Sterling by Music Man Unveils New 2026 Guitar & Bass Models
Sterling by Music Man expands its lineup for 2026 with a powerful new collection of guitars and basses, blending artist-driven design, modern performance features, and bold new finishes. From the iconic Luke HSS to the extended-range Jason Richardson models, plus updated classics and an all-new baritone, this lineup is built for today’s players—on stage and in the studio.
Luke HSS – Classic Design, Expanded Versatility
Designed alongside legendary guitarist Steve Lukather, the Luke remains one of the most recognizable designs in modern electric guitar history. For 2026, the Luke HSS carries forward the iconic body shape and signature V-neck profile, while introducing a more versatile HSS pickup configuration.
Equipped with a 5-way selector, vintage tremolo, and a 12 dB push-push volume boost, the Luke HSS delivers everything from sparkling cleans to powerful lead tones. The guitar is finished with a flamed maple veneer and is available in two striking new colors:
Yucatan Blue
Heritage Cherry Burst
Jason Richardson Signature Models – 6 & 7 String
Engineered to meet the demands of Jason Richardson’s virtuosic playing style, the Sterling by Music Man Richardson models are precision instruments built for speed, clarity, and control.
Both the 6-string Richardson and 7-string Richardson7 feature a custom-contoured lower horn for effortless upper-fret access, a roasted maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, and 24 frets. High-output artist-designed humbuckers provide articulate, dynamic tone, complemented by:
Push-push volume boost
Push-push coil-split tone control
Modern tremolo bridge
Finished in a stunning Kokiri Forest poplar burl veneer, these models are designed to perform at the highest level—whether on stage or in the studio.
Cutlass Plus HSS – A Modern Workhorse
The Cutlass Plus HSS takes a modern classic and pushes it even further. Featuring a roasted maple neck, locking tuners, and vintage tremolo, this upgraded model adds:
Versatile HSS pickup configuration
Push-push mid-boost control
5-way switching for maximum tonal range
White pearloid block inlays add a premium visual touch. For 2026, the Cutlass Plus is available for the first time in the much-loved Showtime finish—a bold 3-tone metallic sunburst—alongside Cashmere.
StingRay Baritone Guitar – New Territory for 2026
New for 2026, the StingRay Baritone brings a familiar, road-tested design into deeper sonic territory. With a 27.5” scale length, 24 frets, and B-standard tuning, this baritone model delivers massive low-end punch while maintaining clarity and definition.
A roasted maple neck, locking tuners, and an HH ceramic humbucker configuration make this guitar equally at home on stage or in the studio. It’s finished in the bold new Toluca Lake Blue.
Short Scale StingRay Bass – Now in Charging Green
The player-favorite Short Scale StingRay Bass returns for 2026 in an all-new Charging Green finish. Featuring a comfortable 30” scale, this lightweight bass delivers effortless playability without sacrificing the signature StingRay punch.
Passive electronics are paired with a neodymium humbucker, while a push-push volume boost and 3-way rotary switch (parallel, true single-coil, and series modes) offer impressive tonal flexibility—all in Sterling’s most compact StingRay design yet.
