Sterling by Music Man has officially launched the highly anticipated budget-friendly versions of the Jason Richardson Signature Cutlass. Arriving in both six- and seven-string formats, these new models promise to deliver the technical prowess of the original Music Man models at a fraction of the cost.
The former All That Remains guitarist and modern virtuoso launched his premium Music Man signature model in August 2024. While that instrument was a masterpiece of “decades of guitar string research” and custom contouring, its price tag—ranging from $3,599 to $3,799—put it out of reach for many.
Now, following the successful formula seen with Rabea Massaad’s Sterling range, the brand has introduced a scaled-back version that retains the core “shredability” and tonal versatility of the original, for much more accessible prices of $949.99 (6-string) and $999.99 (7-string).
High-Performance Specs on a Budget
Despite the price drop, the Sterling Richardson Cutlass is designed to meet the rigorous technical demands of Jason Richardson’s playing style.
Body & Woods
Like its US-made sibling, the Sterling model features a double-cutaway Alder body with a custom-contoured lower horn for extreme upper fret access.
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The expensive buckeye burl top of the original is replaced by a Poplar Burl veneer, available on the Kokiri Forest (6-string) and Dark Scarlet Burst Satin (7-string) finishes.
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The 7-string model is also available in a sleek Pearl White and Kokiri Forest, though specs suggest these specific 7-string colorways may utilize a standard Alder body construction.
Neck & Fretboard
The neck receives significant attention to ensure playability matches the “hyper-ergonomic” promise:
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Material: 5-bolt Roasted Maple neck (replacing the figured roasted maple of the US model).
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Fretboard: Rosewood fingerboard (a switch from the US model’s Ebony).
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Radius: A flat, shred-friendly 16” radius.
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Frets: 24 frets. Interestingly, the 6-string is listed with Jumbo frets, while the 7-string features a Medium Jumbo profile.
Electronics & Hardware
The electronics layout is where this guitar truly punches above its weight class. It features Sterling by Music Man-Designed JR Humbuckers, which Richardson helped voice to maintain the “bark and bite” of his signature sound.
Crucially, the control layout mimics the premium version:
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Volume: Push-Push for a 12dB active volume boost.
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Tone: Push-Push for coil-splitting, offering single-coil clarity instantly.
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Note: Push-push pots are often preferred by live players for being easier to engage quickly compared to push-pull pots.
Hardware duties are handled by a Sterling Modern Tremolo and Locking Tuners (replacing the Schaller M6-IND), ensuring tuning stability during aggressive playing.
FAQ: Sterling by Music Man Jason Richardson Cutlass
Q: How much does the Sterling Jason Richardson Cutlass cost?
A: The 6-string model is priced at $949.99, and the 7-string model is priced at $999.99.
Q: What is the difference between the 6-string and 7-string specs?
A: Aside from the string count, the 6-string features Jumbo frets, while the 7-string is listed with Medium Jumbo frets. Color availability also differs:
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6-String: Kokiri Forest.
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7-String: Kokiri Forest, Pearl White, Dark Scarlet Burst Satin.
Q: Does it come with a gig bag?
A: No, the Sterling Jason Richardson models do not ship with a gig bag. You will need to purchase a case separately.
Q: What are the main differences between this and the $3,600 Music Man version?
A: The main cost-saving measures include:
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Top Wood: Poplar Burl veneer instead of a solid Buckeye Burl top.
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Fretboard: Rosewood instead of Ebony.
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Manufacturing: Imported (Sterling line) vs. USA-made.
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Hardware: Sterling-branded tremolo and tuners instead of custom Music Man/Schaller hardware.
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Frets: Nickel instead of Stainless Steel.
Q: What is “Kokiri Forest”?
A: It is the name of the green burst finish on the guitar. And yes, for the gamers out there, it is a reference to The Legend of Zelda.
Our Thoughts
The arrival of the Sterling by Music Man Richardson Cutlass is a massive win for modern metal players. When the original signature dropped in 2024, the specs were drool-worthy, but the price was prohibitive.
Sterling has done an excellent job here of “trimming the fat” without cutting the muscle. They kept the roasted maple neck, the locking tuners, and most importantly, the active boost and coil-split circuitry. These are the features that actually define the instrument’s versatility in a live mix.
While the loss of stainless steel frets and an ebony board is noticeable, it is a fair trade-off to save nearly $2,600. For virtuoso players looking for a high-performance workhorse that doesn’t require a bank loan, this is arguably one of the most exciting releases of NAMM 2026.
Price & Availability
Available at Andertons – Kokiri Forest 6-string £979 and Kokiri Forest 7-string £999
Available at Sweetwater – Kokiri Forest 6-string $949.99 and Kokiri Forest, Dark Scarlet Burst Satin, and Pearl White 7-string $999.99
More Information
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