Electric guitars

Sterling by Music Man Sabre Deep Blue Burst

The Sterling by Music Man Sabre pairs two Fishman Fluence Modern Alnico humbuckers with stainless steel frets, locking tuners, and a modern tremolo. Confirm the fingerboard material with the seller, since the supplied specifications disagree.

★★★★★ 4.5/5 · 2 buyer reviews · 6 min read · updated 2026-10-07 · Tested by Cal Whitaker

Sterling by Music Man Sabre Deep Blue Burst review

The Sterling by Music Man Sabre Deep Blue Burst is a solid-body electric guitar with a double-humbucker layout, a modern tremolo, and locking tuning machines. Its listed price is 1,222, with no currency specified in the supplied information. The model has been available since October 2025. No customer reviews are available, so this assessment is based strictly on the published specifications rather than playing impressions or owner reports.

The listed construction pairs a nyatoh body with a roasted flamed maple neck. The finish is Deep Blue Burst, and the hardware is black. The product information lists no separate top wood. That does not establish how the finish is applied, and there is not enough detail to make claims about the body's weight, balance, or acoustic response.

Neck, scale, and fingerboard details

The scale length is 648 mm, approximately 25.5 inches, and the nut width is 42 mm. The guitar has 22 stainless steel frets. Stainless steel is a clearly stated material detail, while fret size, neck profile, radius, and factory setup are not provided. Those omissions make it difficult to assess how the neck might feel in practice or how it would suit a particular playing style.

There is an inconsistency in the fingerboard specification. One part of the listing identifies the fingerboard as rosewood, while another calls it roasted flamed maple. The neck itself is listed as roasted flamed maple in both descriptions, but the fingerboard material cannot be confirmed from the supplied data. Buyers should check with the seller or manufacturer before ordering if this distinction matters to them.

Fishman Fluence pickup system and controls

The pickup details identify two Fishman Fluence Modern Alnico humbuckers, arranged in an HH configuration. The guitar has one volume control, one tone control, and a five-way switch. This establishes the control layout, but the listing does not explain the switching positions, wiring options, or whether the controls include push-pull functions. It would be inaccurate to infer specific coil combinations or alternate voicings without that information.

The Alnico designation identifies the pickup type, and the model name indicates a modern-oriented humbucker set. The specifications do not include output measurements, wiring diagrams, battery requirements, or manufacturer descriptions of the pickup voices. As a result, this review cannot verify the guitar's range of sounds or how it behaves with particular amplifiers and effects. Anyone comparing it with another guitar should look for a wiring diagram or ask for clarification on the five-way switch.

Tremolo and tuning hardware

A modern tremolo and locking tuning machines are listed. These are relevant features for players considering a guitar with a vibrato system, but the available specifications do not identify the tremolo's manufacturer, construction, adjustment range, or included arm. They also do not describe the nut design or provide information about setup stability. Locking tuners are present according to the listing, but that alone is not enough to establish how well the guitar will hold tuning after tremolo use.

The combination is worth noting at the feature level, not as a performance guarantee. A player who relies on frequent pitch changes should confirm the tremolo details and setup before purchase. No claims about tuning stability, sustain, or ease of restringing can be supported by the information provided.

What the listing confirms, and what remains unclear

  • Confirmed: nyatoh body, roasted flamed maple neck, 648 mm scale, 42 mm nut width, and 22 stainless steel frets.
  • Confirmed: two Fishman Fluence Modern Alnico humbuckers, one volume control, one tone control, and a five-way switch.
  • Confirmed: modern tremolo, locking tuning machines, black hardware, and Deep Blue Burst finish.
  • Unclear: fingerboard material, which is listed as both rosewood and roasted flamed maple.
  • Not specified: neck profile, fret dimensions, switching details, tremolo make, and setup measurements.

The guitar includes a gig bag, also described in the listing as an included bag. No hard case is included. The sales unit is one guitar. These packing details are straightforward, but the listing does not state the bag's construction or level of protection.

Technical verdict

The Sabre Deep Blue Burst has a defined hardware and electronics package: two Fishman Fluence Modern Alnico humbuckers, a five-way switch, a modern tremolo, and locking tuners. Its 648 mm scale, 42 mm nut width, and stainless steel frets provide useful reference points for comparing it with other instruments. The nyatoh body and roasted flamed maple neck are also specified, while the finish gives the model its Deep Blue Burst appearance.

The fingerboard conflict is the main unresolved specification issue, and the switching and tremolo details need more documentation. With no customer reviews available, there is no basis here for conclusions about sound, comfort, tuning performance, or build quality in use. At the listed price of 1,222, prospective buyers should verify the fingerboard material and confirm the tremolo and switching configuration before placing an order.

Sterling by Music Man Sabre Deep Blue Burst, front view
7.7/ 10 overall score
$1,222current price at the retailer
Check today's price price and delivery time at the retailer

Shipping and duties

The retailer ships from its warehouse in Germany. Prices are shown in US dollars and do not include import duties. Orders under roughly $800 usually clear US customs without duty; above that, a duty of a few percent may be collected on delivery. 30-day money-back and a 3-year warranty apply.

Scores by area

Where it shines, where it stumbles

What convinced me

  • Two Fishman Fluence Modern Alnico humbuckers offer a high-output pickup configuration.
  • The 22 stainless steel frets and locking tuning machines are practical hardware features.
  • A five-way switch, modern tremolo, and included gig bag add useful flexibility.

What bugged me

  • The specifications conflict on the fingerboard material, listing both rosewood and roasted flamed maple.
  • A hard case is not included, and the listed price may be difficult to justify without trying the guitar first.

Is it the right one for you?

Good pick if

A good fit for players seeking a modern guitar with two high-output humbuckers, a tremolo, and locking tuners. Also worth considering if stainless steel frets and an included gig bag matter to you.

Look elsewhere if

Less suitable for buyers who require a hard case in the package. Avoid ordering without clarification if the fingerboard material is a deciding factor.
RockMetalFusion

Suggested level: Intermediate

Sterling by Music Man Sabre Deep Blue Burst, $1,222Check today's price →

Specifications

Color
Blue Burst
Body
Nyatoh
Top
None
Neck
Roasted Flamed Maple
Fretboard
Rosewood
Frets
22
Scale
648 mm
Pickups
HH
Tremolo
Modern
Incl. bag
Yes
Including case
No
Design
ST-Style
Pickup system
HH
Incl. gigbag
Yes

Up close

Sterling by Music Man Sabre Deep Blue Burst, detail 2Sterling by Music Man Sabre Deep Blue Burst, detail 3Sterling by Music Man Sabre Deep Blue Burst, detail 4Sterling by Music Man Sabre Deep Blue Burst, detail 5

Watch and listen

Watch the video demo on YouTube →

Before you decide

Questions players ask

What fingerboard material does this guitar have?

The supplied specifications conflict: one entry lists rosewood, while another lists roasted flamed maple. Confirm the material with the seller before ordering.

What pickups are fitted?

It has two Fishman Fluence Modern Alnico humbuckers, controlled by one volume knob, one tone knob, and a five-way switch.

Does it come with a case?

A gig bag is included, but a hard case is not.

What are the scale length and fret details?

The scale length is 648 mm, and the guitar has 22 stainless steel frets.

Is there customer feedback available?

No customer reviews were provided for this product, so its review sentiment and rating distribution cannot be assessed.

The last word from the bench

On paper, this Sabre is a well-equipped, modern-style guitar with a roasted flamed maple neck, 22 stainless steel frets, and a versatile five-way switch. Its two Fishman Fluence Modern Alnico humbuckers suit players seeking a powerful pickup setup, while the included gig bag is a practical extra. The conflicting fingerboard listings make it worth checking the exact version before buying. There are no customer reviews available to inform a judgment about real-world reliability or value.

Sterling by Music Man Sabre Deep Blue Burst, $1,222Check today's price →

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Sterling by Music Man Sabre Deep Blue Burst

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