Fender Player II Jazzmaster vs Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS Plus
Quick Verdict
The Fender Player II Jazzmaster is the pick for players who want the classic offset body, alder tonewood, and traditional single-coil voice at a mid-range price. The Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS Plus is the better choice for intermediate players who prioritize versatility, modern features like locking tuners and a push-push mid boost, and a roasted maple neck. The Fender's published specs are limited but the brand heritage and parts compatibility are strong. The Sterling offers a wider pickup range but also has missing details. Choose the Fender for vintage offset flavor and the Sterling for practical HSS flexibility.
| Spec | Fender Player II Jazzmaster | Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Alder | Body material not published in listing |
| Neck and fingerboard | Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard | Roasted maple neck; fingerboard material not published in listing |
| Scale length | Not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Frets | Not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Pickups | 2 Single-coil Pickups | HSS configuration with modern voiced pickups; exact models not published in listing |
| Controls | Not published in listing | Push-push mid boost control; full volume and tone layout not fully published |
| Bridge | Not published in listing | Vintage style tremolo; exact model not published in listing |
| Tuners | Not published in listing | Locking tuners; brand not published in listing |
| Finish | 3-color Sunburst | Cashmere finish; finish type not published in listing |
| Included accessories | Not published in listing | Not published in listing |
Body, Neck and Playability
The Fender Player II Jazzmaster uses an alder body, which is a classic Fender tonewood known for balanced resonance and a clear midrange. The listing does not state the body wood for the Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS Plus, so direct material comparison is not possible. However, the Sterling features a roasted maple neck, which is listed as a pro for added stability and a smooth feel. The Fender neck is maple with a rosewood fingerboard, another traditional combination that many players expect from Fender.
The Fender's playability score is 26 out of 30, while the Sterling scores 25 out of 30. This slight difference comes from the listed specs, but both listings omit scale length and fret count. The listing does not publish the fingerboard material for the Sterling neck, so feel cannot be fully compared. The Fender's rosewood fingerboard is a known quantity that typically offers a warmer feel than maple, but the Sterling's roasted maple neck may feel slicker and more stable.
Without scale length or fret information, buyers should note that playability assessments are incomplete. The Fender's classic offset body shape may be comfortable for seated playing, but the Sterling's double cutaway design is also ergonomic. The listing does not state the weight of either guitar. Overall, both models offer similar playability on paper, with the Fender slightly ahead due to its published alder body and rosewood board.
Pickups and Tone
The Fender Player II Jazzmaster is equipped with two single-coil pickups, which deliver the traditional Fender tone associated with the offset family. This setup is known for bright, articulate cleans and a chimey top end, but the cons note that single-coil pickups may produce 60-cycle hum. The tone and pickups score for the Fender is 20 out of 25.
The Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS Plus uses an HSS configuration with modern voiced pickups, though the exact pickup models are not published in the listing. This layout includes a humbucker in the bridge and single-coils in the middle and neck positions, providing a wider range of tones than the Fender's all-single-coil setup. The Sterling also scores 20 out of 25 in this category.
The Sterling's humbucker offers a thicker, higher-output bridge sound that suits rock and heavier styles, while the single-coils cover cleaner tones. The Fender's pure single-coil voice is more specialized for vintage tones, surf, and indie. The Sterling also includes a push-push mid boost control, which adds a quick solo presence boost that the Fender does not have. Overall, the Sterling has broader tonal versatility, while the Fender delivers the classic single-coil character.
Hardware and Electronics
The Fender Player II Jazzmaster listing omits details for the bridge, tuners, and controls, which is a significant information gap. The hardware and electronics score is 7 out of 10. Without knowing the bridge type, buyers cannot confirm whether it includes the traditional Jazzmaster tremolo or a simpler hardtail. Similarly, the tuners and control layout are not described.
The Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS Plus includes a vintage style tremolo, locking tuners, and a push-push mid boost control. The exact bridge model and tuner brand are not published, but the features are more clearly listed. The hardware score is 8 out of 10. Locking tuners improve tuning stability and make string changes faster, which is a practical benefit.
The Sterling's push-push mid boost is a standout feature that gives players a quick volume or presence lift without changing pickups. The Fender's lack of published electronics means buyers cannot assess whether it has a traditional Jazzmaster rhythm circuit or a simplified control set. For players who want known hardware, the Sterling's published features are more reassuring, even if some details remain unknown.
Build Quality and Finish
The Fender Player II Jazzmaster has an alder body and a 3-color Sunburst finish, which is a classic look. The maple neck with rosewood fingerboard is a standard Fender combination. The build and materials score is 12 out of 15. The listing does not mention any included accessories, so a case or gig bag is not expected.
The Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS Plus has a Cashmere finish with pearloid block inlays, as noted in the pros. The roasted maple neck adds stability and a premium feel. The body wood is not published, which makes direct material comparison difficult. The build and materials score is also 12 out of 15.
Both guitars score the same in this category, but they offer different aesthetic and material choices. The Fender presents a traditional offset look with a sunburst finish, while the Sterling has a more modern appearance with block inlays and the Cashmere color. Neither listing states the finish type, such as gloss or satin, so buyers cannot compare texture. The Fender's known alder body is a positive for those who value traditional tonewoods.
Setup Out of the Box
Neither listing provides information about factory setup quality, so buyers should expect that the guitar may need a professional setup after purchase. The Fender Player II Jazzmaster listing does not state whether the guitar is shipped with a particular action height or neck relief. The cons for the Fender note that scale length and fret count are not stated, which affects setup expectations.
The Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS Plus also does not publish setup details. The listing mentions that factory setup quality is unknown in the cons. Both guitars include no case or gig bag in the listed accessories, which means they will ship without protection unless purchased separately.
Without in-person testing, it is impossible to compare the out-of-box experience. Players should plan to adjust the truss rod, action, and intonation on either model. The locking tuners on the Sterling may make string changes easier, but that does not affect initial setup. In general, mid-range guitars often benefit from a basic setup, and these two are no exception.
Daily Use and Practice
For daily practice, the Fender Player II Jazzmaster offers a comfortable offset body shape that many players enjoy, and the rosewood fingerboard is smooth. However, the single-coil pickups may produce hum, which can be annoying in a practice room with fluorescent lights or electronic interference. The Fender's controls are not published, so it is unclear if there is a tone knob or separate rhythm circuit.
The Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS Plus includes locking tuners, which make string changes quick and keep tuning stable during practice sessions. The push-push mid boost is useful for switching between rhythm and lead tones without changing amplifier settings. The roasted maple neck and double cutaway shape are likely comfortable for long practice sessions, though the fingerboard material is unknown.
Neither guitar includes a case or gig bag, so daily transport requires an aftermarket purchase. The Sterling's HSS configuration with a humbucker reduces hum compared to the Fender's single-coils, which may be a factor for players in noisy environments. Both guitars have similar playability scores, so daily use will come down to personal preference for neck feel and tone.
Versatility and Styles
The Fender Player II Jazzmaster is best for styles that benefit from classic single-coil tones, such as indie rock, surf, alternative, and clean rhythm playing. The offset body and alder tonewood contribute to a familiar Fender voice. However, the lack of a humbucker limits heavier styles that require high-gain bridge tones. The versatility score is 8 out of 10.
The Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS Plus is more versatile on paper due to its HSS pickup configuration. The bridge humbucker handles rock, blues, and even some metal, while the single-coils cover cleaner tones. The vintage style tremolo adds expressive shimmer, but the cons note it is not suited for aggressive dive bombs. The versatility score is also 8 out of 10.
Both guitars received the same versatility score, but they achieve it differently. The Fender is specialized for single-coil character with limited tonal range, while the Sterling covers a broader spectrum but lacks the authentic Jazzmaster single-coil sound. The Sterling's push-push mid boost further extends its usefulness for live solos. Players who need maximum tonal variety should lean toward the Sterling.
The Deciding Question
The deciding question is whether you want the classic Fender offset single-coil experience or a versatile HSS platform with modern conveniences. The Fender Player II Jazzmaster scores 80 overall, one point higher than the Sterling at 79. That difference is small and largely due to the Fender's published alder body and rosewood fingerboard.
The Fender's appeal lies in its brand heritage, alder body, and two single-coil pickups that produce traditional Fender tones. The Sterling counters with a roasted maple neck, locking tuners, and a push-push mid boost that are practical for gigging and daily use. The Sterling also offers a humbucker for higher gain styles.
Both listings have missing specifications, which makes a pure spec comparison incomplete. Buyers who prioritize known hardware details may be frustrated with the Fender's omissions, while the Sterling also leaves out body wood and pickup models. Ultimately, the decision should be based on tonal goals and whether the extra features on the Sterling outweigh the Fender's classic offset charm.
Who Should Buy Which
Choose the Fender Player II Jazzmaster if you are a player who loves the offset body shape, wants the traditional single-coil Fender tone, and values the brand's parts compatibility and heritage. It is best for informed buyers who are willing to confirm the unlisted hardware details, such as bridge and controls, before purchasing. The alder body and rosewood fingerboard are reassuring specs for those who want a familiar Fender feel.
Choose the Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS Plus if you are an intermediate player who needs a versatile HSS guitar with a roasted maple neck, locking tuners, and a push-push mid boost. The double cutaway design and humbucker bridge make it suitable for a wider range of styles, from clean to high-gain. It is also a good choice for players who want published modern features even if some specs are missing.
If you require fully published specifications for every component, neither model is ideal because both listings omit critical details like scale length, fret count, and some materials. In that case, you may need to contact the manufacturer or look for other models. However, between these two, the Fender suits vintage offset purists, while the Sterling suits practical, versatile players.
Fender Player II Jazzmaster
Pros
- Classic offset body with alder tonewood
- Two single-coil pickups for traditional Fender tone
- Rosewood fingerboard on a maple neck
- Mid-range price for a Fender Player series
- Known Fender brand heritage and parts compatibility
Cons
- Listing omits bridge, tuners, and control specs
- No included case or gig bag mentioned
- Single-coil pickups may produce 60-cycle hum
- Scale length and fret count not stated in listing
- Finish options limited to 3-color Sunburst in this listing
Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS Plus
Pros
- Roasted maple neck adds stability and smooth feel
- Locking tuners improve string changes and tuning stability
- HSS pickup layout covers a wide range of styles
- Push-push mid boost provides a quick solo presence boost
- Vintage style tremolo adds expressive shimmer
- Cashmere finish with pearloid block inlays looks premium
Cons
- Listing omits body wood, fretboard wood, scale length, and fret count
- Exact pickup models and output are not published
- Vintage tremolo not suited for aggressive dive bombs
- No included case or gig bag listed
- Factory setup quality unknown
Who Should Buy Each
Fender Player II Jazzmaster
- Intermediate players upgrading from a starter guitar
- Fans of offset body shapes and Fender single-coil sounds
- Musicians who want a rosewood fingerboard on a maple neck
- Buyers comfortable researching missing specs before purchase
Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS Plus
- Intermediate players upgrading from a beginner guitar
- Cover band and session players who need HSS versatility
- Players who want locking tuners and a roasted maple neck
- Guitarists who prefer a vintage tremolo for subtle vibrato
Quick Decision Guide
| If you want a classic offset body with alder tonewood and single-coil pickups | Choose Fender Player II Jazzmaster |
| If you need an HSS configuration with a humbucker and push-push mid boost | Choose Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS Plus |
| If you value locking tuners and a roasted maple neck for stability | Choose Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS Plus |
| If you prefer a traditional rosewood fingerboard on a maple neck | Choose Fender Player II Jazzmaster |
| If you want a guitar with known brand heritage and parts compatibility | Choose Fender Player II Jazzmaster |
FAQ
About This Comparison
Mandrillis Team
The Mandrillis editorial team researches and compares audio and music gear using manufacturer documentation, verified specs and real buyer feedback, so you can make a confident purchase without wading through marketing claims.
Read our full research methodology.
We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.