Sterling by Music Man Sterling CT50-SSS Cutlass

$454.78 Price Tier: Standard

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Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

Pricing and availability

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

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5.0 (8)

$454.78 11 available New

$494.99 4 available Used

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Average Price: $475

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Sterling CT50-SSS Cutlass 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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Standard

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Description

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Step into a world where vintage elegance meets cutting-edge sound with the Sterling CT50-SSS Cutlass. This electric guitar is a harmonious blend of timeless design and modern innovation, crafted for musicians who demand both style and substance. The poplar body provides a rich, balanced tone while the roasted maple neck and fingerboard elevate your play with their bright, articulate sound. This combination ensures that each note you play is infused with clarity and resonance.

The heart of the CT50-SSS lies in its versatile S/S/S pickup configuration. Three expertly-crafted single-coil pickups deliver a broad spectrum of tones, from sparkling highs to deep, resonant lows, all easily accessible via a 5-way blade switch. Whether you're diving into searing solos or laying down smooth rhythms, the CT50-SSS offers an impressive range of sonic possibilities. The inclusion of dedicated tone and volume control knobs further allows you to sculpt your sound with precision.

Designed with the modern guitarist in mind, the CT50-SSS is equipped with locking tuners and a vintage-style tremolo system. This ensures that you stay perfectly in tune, even when pushing the boundaries of expression. The sleek, asymmetrical neck profile and a comfortable 12-inch fingerboard radius make it a joy to play, offering comfort and control for all styles.

Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the Sterling CT50-SSS Cutlass is the perfect companion for your musical journey.

Key Features:

Poplar body for balanced, versatile tones
Roasted maple neck and fingerboard for brightness and articulation
S/S/S pickup configuration with 5-way blade switch
Vintage-style tremolo and locking tuners
Sleek, asymmetrical neck profile with 12-inch fingerboard radius

Product specs

Brand	Sterling
Model	CT50-SSS Cutlass, CT50-SSS Cutlass Roasted Maple
Year	2021 - 2025
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material	Poplar
Body Shape	Double Cutaway
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Tremolo Bridge
Color Family	Blue, Brown
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Maple, Rosewood
Fretboard Radius	12"
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	22
Number of Strings	6-String
Nut Width	1.65"
Offset Body	Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	SSS
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	25.5"
Wood Top Style	Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Sterling CT50-SSS Cutlass?: The Sterling CT50-SSS Cutlass features a comfortable C-shaped neck profile, which is designed to offer a smooth and fast playing experience suitable for various styles and skill levels.
What kind of tones can I expect from the SSS pickup configuration on the Sterling CT50-SSS Cutlass?: The SSS pickup configuration provides a versatile range of tones, from bright and crisp cleans to punchy mid-range sounds, making it ideal for genres like rock, blues, and pop.
Is the Sterling CT50-SSS Cutlass suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Sterling CT50-SSS Cutlass is a great choice for beginners due to its comfortable neck, versatile tone options, and reliable tuning stability, allowing new players to explore a wide range of musical styles.
How does the vintage-style tremolo bridge on the Sterling CT50-SSS Cutlass affect playability?: The vintage-style tremolo bridge allows for smooth vibrato effects and pitch bending, enhancing playability while maintaining tuning stability with the help of locking tuning machines.
What are the color options available for the Sterling CT50-SSS Cutlass?: The Sterling CT50-SSS Cutlass is available in a range of colors, including blue and brown, with a sunburst finish, providing both aesthetic appeal and a classic look.

Reviews

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PROS

Outstanding tone that rivals more expensive Strat-style guitars
Snappy, responsive pickups enhance sound clarity
Stable tuning thanks to high-quality tuners and tremolo system
Lightweight and resonant body for easy playability
Comfortable thick C satin roasted maple neck
High-quality build and smooth frets provide a premium feel
Eye-catching sunburst finish adds visual appeal
Versatile design suitable for customization

CONS

Fretboard color and dry feel may not meet all preferences
Neck slightly fatter compared to Ernie Ball models

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sterling CT50-SSS Cutlass.

Comparisons

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Owners compare the guitar’s durability and quality to higher-end models, describing it as "built like a brick" and suitable for touring.
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The Sterling Cutlass series is frequently recommended as a strong alternative to Fender for those desiring modern features in an HSS/SSS configuration.
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Compared to Fender Stratocasters, the Sterling's humbucker offers significantly more bite, while the single coils maintain a Strat-like tone with a bit more output.
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Compared to Player Series Fender Strats, the Sterling's neck is more satin and thicker, with better high fret access and a contoured heel.
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User experience

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Telecaster players often find the CT50's layout more intuitive, especially those who struggle with the Strat's volume knob and tremolo bar placement.
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The bridge design allows for tremolo use without the bar, a handy feature for forgetful players.
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Quality control varies; a 2022 model had superior sound and feel compared to a newer version, which had less detail and weaker pickups.
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Mods and upgrades

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For players seeking a flatter radius similar to high-end models, the Sterling's 12" radius is a noteworthy advantage over the Fender's standard 9.5".
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Changing the stock pickups is advised, with some users considering Seymour Duncan or DiMarzio replacements to improve tone clarity and reduce muddiness.
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Build quality

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The rose gold finish is especially striking in sunlight, appealing to those who value aesthetics.
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The neck is described as "chunky" with a 12-inch radius, offering a flatter fretboard than typical Fender setups, suitable for larger hands.
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Owners appreciate the contoured roasted maple neck and body-side truss rod adjustment, enhancing playability and setup ease.
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Features and functionality

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The Sterling CT50 boasts an asymmetrical Soft V neck shape, thicker on the bass side, providing a unique and comfortable playing experience.
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The tone knob is noted as more functional and purposeful compared to most Stratocasters, where it often feels redundant.
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The Sterling CT50 features locking tuners and a unique control layout, often perceived as more expensive than it actually is.
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Use cases and applications

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The guitar is favored for studio work and gigs, with one owner planning to use it for tours immediately due to its reliable build and sound.
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The 4th pickup position is ideal for funk, delivering a quacky/snappy tone reminiscent of Cory Wong, even on a basic amp setup.
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