The Ernie Ball Music Man Jason Richardson Cutlass HT dives deep into uncharted territory with its first-ever 8-string iteration, bringing extended-range precision and multi-scale innovation to the metal virtuoso’s signature platform. Engineered to Jason’s demanding standards, this 8-string powerhouse combines a 25.5–27" multi-scale design with a hardtail bridge for superior string tension, clarity and tuning stability across the extended range. A resonant alder body with a solid buckeye burl top delivers tonal balance and bold visual presence, while a roasted figured maple neck and 17” ebony fretboard provide speed, stability and control from the low F# to the high E. Custom Jason Richardson HT humbuckers deliver articulate, high-output tones, paired with active electronics featuring a 20+ dB gain boost and coil-splitting options to expand your sonic palette. Available in the fan-favorite Kokiri Forest and new Water Temple and Death Mountain finishes, the Jason Richardson Artist Series Cutlass HT 8-string is the ultimate tool for extended-range freedom.
Alder Body and Buckeye Burl Top for Balanced Tone and Bold Visual Impact
The Cutlass HT 8-String’s solid alder body provides a resonant, focused tonal foundation, delivering tight lows, clear highs and a well-defined midrange that ensures every string articulates evenly, even across the extended low F#. A solid buckeye burl top adds visual depth and subtle harmonic richness, enhancing the complexity of chords and lead lines. Exposed maple binding along the body’s edges adds a refined accent, highlighting Music Man’s meticulous craftsmanship. Finished in durable high-gloss polyester, the body preserves tonal clarity and sustain while withstanding the rigors of touring, aggressive playing and studio sessions, making it a stable, expressive platform for extended-range performance.
Multi-Scale Roasted Maple Neck and Ebony Fretboard for Stability and Precision
A roasted figured maple neck provides exceptional stability and note definition across the 25.5–27" multi-scale layout, ensuring tension and clarity on the low F# string while maintaining speed and articulation on the high E. The flat/thin C profile encourages fluid movement, while the 17" radius ebony fingerboard offers a smooth, controlled surface for legato, sweep picking and complex extended-range techniques. 24 stainless steel frets and a compensated 2.245" melamine nut provide low-friction precision and accurate intonation, enhanced by gunstock oil and hand-rubbed wax finishes for a responsive, broken-in feel from the first play.
Jason Richardson HT Pickups With Active Electronics for Maximum Clarity
Custom Jason Richardson HT humbuckers are voiced to deliver high output, precise note definition and dynamic response across all eight strings. The bridge pickup provides powerful lows with clear, defined highs, while the neck pickup features HT coil-tap technology, producing authentic, rich single-coil tones without the thinness common in tapped humbuckers. Active electronics buffer the signal, offering a 20+ dB gain boost via the push/push volume control and coil splitting through the push/push tone knob. Together, these features give extended-range players versatile tonal options from clean articulation to saturated modern gain, while preserving clarity in complex passages.
Hardtail Bridge and Modern Hardware for Reliability and Expressive Control
The Cutlass HT 8-string’s Modern Classic hardtail bridge ensures precise string spacing, superior sustain and rock-solid tuning stability, even under aggressive, low-tuned riffs. Schaller locking tuners maintain tuning integrity while facilitating fast string changes. A five-bolt neck joint increases sustain and upper-fret access, accommodating technical playing across the extended fretboard. Black hardware and knurled aluminum dome-top knobs complement the guitar’s modern aesthetic and reinforce its road-ready construction, ensuring consistent performance in both stage and studio environments.
An Extended-Range Instrument Without Compromise
Handcrafted in the USA and shipped in a Mono softshell case, the Ernie Ball Music Man Jason Richardson Cutlass HT 8-string electric guitar is purpose-built for modern metal players seeking precision, power and expressive range. Every element—from the resonant tonewoods and ultra-stable multi-scale neck to the HT pickups and active electronics—is engineered to preserve clarity, articulation and tonal balance, even in the most extreme high-gain situations. Whether tackling extended-range riffs, dialing in aggressive modern tones or exploring intricate clean textures, the Cutlass HT 8-string delivers a professional-grade instrument without compromise.