Latest collaboration with Maroon 5’s James Valentine boasts chambered body, Bigsby B50 vibrato, roasted maple neck, Butterscotch finish and more
Sterling by Music Man’s Valentine Collection, designed in conjunction with Maroon 5 guitarist James Valentine, has proven to be a modern classic, and now the company has added to the line with its classiest and most playable model yet: the Valentine Chambered Bigsby.
The new model stays true to the specs that have made the design a standout – cool offset looks, a white ash slab body, a roasted maple neck and fingerboard and locking tuners – while also elevating these features.
For the 2023 version, that means a custom chambered body design with an elegant f-hole that results in a noticeably lighter weight guitar that, according to Guitar World Tech Editor Paul Riario, “drips with tone and deep resonance,” as well as a Tune-o-matic bridge with a Bigsby B50 for “some vintage-style throw.” And it all comes wrapped up in a luxurious Butterscotch finish.
(Image credit: Sterling by Music Man)
Electronics-wise, meanwhile, the Valentine Chambered Bigsby is loaded with Sterling by Music Man-designed pickups that are presented in a powerful combo of a neck humbucker and bridge single-coil in humbucker casing configuration, providing a bright, snappy response and warm, fuller tones for every style from pop to rock. What’s more, Paul notes, “there’s an active 12dB push-push boost circuit to increase your output when you need to stand out.”
Paul’s verdict? “If you already love the sound and offset look of the Valentine model, the brand-new Valentine Chambered Bigsby from Sterling by Music Man is a fantastic guitar to add to your collection, with its inclusion of a Tune-o-matic bridge paired with a Bigsby vibrato.
“Add to that its outstanding playability and nuanced tones courtesy of its humbucker and single coil configuration with an active boost circuit, which makes this modern classic a real standout model.”
And for those interested in a more straightforward option, Sterling by Music Man also offers a Valentine Chambered hardtail model, boasting the same great specs – white ash slab body, 12dB push-push boost, roasted maple neck, locking tuners and more — but with a hardtail bridge with vintage bent saddles and a classic Natural finish.
For more information on the Valentine Chambered Bigsby, head to Sterling by Music Man.
Since 1980, Guitar World has been the ultimate resource for guitarists. Whether you want to learn the techniques employed by your guitar heroes, read about their latest projects or simply need to know which guitar is the right one to buy, Guitar World is the place to look.
