Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS Plus Review: Modern HSS Player

Who Should Buy It

Key Specifications

Overview

The Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS Plus is a midrange electric guitar positioned as a modern take on the classic double cutaway design. The listing highlights a roasted maple neck, locking tuners, a vintage style tremolo, and an HSS pickup configuration. A push-push mid boost control adds an extra layer of tonal flexibility. The Cashmere finish gives the instrument a clean, stage-friendly look.

The product listing does not publish full specifications such as body wood, fretboard material, scale length, fret count, or exact pickup models. Still, the feature set points to a versatile workhorse aimed at players who want a blend of traditional feel and modern output. Because Sterling by Music Man is an established brand, the Cutlass CT50HSS Plus sits in a competitive segment against instruments like the Yamaha Pacifica 112V and the Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster.

On paper, the guitar appears built for players who need a reliable gigging or practice instrument with no unnecessary complexity. The HSS layout is a common recommendation for first upgrades beyond a basic single coil guitar. The push-push mid boost is a less common feature at this price tier and may appeal to those who want a quick solo boost without adding a pedal.

Body, Neck and Playability

The roasted maple neck is the most distinctive playability feature listed. Roasted maple is often chosen for improved stability and a smooth, dry feel, and the listing mentions it as a headline feature. The fingerboard material is not published, but the white pearloid block inlays suggest a traditional look. The Cutlass body shape is a double cutaway, which typically allows easy access to the upper frets.

Because the listing does not state scale length or fret count, players who are particular about those dimensions will need to verify them elsewhere. The body material is also not published, so the guitar's weight and resonance cannot be evaluated from the listing alone. On paper, the combination of a roasted maple neck and locking tuners should contribute to stable tuning during bends and tremolo use.

Playability expectations for a midrange Sterling are generally positive, but without in-person time it is impossible to confirm neck shape, fret finishing, or string action out of the box. The double cutaway design and modern neck carve, if typical for the brand, should feel comfortable for chord work and lead lines. Buyers who value a roasted maple neck often report that it feels less sticky than traditional finished maple in humid conditions.

Pickups and Tone

The HSS pickup configuration pairs a bridge humbucker with two single coils, a setup known for covering everything from clean funk to high gain rock. The listing describes the pickups as modern voiced with extra punch, though it does not name the exact models or output levels. This suggests a slightly hotter bridge tone than a vintage style single coil, which can help push a tube amp or drive pedal.

The push-push mid boost control is a standout feature. Instead of a typical tone knob roll off, this control can add a preset midrange bump that thickens single coil tones and pushes a solo forward. The listing does not detail how much boost is applied or which knob activates it, but players who use clean amps may find it useful for a lead boost without changing guitars.

Without exact pickup specifications, the tone can only be judged in general terms. Modern HSS sets are often designed to avoid ice pick highs and provide a balanced output between the humbucker and single coils. This makes the Cutlass CT50HSS Plus a sensible choice for cover band work, blues, pop, and classic rock. Pedal users will likely find the mid boost stacks well with overdrive and delay.

Hardware and Electronics

The hardware list includes locking tuners and a vintage style tremolo. Locking tuners are a practical upgrade because they simplify string changes and help keep tuning stable, especially when using the tremolo arm. The vintage tremolo, while not as extreme as a double locking system, is suited to subtle dips and shimmer rather than dive bombs.

The push-push mid boost is part of the electronics package and should be considered along with the standard volume and tone controls. The listing does not specify the full control layout, pickup selector type, or whether the mid boost is active or passive. Players who prefer simple, traditional wiring may need to check the manual before changing settings.

No details are given about the nut material, bridge block, or output jack type. These components affect sustain and reliability but are often overlooked in online listings. The presence of locking tuners at a midrange price is a positive sign, as many competitors in this range still use standard die cast tuners. A vintage tremolo with a proper setup should return to pitch reliably for moderate use.

• Roasted maple neck
• Locking tuners
• Vintage style tremolo
• HSS pickup configuration
• Push-push mid boost control
• White pearloid block inlays

Build Quality and Finish

The Cashmere finish is a soft, off white or beige tone that gives the guitar a refined look. The listing does not mention the finish type, such as polyurethane or polyester, but most instruments in this price range use a durable poly finish. The white pearloid block inlays add a visual touch that separates the Cutlass CT50HSS Plus from plainer alternatives.

Build quality cannot be fully assessed without seeing the instrument in person, but Sterling by Music Man has a reputation for consistent import quality. The roasted maple neck is a step above basic maple and suggests attention to stability. The vintage tremolo and locking tuners are installed at the factory, and the listing does not mention any known quality issues.

Potential buyers should be aware that the body wood is not published, so the guitar may be made from basswood, poplar, alder, or another affordable tonewood. This does not mean it will sound bad, but it limits the ability to compare directly with models that advertise alder or mahogany bodies. The overall build should be acceptable for a midrange instrument.

Setup Out of the Box

The listing does not describe the factory setup, string gauge, or action height. Most guitars in this category benefit from a professional setup after purchase, especially if shipped through varying climates. A vintage tremolo often needs its spring tension adjusted to the player's preferred string gauge.

Locking tuners make string changes faster, but they do not replace a proper nut setup. If the nut slots are cut too high, the guitar may feel stiff on the first few frets. Buyers should plan to check neck relief, string height, and intonation after unboxing. The roasted maple neck should resist minor humidity shifts better than an untreated neck.

Players who are comfortable with a screwdriver and hex keys can perform a basic setup at home. The listing does not indicate whether a setup guide or tools are included. For a midrange guitar, a setup from a local tech is a common one time investment that can dramatically improve playability.

Daily Use and Practice

The HSS layout makes the Cutlass CT50HSS Plus an easy guitar to live with for daily practice. A humbucker in the bridge handles distorted rhythm and lead work, while the single coils cover clean arpeggios and funk strumming. The push-push mid boost adds a quick solo boost without reaching for a pedal.

The double cutaway body and likely moderate weight make it suitable for long sitting or standing sessions. Because the body wood is not published, the actual weight is unknown, but typical Cutlass style guitars are comfortable for most players. The vintage tremolo can be left floating or decked depending on personal preference.

Locking tuners reduce the annoyance of frequent string changes, which is a plus for busy students. The white pearloid block inlays are not just cosmetic; they can help with fretboard visibility on dark stages. Overall, the feature set supports a no nonsense practice and jam session guitar.

Versatility and Styles

HSS guitars are among the most versatile electric guitars available. The bridge humbucker handles rock, metal, and fusion lead tones, while the neck and middle single coils deliver classic clean sounds. The Cutlass CT50HSS Plus can cover country, blues, pop, indie, and hard rock without major compromises.

The push-push mid boost extends that range by fattening up single coil tones or pushing a solo through a mix. This is useful for players who use one guitar for multiple genres in a cover band. Compared to a Yamaha Pacifica 112V, the Cutlass adds the mid boost and locking tuners, which may justify the higher price for some buyers.

It is not aimed at extreme metal players who need a high output active pickup or a Floyd Rose style tremolo. The vintage tremolo is best for subtle vibrato, not aggressive pitch effects. However, for most mainstream styles from clean jazz to classic rock, the guitar should perform well on paper.

Who Should Buy It

This guitar suits intermediate players who want an HSS platform with a roasted maple neck and locking tuners. It is a step up from entry level starter guitars while still remaining accessible. The push-push mid boost is a practical feature for players who gig without a large pedalboard.

Buyers who appreciate a classic double cutaway shape but want more output than a traditional single coil Strat style guitar will find the Cutlass CT50HSS Plus appealing. The Cashmere finish and pearloid inlays give it a distinct visual identity. It is also a good option for players who prefer a modern voiced bridge humbucker.

Those who do not like tremolo bridges or prefer a fixed bridge may want to look elsewhere. Similarly, players who need exact published specs for every component might be frustrated by the incomplete listing data. For everyone else, this guitar offers a strong value in the midrange tier on paper.

Verdict

The Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50HSS Plus offers a thoughtful feature set for a midrange electric guitar. The roasted maple neck, locking tuners, vintage tremolo, and HSS pickups cover practical needs for a working player. The push-push mid boost is a bonus that adds real flexibility without requiring additional gear.

The main weakness is incomplete listing information. Body wood, fretboard material, scale length, fret count, and pickup models are not published, so buyers cannot fully evaluate the guitar before purchase. That said, the brand reputation and visible specs suggest a solid instrument.

This guitar is best for intermediate players who want a versatile HSS workhorse with modern appointments. It is not a specialist metal machine or a vintage purist instrument. Overall, the Cutlass CT50HSS Plus earns a score of 79 out of 100 based on its published features and midrange positioning.

Strengths and Limitations

Alternatives to Consider

Ibanez RGRT420

Players who want a fast modern metal leaning electric guitar with a locking tremolo and a dark weathered finish in a mid-range price tier.

Read the Ibanez RGRT420 review →

ESP LTD GL-200MT

Hard rock and metal players who want a focused single humbucker superstrat with a locking tremolo and George Lynch style graphics.

Read the ESP LTD GL-200MT review →

Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50 Plus

Players wanting a versatile HSS solidbody with a roasted maple neck and onboard mid boost.

Read the Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT50 Plus review →

Questions Buyers Ask