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.
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.
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.
My wife who has to suffer my TH-cam 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!
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.
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.
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 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 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!
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.
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
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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’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
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...
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 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...
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.
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’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.
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
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
Love your closing statement. It's nice to see one all about as perfect as possible, not just as original as possible. Nice review.
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.
Oh man, I want it! Thanks for the deep dive review of this.
Fantastic review, Phil! Every time I get my hands on a Music Man or Sterling I love it, especially the neck. Such great guitars.
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.
What a beautiful piece of work/art. That thing is gorgeous in every way.
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.
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!
Brilliant detail in the review
This is a fantastic instrument. Looks are stellar, but the tones are crisp, clear, and articulate. Beyond my needs and ability.
I love Music Man guitars. Quality through and through. I feel like they are the best guitars out there today.
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.
Your honest review and perspectives provides great insight to the Sabre. Thanks
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.
I have one. Amazing tone, feel, neck, weight, look. Unbeatable 🤘🏼
My wife who has to suffer my TH-cam 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!
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.
Hey Phil, you just really helped me to make my decision. Thank you for the excellent and professional reviews.
I’m looking at this guitar and Phil this the best most informative review on YT , thank you 🙏
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.
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!
Thanks for the dulcet tones on this Monday afternoon.
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!
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 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!
Wow. That was awesome...thats quality there...great job phil...i just love love the green poly finish...
Great review. Nice to be back in the workshop!
This bad boy should be in my hands in 2 days. Can't wait!
I tried one and man. One of the best guitars out there. It's on my bucket list.
I own this exact guitar in the Blue Moonstone finish. Gotta say it's my best player
I have three Mike Lipe guitars (Virtuoso, Classic & Soldato), all have flamed maple necks with stunning patterns like this Music Man. Just beautiful.
Much nicer review format. Two thumbs up.
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.
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
great video! all additions to the review routine are very good.
great demo Phil
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.
Thanks Phil, great job Sir.
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.
Your thumbs up got my attention. Looks great.
They really build amazing quality. I’m always very impressed. 🤘🎸
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
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
This guy's great..I enjoy his videos.. I've been playing for thirty years and still leaning new things 👍👍
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.
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
Had a Lukather. loved it. Thanks Phil for all your videos.
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.
Great. Really enjoyed the format and info
Amazingly detailed review. I'd love to see your take on the new Musicman HT pick-ups, or some of the Fishman Fluence models
always love that headstock design
but all about this guitar is awesome
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.
Love that you got into the deep details. That neck is gorgeous, love love love ebony
I love this guitar . It has 3/8" maple top....1/8" more than a standard. It sounds and plays perfectly 🎸👍
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.)
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.
This is the ultimate guitar review, please do every single guitar lol
The top on this one looks like you can deep dive into to!
That’s an amazing guitar!! Thanks Phil!
Stunning guitar. Music Man's quality is exceptional. This is on my radar. Oh boy, it's going to be expensive.
I really dig guitars with the 5 way super switch.
I’m new to your channel, that musicman looks awesome!
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.
love your videos, man...
so informative!
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.
Great review style. Keep doing these!
This is a great review format... oh, and the guitar is amazing too. 😂
Awesome review! Super well organized…please if you can a MM Luke III review will be very helpful for me…great work man!
@philmcknight Did you say in blue moonpie finish? 😉
Man I wanted to. lol
Man I love this video. The Sabre is definitely on my list to get at some point. My only concern is the neck.
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.
Nice work 🤘
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
Fit and finish on MM guitars is unbeatable.
Test drove one recently. Sweet guitar.
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...
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.
Great review, thanks phil
Top honest review again Phil thanks. 🥃👍Respect to you.
Heya Phil, awesome vid
Thanks for the video Sir.
Great informative video on a beautiful guitar Phil
Glad you liked it!
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...
Nice looking and sounds great 👍🤘
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.
That neck is crazy awesome!
That is a gorgeous guitar. Out of my price range 😕 but I gotta say I really like it!
beautiful, love how it refuses to go out of tune, but too pricey for me
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’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.
It would be cool if the guy at Guitar Center would let me try this...
Great review Phil, I've been thinking of getting one for a long time, maybe now I sell a couple guitars to buy one.
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
Great review Phil! Always appreciate the honesty! Did you use the Friedman BE pedal(spoken) or Smallbox(pictured)?
Small box
@@PhillipMcKnight sounds great again, thanks for clearing that up!