Keeping operations based in sunny California for the entirety of the company's existence, Music Man finds its roots in Fender alumni who left after the CBS buyout of 1965.
Ernie Ball Music Man guitars and basses have encapsulated the essence of top-tier craftsmanship, features and tone for nearly 5 decades now. With an illustrious artist roster including the likes of St. Vincent, Steve Lukather and John Petrucci among many others, Music Man has been backing up the pros since day one. However, the American heavyweights aren’t the type to leave the beginner to intermediate-level markets out in the cold. 2025 sees a new chapter in the Sterling lineage, with Music Man issuing their new Intro Series. The Intro Series is a direct effort to give new players the best possible start, bringing workhorse Music Man designs to another generation.
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Introduced back in 2008, the Sterling line of guitars and basses were the result of Music Man’s endeavour to licence a quality import line that would put their cutting-edge designs into the hands of a new demographic of players.
Cutlass CT20HSS
Making its initial debut way back in 1977, the original Cutlass was one of Music Mans’s earlier designs. It garnered a cult following before eventually receiving a redesign in 2015, which illuminated its presence amongst a new demographic of players worldwide.
The Sterling Intro Series Cutlass encapsulates all the charm and functionality that makes its bigger brother such a popular choice amongst working musicians worldwide. The sleek contoured body of the Cutlass will be familiar to most players, offering unparalleled comfort regardless of whether the player is seated or standing. Not to mention that selecting Poplar to be the tonewood for this model also grants it a classic Californian tonality, all coming in at a weight that isn’t going to be a discomfort to new players.
Sterling has opted to include a fulcrum tremolo on this model, giving new players a chance to experiment with a tremolo bar that isn’t going to compromise tuning stability in the process, preventing future headaches for both the player and the tech at the local guitar shop.
Additionally, the hardware package is rounded out with a set of quality die-cast tuners that will enforce the instrument’s tuning stability. The Cutlass also features a dual action truss rod with handy heel access, and 22 narrow frets.
The Cutlass boasts a classic 25.5” scale neck with a 12” radius. This combination is a perfect middle ground for budding players to experiment with whatever styles of playing they choose whilst finding their own unique voice.
Neck construction consists of a Hard Rock Maple neck with a choice of either a Hard Maple or Amaranth fretboard, a beautiful wood also known as Purple Heart. This is a neck that will hold up to even the most heavy-handed of players, ensuring that your Sterling Intro Series guitar will remain a musical companion for many years to come.
Sterling by Music Man round out the Cutlass CT20HSS with a very versatile HSS pickup configuration with a 5-way switch and single tone and volume control. Once again, this electronics setup provides the perfect testing ground for players to explore a multitude of sonic possibilities.
StingRay RAY2
With a production run spanning decades and legions of professionals vouching for its reliability and signature tone, the StingRay is a cornerstone of modern bass designs. Introduction of the new Sterling Intro series RAY2 gives anyone the opportunity to experience the magic of a StingRay. Regardless of what their budget may be, Ernie Ball Music Man want to welcome all players to the family.
The StingRay’s Poplar body provides plenty of punch and durability, coming in a variety of vintage-inspired finishes including Misty Green, Electric Blue, Black, and Sunrise Orange. This bass is sure to be an eye-catcher no matter where you may be playing it.
A standard 34-inch scale length with narrow nut is the perfect stepping stone for any budding bassist. With a traditional 9.5-inch fretboard radius providing a classic and familiar playing experience across the entirety of the neck.
Just like the Cutlass, the StingRay features a rock-solid Hard Maple Neck with the same Maple and Amaranth “Purple Heart” options for the fretboard material. The dual action truss rod with heel adjustment ensures that the neck on the RAY2 will remain stable no matter what conditions the instrument endures.
As for hardware, Sterling By Music Man has opted to include high-quality open-gear tuners and a hardtail bridge assembly. Promoting tuning stability regardless of how the user chooses to set up the instrument. The electronics package is rounded out with a punchy H-1 Ceramic Humbucker and single volume and tone control.
In true Music Man fashion, the Sterling By Music Man Intro Series leads the pack into 2025 when it comes to quality guitars and basses that come in at a price that won’t break the bank.
For local Ernie Ball Music Man and Sterling enquiries, visit CMC Music.
