Sterling by Music Man Sterling By Musicman JP157

$929.99 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (1)

1 Critic Review

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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5.0 (5)

$929.99 2 available New

$1,378.35 1 available Used

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Average Price: $1,154

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Sterling By Musicman JP157 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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Dive into the world of extended range expression with the Sterling By Musicman JP157, an electric guitar that masterfully balances power and sophistication. This seven-string marvel is crafted for those who seek to explore deep, resonant lows and soaring highs. Its roasted maple neck and fretboard not only provide an eye-catching aesthetic but also enhance the clarity and punch of every note, making your performance stand out on any stage.

Equipped with specially designed high-output pickups, the JP157 offers a versatile tonal palette that can seamlessly transition from powerful riffs to delicate solos. The 3-way pickup switching allows for quick adjustments, enabling you to find the perfect sound for any musical journey. Meanwhile, the Sterling by Music Man Modern Tremolo ensures smooth operation, accurate intonation, and excellent tuning stability, letting you perform with confidence.

The guitar's body, made from African Mahogany and topped with Flamed Maple, offers both visual allure and tonal richness. Whether you're shredding in a studio or performing live, the JP157 provides a blend of elegance and functionality that inspires creativity at every turn.

Key Features:

Seven-string electric guitar
Roasted maple neck and fretboard for enhanced articulation
High-output pickups with 3-way switching
Sterling by Music Man Modern Tremolo for smooth operation
African Mahogany body with Flamed Maple top for rich tones

Product specs

Brand	Sterling
Model	JP157 John Petrucci Signature 7-String
Finish	Island Burst, Neptune Blue, Sahara Burst, Teal Flame, Trans Black Satin
Year	2010 - 2021
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material	Mahogany
Body Shape	S-Style
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Tremolo Bridge
Color Family	Black, Blue, Brown, Teal
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Maple
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 makes the Sterling By Musicman JP157 suitable for progressive rock and metal?: The Sterling By Musicman JP157 features high output EBMM humbucking pickups and a 12dB push-push boost, perfect for the dynamic range and tonal demands of progressive rock and metal genres.
How does the neck profile of the JP157 affect playability?: The JP157 has a bolt-on roasted maple neck with a satin finish, providing a smooth, fast playing experience ideal for intricate solos and fast-paced riffs.
Is the Sterling By Musicman JP157 suitable for live performances?: Yes, the JP157 is well-suited for live performances thanks to its locking tuners and modern tremolo bridge, which ensure tuning stability and allow for expressive playing techniques.
Can the Sterling By Musicman JP157 handle drop tunings effectively?: With its 7-string configuration and 25.5" scale length, the JP157 is designed to handle lower tunings, making it a great choice for genres that require drop tunings.
What type of wood is used in the body of the Sterling By Musicman JP157, and how does it affect the tone?: The JP157 features a mahogany body with a flamed maple top, offering a warm, rich tone with enhanced sustain and a visually striking appearance.

Videos

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Trey Xavier

STERLING BY MUSIC MAN JP157 Guitar Review | GEAR GODS

Trey Xavier

Sterling by Musicman JP157 - One Year On - John Petrucci Signature

Jamie Ford

Dream Theater - The Enemy Inside Cover (Sterling by Musicman JP157 & Mesa Boogie Mark V 25)

Punchy Dollgy Studio

John PETRUCCI's Signature STERLING by Music Man JP157 / Review & Sound

Strings of Rock

Dream Theater - 'Lie' (1st solo) on Sterling JP157 Teal

Bruno Biordi

Reviews

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PROS

Comfortable neck design reminiscent of high-quality MIJ Ibanez models
Sounds great both clean and with distortion
Guitar stays in tune remarkably well
Arm bevel provides exceptional playing comfort
Versatile for players transitioning to 7-string guitars
Offers a quality alternative to more expensive models

CONS

Some fret ends are slightly sharp
Stock electronics can cause muddy tone with certain pickups
Initial string quality may lead to early breakage
Active system's 20db boost adds unnecessary complexity

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sterling By Musicman JP157.

Build quality

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Some report uneven sanding on necks; others find no sharp fret ends but note tuning heads and pickup switch quality could be improved.
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The nut appears cheap and affects tuning stability; using nut lube can improve performance.
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Setup and maintenance

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Bridge tuning stability is a common issue; requires careful setup to prevent tuning problems during tremolo use.
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Roasted maple neck feels denser compared to normal maple, potentially affecting playability perception.
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Locking tuners require no string wrapping for optimal tuning stability; improper setup can lead to tuning issues.
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Features and functionality

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The push/push volume boost feature is considered largely unnecessary by many users.
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Mods and upgrades

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Switching to DiMarzio CrunchLab and LiquiFire pickups improves sound quality significantly over stock Sterling pickups.
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Applying gunstock oil/wax to the neck can improve feel, making it closer to the EBMM JP15's finish.
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Comparisons

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PRS SE models often seen as more reliable with consistent quality compared to Sterling, despite both being made by Cor-Tek.
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The Sterling JP150 neck is similar to the JP15 but lacks the oil/wax finish, differing from the thinner EBMM JP6 neck.
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User experience

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Finish quality can vary between guitars, even within the same color/finish type, affecting visual appeal.
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Frets on the Sterling JP157 may not feel as polished or smooth, potentially impacting playability.
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Value and pricing

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Some users recommend buying used to get better value, as new Sterling prices can be disappointing for their build quality.
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Critic Reviews

STERLING BY MUSIC MAN JP157 Seven-String Guitar - The Gear Gods Review - Gear Gods

geargods.net

The Sterling By Music Man JP157 is a commendable seven-string guitar that offers great value for its price. It boasts premium features like locking tuners and a roasted maple neck, making it visually appealing and well-constructed. Players will appreciate its fast playability, although the neck may feel thicker than expected, and the inlays can be hard to see against the fretboard. Overall, the JP157 stands out as an impressive option for metal musicians looking for an affordable yet capable guitar, despite a couple of minor drawbacks.

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Artist usage

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Chris Howorth

Guitarist

In This Moment

Verified via YouTube

In a live performance video titled "In This Moment - 'Forever' Live," Chris Howorth can be seen using the Sterling By Musicman JP157 Teal guitar. The video, captured at the Charlotte date of Warped Tour on July 23, 2009, is available on YouTube, uploaded by the user ilikeapplepie69.