I will say, I am a fan boy, but I think Music Man and its lower price version Sterling by Music Man are the best brands on the market. Just my personal opinion.
Ebmm makes excellent guitars. They play and sound fantastic. They are built with top notch craftsmanship. The Sterlings are solid especially for the price. A lot of players look past Ebmm. Same with G&L.
I'd say there isn't such thing as best brand. I'd say that Ibanez Guitars are the best electric guitars ever made, especially considering the price range. You can get a RG for 300$ and with a little bit of setting it, it will play and sound great. In the end it's up to personal preference, and what you're looking for
Guitars that I’ve tried in the past that feature coil-splitting haven’t actually sounded like single coils to me. This on the other hand seems like they really nailed that tone. Great review!
Yeah idk a ton about like tap/split etc but I think this being wired to the switch the way it is makes it a bit different but it really does come much closer to the strat thing than most like push/pull split setups I've seen.
@@joeydurant6267 First, splitting is separating two coils (or more but that's more common in bass pickups), tapping can only be done with specially manufactured single coil pickups. The wiring isn't anything special. The individual coils of a humbucker tend to have a lower DC than true single coils. The humbuckers here have a quite high DC resistance. Split humbuckers also tend to sound rather thin, but if you split humbuckers that are rather bass and mid heavy to begin with.... I'm guessing EBMM designed the pickups with splitting in mind.
As a non-pro/hobbyist who is not into the 3000-4000 dollar price range for guitars, I would at some point like to see a Sterling version of this model.
@@beefnacos6258 true. Plenty of people like guitars in that 1000-2000 dollar price range that are perfectly good as professionally gig-able instruments.
There is absolutely no reason to spend that much money on a guitar, unless you have such excess that you don't care. You won't notice any difference between playability between this guitar and some cheap mod.
American made Ernie Balls are consistently amazing guitars... greater specs/higher quality per dollar than many other big brands not to mention very good (not to mention unique) engineering without going full tilt "Gibson circa 2015". There is a very diverse assortment of EBMM guitars for many different tastes.
I snagged the Sabre in their limited run Coral Burst, which has a solid rosewood neck. It's probably my favorite instrument. Plays like a dream, and I don't think there's a tone out of it I haven't loved, clean or dirty.
I sold enough gear to finally buy a Pete Thorn Suhr which is one of the best I've ever played. These look great though! There's always another you want!!!!
I've wanted a Music Man Axis (EVH) for a long time, basically since Eddie started with MM. I finally got one that I wanted - I had been on the hunt for a purple one and got a dark purple (amethyst) from Music Zoo and it's everything I ever dreamed of and more. The attention to detail is perfect. A part of me is kind of sad because I can literally find nothing that I want to do to it (except locking tuners but it's a Floyd so it's not really that big a deal - just for string changes). As much as I love having a bunch of guitars, I'd easily trade almost all of mine in for another Music Man. It really lets me focus on enjoying playing.
Absolutely LOVE my MMs!!! Thank you Phil for touching on them again! Have also been BLOWN AWAY by the Sterling line in the past few years! I think they are the best guitar for the money out today! I'm a Silhouette and Majesty guy.
My wife who has to suffer my CZcams guitar channel addiction said - well at least I enjoy Phil's reviews LOL! You and John Robson are her favorites. Beautiful guitar - the first time I have ever considered owning a Musicman. Keep up the great work!
A very well designed and well manufactured guitar, from the beautiful finish to the cavity shielding and how the wiring is neatly finished! It not a cheap guitar by any means as its over $3,000.00 but they cheaper out on the inlays!
Although this is way out of my price range, the format of the review is great. Tons of good information showing everything one would need to know if interested in purchasing this unit.
Phil, thanks as always for what you do. I have a jp15 and it is really a perfect guitar. I have a lp standard and a couple american fenders which are all very nice but the jp is king of the collection. Plays effortless and a really wide palete of sound capabilities.
Another thing to keep in mind with Music Man, you can absolutely find birds eye maple, or even some more plain looking ones, all within the same SKU/model. The birds eye stuff is definitely more rare.
I ended up purchasing the guitar in this video (unbeknownst to me at the time). I've played a Sabre before and as I remembered it truly is a special guitar. While more of a "thicker neck fan" I still really enjoy playing this guitar. The most comfortable guitar I've ever played.
I have a Sterling AX40D I bought years ago, and for what I paid for it, it is unbelievable. Music Man never seems to make a bad instrument. Great video Phil!
Personally I think EBMM makes the best guitars of any major manufacturer. I never understand why they don't get more love. I can only assume it's either the name, or the neck size. I have baby hands though, so the necks are excellent for me!
I'm such a fan of MM, I have the majesty and it's a flawless guitar and I've reeeeeally been watching for a used st vincent goldie. Great review, thanks Phil
I bought a music man cutlass a couple years ago, and I can attest that spec and quality wise, they are second to absolutely none. They had the best fret ends I've ever seen, as showcased here, and so much more. However, I just could not get used to how thin the neck was in the first frets, like he showed. If the neck was more consistent, and like from 7 on, I'd never sell it, but I've just let it go. So, if you're thinking of getting one, I recommend trying one in person first, or buy it used, enjoy for a few years, and if you fully connect to it, sell for more than you paid, like I did
Completely different style of guitar, but check out a Valentine if you haven't. They aren't as thin necked. The buttermilk version is so damn pretty in person.
Love the review Phil! I'm very curious how you found out the EQ of the pickups. I think that's incredibly useful information and was my favorite part of the video.
Beautiful guitar. I like MusicMan guitar designs in generally, and particularly the 2+4 tuners. I have a little concern regarding Position 5, which sounded muffled and a bit too compressed. I would be tempted to raise the pole pieces on the Neck Pickup to get more clarity and articulation. It might be useful to lower that pickup a little as well to get less compression. If that didn't get me the clarity I wanted, I'd consider flipping the pickup around so the pole pieces face towards the bridge. I did that on an old Gibson ES-175 that I have, and it made all the difference. I pretty much live on the Neck Pickup.
I wish it had a full-floating trem. Just recessed in workout terms. Saw one at a boutique guitar store on the Oregon Coast. It was breathtaking. Literally the most beautiful instrument I’ve ever seen.
I own this same exact guitar and color haha compared to every other I own which are core Prs, Fgn, and etc, this neck makes your hands never fatigue it’s super comfortable
Wow that a beauty for sure Phil. I agree and hope they make a less expensive version some day. I also think its worth mentioning that the tone of that guitar was very awsome. I say that because I cant always tell if its good or bad when i listen on my lap top, and it sounded awsome. Thanks for the great video as always.
Thank you! I'm looking to purchase one of these (in Moonstone Blue) later this year. That being said, I've watched this video a few times. Great review. Very thorough.
I’ve got one of these in the cobra finish. I’ve had it for 2 years now. I play it at church every Sunday and I’ve never had any issues with it. I’ve never had to adjust the neck until last week. It’s the easiest guitar I’ve ever played. But at the price I gave it better be a nice guitar haha
Always wanted a music man ever since trying the majesty and jp15-7 at a local shop. Just got my first one (JP15) last fall, and I have nothing but smiles when it's in hand. safe to say if you're hesitant on buying, don't! Amazing guitar with that beefy quality.
Yeah I just looked at the price 3 to almost 4 g , I'm not big on their headstock but its growing on me. This guitar is awesome looking although I like the half-baked one better. Still though for that price tag I couldn't see myself buying this over a dozen more with that price tag.
I’ve got a bunch if Fender strats, teles and a Jazzmaster. Four Les Pauls. Some other guitars by other luthiers. Since I bought a Music Man Cutlass, and got rid of a White Falcon, I can’t wait to get a Sabre. I am ready to dump 20 of my guitars, and play 2 EBMMs, exclusively.
Fun fact: the bridge is music man designed, but John Petrucci was the one who asked for it on his Majesty and JP signature guitars. I like that it’s spread to other models
I worked at a guitar store for 8 years and I’ve also owned 2 arch top deluxe wolfgangs and the BFR axis with maple fingerboard is the greatest thing I’ve ever played. I currently have a stingray rs which is awesome but it’s a rosewood fingerboard and I still dream of that axis I held for 1-2 minutes over a decade ago. It was literally the easiest guitar I’ve ever played in my life by a long shot. It will probably be my next purchase from them.
@@thatsamazin- Thats cool! The only issue is that they are not cheap lol.I paid almost $5000 for my Ball Family Reserve Axis, and the others are expensive as well, BUT they are worth it!!! I hope you get your Axis soon...
Played one of these at Sweetwater a month or two ago. The feel of that smooth bridge made me consider getting this guitar at some point in the future. The only thing holding me back is the cost. It feels like quality though, so the cost is sort of justified.
I had a JP Majesty that was beautiful and it sounded great but I sold it because I hated the trem, I couldn’t get it to stay in tune for anything. I took it to pros and had it set up and asked them for advice and they basically said not all trems are created equal. The saber has intrigued me. Your trem seemed to work just fine
Know your gear...steal your riff.. Liking that Steve Vai mode at 12:56 Figured it out in two minutes... Just gotta bridge it to parallel tones To make a full composition...
Must be soooooo tough to be playing all these kick ass guitars. Lol great job on the review but lord the price. That's out of my comfort zone .rock on 🤘
They are crazy expensive, I feel like me more deep dive type videos on guitars more than ever with the crazy prices. The price is high, but not as high as buying one and having to loose money a few months later because you didn't bond with it.
That sounds really great! The only thing I don't like is that the headstock, more than any other, looks like a Smurf hat. I guess I could live with that. :)
Gorgeous. See? Chrome humbuckers look great on gloss ocean blue. Is the action really that low? I'd put a couple of chrome knobs with abalone caps just for looks.
Thank you for the positive reviews. My co workers and I work hard to give you guys the best quality guitars and basses around.
Thank you!
Keep up the good work. You are appreciated.
My JP15 is the best electric guitar I've ever played. Nothing else comes close to the neck, feel, features, sound, or quality. Just exceptional.
Gotta say, Phil, this review format is just (chef's kiss). So many details I couldn't have found elsewhere. Please keep doing these.
Thank you we are Refining it and I thank we are almost there
Ia!
Really loved the format and detail in this review! Add a slightly longer full 1st to highest fret play through on the next. Excellent work Phil.
I will say, I am a fan boy, but I think Music Man and its lower price version Sterling by Music Man are the best brands on the market. Just my personal opinion.
I have the cutlass hss and it's far superior to my others highest quality on the market in my opinion
As an ltd fan boy, I agree
Ebmm makes excellent guitars. They play and sound fantastic. They are built with top notch craftsmanship. The Sterlings are solid especially for the price. A lot of players look past Ebmm. Same with G&L.
BUT FOR $3,500 BETTER BE AWESOME!
I'd say there isn't such thing as best brand. I'd say that Ibanez Guitars are the best electric guitars ever made, especially considering the price range.
You can get a RG for 300$ and with a little bit of setting it, it will play and sound great. In the end it's up to personal preference, and what you're looking for
Guitars that I’ve tried in the past that feature coil-splitting haven’t actually sounded like single coils to me. This on the other hand seems like they really nailed that tone.
Great review!
Yeah idk a ton about like tap/split etc but I think this being wired to the switch the way it is makes it a bit different but it really does come much closer to the strat thing than most like push/pull split setups I've seen.
@@joeydurant6267 First, splitting is separating two coils (or more but that's more common in bass pickups), tapping can only be done with specially manufactured single coil pickups.
The wiring isn't anything special. The individual coils of a humbucker tend to have a lower DC than true single coils. The humbuckers here have a quite high DC resistance.
Split humbuckers also tend to sound rather thin, but if you split humbuckers that are rather bass and mid heavy to begin with.... I'm guessing EBMM designed the pickups with splitting in mind.
As a non-pro/hobbyist who is not into the 3000-4000 dollar price range for guitars, I would at some point like to see a Sterling version of this model.
I see pro's not even spend that much
@@beefnacos6258 true. Plenty of people like guitars in that 1000-2000 dollar price range that are perfectly good as professionally gig-able instruments.
I'll go a step further and say that I know kick ass pros who never play anything above 1000, especially live. Makes sense actually
There is absolutely no reason to spend that much money on a guitar, unless you have such excess that you don't care.
You won't notice any difference between playability between this guitar and some cheap mod.
Thats not that expensive compared to classical instruments where 3000-4000 is considered a student model.
I don't remember the last time I've seen Phil smile so much while playing
Love your closing statement. It's nice to see one all about as perfect as possible, not just as original as possible. Nice review.
American made Ernie Balls are consistently amazing guitars... greater specs/higher quality per dollar than many other big brands not to mention very good (not to mention unique) engineering without going full tilt "Gibson circa 2015". There is a very diverse assortment of EBMM guitars for many different tastes.
Fantastic review, Phil! Every time I get my hands on a Music Man or Sterling I love it, especially the neck. Such great guitars.
I snagged the Sabre in their limited run Coral Burst, which has a solid rosewood neck. It's probably my favorite instrument. Plays like a dream, and I don't think there's a tone out of it I haven't loved, clean or dirty.
Oh man, I want it! Thanks for the deep dive review of this.
I sold enough gear to finally buy a Pete Thorn Suhr which is one of the best I've ever played. These look great though! There's always another you want!!!!
I've wanted a Music Man Axis (EVH) for a long time, basically since Eddie started with MM. I finally got one that I wanted - I had been on the hunt for a purple one and got a dark purple (amethyst) from Music Zoo and it's everything I ever dreamed of and more. The attention to detail is perfect. A part of me is kind of sad because I can literally find nothing that I want to do to it (except locking tuners but it's a Floyd so it's not really that big a deal - just for string changes). As much as I love having a bunch of guitars, I'd easily trade almost all of mine in for another Music Man. It really lets me focus on enjoying playing.
I love Music Man guitars. Quality through and through. I feel like they are the best guitars out there today.
I have one. Amazing tone, feel, neck, weight, look. Unbeatable 🤘🏼
Absolutely LOVE my MMs!!! Thank you Phil for touching on them again!
Have also been BLOWN AWAY by the Sterling line in the past few years! I think they are the best guitar for the money out today!
I'm a Silhouette and Majesty guy.
Brilliant detail in the review
My wife who has to suffer my CZcams guitar channel addiction said - well at least I enjoy Phil's reviews LOL! You and John Robson are her favorites. Beautiful guitar - the first time I have ever considered owning a Musicman. Keep up the great work!
This is a fantastic instrument. Looks are stellar, but the tones are crisp, clear, and articulate. Beyond my needs and ability.
A very well designed and well manufactured guitar, from the beautiful finish to the cavity shielding and how the wiring is neatly finished! It not a cheap guitar by any means as its over $3,000.00 but they cheaper out on the inlays!
I own this exact guitar in the Blue Moonstone finish. Gotta say it's my best player
Although this is way out of my price range, the format of the review is great. Tons of good information showing everything one would need to know if interested in purchasing this unit.
Phil, thanks as always for what you do. I have a jp15 and it is really a perfect guitar. I have a lp standard and a couple american fenders which are all very nice but the jp is king of the collection. Plays effortless and a really wide palete of sound capabilities.
I have three Mike Lipe guitars (Virtuoso, Classic & Soldato), all have flamed maple necks with stunning patterns like this Music Man. Just beautiful.
Amazing wood on this. I just bought a EBMM Valentine BFR with the flame top. These are as high quality as I've seen on any brand. Enjoy it!
Another thing to keep in mind with Music Man, you can absolutely find birds eye maple, or even some more plain looking ones, all within the same SKU/model. The birds eye stuff is definitely more rare.
I tried one and man. One of the best guitars out there. It's on my bucket list.
What a beautiful piece of work/art. That thing is gorgeous in every way.
I ended up purchasing the guitar in this video (unbeknownst to me at the time). I've played a Sabre before and as I remembered it truly is a special guitar. While more of a "thicker neck fan" I still really enjoy playing this guitar. The most comfortable guitar I've ever played.
I have a Sterling AX40D I bought years ago, and for what I paid for it, it is unbelievable. Music Man never seems to make a bad instrument. Great video Phil!
Personally I think EBMM makes the best guitars of any major manufacturer. I never understand why they don't get more love. I can only assume it's either the name, or the neck size. I have baby hands though, so the necks are excellent for me!
Thank you. We work hard everyday to make the best quality guitars and basses.
I have larger hands and love my Cutlass neck
These guitars are worth every penny. I have 3 different music man guitars. The quality is impeccable and they stay in tune like a champ!
great demo Phil
This bad boy should be in my hands in 2 days. Can't wait!
I'm such a fan of MM, I have the majesty and it's a flawless guitar and I've reeeeeally been watching for a used st vincent goldie. Great review, thanks Phil
The top on this one looks like you can deep dive into to!
Thanks for the dulcet tones on this Monday afternoon.
I bought a music man cutlass a couple years ago, and I can attest that spec and quality wise, they are second to absolutely none. They had the best fret ends I've ever seen, as showcased here, and so much more. However, I just could not get used to how thin the neck was in the first frets, like he showed. If the neck was more consistent, and like from 7 on, I'd never sell it, but I've just let it go. So, if you're thinking of getting one, I recommend trying one in person first, or buy it used, enjoy for a few years, and if you fully connect to it, sell for more than you paid, like I did
Completely different style of guitar, but check out a Valentine if you haven't. They aren't as thin necked. The buttermilk version is so damn pretty in person.
Fit and finish on MM guitars is unbeatable.
Love the review Phil!
I'm very curious how you found out the EQ of the pickups. I think that's incredibly useful information and was my favorite part of the video.
Your thumbs up got my attention. Looks great.
Love my Axis & JP6, but holy balls EBMM pricing is nuts now. Glad I bought those guitars close to 10 years ago before prices almost doubled.
Your honest review and perspectives provides great insight to the Sabre. Thanks
Beautiful guitar. I like MusicMan guitar designs in generally, and particularly the 2+4 tuners. I have a little concern regarding Position 5, which sounded muffled and a bit too compressed. I would be tempted to raise the pole pieces on the Neck Pickup to get more clarity and articulation. It might be useful to lower that pickup a little as well to get less compression. If that didn't get me the clarity I wanted, I'd consider flipping the pickup around so the pole pieces face towards the bridge. I did that on an old Gibson ES-175 that I have, and it made all the difference. I pretty much live on the Neck Pickup.
I wish it had a full-floating trem. Just recessed in workout terms. Saw one at a boutique guitar store on the Oregon Coast. It was breathtaking. Literally the most beautiful instrument I’ve ever seen.
Great review Phil. Would love to get my hands on one.
They really build amazing quality. I’m always very impressed. 🤘🎸
@philmcknight Did you say in blue moonpie finish? 😉
Man I wanted to. lol
oh law.... G. A. S. is a thing. that is so nice. thanks Phil! (I had to freeze the 'party plastic' in ice in the fridge.)
Great review. Nice to be back in the workshop!
Daaaaamn that guitar looks epic and sounds even better!
This is the ultimate guitar review, please do every single guitar lol
I own this same exact guitar and color haha compared to every other I own which are core Prs, Fgn, and etc, this neck makes your hands never fatigue it’s super comfortable
I’m looking at this guitar and Phil this the best most informative review on YT , thank you 🙏
great video! all additions to the review routine are very good.
Hey Phil, you just really helped me to make my decision. Thank you for the excellent and professional reviews.
Thanks Phil, great job Sir.
Wow that a beauty for sure Phil. I agree and hope they make a less expensive version some day. I also think its worth mentioning that the tone of that guitar was very awsome. I say that because I cant always tell if its good or bad when i listen on my lap top, and it sounded awsome. Thanks for the great video as always.
I really dig guitars with the 5 way super switch.
Wow. That was awesome...thats quality there...great job phil...i just love love the green poly finish...
I love this guitar . It has 3/8" maple top....1/8" more than a standard. It sounds and plays perfectly 🎸👍
It would be cool if the guy at Guitar Center would let me try this...
Thank you! I'm looking to purchase one of these (in Moonstone Blue) later this year. That being said, I've watched this video a few times. Great review. Very thorough.
Much nicer review format. Two thumbs up.
This guy's great..I enjoy his videos.. I've been playing for thirty years and still leaning new things 👍👍
I’ve got one of these in the cobra finish. I’ve had it for 2 years now. I play it at church every Sunday and I’ve never had any issues with it. I’ve never had to adjust the neck until last week. It’s the easiest guitar I’ve ever played. But at the price I gave it better be a nice guitar haha
I’m new to your channel, that musicman looks awesome!
Love that you got into the deep details. That neck is gorgeous, love love love ebony
Thats a Beauty for sure! I'll keep dreaming...maybe someday. Out of my pay grade. Great video Phil.
Awesome review, beautiful guitar. Can't believe how dark it sounds
That’s an amazing guitar!! Thanks Phil!
Always wanted a music man ever since trying the majesty and jp15-7 at a local shop. Just got my first one (JP15) last fall, and I have nothing but smiles when it's in hand. safe to say if you're hesitant on buying, don't! Amazing guitar with that beefy quality.
Yeah I just looked at the price 3 to almost 4 g , I'm not big on their headstock but its growing on me. This guitar is awesome looking although I like the half-baked one better. Still though for that price tag I couldn't see myself buying this over a dozen more with that price tag.
Find used ones, cheaper and still get the quality.
I’ve got a bunch if Fender strats, teles and a Jazzmaster. Four Les Pauls. Some other guitars by other luthiers.
Since I bought a Music Man Cutlass, and got rid of a White Falcon, I can’t wait to get a Sabre. I am ready to dump 20 of my guitars, and play 2 EBMMs, exclusively.
Stunning guitar. Music Man's quality is exceptional. This is on my radar. Oh boy, it's going to be expensive.
Fun fact: the bridge is music man designed, but John Petrucci was the one who asked for it on his Majesty and JP signature guitars. I like that it’s spread to other models
always love that headstock design
but all about this guitar is awesome
I own several high end Ernie Ball guitars and NOTHING compares to them. They are simply mind blowing. My Ball Family Reserve Axis is insane!!
I worked at a guitar store for 8 years and I’ve also owned 2 arch top deluxe wolfgangs and the BFR axis with maple fingerboard is the greatest thing I’ve ever played. I currently have a stingray rs which is awesome but it’s a rosewood fingerboard and I still dream of that axis I held for 1-2 minutes over a decade ago. It was literally the easiest guitar I’ve ever played in my life by a long shot. It will probably be my next purchase from them.
@@thatsamazin- Thats cool! The only issue is that they are not cheap lol.I paid almost $5000 for my Ball Family Reserve Axis, and the others are expensive as well, BUT they are worth it!!! I hope you get your Axis soon...
Man I love this video. The Sabre is definitely on my list to get at some point. My only concern is the neck.
Amazingly detailed review. I'd love to see your take on the new Musicman HT pick-ups, or some of the Fishman Fluence models
My dream guitar
beautiful, love how it refuses to go out of tune, but too pricey for me
The price tag kinda puts it out of my ballpark. But I stayed to the end for the channel.
Great. Really enjoyed the format and info
Played one of these at Sweetwater a month or two ago. The feel of that smooth bridge made me consider getting this guitar at some point in the future. The only thing holding me back is the cost. It feels like quality though, so the cost is sort of justified.
Glad to see that the guitar ticked off all the relevant boxes, but after laying out 3K+ for an axe, this level of quality SHOULD be expected.
I had a JP Majesty that was beautiful and it sounded great but I sold it because I hated the trem, I couldn’t get it to stay in tune for anything. I took it to pros and had it set up and asked them for advice and they basically said not all trems are created equal. The saber has intrigued me. Your trem seemed to work just fine
Nice work 🤘
This is a great review format... oh, and the guitar is amazing too. 😂
Know your gear...steal your riff..
Liking that Steve Vai mode at 12:56
Figured it out in two minutes...
Just gotta bridge it to parallel tones
To make a full composition...
love your videos, man...
so informative!
Would love to see a HSS or HS config of this
Had a Lukather. loved it. Thanks Phil for all your videos.
Great review style. Keep doing these!
Heya Phil, awesome vid
Must be soooooo tough to be playing all these kick ass guitars. Lol great job on the review but lord the price. That's out of my comfort zone .rock on 🤘
They are crazy expensive, I feel like me more deep dive type videos on guitars more than ever with the crazy prices. The price is high, but not as high as buying one and having to loose money a few months later because you didn't bond with it.
@@PhillipMcKnight agreed
That sounds really great! The only thing I don't like is that the headstock, more than any other, looks like a Smurf hat. I guess I could live with that. :)
Gorgeous. See? Chrome humbuckers look great on gloss ocean blue. Is the action really that low? I'd put a couple of chrome knobs with abalone caps just for looks.
Now you can bring the Sterling Sabre that was just released soon enough! That should be a great guitar as well.
Awesome review! Super well organized…please if you can a MM Luke III review will be very helpful for me…great work man!