Classic Style Meets Modern Playability
The Sterling by Music Man CT30SSS Electric Guitar combines affordability, tone versatility, and comfort into one sleek instrument. Crafted in Indonesia, this model offers a professional feel at a beginner-friendly price, making it a top choice for players stepping into the world of electric guitars.
Smooth Neck and Comfortable Design
One of the highlights of the CT30SSS is its hard maple neck with a satin finish. It feels smooth, responsive, and designed to age beautifully as you play. The ergonomic body contour and 12” radius make it easy to play for extended sessions.
Build and Specifications
The guitar’s poplar body is light yet resonant, providing balanced tones across all frequencies. Its key specs include:
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Scale Length: 25.5"
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Nut Width: 1.65"
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Frets: 22 medium
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Fingerboard: Maple with black dot markers
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Bridge: Fulcrum Tremolo for smooth pitch bends
Tonal Range and Pickups
Equipped with three single-coil pickups (SSS configuration), the CT30SSS offers classic Strat-style tones. The 5-way selector switch gives access to a range of sounds—from bright and snappy bridge tones to warm and full neck tones. Players can easily switch between clean blues, funky rhythms, and crunchy rock leads.
Controls and Hardware
With just one volume and one tone knob, this guitar keeps things simple and intuitive. The five-screw bolt-on neck provides stability, while diecast tuners maintain tuning accuracy even after aggressive playing. The 4+2 tuner layout on the signature headstock ensures straight string pull for better tuning consistency.
Playability and Feel
The CT30SSS plays exceptionally well right out of the box. The action is comfortable, and even before setup, the intonation remains solid. The neck feels broken-in quickly, offering a natural feel for both beginners and intermediate players alike.
Sound Test Impressions
Using a Blackstar Silverline amp, the CT30SSS delivers impressive clarity on clean tones and bite under overdrive. The hum cancels when using two pickups together—a classic feature of single-coil setups. The middle position shines for funk and pop, while the bridge cuts through with sharp definition.
Who Is It For?
The Sterling CT30SSS is ideal for:
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Beginners seeking quality without overspending
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Intermediate players looking for a reliable backup guitar
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Anyone who loves vintage-style tone in a modern build
Final Thoughts
The Sterling by Music Man CT30SSS Electric Guitar stands out as a budget-friendly yet high-performing instrument. Its tone flexibility, solid construction, and comfortable neck make it a fantastic entry point into the Sterling lineup. Whether you’re recording, performing, or just jamming at home, this guitar delivers the feel and sound of a much pricier model.
Get the Sterling Music Man CT30SSS Cutlass Fiesta Red Electric Guitar HERE
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