Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $275

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

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Description

The Sterling Cutlass Short Scale electric guitar is a versatile instrument that combines classic aesthetics with modern functionality, making it a perfect choice for musicians of all levels. Crafted with a poplar body, this guitar offers balanced and resonant tones, while the hard maple neck and fingerboard deliver bright, articulate sound with excellent sustain. Its compact 24-inch scale length ensures a comfortable playing experience, particularly for younger players or those with smaller hands.

The Cutlass is equipped with Sterling’s proprietary pickups, featuring a powerful humbucker at the bridge and a slanted single-coil at the neck. This H/S configuration provides a wide range of tonal possibilities, from warm, full-bodied sounds to bright, cutting tones. A 3-way blade switch allows for easy navigation between pickups, and the dedicated volume and tone knobs let you fine-tune your sound to perfection. Whether you’re crafting intricate melodies or driving rock riffs, the Cutlass adapts effortlessly to your style.

Design-wise, the guitar's sleek profile and roasted maple neck not only enhance its tone but also increase its durability, resisting warping and twisting. With 22 frets on a 12-inch radius fingerboard, players can explore diverse sonic territories with ease. The fulcrum tremolo bridge and die-cast tuners ensure stable tuning, even during expressive dive-bombs and bends, making it a reliable companion on stage or in the studio.

Key Features:

  • Poplar body for balanced, resonant tones
  • Hard maple neck and fingerboard for bright, articulate sound
  • 24-inch scale length for easy playability
  • H/S pickup configuration with Sterling’s proprietary pickups
  • 3-way blade switch for versatile tonal options
  • Roasted maple neck for enhanced durability
  • Fulcrum tremolo bridge and die-cast tuners for stable tuning
  • 22 frets with a 12-inch radius fingerboard

Product specs

Brand Sterling
Model Cutlass Short Scale
Year 2019 - 2021
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Poplar
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Green, Pink
Fretboard Material Laurel, Maple
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 HS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24"

FAQs

What is the scale length of the Sterling Cutlass Short Scale guitar?

The Sterling Cutlass Short Scale guitar features a 24-inch scale length, which offers enhanced playability and reduced string tension, making it ideal for players who find longer scale lengths uncomfortable.

What type of pickups does the Sterling Cutlass Short Scale have?

The Sterling Cutlass Short Scale is equipped with Sterling by Music Man pickups in an HS configuration, providing versatile tonal options suitable for various music styles.

Is the Sterling Cutlass Short Scale guitar suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Sterling Cutlass Short Scale is a great option for beginners due to its shorter scale length, which makes it easier to play, and its versatile sound capabilities.

What materials are used for the body and neck of the Sterling Cutlass Short Scale?

The Sterling Cutlass Short Scale features a gloss-finished solid poplar body and a maple neck, providing a classic look and reliable durability.

Does the Sterling Cutlass Short Scale guitar have a tremolo bridge?

Yes, the Sterling Cutlass Short Scale is equipped with a vintage-style tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive playing techniques.

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The Cutlass neck features a satin finish, providing a smooth feel compared to the raw maple neck of the Axis.

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Features and functionality

  • Sub Series CT30s received a pickup upgrade in 2025, switching from Ceramic to Alnico for improved sound.

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Comparisons

  • Sterling necks are wider with flatter fretboards compared to EBMM necks, except for Petrucci models which are consistently flat.

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  • The Cutlass Short Scale's pricing and upgrade potential make it a strong contender against Fender's Duo Sonic HS and Mustang, offering similar quality at a lower cost.

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Use cases and applications

  • Owners find the asymmetrical neck design of the Cutlass appealing for its smooth playability.

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Mods and upgrades

  • For improved sound quality, upgrading to high-end tuners and pickups, such as Seymour Duncan or DiMarzio, is recommended to surpass the standard Fender models.

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Value and pricing

  • At $299, the Sterling Cutlass Short Scale offers comparable features to models priced at $599, making it a cost-effective option for budget-conscious buyers.

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User experience

  • Owners appreciate the affordability of the Sterling Cutlass, noting that with minor upgrades, it competes well with higher-priced Fender short-scale models.

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