Blending classic single-cutaway styling with modern playing features, the Mitchell MS480 electric guitar builds on the MS Series platform with contoured mahogany construction and dual high-output Alnico V humbuckers. Its thinner body profile, sculpted neck heel and shallow-C neck offer a comfortable playing experience, while independent pickup controls provide familiar options for shaping tone. Locking tuners and a Graph Tech TUSQ XL nut support tuning stability, complemented by a flame maple veneer top and updated pearloid block inlays that distinguish the MS480's appearance. Together, these elements make the MS480 a versatile single-cutaway guitar for rhythm and lead playing, whether practicing, recording or performing.
Contoured Mahogany Construction for Comfort and Style
The MS480's mahogany single-cutaway body provides a familiar solidbody foundation, while its thinner profile and sculpted contours help the guitar sit comfortably against the player. The cutaway creates room for the fretting hand to reach higher positions on the neck, making upper-register riffs and lead lines more accessible. A flame maple veneer top adds figured visual character beneath the gloss finish, complementing the guitar's sculpted silhouette. Available in British Racing Green Metallic, Carolina Glow, Citron Burst and Denim Blue Burst, the MS480 offers four distinct looks, including metallic and burst finishes.
Shallow-C Neck and Laurel Fingerboard for Expressive Playing
The MS480's set mahogany neck features a shallow-C profile designed for a comfortable fretting feel, while a sculpted heel improves access to the upper register. Its 24.75" scale length provides a slightly more relaxed string feel than longer-scale designs, accommodating bends, vibrato and chord work. The 12"-radius laurel fingerboard offers a relatively flat playing surface that suits both rhythm and lead techniques. With 22 jumbo frets, players have ample room for upper-register phrases and a substantial fretting surface for expressive playing.
Dual Alnico V Humbuckers for Flexible Tonal Control
Equipped with two high-output Alnico V humbuckers, the MS480 delivers a full-bodied amplified sound with the punch for driving rhythms and sustained leads. The 3-way toggle moves between the warmer character of the neck pickup, the brighter attack of the bridge pickup and a combined setting that blends both voices. Independent volume controls allow players to balance pickup levels when using both humbuckers, while a master tone knob adjusts the overall treble response. This familiar control layout makes it easy to move between rhythm and lead sounds without complicated switching.
Locking Tuners and Graph Tech Nut for Tuning Stability
The MS480's locking tuners secure the strings at the headstock for efficient changes, with an 18:1 gear ratio allowing precise tuning adjustments. A Graph Tech TUSQ XL nut helps reduce friction as strings move through the nut slots, complementing the tuners in supporting tuning stability. The tune-o-matic-style bridge allows action and intonation adjustments for a personalized setup, while a stopbar tailpiece anchors the strings behind the bridge. Together, these components provide a straightforward hardware arrangement for regular practice, rehearsals and live performance.
Modern Single-Cutaway Design With Versatile Performance Features
Evolving from the MS470, the MS480 retains its familiar single-cutaway design while introducing updated finishes and pearloid block inlays. Its contoured mahogany body and shallow-C neck support comfortable playing, while dual Alnico V humbuckers provide the output and tonal flexibility for a range of musical styles. Locking tuners, a Graph Tech nut and traditional bridge hardware round out a practical setup for advancing players. The Mitchell MS480 electric guitar combines modern playability, versatile electronics and distinctive styling in a performance-focused single-cutaway design.