The Sterling CT50 Roasted Neck Guitar

#knowyourgear
00:12 Specifications
02:40 Sound
06:06 The Geeky Stuff
10:45 My Thoughts
You can become a Patreon and support more videos like this
www.patreon.co...
Some of the links below are affiliate links and when you use them your purchase helps support the channel.
Sterling Guitars
sterlingbymusi...
Musicman guitars
imp.i114863.ne...
Keeley Caverns Reverb Delay pedal
imp.i114863.ne...
Fender 65 Deluxe Reverb
imp.i114863.ne...
Friedman Dirty Shirley Mini head
imp.i114863.ne...
Herco Picks? ( The picks I use)
amzn.to/3e3NhH5
Klotz 15ft Cable with breaker ( You will never go back)
amzn.to/2YilLQS
Dimarzio Locking strap
imp.i114863.ne...
Snark tuner
imp.i114863.ne...
Sm57 Mic
imp.i114863.ne...
Know Your Gear T shirts
teespring.com/...
Want to have your product reviewed on this show? Contact us here
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
Check out the Podcasts here
knowyourgear.b...
Facebook
/ knowyourgear
Instagram
/ phillip_mcknight

[@dbmabe]

I like the way they put the handle on the back of the bridge so if you just need a quick pull you don’t have worry about reaching down and grabbing the bar.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

I like that it has the Volume Knob moved further-down, ( not interfering ) with your strumming hand ( similar to a Suhr ). Sounds great. good looking guitar. Seems like a quality instrument. Nylon sock-test, is brilliant.

[@bobbya8622]

I’ve had the blue Cutlass SSS for a few months now and I definitely enjoy it. It’s a very good guitar just as you’ve said of the HSS version. I wouldn’t mind having the HSS one also. My blue Cutlass SSS is one of the most comfortable guitars to play that I have experienced. The 4-2 tuners on the headstock is definitely an interesting design and allows for no need for string trees.

[@mikeaaron2819]

The days of high end guitars will never be numbered because guitarists will always want something that’s high end and reassuringly expensive.

[@T00DEEPBLUE]

Pretty much. It's even been proven by science. In a double blind test, people rate the exact same bottle of wine higher after being told it's expensive than after they're told it's cheap. Despite the wines being identical but with the labels removed. There will never be a day when people won't waste money just because they can.

[@MrTonydetiger76]

People like to pay a lot for diminished returns.

[@JRG333]

@@T00DEEPBLUE Even though I agree with Mike, just because there was one scientific experiment, for wine, does not mean this is proven by science for guitars....

[@T00DEEPBLUE]

@@JRG333 Actually it kinda does. The only variable that changed in the experiment was the wine's perceived value. Not the wine itself. It can be readily inferred from the results of the experiment to apply to many different luxury consumer items. Including but not limited to guitars.

[@halofour01]

More money than brains will always be a thing

[@bencarpenter3785]

Between Phil,Shane(into the Blues)and 60 cycle I get all the knowledge I ever need... Brilliant work guys.🍺🍺🍺

[@mrrandomcarp2799]

I got a Sterling St. Vincent HH a couple months ago and it's genuinely one of the nicest guitars I've ever played.

[@Steve-qn8gn]

In case anyone missed it in the video, there is a crease in the middle of the body indicating it's a two piece body at least.

[@roberttaweel873]

I just bought one of these, and not only was I happy to see that you had made a video about it, I was even happier to hear how impressed you were by it. Thank you Phil for all the great videos on your channel, you have taught me a lot and I respect your opinions. Cheer!

[@demodeiowa]

Between this, the silver sky SE and the Schecter Nick Johnston traditional S-style… we’re at new heights. Great day to be a guitarist

[@mickwells9431]

I love my CT 30 SSS Cutlass which is Sterling's most affordable model that I paid one forty nine for on sale in 2020. It's still an excellent guitar and worth more than I paid. I did receive it with a faulty volume potentiometer but Sterling sent me a new one and all is well. I didn't want to mail the guitar cross country again to fix something so simple. The copper color of your guitar is a sweet color Phil. I was wanting to invest in a HSS model but since they reissued the CT50 again I may have to go with it . In my opinion it's hard to beat the Sterling by Music Man Cutlass. I'm so glad you reviewed this guitar. Thanks Phil !

[@lazvt8469]

For $599...the G&L, also made in Indonesia....with the MFD pups is EXCELLENT!!!! Pro sound....rivals USA Strat...even the Deluxe.

[@carsgunsandguitars]

I agree, but it's a different sound. The main thing I love about this is the asymmetrical fat roasted neck. This is a blues rocker!

[@peteanddrake4242]

found one for 300 at a flea market of all places last month. Best guitar I own now.

[@Ironworthstriking]

Yep. If I wanted a modern Strat I’d get one of these. Fender could take a few notes.

[@danielcoleman4807]

Hey Lazvt84, I agree . My Tele G&L with MFD pickups and Ash natural finish rivals my American Std. Fender Tele. Plus it's about $500 cheaper. This Sterling looks good too

[@jeremyrafuse5330]

Just spoiled myself with a CT50 with SSS config. First ever strat style I liked because I hate Fender's control layout. Amazing guitar though and has become my number one even over my Gibby LP and SG and a Fender Tele thinline

[@VintageRadius]

Great video Phil! Very appealing guitar and once again love the new review format with the extra details on neck profile! I disagree on one point. I’ll happily take this at $500 (instead of $7-800) with cheaper pickups and pots as I’d rather pocket the difference and buy the exact pickups that I want instead. 🎸🤘

[@Obiekb]

Thanks for posting this Phil. I just bought a Cutlass HSS online. It’s pretty nice, but I think Sterling hand picked one just for you. Mine came with very gritty frets and could use a little attention with the setup. Overall I’m happy with the purchase but a little let down that it has a few areas that need addressing. I realize it’s a risk when buying one online without ever playing it, but with covid still a concern I thought I’d take the chance. Plus my other guitar is an Axis which I love and thought with the good experience of the Axis and your excellent review I’d give it a shot. I’m still glad I bought the Cutlass, but if anyone is still debating buying one keep your expectations realistic. Thanks.

[@minervameza2686]

You're a way better guitarist than you give yourself credit for, Phil! Love watching your stuff. Keep up the great work!

[@natethompson1257]

I'm really glad to see how much sub 500 dollar guitars have improved. Great review as always Phil! Keep up the good work.

[@rome8180]

Sterling instruments are so good. I played one of their Ray34 basses the other day and can't stop thinking about it. I've played Ernie Ball StingRays as well, and I honestly couldn't tell the difference. I've had the same experience with the guitars. And those roasted maple necks are works of art.

[@jeffbeck6501]

It's the new Fender Stratocaster. The first thing you played on it sounded so perfect. This guitar would be the one I would buy if I had to start all over. I wished I could get one of these in my country.

[@thejeffersonlee]

Seems like a solid guitar. Cool neck and middle pickup tones.

[@alep7358]

You didn’t link your patreon page in the description, you linked the main page for the patreon website

[@metalliholic]

I see your point on the electronics but I’d rather pay $500 and choose my own pickup upgrades.

[@natethompson1257]

Agreed. Everyone's tone is different. I'd rather swap in a pickup that I know I like, and that works for my amp/pedalboard/speaker cabinet, etc. As long as the instrument's bones are solid, and that it plays well, I don't care what pickups it has, because I'll most likely be swapping them out.

[@jeffrey.a.hanson]

For $399 on sale, I can give myself a nice budget on pickups or even modifications. Tho, the originals do sound great, albeit chimey.

[@yhzh2002]

I was looking for strats at guitar center where I picked up a blue HSS version of the cutlass. It felt really light (turned out to be 6lbs 9oz), which is something I'm always looking for. The sustain and acoustic resonance were were above average, and both samples at my GC had a moderate amount of flame in the neck. It had some wear and tear from being a bottom row floor model, and I had to fix the electronics to resolve a low output issue. The one I got has some filler or something around the exposed end of one of the fret tangs, and the other one at GC had an obvious finish run on the neck. They feel more budget than 'premium' to me, but I still like mine quite a lot. I had the budget for an American Strat, but I walked out with this, though I was close to picking a fairly nice MiM strat.

[@sciencesaves]

I just ordered a Goldie. I’m excited to see the fretwork and factory setup. I recently bought a squier contemporary jaguar and enya sonic go, the squier had decent frets but the enya was fantastic as far as frets and setup goes. I only did some steel wool and lizard spit on the enya and it needed zero filing. I was super impressed. Action was great. The squier was typical of squier. Needed a couple of hours to get the jaguar playing smoothly

[@ernieflanaganstingraybassm1463]

Phil i have seen these going in the $459 range and your great demonstrator in my book after your great demo sign says sold !! Thanks my friend !!

[@D20band]

I bought the SSS CT50 and it is incredible for the money! I've had high end PRS guitars that don't sound as good. Mine stays in tune and I love how it only has a single volume and a single tone. If anyone is remotely interested just get it!!! Well worth the money. I wrote Sterling and suggested they make a tele model similar to this. If they did I'd buy it no questions asked.

[@anthonyskellern5970]

That is the model I have - I considered the HSS but SSS is such a classic look...

[@masterofwhispers]

Just picked one of these up in this exact color a few days ago.. I love it!

[@FlorianGuitar85]

Man Phil, that’s s hot piece. Been looking into the Cutlass for a while now, this might be just the opportunity. Thank you for your great content!

[@WickedFesterBand]

I have a Sterling Petrucci and it is loaded with features as well. Locking tuners are excellent quality! Fit and finish is perfect. Price on that one was like $749 though. Was curious the quality on these.

[@briansimpson8116]

My favorite and best bass is a Sterling. These are good guitars.

[@rome8180]

The Sterling Ray34 is just as good as the Ernie Ball StingRay, in my opinion. Amazing company.

[@Mournblade7]

I picked up the Stirling Mariposa when it came out earlier this year. It's in the same price range (550ish) and I am super impressed. It is an artist model, and isn't for everyone, but I think it's awesome.

[@keithlyons5024]

Very thorough review, Phil. You answered many of the questions I had about this guitar that I didn't see in other reviews. Great job!

[@buzzstankos8532]

Thanks Phil -- Your reviews are among the most trusted on the inter web.... This looks to be a keeper -- saw one today, picked it up and the neck felt really good. thanks again

[@porforyticbasalt]

neat, that copper color is really nice.

[@JOTG2000]

It is mate. I have a stingray in dropped copper. Love it.

[@s.gossett5966]

I like the changes you've been making to the review format. They're really taking shape and lots of useful information.

[@Nekonix36]

I've had this guitar for a few weeks now. I love how the guitar plays. It's so comfortable and just invites me to play it. However, I personally think the pickups only sound good with clean tones. Especially the bridge pickup, which to me sounds thin and fizzy. Clean it sounds great though. I'm going to put a BKP Silo in the bridge with BKP Trilogy in middle and neck as the output levels are similar and I think I can get away with the 550k pots and not using resisters on the single coils. I'll be replacing the tuners because mine have a little play in them and are not as tight as the hipshot or ratio tuners I have in my other guitars. This to me is win/win because there is an almost absolute certainty that I would have replaced these components anyways to personalize it. So I'd rather not pay for the parts twice.

[@sean4586]

This is a VERY ACCURATE review. I've had mine for a month and every on my guitar is exactly the same as in the review. For me the neck profile is amazing so much better than a Squier. A Squier is to thin for me. This is just a fantastic guitar. Mine is rose gold- gorgeous

[@iamnottim.]

Sterlings are crazy good for the price point. I have a $300 Sterling Albert Lee that I play more than my $1000 EBMM Silhouette Special.

[@chutgowdingo-loon3212]

Nice review Phil. Would be great if you could do one on the EART NK-C3 strat style guitar. Would make an interesting comparison to the Cutlass. The EART has been hyped quite a lot. Your take on it would be one I would trust.

[@ayersbiz6458]

Nice guitar, you are still playing a fender product. I would change the pickups to mini HB and high powered HB bridge that are coil splittable and install a Freeway 10 way switch, change the pots to full size 500ks, than you will have a different monster on your hands.

[@psp777]

Interesting that you noted the neck profile was close to the '59 Les Paul. Yes, it feels chunky in my opinion. I was a bit surprised when I ordered one and compared it to the EBMM Cutlass counter part. The American made has a thinner neck for sure.

[@edc3093]

Phil, great review. This would be the perfect first guitar (for those who are willing to spend the money) and like you said, the switches and pickups can be upgraded later. I my mind it also gives Ibanez a run for its money at that same price point. I also like the H-S-S configuration.

[@ZackRamsey14]

I played an Albert Lee at the store the other day and was very impressed. Props to Sterling/Music Man

[@davidmac8081]

Is the Sire S7 review next? And how bout reviewing a Yamaha Pacifica 612? They still seem hard to beat for the $.

[@MrTonydetiger76]

I absolutely love my Sterling guitars. I own a Valentine (trem), a Cutlass short scale, and I just bought a Cutlass 30 SSS a few days ago. The Cutlass made me like single coils. I used to hate them. The tremolo is the only weak point. They seem to really crank it down and set the spring tension too high as a default. At least 2 of mine have needed some adjustment to ease off some of that. They really are good. I continually impressed by these affordable/mid priced import guitars and the quality they’re cranking out.

[@AidyJames]

I love guitars with a humbucker in the bridge and a single coil in the neck. Hearing the dirty tones of this guitar really nailed why it's such a great combination.

[@ritwikjs]

I love the option of the 2nd position and humbucker

[@thesaturdaymorningcowboy4198]

I sold all of my electric guitars a few years back but kept my basses and acoustics. When I recently needed an electric for studio recording and after much research, this is exactly what I got, same Dropped Copper color too. Wanted to get mine before they realize they could charge more, it’s that good!

[@carpathus]

Have several guitars like a lot of people do. My fav is a budget $300 Ibanez RG . Not a pro, just a guy playing at home. Every time I pick up my RG it brings a big smile to my face. Specs do not mean a lot to me. It's how it feels and how it sounds. My wife asked "you have all those other guitars so why do you always play that one?" I just look at her and smile.

[@alexhiggin]

11:40 As the former owner of a Fender Player HSS strat, I can pretty confidently say that decent pickups are not necessary to compete with mexican fenders. The bridge humbucker in my strat was dull and muddy.

[@The-11]

I watched both versions and didn't catch the edit. Liked both too. Output jack placement is the only thing I like over a Fender. Fender = Resale value

[@jayyoungmusic919]

100% understandable. But for a lot of people guitars are more than just tools that they might want to get rid of eventually. Meaning more people aren’t worried about getting rid of a guitar later on. So personally I feel a lot of cons on Phil’s video come to personal/buyers preference

[@The-11]

@@jayyoungmusic919 Your point of view is understandable too. But, in a world where you normally have to buy it to try it , I personally like to know I can sell it on if it's an used Guitar. A new one you could just return of course. A Fender's value will always be more then a Sterling under normal conditions.

[@overvieweffect9034]

I think that if they ALSO did a guitar at the $700-800 with the better electronics and stainless steel frets, they'd compete with a lot more than even fender. and it wouldn't compete with their music man guitars, since they are so much more expensive and have such a thin neck. And yes, I'd so buy that guitar if they built it

[@zaz4667]

1 millimeter on the 12th? SWEET! Thanks for all the info Phil! I will have to check out a Sterling now! I never had any info on these till now! That pickguard reminds me of a Ibanez 80s roadstar! The Sterling cutlass guitars online I found do not have scarf joints on the neck! SWEET!

[@porridgeorange]

I just picked one of these up in the same color new for $390! I'm stoked!

[@sanozfamily]

Indeed Phil! This is the place to be! I tried one of these the other day at GC and was VERY impressed! I agree, another $100 + and you would have a major contender for not only a MX Strat, but an American one too! Something about the look doesn't quite do it for me though. I'd pull the trigger on the Mariposa or the St. Vincent before I went with this one. IMO. I tried the Albert Lee model and it would have failed the nylons test miserably though! Didn't have a roasted neck though.

[@REBELSCL]

I bought my CT50HSS in Firemist (almost impossible color to find in stock anywhere) and have had it for about a month. I love it and play it more than my year old Fender Ultra SSS Aged Natural Ash… The Sterling was 1/4 the price of the Fender…

[@amitojha9]

Fantastic review Phillip, thanks a lot!

[@Deliquescentinsight]

I got a CT-50 but without the roasted maple neck, it is a straight S-type with 3 single coils, beautiful it is the equal of any S type out there.

[@billiepaulmills2322]

Looking hard at this or a GL. I owned a Sterling bass that burned in a house fire. I loved that little bass. Played it more than my expensive one. Maybe the Cutlass is as good.

[@selloutlabel]

I got the vintage cream black pickguard ct50HSS full maple neck. best guitar ive owned at this price range. I didnt have any fret sprout none. Same for mine setup was mint out of the box. Trem can be floated as well.

[@rodiebobwilliams1330]

Dayum that gitfiddle smokes! Noice diverse tones! Thank you for the review Phil!

[@dbmabe]

I love everything Sterling has put out!!

[@DojCity]

Great video as always, Phil. Nice work. Amazing value from guitars these day.

[@muurimc]

Great review. I have been looking this guitar for awhile. Looks good and also sounds too.

[@suzannecoholic1467]

Wow Phil! Thanks for discussing this one. Seems like a worthy guitar for the money.

[@raybartell9807]

Phil i’m 73 and I learn so much about the mechanics of the guitar from you I got a question looking to buy an affordable Strat style guitar my friend has a sire and it is unbelievable for the price,G&L tribute or and the music man CT 50 out of those three which would you recommend

[@AndyH2O]

Love these reviews, always informative.

[@UnklePecos]

I have the sss and i can't knock it out of tune no matter how much i use the trem. Best neck on a strat syle guitar I've ever played. Only upgrade will be a new 5 way switch.

[@onkelpool]

Great instrument! I have some objections to electronics.1. A switch with this design fits inside a thin-body guitar that does not fit a standard Fender switch. 2. Personal experience - The Fender superswitch started roaring about a year ago. The silver coating on the contacts was oxidized. Cheap PCB switch works for the seventh year ! ))

[@paultrottier2860]

I have the SSS one. Great guitar. Two issues, the pickguard route for the pickups is small. It will not fit most other pickups. I had to order a new pickguard to fit some Fender PV 65’s I had. Also, I ordered one and had to send it back because the neck joint screws were not biting into the body and when you put tension in the strings the neck would pull away. The replacement guitar was excellent.

[@chrishudson4940]

I totally agree the "cheaper" guitars are bringing the heat to lower end bigger names

[@williamolsen20]

I went to guitar center with a friend to get him some strings had no plans to buy anything tried out a Sterling Albert Lee, I just had an instant connection with it. The guitar plays really well, and it sounds very good, I had to buy it.

[@johngonzalez7967]

Played one the other day. Thinking of selling something off to get one.

[@deconline1320]

Pretty similar to that green Sire LC behind you. Seems that Indonesia is now able to produce these roasted necks on 500-600$ guitars. I can predict that roasted necks will be everywhere at the next winter Namm.

[@ShaneGelven]

MusicMan and Sterling make great gear.

[@tlb2732]

I thoroughly enjoy your videos. Very informative and practical. My main guitar is a Music Man Cutlass RS HSS. It is the best electric guitar I've ever owned. It is amazing. Very good workmanship. But the Sterling you review here must either be a different model than any I've tried out or it was given extra care that other Sterlings don't get. If I seem harsh, I don't mean to be. I love a good lower end gem when I find one. And I had high hopes for Sterlings and wanted so much to find a keeper. But I've tried a large number of them. The lower priced ones, I put back on the hanger having never played them. They are so bad I can tell by holding them and by inspection that I can't use them. I've played a handful of signature model Sterlings. While they were somewhat better, to me they weren't worth the price. I did play a higher priced one I thought could be made very giggable, but by the time I bought it and paid for the upgrades, I'd just as soon spend that amount on money on another Reverend Double Agent OG which I really like too, or maybe a Reverend Charger. Having seen your video, I'm inclined to try again. I'd really like to find a diamond in the rough in the Sterling line. Thanks again for the video!

[@christineblack4654]

wow like you said, for that price, I love the well done frets but the really low action is the best thing for my taste and the paint job looks good also.

[@johnmunster4028]

Another great review Phil. Thanks

[@jonathane40]

Thanks Phil! I have a Sterling St. Vincent and am also impressed by the guitar. Could you do a similar video going into the specs of your Sterling St. Vincent? I wonder how the St. Vincent stack your yo this guitar. Cheers, Jon

[@rocketpoolpki]

awesome review...as always...very objective and a great help for 1st time buyers

[@moribundarts3929]

This is the Sterling Cutlass CT50HSS. Sterling also has a line below this one (CT30) that more closely competes with Squier price range. I just haven't seen many Squiers that are this nice. In terms of quality, I feel this is more like the PRS SE Standard, but that isn't a Strat-style guitar, even with the coil tap.

[@tomisham9900]

I want one! Love all the specs and that color!

[@stringrip]

Would prefer it had medium jumbo frets and a humbucker - single coil - humbucker option. And a slightly shorter scale length - 25 and a quarter inch scale.

[@Mamo878]

Huh, the world does not actually revolve around you alone and your very specific demands. Go figure.

[@stringrip]

@@Mamo878 Okay but a comment about guitar specs is not quite the same as asking for the world. Actually there are some who would like a strat style guitar with shorter scale length. PRS has done well with shorter scale length.

[@peterkatznelson12]

G’Day from Toronto Ontario. Interesting review🙏🏻

[@overthehillcheapgearnoodle9990]

Nice. Thanks Phil.

[@billybat5790]

i played it in gc today and it was amazing! hopefully the model stays up for awhile

[@paulsmith3583]

Phill, check out the first few seconds of this video, the lights and camera picks up the finish, and you can clearly see the body is just 2 pieces.

[@snakeplissken44]

Dropped copper is so sick in person! I have the short scale stingray.

[@richardnita8176]

Such great content, always, Phil.

[@JOTG2000]

I have a short scale stingray in dropped copper, unique colour to have. It's real nice.

[@jamesrichard5290]

Love ya, Phil!! - haven't commented in a while and it seems KZbin is "cracking down" let's say.. so obligatory comment! Great video as always.

[@TheRycooder]

Once AGAIN, a GREAT REVIEW!

[@Hite515O]

Hi Phil, great video. Any thoughts about reviewing the Sterling Jason Richardson 6 string. Those are in that 800$ range. Thanks.

[@magicdaveable]

I have a Sterling by Music Man Cutlass. My opinion is that Ernie Ball made the correct decision not using higher grade electrical components. My Cutlass blows away my Mexican Strat in build quality the major difference being Poplar vs Alder but the Mexican Strat took a lot of work dressing and polishing the frets. Plus the baseball bat neck profile literally sucked until I spent a couple of hour reshsping the neck near the headstock. The Cutlass neck needed nothing except a fret polishing which I do to all my new guitars. I did change the pots,switch and pickups on my Cutlass mostly because I had some Seymour Duncans left over from another project. I might pick up another Cutlass and swap out the pickups with a set of Dimarzio's from a pickup swap on another guitar. I am building a curly maple top / mahogany Cutlass body, hardtail, rear rout with a pair of Lace Sensor dual coils. The roasted maple/rosewood Sterling Cutlass neck is as good as the necks on my Ernie Ball Music Man Silhouette's.

[@0013619511]

I like clean that's where I start!

[@Craig_KCfan]

Nice Review Philip🤘🏻 However I was hoping to see what kind of Tremlo set up this Cutlass have.. I mean is the tremlo block the thin style like you find on the Squire Classic Vibes or is it thick and robust like on the Sire S3 and S7 strats.? I am so impressed with the Sire Strats even the S3 has full size pots and the pick ups are real good and the tremlo block is way thicker and robust.. I was bent on getting a Cutlass but I also like the Sire S3.. So I guess it comes down to what kind of tremlo block the Cutlass has..

[@Vvktn]

Great review Phil. Would you say that the CT50 is a better player than the Sire S7?

[@onesandzeros]

Nice review and nice guitar, thanks Phil!

[@bigblueplanet1968]

Phillip, just curious, do you ever gig? Thanks for all the cool information over the years. It has saved me a ton of cash, time, and frustration with the local guitar repair people

[@RosewoodBay]

Perhaps my experience is limited, but the barrel jack definitely turns me off because I have not found them to be user serviceable. I had an Ibanez bass guitar equipped with a barrel jack. It only took a few months before that jack started shorting out. Given the specialized tools required to fix that jack (people said they fixed them with dental tools), I switched out to a Switchcraft jack and never looked back.

[@leiferickson3183]

Right On Phil! Thanks.

[@jamesbright]

Very much is the channel to be! Love your content!

[@alementary4065]

I just ordered a Sterling LK100 Steve Lukather in blueberry burst. Would love to see more good info like yours on that model.