Manson Meta Series Matt Bellamy MBM-2H
The MBM-2H isn’t your average signature guitar; in actual fact, it’s the “lite” verson of Matt Bellamy’s actual signature Manson model. It doesn’t feature the built-in midi controller or fuzz switch. But that’s OK because what you get for a very reasonable price is massively impressive (as you’d expect from Cort). From the design to the hardware choices, it looks and feels more expensive than it is.
Guitar Details
Type of Guitar:
Solid Body
Best For:
Rock, Metal
ELECTRIKJAM Rating:
★★★★★
Pickups:
Manson Humbuckers
Scale Length:
25.5"
Editor’s Thoughts
The MBM-2H stands out as one of the most creative and player-focused guitars in its price range. From the stutter-ready kill button to the sleek compound radius neck and rock-solid locking tuners, it’s clearly designed for musicians who want more than just another entry-level instrument. While it doesn’t have every premium detail of Matt Bellamy’s custom builds, it captures the spirit and functionality in a package that’s actually affordable.
Chris Horton
ELECTRIKJAM, Founder
Author
Date
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Notable Features & Testing Notes
The Manson Meta Series MBM-2H in Satin Olive Green isn’t just a cool-looking signature model—it’s a full-on workhorse designed for players who actually gig, rehearse, and record. Whether you’re a Muse diehard or just want a guitar with some bite and flair, this thing brings a lot to the table without the boutique price tag.
I got some hands-on time with this one, and here’s what stood out.
Right away, the compound radius neck feels like it was designed by someone who actually plays live. It’s super comfy for rhythm playing lower down and flattens out perfectly for soloing up top. That matching headstock in olive green? It’s subtle, but it pulls the whole aesthetic together. Clean, pro, and modern.
Manson Humbuckers That Actually Deliver: These aren’t throwaway pickups. They’re full-bodied, dynamic, and respond really well to amp gain. You get tight rock tones when cranked, but they clean up nicely with a little roll-off on the volume knob. If you need versatility without swapping guitars mid-set, these do the job.
If you’re into experimental textures or love that signature Muse stutter effect, the kill button is right there at your fingertips—easy to access, but tucked away enough that you’re not hitting it by accident. It’s a small feature that adds a lot of personality.
Locking tuners are a must for any gigging musician, and Cort’s staggered set here holds tuning impressively well. They also make string changes way quicker—especially handy if you’re breaking a string five minutes before soundcheck.
Obviously, Muse fans will be all over this but you don’t have to be a Bellamy fanboy to appreciate what’s going on here. If you need a solid rock guitar that looks slick, feels great, and doesn’t flinch under pressure, this one’s worth a serious look. Is it better than an entry-level PRS? Probably not, although it is damn close and I think its unusual enough to stand out from the crowd. I also kind of reminds me of an Abasi guitar as well. Not a bad thing.
I got some hands-on time with this one, and here’s what stood out.
First Impressions: Built For Action
Right away, the compound radius neck feels like it was designed by someone who actually plays live. It’s super comfy for rhythm playing lower down and flattens out perfectly for soloing up top. That matching headstock in olive green? It’s subtle, but it pulls the whole aesthetic together. Clean, pro, and modern.
The Features That Matter
Manson Humbuckers That Actually Deliver: These aren’t throwaway pickups. They’re full-bodied, dynamic, and respond really well to amp gain. You get tight rock tones when cranked, but they clean up nicely with a little roll-off on the volume knob. If you need versatility without swapping guitars mid-set, these do the job.
That Bellamy-Style Kill Button
If you’re into experimental textures or love that signature Muse stutter effect, the kill button is right there at your fingertips—easy to access, but tucked away enough that you’re not hitting it by accident. It’s a small feature that adds a lot of personality.
Cort Locking Tuners for Real-World Use
Locking tuners are a must for any gigging musician, and Cort’s staggered set here holds tuning impressively well. They also make string changes way quicker—especially handy if you’re breaking a string five minutes before soundcheck.
Who’s It For?
Obviously, Muse fans will be all over this but you don’t have to be a Bellamy fanboy to appreciate what’s going on here. If you need a solid rock guitar that looks slick, feels great, and doesn’t flinch under pressure, this one’s worth a serious look. Is it better than an entry-level PRS? Probably not, although it is damn close and I think its unusual enough to stand out from the crowd. I also kind of reminds me of an Abasi guitar as well. Not a bad thing.
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The MBM-2H stands out as one of the most creative and player-focused guitars in its price range. From the stutter-ready kill button to the sleek compound radius neck and rock-solid locking tuners, it’s clearly designed for musicians who want more than just another entry-level instrument. While it doesn’t have every premium detail of Matt Bellamy’s custom builds, it captures the spirit and functionality in a package that’s actually affordable. -
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