Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CTSS30HS Electric Guitar Review
The Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CTSS30HS electric guitar is a versatile and stylish instrument that has been making waves in the guitar community. This modern take on a classic design offers players a comfortable playing experience, top-notch performance, and a striking appearance that is sure to turn heads. In this in-depth review, we will discuss the features, build quality, playability, and overall value of the Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CTSS30HS to help you determine if it’s the right guitar for you.
Features
The Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CTSS30HS electric guitar is packed with features that cater to a wide range of players, from beginners to seasoned professionals. Some of the standout features include:
- Solid hardwood body with a high-gloss polyester finish
- Maple neck with a satin finish and 25.5-inch scale length
- Rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets
- Custom Music Man-designed humbucker pickups (HH configuration)
- 5-way pickup selector switch
- Master volume and tone controls
- Vintage-style tremolo bridge
- Sealed die-cast tuning machines
- 3-ply pickguard
- Chrome hardware
The combination of these features makes the Cutlass CTSS30HS a versatile instrument capable of delivering a wide range of tones, from sparkling clean to gritty overdrive.
Build Quality
The Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CTSS30HS boasts exceptional build quality, ensuring that this guitar will stand up to rigorous playing and last for years to come. The solid hardwood body is both sturdy and resonant, providing a balanced and full-bodied tone. The high-gloss polyester finish not only looks fantastic but also helps protect the wood from damage.
The maple neck offers a comfortable and familiar feel, with the satin finish reducing friction for smooth playability. The rosewood fingerboard is a classic choice for electric guitars, offering warmth and a smooth playing surface. The 22 medium jumbo frets are well-dressed and provide excellent intonation across the entire neck.
The custom Music Man-designed humbucker pickups produce powerful and articulate tones, while the 5-way switch allows for a wide range of sonic options. The vintage-style tremolo bridge offers reliable performance and adds a touch of classic flair to the guitar’s appearance.
Overall, the build quality of the Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CTSS30HS is impressive, especially considering its affordable price point.
Playability
The Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CTSS30HS excels in terms of playability. The comfortable maple neck, satin finish, and well-dressed frets make for an enjoyable playing experience that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re a beginner just learning your first chords or a seasoned pro looking for a reliable workhorse, the Cutlass CTSS30HS is easy to play and feels great in your hands.
The vintage-style tremolo bridge allows for expressive playing techniques, such as dive bombs and subtle vibrato, while maintaining tuning stability. The sealed die-cast tuning machines also contribute to the guitar’s overall tuning stability, ensuring that you spend more time playing and less time tuning.
Tone
The Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CTSS30HS delivers a wide range of tones thanks to its dual humbucker pickup configuration and 5-way selector switch. The custom Music Man-designed pickups provide powerful and articulate tones that can handle a variety of musical styles.
In the bridge position, the guitar produces bright and punchy tones perfect for cutting through the mix in a band setting. The neck pickup offers warm and smooth tones ideal for jazz, blues, and other genres that require a mellower sound. The 5-way switch allows for additional tonal options, such as coil-splitting and parallel wiring, giving players even more versatility.
The master volume and tone controls provide further tone-shaping capabilities, allowing you to dial in the perfect sound for your playing style and musical preferences.
Value
The Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CTSS30HS offers incredible value for its price. With its solid build quality, comfortable playability, and versatile tonal options, this guitar is an excellent choice for players of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a reliable instrument to learn on or a seasoned pro in need of a gig-ready workhorse, the Cutlass CTSS30HS delivers outstanding performance at an affordable price.
Conclusion
The Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CTSS30HS electric guitar is a fantastic option for those seeking a versatile and stylish instrument that won’t break the bank. With its high-quality construction, comfortable playability, and wide range of tonal options, this guitar is suitable for players of all skill levels and musical styles. If you’re in the market for a new electric guitar, the Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CTSS30HS is definitely worth considering.
