I've always been a fan of Music Man and Sterling guitars since I first played the JP70 at a local music store a few years ago. I saw that Jared Dines had recently released his own Stingray model which I've also been really interested in as well. I ended up buying the guitar since I could use the payment plan through ZZounds to get it at a great price point. I could not be happier. The locking tuners really help with stability so I don't have to worry about stopping every few minutes to retune the guitar. I tuned it to drop C and the pickups can handle metal chugging and heavy riffs amazingly well. The neck isn't as thin other guitars I've played, but the is still small enough to where I can easily shred across the fretboard with great ease. The stacked volume knob is interesting and I like how it frees up space for your handle as your playing so you're not hitting the knobs by accident. The killswitch is an interesting addition too. I wasn't expecting to dig the gold hardware, but it makes the guitar look prestigious. I am sold.

Sound
The guitar sounds amazing. I had watched a review referring to the pickups as "low input", but they handle the metal tones on my Spark amp with ease. The only improvement I would suggest is probably to add a wrap on the headstock which most guitars need to help with reverb and feedback while chugging.

Features
I like the idea of the stacked volume/tone knob. This is the only guitar I've… read more seen with this feature and I can see how it allows more space on the guitar to keep your hand from hitting the knobs by accident while playing. The killswitch is a nice little added feature too.

Ease of Use
I tuned it to drop C and played it through my Positive Grid Spark amp. It sounds brutal. I was super pleased that the pickups could handle the tone.

Quality
The guitar is surprisingly light weight the neck is small and easy to navigate. I'm super happy with the design.

Value
I've seen other Sterling Music Man guitars (especially artist signature models) go for much higher. Other than the cheapest John Petrucci models, this may be the cheapest signature model from them. Definitely worth it.

Manufacturer Support
Haven't had to deal with manufacturer support, but I know that Sterling and Music Man guitars are quality products based on the other models I've played in the past.

The Wow Factor
If you're looking for a great artist signature six string that both looks amazing and plays smoothly, look no further.

Musical Background:
Vocalist and guitarist

Musical Style:
Deathcore, metalcore read less