One special thing that I like about your videos is that you play very "normal" kind of accessible/easy stuff (and very very well of course !), and I really like it because we can all identify to your playing style ! (Also because nothing is worse than trying to know if a guitar will sound good in our hands when the player is a shred master showing his skills ...)
I love how he welcomes you into the video. He always makes me feel apart of an audience for his amazing guitar playing, soothing voice, and informational attitude. I love these videos.
That Sterling has a unique sound - a bit more of a growl. And I could tell from the way you were playing the tremolo - it must have a first class tremolo in it. You had complete control of the tremolo sound with it!
Didn't think you would have been into prog seeing as a lot of your videos I've seen have been more of the blues-rock variety, but I've been enjoying your videos lately and I'm thrilled to see my genre of choice represented here
6 ปีที่แล้ว +24
I had an Ibanez and after 6 years I switched to a Sterling. Best choice ever. Now I have a Ernie Ball Music Man JP13 and I can say that the Sterling is A LOT of guitar for the price.
Kahê Sathler do you think it’s worth the money for Majesty Earnie vs Sterling is a better choice!? ($1400 with Dimarzio vs $3400 Earnie)
4 ปีที่แล้ว +1
@@moealyasini2784 Well, if you are looking for a brand new one, the newer models have a lot in common with EBMM, stainless steel frets, dimarzio pickups and etc. But they've got up in value as well, I would look first for a used EBMM, but you'll absolutely love the Sterling if you got one.
Just bought the JP60 and LOVE it. Feels great, sounds awesome, and looks incredible. The only problem I’m experiencing is with the locking tuners which I have never had before. I snapped a couple of strings just trying to tune it. Can you do a video on how to deal with re-stringing on locking tuner guitars? Love your videos, man!
Awesome video Darrell!! Like I wrote you several years ago, I own a Sterling JP by Music Man and won’t replace it for anything. Small yet comfortable neck, super simple to setup, and the tone is amazing. Looking forward to upgrade the pick ups with the Liquified ones from the JP 100 and put some Ernie Ball Paradigm strings for a total make up. Love your videos as always and can’t wait for next Friday’s video!!! Cheers!!
Lets put it this way. I am using the JP to play Toto and there is no issues getting the Lukather tone. So you wont be disapointed. I am constantly changing pickups to my guitars but the JP si staying with the LF,CL set
You like the Sterling neck profile but I think you're heart goes to Ibanez 😁. Anyway, another great video from you👍, specially because I'm from Indonesia😉. Thanks a lot man, keep educating people 🤘😊.
Seemed to me the Sterling was smoother in tone where the Ibanez had a little more bite. I like the extra pickup configuration on the Ibanez though. Are the Prestige pickups quite a bit better?
@@DarrellBraunGuitarI know Sterling does, but I also know those were the garbage pickups Sterling used to use in the model you played in the video. And it still sounded good.
6 ปีที่แล้ว +2
Another great comparison. I like the shape of Ibanez and I like the trem system with locking tuners of Sterling guitars.
Brutal side by side comparison, excellent job Darrell. Both guitars are killers, I have to admit that I prefer the bass or fat sound from Sterlin (JP signature model) than Ibanez crystal sound in the bridge position, but in the neck position both are almost the same (according to my ears). Greetings from Venezuela
Ibanez more versatile and a more transparent sound, but I don't particularly like locking trems. I generally prefer Music Man necks to Ibanez and I prefer the loom of the JP, whereas I think the veneer top on the Ibanez is well done, but there are too many companies doing veneers and I've kind of grown a bit tired of them. Both great guitars but the Sterlings wins it for me. Enjoyable video, love these comparison type vids.
Wish I could hear the difference but with moderate hearing loss (69 yrs) I really can’t on most comparisons videos, so for me it boils down to comfort and looks.
Hi Darrell, Did I miss something, but I count 24 frets on both guitars? Well in either case can't go wrong with either guitar. I believe the Ibanez is more popular then the Sterling... I have the OLP (Officially Licensed Product) John Petrucci Musicman -- which came before the Sterling... Still a great guitar with a great sound...
Great comparison! Funny, while the Ibanez definitely has way more tonal variations available, I have to admit I really liked the creamy tones of the Music Man a lot. Sounded like the pickups weren’t quite as hot as the Ibanez perhaps? I suppose if you really wanted to tweak the Ibanez tone controls, you could get the tones closer however. Looks-wise, it’s a toss up for me...love the ominous look of the MM, but that finish on the Ibanez says, “Look at me!!” LOL🎸👍🏻😉
Hi, Darrell! My name is Anton, from St. Petersburg, Russia. I really like your guitar videos. If you can, make a video of three guitars: Ibanes JS1000 vs Gibson Les Paul vs Fender stratocaster.
I liked the looks of the RG better, but I like the look of the upper body contour on the Sterling. It sounds like the Sterling has a higher value for its tone capacitor and cut a little more high end. Both sounded really good to me.
I think the premium Ibanez are a bit above the Sterling standard guitars because you wouldn't compare the JP160D with a prestige Ibanez... I would have compare the standard Ibanez RG with the JP you have right now
If perhaps I could say something to Darell, it would be that I enjoy his videos and that he is definitely in the top7 of my favourite TH-camrs. Love ya!
Love your vid, very polite and intresting.I like a vid with a bit of talk to explain what they feel in each section. I think a sterling stock pu is overgain and feel unbalanced if it change to a cl/lf the sound should be more great! The Ibanez with mod pu is very well balanced and versatile in vary genre. I have already touch both of them but i like a more flat fingerboard radius on RG than JP and Its trem,IMO Ibanez edge zeroII are look better than sterling trem.
Good starting point. Get the guitar you can afford; get it used and undamaged, and pickups can be replaced. The 2 guitars are apples and oranges: different pickups, neck feel, etc. One will appeal to us more and one costs more. It's your money and choice
HoshiHearts RetroGaming Oh don’t get me wrong, it’s a great affordable guitar, but either I’ve done a horrible job of its maintenance or the thing’s got a few issues since it’s a $200 guitar. I’d love to do more on it with tremolo and stuff, but it sound’s like it’s about to break in half the second I try anything, along with one of its frets being unable to bend past a certain point (an action problem I’d assume, but can’t find the right driver to adjust the bridge), and sometimes the pickups get a bit too bright and not full enough to get an Alex Lifeson esque sound. That’s mainly probably me being a primary bassist and not researching enough on guitar. I’m not the best guitar player whatsoever, so I’m sure I could get more out of the guitar if I was better, and I’m also not as informed as I should be in comparison to bass, but I’ve been making up for that a lot today. But yeah, it’s a great guitar and I don’t want to stop playing it, but a good prog guitar like one of these two would be a benefit to get a tone and achieve a few things the squier can’t. In short terms, you’re probably right.
I'd say that the best option in this case is when one guitarist in the band plays the sterling and the other is using that ibanez axe. They'll sound damn good together.
I used to own a premium model Ibanez. Ibanez RG920MQM CBE to be exact. I traded it for a Sterling JP model. Regretted it. The Ibanez Premium in my opinion played so much better to me. Action was consistent. Tone was great! Although I must point out that I traded my Ibanez for the JP model because the previous owner installed Petrucci's Dimarzio Crunch Lab and Liquifire pickup set which did sound better than my Ibanez. But the Ibanez just played so much better and stays in tune very well with the tremolo system. Rolled edges make a huge difference! In the end, I sold my Sterling JP model and bought a 90's Ibanez RG550 which is the best for me!
The Ibanez seemed more versatile. The JP model had a limited frequency while the Ibanez was more vast. I also noticed that in one of your demonstrations that the JP model went slightly out of tune and the Ibanez held its intonation. I personally like Ibanez since I’ve played their guitars but I’ve never tried a JP before.
I just looked you up on spotify. I knew there would be something due to the distro kid video. Then I see "Star of the country down". Very unexpected, and I like it.
Darrell I have never played a Petrucci model, but I have both a Sterling Cutlass and a USA made Cutlass by MM. I bought it online without playing it first, and always heard that the neck profiles were different, and that if you got used to it, you would never want to play anything different. I have to agree. These are my two go to guitars for just about everything. The neck is really an amazing feel. From the light V near the headstock, to the modern C at the money zone, it's really a perfect fit for most hands. The soft V is perfect for the open chord stuff, and the transition to the modern C is around the 9th-10th frets. I have actually used a very close "dare I say copy" to this profile on my necks. Unless someone wants something specifically different. Usually after playing one of my standard necks or one of my MM's, they opt for that neck profile. I'm really surprised no one figured that out before. Bob in Germany
The Sterling sounded good, but I liked how the Ibanez sounded overall. I would buy a Sterling though, because it def has some different tones and I already own 2 Ibanez's. I like the modes you added in to the solos you played, great stuff!
Well the Sterling MM has a very cream like tone while the Premium Iba is very clean and simple when it comes to tone. I honestly like the sound of the cream tonality the Sterling has but thats why you compare them and actually try them at Guitar Center or somewhere :)
Mid-range? Man, I don't think you know the extent of the quality if Ibanez. If you've tried a Prestige or J.Custom, you'd see a difference. Most low-end to mid-range Ibanez's are built in Indonesia while the high-end guitars are built in Japan. Quality control is the biggest difference between the two.
always a pleasure to watch you play that thang Darrell, I did think the music man had more of a bolder sound than the Ibanez with its single coil in the middle position
Since I am new to guitar playing, I will have to go with the looks. I love that Sterling's looks. Looked at one the other day. Might just buy it now. I just received my PRS Custom 24 se yesterday. I can't play it yet, but it sure is pretty. Well, back to my practicing. Love your videos. I always learn something new.
My son has the JP model, and I agree with most it had a fuller sound. We both have older RG series as well. They play great all the way up the neck. Mine is the old Korean one in LH.
I remember when Stirling wer such an ordinary guitar that you wouldn’t touch them, so good to see them be able , now to be compared to an ibanez, because EB guitars are awesome
Hummm il like them both Darrell, both have different sound qualitys, depends on what you prefer really, but if had to choose one it would the Ibanez, think its a bit more full and rounded, Cheers
I love melodic playing. The warmer tones of the JP model was beautiful while the Ibanez was to bright. If you crank that volume and distortion it just may tear your face off.
Two points to be corrected: the title of the video is misleading, the company is called Sterling by Music Man. The title suggests that the real Music man will be compared. Secondly, both have 24 frets, not 22. Great video though!
I have a JP60 - only gripes with it is the higher e-string falls off the frets easily. I thought this was my playing but appears to be a common issue with other owners. Plus the 3 way toggle is right under where you strum, any enthusiastic playing results in unintended pick-up changes. Other then that, great neck, so comfortable to play, very versatile and has nice clean tones too.
I thought maybe moving up in price on the Sterlings would make me like the pickups more but nope. I guess that's where they save the most, considering I've heard stuff a third of the price sound better, if not necessarily play better. That Ibanez blows it away IMO, especially on clean.
Love the looks on the sterling, but the ibanez kicks ass all the way! I tried a sterling recently (not a JP model tho), and it just didnt feel so good.
I would choose the Ibanez because of the versatility. But I havent had it in my hand so the neck profile compare could change that impression obviously.
I got the USA made Music Man Majesty new for an extremely good deal. One of the most comfortable guitars I have ever touched my hands on. Plays like butter. One thing I really like about the John Petrucci models that many people ignore is the controls layout. It just felt so natural with the hand motion but also not in the way. The body is also carved in a way that it fits comfortably in your lab. The only thing I don’t like is that the coil split only splits the middle position.
I've had a few Sterling JPs. The JP100D was horrible. The JP150 felt nice, but lacked the polish in then quality control. My JP60 is flawless, and one of my favorite guitars to this day. I have quite a few RG550s, Prestige and other MIJ and MIK models. Love them all.
I have a 2012 Premium RG870QMZ in Blazing Dusk finish... which is very similar to yours (albeit different pickups). being a Stratocaster-first kind of player, this guitar is the first ever I've called a Super Strat. Ibanez and Dimarzio did a fantastic job on matching the pickups to the guitar. This guitar is now one of my favourites (solid in third place) and my main gigging guitar. Sounds and plays amazing. I've played the Petrucci by Sterling, and while it was a good guitar, the Ibanez beats it by a mile in terms of playability and versatility.
bought a sterling jp model and even tho it's a nicely built guitar. sweet neck. my issue is the trem.. one bend and the whole thing goes out of tune.. to me that unacceptable even for a moderately priced guitar
Always comes down to PERSONAL impression actually Playing the Instrument . Playability from YOUR point of view . I Think the Ibanez is the better Guitar . Depends on WHAT Pos 2 & 4 actually does with splitting , if any .
Music Man guitars will always be my Favorite but I don't have the $1000 - $6000 budget, good thing they have a JP Series in the Sterling line and I already made my mind that I will buy one in the near future.
I see why John switched companies back in 2000... The Sterling just sounds a thousand times more mature, so who needs all of the other tone options the Ibanez has to offer. I was actually surprised at how different the 2 were, I like Ibanez... but hearing them side by side... SOLD on the Sterling! Thanks for the vid man!
I kind of hate to say it, been seeing the Ibanez for so long, but I think that I’m in the Sterling camp on this one. The Ibanez is great, has an almost HSS Strat feel/sound to it, but there was more depth in the Sterling. Love them both but... Anyway, keep up the great work Darrell, love your vids.
I noticed the truss rod adjustment on the Sterling. Would you have to bury the humbucker to adjust the neck? I think each guitar is apples to apples. I liked the tones on the Ibanez (that could be amazing with new pickups). Yet, I do not like locking trems. The Sterling sounds pretty good, but I would like the acoustic bridge on the Majesty, that was a big miss for me. A coil tap would have been a plus, too. I had a JEM and the Ibanez's neck is something that you get used to playing and is pretty fast. Yet, I like Strat necks because the radius is better for my messed up fingers from basketball playing.
"Plays like a dream (theater)"
Play like a Kangen Band 😎
😢😂
24 frets, Darrel! ^ ^
☺👍 I added a (*24) caption, when I caught it I editing
Juan Manuel why didn't you catch the caption? Not as observant as you thought
One special thing that I like about your videos is that you play very "normal" kind of accessible/easy stuff (and very very well of course !), and I really like it because we can all identify to your playing style !
(Also because nothing is worse than trying to know if a guitar will sound good in our hands when the player is a shred master showing his skills ...)
Thanks! ☺
I'm pretty sure Darrell could outshred any of us.. But yeah, I get what you said... He probably holding back 🌝
Yeah, right ! It's better to keep playing minimalist stuff for us !
where your head? 🤔 😅
Yep! I can't stand those guitarists who just noodle over the fretboard trying to play every note under the sun in one video. Darrell is great
Been watching your vids but just noticed im not subbed lol
So i subbed
Thanks for reading my story
Thanks for subscribing!
How pure, Rudy in his TH-cam toddler years still learning how to shitpost... Beautiful
@@Josh-iw2kw lmaoooo
Ibanez for me. Been wanting one for awhile.
I've gotten so much good info from your vids, but lately I just watch to hear you play.
😄 Thanks Paul!
That was my thought too! Love the info, stay for the tasteful playing! God bless and rock on bro! 😎🎸
Indeed. The man is a born showman. He has the craft down of teaching with a great sense of relaxing effect. This guy is simply amazing.
Yes, me too. I especially like hearing some of your more aggressive proggy playing. The business that starts around 7:38 is quite beguiling.
For real! I'm the same. I also do the same thing with with Guitar MAX! :P
If there were an album of all the guitar solos you play in these videos, i would definitely buy it! Your playing is simply amazing😍😍😍
Thanks some much man!
I love how he welcomes you into the video. He always makes me feel apart of an audience for his amazing guitar playing, soothing voice, and informational attitude. I love these videos.
I was surprised by how good that middle position clean tone was on the Ibanez. I'm not usually a middle pickup kind of guy. Worked well!
That Sterling has a unique sound - a bit more of a growl. And I could tell from the way you were playing the tremolo - it must have a first class tremolo in it. You had complete control of the tremolo sound with it!
Totally agree! For a non-Floyd...it has all the power, reach and control of a Floyd. Idk how, but it does!🤷🏼♂️
That JP50... Full ninja spec, black on black looks and sounds so dope. It did it for me in this one!!
Thank you Darrell. I really love the tone of the Ibanez
Didn't think you would have been into prog seeing as a lot of your videos I've seen have been more of the blues-rock variety, but I've been enjoying your videos lately and I'm thrilled to see my genre of choice represented here
I had an Ibanez and after 6 years I switched to a Sterling. Best choice ever. Now I have a Ernie Ball Music Man JP13 and I can say that the Sterling is A LOT of guitar for the price.
Kahê Sathler do you think it’s worth the money for Majesty Earnie vs Sterling is a better choice!? ($1400 with Dimarzio vs $3400 Earnie)
@@moealyasini2784 Well, if you are looking for a brand new one, the newer models have a lot in common with EBMM, stainless steel frets, dimarzio pickups and etc. But they've got up in value as well, I would look first for a used EBMM, but you'll absolutely love the Sterling if you got one.
Well I like the Red,no wait, the black,okay I'll go without coffee and get both!Thanks D!
Expensive coffee…
Gebleg lu dsr pEa 😔
Just bought the JP60 and LOVE it. Feels great, sounds awesome, and looks incredible. The only problem I’m experiencing is with the locking tuners which I have never had before. I snapped a couple of strings just trying to tune it. Can you do a video on how to deal with re-stringing on locking tuner guitars? Love your videos, man!
Awesome video Darrell!! Like I wrote you several years ago, I own a Sterling JP by Music Man and won’t replace it for anything. Small yet comfortable neck, super simple to setup, and the tone is amazing. Looking forward to upgrade the pick ups with the Liquified ones from the JP 100 and put some Ernie Ball Paradigm strings for a total make up. Love your videos as always and can’t wait for next Friday’s video!!! Cheers!!
Thanks Pablo!
Pablo M. Diaz I put in my JP the liquifire/crunchlab set and wow. When you do it you wont be disapointed.
rafael rodriguez how is the cleans on the pickups? Do they roll of gain nicely, for more dynamic playing?
Lets put it this way. I am using the JP to play Toto and there is no issues getting the Lukather tone. So you wont be disapointed. I am constantly changing pickups to my guitars but the JP si staying with the LF,CL set
rafael rodriguez Awesome Rafael! I cant wait to get it done.
I don’t have money to buy any of them but I’m here to hear your playing🖤🖤🖤
In my opinion, after watching this video i would choose Sterling.
Thanks!
Thank you for all your great content!
The RG looked great & sounded good.
The SMMJP looked good & sounded amazing!
Another quality video by Darrel Braun :) with a a Musicman from my favourite guitarist
You like the Sterling neck profile but I think you're heart goes to Ibanez 😁. Anyway, another great video from you👍, specially because I'm from Indonesia😉. Thanks a lot man, keep educating people 🤘😊.
You're playing style is so happy sounding and unique
I just loved this video, being a huge DT fan
That MusicMan sound sooo dark, I love it.
That's right !
Seemed to me the Sterling was smoother in tone where the Ibanez had a little more bite. I like the extra pickup configuration on the Ibanez though. Are the Prestige pickups quite a bit better?
Hi!
I think both ranges use official Dimarzio pickups now.
@@DarrellBraunGuitarI know Sterling does, but I also know those were the garbage pickups Sterling used to use in the model you played in the video. And it still sounded good.
Another great comparison.
I like the shape of Ibanez and I like the trem system with locking tuners of Sterling guitars.
Thanks!
Great video! Quality of editing and sounds were outstanding.
Both are beautiful instruments
Thanks man!
Best review I've found on this match up and ill be picking me up a Sterling tomorrow
If you install a push-pull on the Sterling,in order to split the humbuckers,you will make it much more versatile.
Time to trade my blues licks in for the modes!
What guitar did you like the best?
What's the exact model for that RG? Looks awesome
Ibanez!!
Ibanez in this case... too many other choices from other comparisons... I'm conflicted.
The Petruch!
Thanks! It's the 870 if memory serves.
Brutal side by side comparison, excellent job Darrell. Both guitars are killers, I have to admit that I prefer the bass or fat sound from Sterlin (JP signature model) than Ibanez crystal sound in the bridge position, but in the neck position both are almost the same (according to my ears). Greetings from Venezuela
Ibanez more versatile and a more transparent sound, but I don't particularly like locking trems. I generally prefer Music Man necks to Ibanez and I prefer the loom of the JP, whereas I think the veneer top on the Ibanez is well done, but there are too many companies doing veneers and I've kind of grown a bit tired of them. Both great guitars but the Sterlings wins it for me. Enjoyable video, love these comparison type vids.
Wish I could hear the difference but with moderate hearing loss (69 yrs) I really can’t on most comparisons videos, so for me it boils down to comfort and looks.
I may be one of the few who feels this way, but I preferred the Sterling. The Ibanez was a little too bright for my liking.
Freespiritphil You matched my thoughts
Hi Darrell, Did I miss something, but I count 24 frets on both guitars? Well in either case can't go wrong with either guitar. I believe the Ibanez is more popular then the Sterling... I have the OLP (Officially Licensed Product) John Petrucci Musicman -- which came before the Sterling... Still a great guitar with a great sound...
Great comparison! Funny, while the Ibanez definitely has way more tonal variations available, I have to admit I really liked the creamy tones of the Music Man a lot. Sounded like the pickups weren’t quite as hot as the Ibanez perhaps? I suppose if you really wanted to tweak the Ibanez tone controls, you could get the tones closer however. Looks-wise, it’s a toss up for me...love the ominous look of the MM, but that finish on the Ibanez says, “Look at me!!” LOL🎸👍🏻😉
Hi, Darrell!
My name is Anton, from St. Petersburg, Russia.
I really like your guitar videos. If you can, make a video of three guitars: Ibanes JS1000 vs Gibson Les Paul vs Fender stratocaster.
I liked the looks of the RG better, but I like the look of the upper body contour on the Sterling. It sounds like the Sterling has a higher value for its tone capacitor and cut a little more high end. Both sounded really good to me.
I think the Sterling sounds more prog. Great to hear you playing the modes! Cheers!
Great comparison. Would love to see you do one with an EVH Wolfgang.
Thanks! I'll see what I can do ☺
Really nice playing! Honestly wouldn’t mind if some weeks you just play for us
😄 Thanks Ryan!
Yeah - this! 👍👍👍
Darrell is very melodic.
Yep. Thank you for complementing guitars made in 🇮🇩Indonesia. Now I can buy guitar locally and still have an international reknown quality guitar. 🤓👍🏼
I have JP70 and RG870QMZ and I must admit I love both of those guitars.
I preferred the Ibanez myself. Just had s fuller sound to it, plus the versatility of having the single coil helps.
GET AN INBANEZ AZ to review! Its so up your alley. The premium espresso finish or the prestige sunburst
Those are sweet guitars!
I think the premium Ibanez are a bit above the Sterling standard guitars because you wouldn't compare the JP160D with a prestige Ibanez... I would have compare the standard Ibanez RG with the JP you have right now
If perhaps I could say something to Darell, it would be that I enjoy his videos and that he is definitely in the top7 of my favourite TH-camrs. Love ya!
Thanks so much Mark!
Love your vid, very polite and intresting.I like a vid with a bit of talk to explain what they feel in each section. I think a sterling stock pu is overgain and feel unbalanced if it change to a cl/lf the sound should be more great! The Ibanez with mod pu is very well balanced and versatile in vary genre. I have already touch both of them but i like a more flat fingerboard radius on RG than JP and Its trem,IMO Ibanez edge zeroII are look better than sterling trem.
Good starting point. Get the guitar you can afford; get it used and undamaged, and pickups can be replaced. The 2 guitars are apples and oranges: different pickups, neck feel, etc. One will appeal to us more and one costs more. It's your money and choice
wow this is good timing, I’ve been looking for a guitar for prog (a squier bullet strat just can’t do everything).
a bullet strat cant do everything?? fully disagree!
HoshiHearts RetroGaming Oh don’t get me wrong, it’s a great affordable guitar, but either I’ve done a horrible job of its maintenance or the thing’s got a few issues since it’s a $200 guitar. I’d love to do more on it with tremolo and stuff, but it sound’s like it’s about to break in half the second I try anything, along with one of its frets being unable to bend past a certain point (an action problem I’d assume, but can’t find the right driver to adjust the bridge), and sometimes the pickups get a bit too bright and not full enough to get an Alex Lifeson esque sound.
That’s mainly probably me being a primary bassist and not researching enough on guitar. I’m not the best guitar player whatsoever, so I’m sure I could get more out of the guitar if I was better, and I’m also not as informed as I should be in comparison to bass, but I’ve been making up for that a lot today. But yeah, it’s a great guitar and I don’t want to stop playing it, but a good prog guitar like one of these two would be a benefit to get a tone and achieve a few things the squier can’t.
In short terms, you’re probably right.
Man put 2 single coil sized humbuckers and pay a professional to set it up for you and you can keep the change ;)
Cleans definitely go to the Music Man, but with gain that Ibanez sounded FANTASTIC. Loved the vid and loved the playing as always Darrell!
Thanks JK!
The Ibanez color contrasted with the white pickups is awesome.
I'd say that the best option in this case is when one guitarist in the band plays the sterling and the other is using that ibanez axe. They'll sound damn good together.
I used to own a premium model Ibanez. Ibanez RG920MQM CBE to be exact. I traded it for a Sterling JP model. Regretted it. The Ibanez Premium in my opinion played so much better to me. Action was consistent. Tone was great! Although I must point out that I traded my Ibanez for the JP model because the previous owner installed Petrucci's Dimarzio Crunch Lab and Liquifire pickup set which did sound better than my Ibanez. But the Ibanez just played so much better and stays in tune very well with the tremolo system. Rolled edges make a huge difference! In the end, I sold my Sterling JP model and bought a 90's Ibanez RG550 which is the best for me!
I liked the sterling a little better and great playing as always .
The Ibanez seemed more versatile. The JP model had a limited frequency while the Ibanez was more vast. I also noticed that in one of your demonstrations that the JP model went slightly out of tune and the Ibanez held its intonation. I personally like Ibanez since I’ve played their guitars but I’ve never tried a JP before.
I learned the 2 modes and they are awesome!
I played a sterling majesty in a music store before, even though it lacked the features of the musicman, but it plays great and sounds awesome!
Those are pretty awesome 👍
I just looked you up on spotify. I knew there would be something due to the distro kid video. Then I see "Star of the country down". Very unexpected, and I like it.
Thanks for checking out the album ☺
Darrell I have never played a Petrucci model, but I have both a Sterling Cutlass and a USA made Cutlass by MM. I bought it online without playing it first, and always heard that the neck profiles were different, and that if you got used to it, you would never want to play anything different. I have to agree. These are my two go to guitars for just about everything. The neck is really an amazing feel. From the light V near the headstock, to the modern C at the money zone, it's really a perfect fit for most hands. The soft V is perfect for the open chord stuff, and the transition to the modern C is around the 9th-10th frets. I have actually used a very close "dare I say copy" to this profile on my necks. Unless someone wants something specifically different. Usually after playing one of my standard necks or one of my MM's, they opt for that neck profile. I'm really surprised no one figured that out before. Bob in Germany
Sweet guitars Bob!
The Sterling sounded good, but I liked how the Ibanez sounded overall. I would buy a Sterling though, because it def has some different tones and I already own 2 Ibanez's. I like the modes you added in to the solos you played, great stuff!
Thanks!
Well the Sterling MM has a very cream like tone while the Premium Iba is very clean and simple when it comes to tone. I honestly like the sound of the cream tonality the Sterling has but thats why you compare them and actually try them at Guitar Center or somewhere :)
I have a mid-range Ibanez. So I know the quality of Ibanez instruments. I like the neck profile and only changed the pickups
Mid-range? Man, I don't think you know the extent of the quality if Ibanez. If you've tried a Prestige or J.Custom, you'd see a difference. Most low-end to mid-range Ibanez's are built in Indonesia while the high-end guitars are built in Japan. Quality control is the biggest difference between the two.
always a pleasure to watch you play that thang Darrell, I did think the music man had more of a bolder sound than the Ibanez with its single coil in the middle position
Thanks Sam!
I think they both sounded very good, in my opinion they're both winners comes down to what your personal preference would be nice review!
Since I am new to guitar playing, I will have to go with the looks. I love that Sterling's looks. Looked at one the other day. Might just buy it now. I just received my PRS Custom 24 se yesterday. I can't play it yet, but it sure is pretty. Well, back to my practicing. Love your videos. I always learn something new.
Excellent video Darrel. Both are good guitars for the money.
Hey Darrell! Which tremolo would you suggest for an Epiphone SG? I don't mind drilling holes, but I don't want to rout out some of the wood.
Hi!
For an SG you've got Bigsby, Duesenberg Les TremII, and Floyd Rose FRX.
There may be others, but those are what I remember ☺
My son has the JP model, and I agree with most it had a fuller sound. We both have older RG series as well. They play great all the way up the neck. Mine is the old Korean one in LH.
I like the Ibanez RG I think its an awesome guitar for the money
I remember when Stirling wer such an ordinary guitar that you wouldn’t touch them, so good to see them be able , now to be compared to an ibanez, because EB guitars are awesome
Hummm il like them both Darrell, both have different sound qualitys, depends on what you prefer really, but if had to choose one it would the Ibanez, think its a bit more full and rounded, Cheers
I love melodic playing. The warmer tones of the JP model was beautiful while the Ibanez was to bright. If you crank that volume and distortion it just may tear your face off.
It looks like a guitar that would tear your head off😏
Came for the review, stayed for the playing
Nice AT-AT, and as always great video. Love the comparison videos.
Seeing this in 2020... I want the Sterling JP even more!!!!
Rizky Haniprakoso the majesty for $1400 with Dimarzio pickups is the way to go
Ya udah...
Beli aja yang made in Bandung atau Mojokerto.
Two points to be corrected: the title of the video is misleading, the company is called Sterling by Music Man. The title suggests that the real Music man will be compared.
Secondly, both have 24 frets, not 22. Great video though!
Darrel great vid I never heard of the sterling.im always learning something off you.thanks a bunch
I have a JP60 - only gripes with it is the higher e-string falls off the frets easily. I thought this was my playing but appears to be a common issue with other owners. Plus the 3 way toggle is right under where you strum, any enthusiastic playing results in unintended pick-up changes. Other then that, great neck, so comfortable to play, very versatile and has nice clean tones too.
Definitivly would pick the Sterling, though i would choose the newer model (Majesty, and not the JP-series
The Majesty is a work of art but I'm biased 😁
I thought maybe moving up in price on the Sterlings would make me like the pickups more but nope. I guess that's where they save the most, considering I've heard stuff a third of the price sound better, if not necessarily play better. That Ibanez blows it away IMO, especially on clean.
Love the looks on the sterling, but the ibanez kicks ass all the way!
I tried a sterling recently (not a JP model tho), and it just didnt feel so good.
I would choose the Ibanez because of the versatility.
But I havent had it in my hand so the neck profile compare could change that impression obviously.
Haven't actually played either, but from the video I preferred the Sterling.
I got the USA made Music Man Majesty new for an extremely good deal. One of the most comfortable guitars I have ever touched my hands on. Plays like butter. One thing I really like about the John Petrucci models that many people ignore is the controls layout. It just felt so natural with the hand motion but also not in the way. The body is also carved in a way that it fits comfortably in your lab. The only thing I don’t like is that the coil split only splits the middle position.
I've had a few Sterling JPs. The JP100D was horrible. The JP150 felt nice, but lacked the polish in then quality control. My JP60 is flawless, and one of my favorite guitars to this day. I have quite a few RG550s, Prestige and other MIJ and MIK models. Love them all.
I have a 2012 Premium RG870QMZ in Blazing Dusk finish... which is very similar to yours (albeit different pickups). being a Stratocaster-first kind of player, this guitar is the first ever I've called a Super Strat. Ibanez and Dimarzio did a fantastic job on matching the pickups to the guitar. This guitar is now one of my favourites (solid in third place) and my main gigging guitar. Sounds and plays amazing. I've played the Petrucci by Sterling, and while it was a good guitar, the Ibanez beats it by a mile in terms of playability and versatility.
Nice!
At 00:45 you incorrectly indicated that both have 22 frets. Both guitars are 24 fret models.
You are such an inspiration Darrell
bought a sterling jp model and even tho it's a nicely built guitar. sweet neck. my issue is the trem.. one bend and the whole thing goes out of tune.. to me that unacceptable even for a moderately priced guitar
i preffered the black one, the petrucci, the music man. Im impressed. i was thinking about an ibanez, butafter this match no more ibanez.
Always comes down to PERSONAL impression actually Playing the Instrument . Playability from YOUR point of view . I Think the Ibanez is the better Guitar . Depends on WHAT Pos 2 & 4 actually does with splitting , if any .
Well Darrell, with that amazing prog rock riff of yours you could easily sell some records ;) Well done!
Music Man guitars will always be my Favorite but I don't have the $1000 - $6000 budget, good thing they have a JP Series in the Sterling line and I already made my mind that I will buy one in the near future.
I see why John switched companies back in 2000... The Sterling just sounds a thousand times more mature, so who needs all of the other tone options the Ibanez has to offer. I was actually surprised at how different the 2 were, I like Ibanez... but hearing them side by side... SOLD on the Sterling! Thanks for the vid man!
Anytime! ☺
Cool video, it's just the information that i need about the cheapest sterling jp, thanks!
Tonewise the Sterling is my favorite. Ibanez guitars are very tempting because of quality and playability. Not an easy choice.
I kind of hate to say it, been seeing the Ibanez for so long, but I think that I’m in the Sterling camp on this one. The Ibanez is great, has an almost HSS Strat feel/sound to it, but there was more depth in the Sterling. Love them both but... Anyway, keep up the great work Darrell, love your vids.
Thanks! ☺
Great comparison Dazbo! I've always been an ibanez fan but for me the Stirling just had the edge here.
I noticed the truss rod adjustment on the Sterling. Would you have to bury the humbucker to adjust the neck? I think each guitar is apples to apples. I liked the tones on the Ibanez (that could be amazing with new pickups). Yet, I do not like locking trems. The Sterling sounds pretty good, but I would like the acoustic bridge on the Majesty, that was a big miss for me. A coil tap would have been a plus, too. I had a JEM and the Ibanez's neck is something that you get used to playing and is pretty fast. Yet, I like Strat necks because the radius is better for my messed up fingers from basketball playing.