Forget Fender! - PLAY THIS GUITAR INSTEAD!! 

We all know you pay A LOT for the name on the headstock, but this guitar shows it doesn't have to be that way! Enjoy :) Guitar link/info - sweetwater.sjv.io/21WAeO

What i love about this channel is that Darrel is an honest man. He loves gear,knows gear and sells gear for a living. Hes a fantastic player and teacher. Dude you were born to do this. Hello from northern wisconsin my man.

I completely agree with you, Darryl, in that the Music Man headstock is the best, most logically laid out headstock in the business. That Sterling is an incredible value!

Picked up one of these for $200 from a guy on Facebook marketplace. Such a steal since they go for almost triple that retail

Music Man/Sterling and PRS definitely solved straight string pull without going full 6 in line with a string tree or shrinking the height of the higher tuners.

Darrell, I've been following you for years and your recommendations have always been spot on. I discovered my favorite acoustic thanks to you (Orangewood) and now I gotta pick this guitar up. I've been in the market for a strat-like and the tones, right from the get go, sound exactly what I've been looking for.

Hi Darrell, always love a well made & designed model with the player in mind. Great value for money. Sounds great too. Great review. Cheers ✌️🎸

Can confirm. I got one of these for gigs where I'm not sure if I'll get out alive, and it impressed me immediately. It's used a lot more than just the "are we getting paid tonight?" shows...

I just saved enough money to finally get a mid range guitar and was thinking about the Fender Player Strat but at the same time I was thinking maybe I could get something better for 800 bucks. THIS guitar is just what I need, can't wait to get my hands on it. Thanks for the review, you've teached me a lot over the years, wish I could give you hug and say thanks lol.

My USA RS HSS Cutlass is my main all-rounder guitar that gets 75% of my playtime and it is a stunningly good guitar. I do have the American Pro II SSS as well and it invites a different feeling and is a fine fine guitar but the Cutlass is another level. This 'budget' version seems STUNNING for what you get. Great review, and it is making me rethink Sterling a lot - especially for some of their other offerings since I have the 'strat' covered - thinking Mariposa for instance. A friend who works at GC - and this is purely anecdotal - mentioned that someone returned a USA JP7 for the Sterling as they actually preferred it. One thing I do prefer on this Sterling you review is the block inlays and it looks like you can see the side markers very clearly, which with the flamed maple and dark dots on my USA are sometimes hard to see.

I would get this guitar, these features and the look makes it a must buy.. Thanks for the recomendation.

This guitar sounds amazing 😃 great review as always 👍🏻 I definitely got my eyes into this guitar 🎸

I love that heel carve. So smooth.

I researched from a nursing home for 2 months trying to find a guitar that was close to the best I've ever played; a Fender Lead II Squire!! So I watched Darrell's "Squier Affinity vs. Yamaha Pacifica" and didn't go through Sweetwater because they were out of stock on the Affinity and I wanted it before my birthday (plus the agent at Sweetwater promised he'd hold the one he had in lime green until 10pm. but,sold it out from under me!) So I arranged to buy through a local shop, had a nursing assistant pick it up along with a Fender Lt25 modeling amp (which is awesome for a nursing home) but, the Affinity SSS didn't fit my hands, I had a choice of black or quick silver finish and chose the latter which I don't like at all (I've been partial to black or sunburst my whole life) and that was in 2020 BTW. It still needs a setup because out of the box it wasn't intonated and I'm in a nursing home without tool's or the money for the setup. So I don't play anymore. I would if I could get it set up or exchange it with someone. I played from my bed but hospital beds have rails that make it more difficult than I thought. I'd sit in a chair if I had a better guitar than this. One that _called_ to me like so many others I've had before I got sick and broke a vertebrae. So I still try to stay in touch with my instrument. I'm pretty good (I'd be after a couple of days to get my chops back). Darrell's channel was the first guitar channel I subscribed to and I still love the content but, this horrible place (they all are) takes my entire disability check and leaves me with a small personal needs allowance that leaves me with nothing to spend on guitars, gear , I'd be hard pressed to buy additional strings. I still have a couple of packs of strings that I never put on the Affinity SSS (I should have gotten the HSS and instead got the SSS). I just took a look at the Link so thanks Darrell. Maybe a windfall will come my way or someone out there might want to buy it or trade me for it . I don't know much about Reverb but it's mint considering I played it from bed for a couple of weeks but, I'd be a first time seller and it wouldn't be enough to buy a better guitar, one that fits me. Plus I don't have money for shipping so I don't see a way. I'd rather have something used and beat up that fits me (the neck isn't chunky enough it's like playing a broomstick for me, this neck profile is too thin and my fingers are too long for it). It's tough to even enjoy music as much as I could when playing was at least an option which even I find strange. Enough outta me then. I did enjoy the video BTW! Just feeling sorry for myself. I'm normally really positive. This too shall pass but, I'd be happy if anyone got as far as this for anything that might help me get rid of this and end up with something I could really get back into music again . Guitar, music... they've always been my greatest passion and I still have day's I listen but, it's not the same. Even ad breaks I hone in on the guitarist's 🤣✌️❤️🎸🎶🙏

Amazing guitar especially for that price point! Well done Music Man and great review D.B!

There is just something about the shape of the body and headstock of this guitar that I can never get over.

Hi Darryl , great news. Much continued success with your channel and hard work.

Darrell keep discovering quality low to middle budget gems your recommends have gained me some pearler guitars keep it going young man best wishes from Russell in Liverpool UK

Thanks for this Darrel. Your videos are always interesting:

I got myself a Fiesta Red Sirling Cutlas a few years back and I have to say it sounds more like a Strat than most Strats I have played, it is beautifully made, and with a few items like the string saddles being upgraded it is my favorite guitar (electric) closely followed by a Custom Shop Epiphone 335!

I have the CT50. I love it. I get comments on how beautiful it is, constantly.

I think a new hss comparison video is in order, there are so many guitars in the price range of the player series: the Yamaha 612, the sire s7, the sterling, and countless others over the last year, I think comparing them all in one would be good

Very cool at an incredible price. Excellent video again. Thanks Daryl

MM is an outstanding brand. Love the Axis too. Look/feel is aces! Only trouble is they're hard to find in a LH. I had a Luke LH, great guitar.

Darrell, thank you for a really informative take on this!! I may be changing stripes!

I have a 2017 ebmm hss cutlass. It is the most comfortable instrument I have ever played and I LOVE IT

I am so glad I came across this review! I just got off the phone with my Sweetwater rep CANCELLING my order for a Fender Deluxe HSS (backordered into the stoneage) and subsituting the LAST CT50 they had in stock! Even adding a SKB gig bag I still saved almost $300 bucks and got even better (to me) specs, specifically the medium frets vs. the narrow tall frets on the Fender - me no likee narrow tall. Only thing missing is the push/push system (the deluxe Fender has the push/push coil splitter) but they didn't have the CT50 Plus version in stock and I can certainly live without that. THANKS DARRELL, YOU ROCK!

I have a regular CT50 Cutlass and Lordy is that thing versatile! It's an easy go-to guitar in the collection.

The Sterling guitars are a *phenomenal* value. I bought a used JP150 earlier this year, and at the price point it's pretty much perfect.

I love my MM Cutlass and Luke 3’s! And I really dig the block inlays on this Sterling!

Beautiful sounding guitar. Love the color and finish.

These guitars are really really great. The necks and bridges are excellent

Sweet guitar. Love the features and the color.

Thanks for introducing me to the MM Sterling. Will definitely check it out! One small suggestion, please either edit in views of the guitar as explaining the features, or something other than continually sticking the guitar in the camera. The clear/blurry stuff was frustrating. Same with playing blurry. Thanks Darrell! Love your videos!

(For myself) I am inclined to agree, this is better than a Strat (almost any Strat.) Roasted neck, locking tuners, straight string pull, shaved heel. I've always liked the 4/2 head stock design on the Music Man guitars. Most of all I like that the tone and volume controls are moved away from the E string. The push push boost really threw me, I wasn't expecting that! I'm going to check one of these out.

I will seriously look into these as all im missing from my humble collection at the moment is a strat style. I also want something that isn't a high end expensive instrument nor a real cheapo and this seems to offer an amazing value

Darrell keeps me coming here for this wonderful guitar❤❤❤

Love that guitar. It frickin sounds amazing.

As always... a great review... so great I will have to add this to my collection... thanks

Wow thats my next guitar thanks to this review luv the passive switch locking tuners and pickups and that roasted neck with rosewood fretboard and most importantly the price thanks Darrell 👍

I bought the blue one(CTS30SSS), Daphne blue, you recommended a few years back and that thing played amazingly! I was so surprised, it was so much fin to to hack around on! This must be so much better based on how much you're gushing over it!

I'd love to get a Cutlass at some point. Will probably be my upgrade from my Bulllet Stratocaster because the specs of even the CT30 are absurd for the price.

I enjoyed this a great deal since I've been a Fender fan since 1966 (Mustang and Twin Reverb amp), performing in Memphis until 1973, recording with my 68 Strat in Isaac Hayes studio in 72. I had to replace my Strat with a Mexican Strat in 90. I have both guitars plus a Spanish and two acoustics

Really interesting and great points. You have me really interested in the non-plus CT50 version. I would never use the boost and dislike push/push and push/pull stuff. Also didnt like the sound of those active pickups so the CT50 is really interesting

You got yourself a winning guitar with the Sterling Cutless! And really like the booster too!!!

Wow. I’m really thinking of getting this guitar. I love the tone too. Was saving for an Eric Johnson fender. But this has me rethinking

I have a cuttless ct50 I love its amazing I’m glad to see this model to it looks amazing

Great demo! I’ve been on the lookout for a good S-Style. I’ll give this one a look!

I've got a CT-50. Love it. The only drawback: the switch. Easily fixed

Thanks Darrell for this awesome presentation! I have to save up some money for the Sterling!

I really like that one. I have an Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray. Fantastic guitars 🎸 Thank you Darrell

That bucker sounds good. Never had an HSS Strat bucker sound that good.

Very cool. I'm really enjoying these reviews. I'm discovering some great and affordable options to support my guitar addiction 🤣thanks man!

I have one in chalk white. Excellent instrument. I call it my "signature" guitar. My #1.

Too funny, first ad is for Fender Player Series!! 😂 Great Review as always!

Wow! Definetly gonna try out this axe! Thanks for the great video😊

I only play bass and I've got a Sterling Ray 24. After giving it a proper setup it's a solid instrument! Not as perfect as my American g&l, but it'll compete with Mexican fenders all day at a much lower price

Hello, I love your channel, I follow from Brazil! Congratulations on the beautiful work and for bringing so many interesting things to all of us. It's a little difficult for me to understand because you speak so fast, but I rewind the video a few times, no problem. big hug, all the best always! 👍

The Cutless plus sounds good, but I will never give up on Fender, because it's the most iconic guitar of them all.

Rocked a 2016 Cutlass in Surf Green for a bit. Great guitars. Didn't have the mojo I was looking for but can'y deny the spec list.

Really good video as always. I already liked cutlass, plus you play well. I already own many vintage and non famous guitars, one of my favorite is Steing STV60 ST Vincent black, 3 mini humbuckers. Cutlass may be on Santa list

That’s a nice guitar! Thanks Darrell. ✌🏼

Hi Darrell thanks for this great honest review you are one of my favourite reviewer that I can rely on nothing like others sponsored by big brands. Anyway, I am about to buy a stratocaster and I am between Sire Larry Carlton S7 which is being sold 549 quid in the UK while the guitar that you reviewed Musicman is being sold 849 quid believe or not nothing like 600 or sth. Do you think it is still worth going for Musicman? I am more into Blues, Jazz, Classic Rock who is to beginner and love classic Fender tones. Thanks ahead!

Hi Darrell, I own 2 Sterling by Music Man Guitars. The Albert Lee HH. I was impressed with all the things you mentioned plus the balance. Whether standing or sitting they're very comfortable to hold and play even for several hours at a time. The light weight was also a great selling point. One is 6 pounds the other is 7 pounds.

Terrific review, thank you. Never even knew this guitar even existed and have been looking at the Player Plus HSS, much more expensive.

Man that guitar is awesome for a budget guitar, great video Darrell

Darrell please don't forget your "yes" after your intro....when you don't do it I feel like I'm being cheated! You did on this awesome video and I owe thank you brother peace and love.

Great specs. I would prefer the 2 tone controls. Thanks for sharing and demo. TGBTG!

Wow, that’s a heck of a guitar. Just put the Plus in my cart at Zzounds thanks to your video. Woulda never have went this route without seeing this video.

Really appreciate the review. I was looking at a Fender, might try this one instead.

This guitar is definately better than a player series strat. Ide even say its better than the Player Plus or on par with it for a lot less coin. Thanks Darrell!

Great breakdown . A superior instrument 🇨🇦

The price is the enticer! Music man guitars are pristine in design and craftsmanship. Will get this one to add to my collection.

Thanks for pointing out the trem stability. Music Man precision is something you have to experience in person. I have an EBMM Jason Richardson cutlass and that trem is significantly more stable than all of my trem guitars. I never check the tuning before playing unless I get curious and say “you know, I haven’t checked tuning in a while.”

Great review. Just wanted to add one thing as an electronics engineer: The boost is not for volume. That's what the volume adjustment is for. It's to increase the signal to noise ratio. So you are correct: it's pointless if you're using gain or pedals to get a distorted sound. Then you don't care about signal to noise ratio. You're actually trying to add in noise. It should be used when playing clean. That's when you'll hear a difference. It will make this sound full and rich like a hollow body guitar. Passive pickups can't get close to a system like this. The S/N ratio might be 10 to 100 times higher with active coils over just magnetic coils. Honestly, I don't know why all guitars don't have this.

“it’s not push/pull, it’s push/push!” yo that was so cool 😂 I can’t explain it but just seeing that alternative setup was cool

Hey Marty, nice! Thanks for sharing

I like the headstock design. Straight strings through the nut, 4x2 tuners meaning no string trees (I hate string trees - reduce unneeded points of friction everywhere is my goal). Perfect! No tilt back headstock (the old "Gibson accident waiting to happen" design). I had a custom Moses Graphite neck built for me this way 30 years ago to solve the same problems. I'm ambivalent about the active PU. There are SO many ways to augment the "pure" sound of your guitar. Pedals, amps, modelers, ..... To me the main job of the guitar (after being balanced, playing great, having a really good frictionless design for trem use, not being too heavy, ...) is to feel and sound great. Clean. I prefer to rely on other means to add gain, distortion, adjust frequency profile, etc. Still, it looks like a great guitar. But it would be more attractive to me with great passive PU.

I'm pretty sure these are passive pickups with a mid boost circuit. Loved the review, Sterling brings a lot to the table for everyone who has an interest in guitars!

Sounds really good .🤘🎸🤠

50 years playing guitar and spent about $60.000 of very expensive to cheap guitars. I down size not playing lost interest. I kept my Epiphone Pro custom 6 years ago used $600.00 and Squire vibe strat vintage used $400 with a fender Case that was worth $259.00, Squire Jaguar Bass With four knobs don't make them anymore $300.00 use with case. Epiphone jumbo 200 master build acoustic electric cutaway in black bought for little under a $600.00 used 5 years ago with case. I had 32 guitars from start to finish. Now you got me thinking of buying this one and get rid of the Strat. thanks for the review.

Love your positivity!

Darrel the pickups aren't active, it's just a boost curcuit. I thought the same thing at first. They're standard passive Sterling pickups. I have the regular CT50 in firemist silver with SD TB14 and two SSL-6's hot rodded electronics including treble bleed curcuit Orangedrop tone cap and DiMarzio superswitch and 500k pots with push/pull tone for coilsplitting. Great content, peace.

I freaking love this guitar the Rosewood is Gorgeous

Beauty! I still think best bang for your buck is the Cort G300. Dished out a little more and got the raw natural satin and couldn’t be happier.

That neck joint looks comfy for sure

Fender can never be forgotten. You can better it for sure, but you can never replace it or forget it. Too great a legacy

Amazing value! Almost as good as my American professional strat hss. I wish my guitar had locking tuners and the truss rod in the same place. I like my American professional strat better for the bone nut and highs" tone bleed" don't go away when you turn down the volume knob.

Block inlays look great on that guitar

Wow I really like that a lot.I’m gonna have to check one out

Sterling are well made professional-grade instruments. They play and sound fantastic. Ernie Ball, Sire, Epiphone, and even Fender’s Squier Classic Vibe line of instruments are consistently proving that you can get and play a great instrument on a budget that any musician can afford. I’m a Fender (P Bass) player. That’s my favorite bass of all time. I love Fender basses. All of them. But my Sire P5R bass holds its own against any Fender out there. Excellent instrument.

I love all the fuss about the heel neck joint contour. It is a nice evolution. But for an adult hand, hardly a big deal.

Been waiting for a review on this

I for one knew this all along I record with the cutlus play with the cutlus it's just an awesome guitar I love every thing about it.

Yamaha's Pacifica PAC612VIIFM is the way to go.

Not played a Sterling series but MusicMan in general are super under-rated. My MM Valentine Signature is just sensational and the roasted neck is just amazing.

Every recording studio and music school should have this instrument available to Guitar players, what a well designed and built instrument! Is it made in the USA ? The easy access to the Truss rod adjustment and the nice fretboard alone make it a winner.

I picked up an original series Sterling Cutlass guitar used for $225 at the local box store that we all endure.. I play it more than guitars I have that cost 7 or 8 times as much. Sterling's have great build quality and feel solid in all respects. Even the low end ones have great quality control.

Lovely and plummy

I own a Sterling by MusicMan Axis trans gold and it is top tier! Just the how the guitar feels and plays is just amazing. Sterling and Music Man guitars are the best.