With the new Cutlass, Ernie Ball Music Man throws a truly impressive hat into the ring of guitar-makers who are offering modern spins on vintage classics.
I went to two guitar stores today to try out various American Strats. At the first store there was a Cutlass on sale hanging on the wall. Picked it up, noodled around, was amazed at how well it played. Put it back. Went to the second store to play more Strats. I couldn't stop thinking about the Cutlass. The neck profile was perfect, the satin maple fretboard was perfect, the weight, the sound... Now it's nearly midnight and I'm sitting here watching videos about Cutlasses. I think I'm buying a Cutlass.
@@mattyounis5636 I know it has been 2 years but has your opinion on the Cutlass changed. I am considering buying one used so will not get much of a chance to test.
I'm with you.... I can NOT stand the volume know Nudging my hand while I play. Give me some room. If and when I need the volume knob. I know where to find it.
I own many strats, jazzmasters, jaguars, teles, les pauls and SG's to name a few. This guitar is much more comfortable to play and tonal quality is actually better. Plus the neck is to die for.
Cooper !!! Stellar Playing Phrasing and very tight. I was in Guitar Center trying amps and put my hands on the Cutlass and loved it. I mostly love that NO Noise No 60 cycle hum...and the bridge pickup does NOT have that ice pick sound...I just sold a 1989 strat I loved however, it was so noisy and ice pick bridge sound. I will be getting one of these. And back to your playing. Very great player. I really appreciate this as I surf you tube for the best gear. Thank You. Solid playing my friend!!! Greg J in LA
If my CS Strat could be compared to a pro chefs knife ... the EBMM Cutlass would be a stiletto ... sharper, faster, and more precise. Actually like it more than my Silver Sky and better than my USA Regular & AVRI strats.
It's true if all us Stratocaster lovers out there were to take a really objective view-point, then we would all have to admit Music-man just cannot be bettered.
That bridge pickup sounds surprisingly good on its own. Would you say it's maybe a little more Tele-ish than Strat-ish? That's the impression I'm getting from the video. Really nice demo!
@Cooper - The original strat pick ups had the G pole highest because at the time the G string was the skinniest wound string. For many years we have all used string sets with an unwound much easier bendable G, which has a lot more magnetic output than a wound equivalent. Therefore all these single coil pick ups should have the G string pole as low as the E6 pole. In fact I suggest a gradual raise from E6 to D4 and a similar raise from G3 to E1. Doing this, You shall have all strings performing at the same volume all over the guitar. I have made this mod to my own 4 pcs. MIJ RI Strats in different finishes and an AVRI 59 as well. You need to make a choice of string gauges first, but the outcome is awesome. I have to strongly state, that you have to be extremely careful, as you could press too hard to a pole and damage the pick up, but a correct mod is very rewarding. Would you have an opinion on this issue related to the Cutlass? And can you adjust the tremolo to be floating? I thank you for a sober and neutral enlightening demo.
Own the John Petrucci Majesty 6 string, neck-through design and this guitar is a dream to play. Now, after owning this guitar decided to purchase the Cutlass SSS, too. The necks are perfect for my hands.
Fender, Ernie Ball, they're both big names, and both very good. Very good. And they'll both use the weight of their name and other gimmicks to sell you one. Don't pretend that it's just fender, peeps. And most important....get the guitar YOU want, the guitar YOU need as your voice. Peace.
Hey cooper, dug the demo! I normally play a reflex and was considering getting a cutlass. Are the neck profiles similar? would love to be able to keep that feel.
Played one of these yesterday. I've never seen action this nice on a non Gibson. Plays as good or better than the sweetest low action SG or Les Paul. I also A/B'd it with an American Standard strat. It was hands down better playing and sounding.
interestingly enough, i don't know why you'd want to stick with the standard fender strat. granted its forever etched in history, i feel like if i had to choose a mass produced single coil electric, it would be the cutlass. hands down. Given however how g&L are around the corner for just the same price. ahem... not to mention the options they offer to choose from.
Hey man I know a lot of it is the guitar but can you just give a quick heads up as to what you're playing through in terms of amps and pedals? Or is is AxeFX? it's a phenomenal tone and I was just curious. Great playing and thanks!
set it to float? I loosened the claw tension to float where I wanted it and adjusted the string height and intonation etc. There is NO need to make any changes to the two pivot posts. So my bridge leans forward like the Luke models for example.
wow, very cool! I always thought the bridge sat on the wood for some reason. So as the Cutlass is now, stock...would I be able to drop D tune because it doesn't float? thanks!
Hey man! I'm really considering getting this guitar for modern indie rock, would this be a good match? I'm looking for something clean and bright and this seems like a really nice fit.
Cooper Carter Hi, also wondering: if I'm considering a volume pedal, would this guitar require one for "active electronics" or for "passive electronics"? Any info would be appreciated thanks.
my only beef I'm having with this guitar right now is how low the frets are. I do a lot of bending and keep finding my fingers catching other strings as I bend the high e
Great review. But please, easy with the volume knob placement! There are those of us in the hundreds of thousands that want it AWAY from the strings/bridge! Cheers!
I don't have one, but did ask someone who does to post about it on another forum. When the battery goes, the guitar is dead until it is replaced. It is for both the buffered output and for active noise cancellation.
You're welcome - the battery isn't an issue for me, but I suppose someone who gigs a lot would need to have a backup guitar and carry a backup battery to every gig. It's supposed to last at least 500 hours.
+Stainless Steel No - although some endorsers (or prospective endorsers) have been seen with HSS prototypes so you never know. But for now the Cutlass is SSS, if you want an HSS you have to go with a Silhouette Special or one of the Luke models (Luke or Luke III).
Let's face it... it's ripoff, but it'd kick Fender Strat's ass any day... It's just a better guitar. It stays in tune, no need for string trees, better pickups, no noise, no annoying volume knob... For me personally it has better action, smooth neck with flatter radius. It's much better guitar that Fender Strat...
