AX3 don't match the tone of traditional single coils, especially compared to a Telecaster.
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Some players find Epiphone Les Pauls feel toy-like and prefer Agile guitars for a similar style with potentially better quality.
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Use cases and applications
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The Sterling AX3 is considered for its potential flexibility compared to a Telecaster, though not as appreciated for classic Tele sounds.
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Mods and upgrades
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings
760
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
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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