Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Reverb
5.0 (12)
$829.99 New
$329.99 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (8)
$749.99
Thomann
$879.00 $874.00 $5.00 · All time low

Average Price: $763

Standard/Professional

$400

$1501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Sterling Music Man JP70". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

For those seeking a guitar that effortlessly bridges the gap between technical prowess and tonal versatility, the Sterling Music Man JP70 is a standout choice. Crafted as a signature model for Dream Theater's virtuoso John Petrucci, this 7-string electric guitar is engineered for players who demand both precision and power. The JP70 boasts a nyatoh body that resonates with a rich, full-bodied tone, while the hard maple neck and rosewood fingerboard ensure each note rings with clarity and warmth.

This guitar's dynamic range is driven by custom-designed humbucking pickups, which deliver everything from searing leads to thunderous rhythms. A 3-way selector switch and dedicated volume and tone controls offer you the flexibility to sculpt your sound with precision. The 16-inch fingerboard radius provides a comfortable playing experience, engaging your fingers to explore the full potential of its 24 medium jumbo frets. And with a modern tremolo system on board, the JP70 invites endless expressive possibilities.

Designed with the gigging musician in mind, the JP70 features a 5-bolt neck pattern for ultimate stability and locking tuners that keep your guitar perfectly in tune, even during the most intense performances. The 25.5-inch scale length and 1.95-inch nut width ensure a spacious and buzz-free playing environment, making this instrument a must-have for any serious guitarist.

Key Features:

  • Signature model by John Petrucci for Sterling by Music Man
  • Nyatoh body with hard maple neck and rosewood fingerboard
  • Custom humbucking pickups with 3-way selector
  • 24 medium jumbo frets with 16-inch fingerboard radius
  • Locking tuners and modern tremolo system
  • 25.5-inch scale with a 1.95-inch nut width

Product specs

Brand Sterling
Model JP70 John Petrucci Signature 7-String
Finish Mystic Dream, Pearl Red Burst, Stealth Black, Trans Green Burst, Trans Purple Burst
Year 2010s
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Basswood
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Green, Purple, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
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 kind of music is the Sterling Music Man JP70 best suited for?

The Sterling Music Man JP70 is ideal for progressive rock and metal, offering a 7-string setup that provides extended range and versatility for complex riffs and solos.

Does the Sterling Music Man JP70 have a comfortable neck for fast playing?

Yes, the JP70 features a slim maple neck with a 16" radius rosewood fretboard, designed for fast and smooth playability, making it excellent for shredding and intricate finger work.

What type of pickups does the Sterling Music Man JP70 use?

The JP70 is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, providing a powerful and clear tone suitable for heavy distortion and clean settings alike.

Is the Sterling Music Man JP70 suitable for beginners?

While primarily aimed at intermediate to advanced players due to its 7-string configuration and specialized features, dedicated beginners with a focus on metal and progressive styles might also find it rewarding.

How does the Sterling Music Man JP70 handle tuning stability?

The JP70 features a tremolo bridge and locking tuners, which help maintain tuning stability even during aggressive playing and bending.

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

John Petrucci demos his Sterling by Music Man JP70

Video thumbnail for John Petrucci demos his Sterling by Music Man JP70 by Ernie Ball

John Petrucci demos his Sterling by Music Man JP70

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for Sterling by Music Man JP70 - A Pretentious Review by Man Bun Metal Head

Sterling by Music Man JP70 - A Pretentious Review

Man Bun Metal Head

Man Bun Metal Head

Video thumbnail for Sterling JP70 Guitar Demo by Sweetwater

Sterling JP70 Guitar Demo

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Sterling by Music Man JP70 John Petrucci 7 String Electric Guitar Demonstration by GoDpsMusic Live

Sterling by Music Man JP70 John Petrucci 7 String Electric Guitar Demonstration

GoDpsMusic Live

GoDpsMusic Live

Video thumbnail for Sterling JP70 Review and Demo by Christian Arnold

Sterling JP70 Review and Demo

Christian Arnold

Christian Arnold

Video thumbnail for Sterling by Music Man John Petrucci JP70 | REVIEW by A MINOR ERROR

Sterling by Music Man John Petrucci JP70 | REVIEW

A MINOR ERROR

A MINOR ERROR

Video thumbnail for STERLING by MUSICMAN JP70 | PLAYTHROUGH by MUSIC ZONE

STERLING by MUSICMAN JP70 | PLAYTHROUGH

MUSIC ZONE

MUSIC ZONE

Video thumbnail for STERLING by Musicman JP70 Mystic Dream [Test & Set-Up] by Jutasin 7 Strings Guitar

STERLING by Musicman JP70 Mystic Dream [Test & Set-Up]

Jutasin 7 Strings Guitar

Jutasin 7 Strings Guitar

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent neck comfort for transitioning from 6-string guitars

  • Locking tuners for stable tuning retention

  • Versatile tone, suitable for prog rock, jazz, and more

  • Easily modifiable for added versatility

  • Matte-finished neck enhances playability

  • User-friendly setup with pinwheel truss rod adjustment

  • Trem bridge holds tuning well, impressive for price range

  • Forearm scoop and slim neck improve comfort

  • Transparent Green Burst finish is visually appealing

  • Great value for the price, punches above its weight

CONS

  • Pickup selector switch obstructs strumming

  • Stock strings may feel unbalanced in tension

  • Limited to accepting a 60 gauge for lowest string

  • Trem bar attachment system requires an allen wrench

  • 25.5" scale length may cause floppiness in drop tunings

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sterling Music Man JP70.

Build quality

  • The JP70's paint to fretboard boundary is criticized for being unprofessional, with visible nut glue residue on the first fret.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The guitar has a recurring issue with saddles breaking the high e string, even with minimal use over one year.

    Source
  • Owners mention the JP70's scale length feels comfortable, but achieving sweet, smooth pinch harmonics may require precise pickup adjustments.

    Source
  • Many Sterling JP models, including the JP70, have the high e string positioned too close to the fretboard edge, often requiring neck screw adjustments, which might not fully resolve the issue.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners note that brands like Schecter, PRS, and Ibanez offer more consistent quality control in the same price range.

    Source
  • The JP70 is preferred by some over the EBMM Majesty due to personal preference in feel, despite the Majesty's higher quality.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite being a signature model, the JP70's quality control is seen as inconsistent for a $600 guitar, with expectations of better standards.

    Source
  • Used JP70 models, especially in discontinued translucent green, are available for $325-$350, making them an attractive entry-level option.

    Source

Other

  • The production of Sterling models is handled by Praxis under a license, not directly by Ernie Ball Music Man, affecting perceived quality control.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The arm cutout of the JP70 is noted for comfort, but the bridge placement feels further back, requiring adjustment.

    Source
  • Locking tuners are highlighted as a valuable feature, though the knobs are perceived as cheap but easily replaceable.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Many owners replace the stock pickups with Juggernauts or Seymour Duncan Alpha Omegas for improved tone and ease of achieving pinch harmonics.

    Source

User experience

  • After adjustments, players may need to modify their playing style to prevent the high e string from slipping off the fret ends frequently.

    Source

Critic Reviews

JP70 Review: It is perfect for that. The looks are amazing. | Sterling by Music Man | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Sterling Music Man JP70 is a mixed bag; it's a visually striking and ergonomically designed 7-string guitar ideal for progressive rock. However, it falters with its dull stock pickups, requiring an upgrade for optimal sound quality. The build quality is inconsistent, with issues like poorly sanded headstocks and stuck screws, though some of these might be isolated incidents. On the plus side, the locking tuners are outstanding, maintaining tuning stability. Ultimately, while it offers great value and aesthetics, potential buyers should be prepared to inspect and possibly modify it for the best experience.

JP70 Review: Petrucci and MM did a great job to create this guitar. | Sterling by Music Man | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Sterling Music Man JP70 boasts ergonomic design and solid features, but stumbles with lackluster sound and troubling build quality. While the guitar's comfortable neck and floating bridge are commendable, its dull pickups and fret buzz detract significantly. Quality control issues, including visible flaws and fret problems, further undermine its value, especially given its high price point in Europe. Despite its potential, the JP70 requires significant improvements in build quality to justify its cost.

negative

Review round-up: mid-priced seven-string electric guitars | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Sterling Music Man JP70 John Petrucci Signature guitar impresses with its comfort and playability, thanks to its body contouring and locking tuners that keep it in tune despite whammy use. While it lacks a locking nut, the absence of a double-locking system might not be missed by those seeking ease of use. Its basswood body mirrors Petrucci's high-end model, though it misses out on DiMarzio pickups and a Piezo. Ideal for metal, the JP70 delivers warm cleans and excels in high-gain scenarios, making it a versatile choice for shred enthusiasts.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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playwrite1996

Best Playing/Sounding 7 String In This Price Range.

As I stated above, the sound is great, the feel is great, absolutely smooth and precise in sound and playability. Definitely a good deal to get one if you can.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Marcelo Barbosa uses Sterling Music Man JP70

Marcelo Barbosa

Guitarist

Angra

...
Verified via YouTube

Marcelo used this guitar on studio recordings for Motion, the second Almah album released in 2011

Album Usage

The Sterling Music Man JP70 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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