Like John Mayer said "the most important is to play your instrument" If a guitar inspires you to play and learn new songs, that a winner, whatever the wood or the country it was made.
Oh Man made in Indonesia has the best wood and vary precise. Indonesia wood quality is no.1 (tropical) Also Factory who made PRS is Cor-Tek (CORT) same Factory who made (Ibanez, Cort, Ltd, Yamaha, Schecter, GL, Squier)
As long as the wood is in good stable condition it’s good. Personally I just take a budget import guitar to a good tech and have all the components replaced and it basically transforms into a pro guitar. The process can be expensive but the reward is a guitar that’s to my specs.
@@ramencurry6672it's usually more expensive that way, way cheaper to buy mid to high end guitar you can push it even more and it will keep on giving with every mod
@@ramencurry6672I agree. I have a luthier here in the Philippines Elegee Jon De La Cruz. All my middle range guitars I have has been professionally set up and sometimes if I want too I upgrade it and they set up my guitar and now it plays amazing had stainless frets installed on my PRS Mcarthy 594 SE Singlecut Se
I don't mind "another strat copy". More competition is always a good thing for us 'consumers'. Let's hope it's a really good one so everyone has to up their game or reconsider their prices.
Cheap Chinese cottonwood-poplar hybrid body is a hard no. The specs do not compete with any G&L, Godin, Schecter or Reverend in the price range or even lower.
Though I am not a huge fan of PRS or Strat style guitars, I am loving the camera angles you folks are starting to do and the movement of the camera as well! Keeps me watching no matter the product
That SE looks pretty solid to me, haters are gonna hate, just like they did with the US Silver Sky release… but yet it will be the best PRS success and will sell like pancakes… just like the US version too. Count me in for one, that’s for sure ;)
Great point. So many negative posters when the US version launched. But once people acutely go their hands on them the negative energy subsided considerably.
@Nathan Kettle. Poplar is not balsa wood at all. Not only is it a completely different species and genus, they are native to different parts of the world. You don’t know what you’re talking about.
@@aaronsearle4307 I think he's being paid 1c by Fender for every dissing fearmongering comment he posts on RU-vid launch videos. He's been a very busy boy today.
Can't believe people are dismissing the entire line immediately because they have poplar bodies. Guitar released today and you've already dismissed it without even being in the same room as one, let alone play one. Alder isn't always "better" than poplar, they generally have different properties but poplar isn't always crap. You read poplar and heard what fit your current opinion. If it sounds good, it is good. And you don't know if it actually sounds good until you play it yourself
Exactly. Commented on someone dissing the se silversky, like poplar has been around for a long time already. Even high end guitars like the john petrucci signature one used poplar as well and people didnt think shit about it because its a high end model. But here we are always dissing something that comes out from john mayer's line. They haven't even tried the guitar yet. Im really out of words for those folks.
Poplar indeed its the wood of choice of the principal guitars for Steve Morse, Albert Lee and so many more. It's a good choice since you know what tonewood you are looking for, usually it comes with a slight brighter, scooped tone than regular alder. Which for me it's always a win.
Cudos to PRS. Seems like PRS maintained alot of good qualities in the SE version from original Silver Sky without compromising too much. With what was actually changed, I don't see it as a cheaper version - Just makes you wonder how much overpriced the original Silver Sky was set as a price point based on these differences. PRS will sell a bunch of these for sure.
I actually wish they had kept the specs as close as possible. If you love the core model and want an SE version to gig with you might want them as close as possible.
Bought one 6 months ago and haven’t put it down since! Stays in tune, has all the essential strat sounds, the trem is great! Can’t fault it. I wish it had a few more colours, I got the green one be because it was on a deal. The finish is a bit basic but certainly not bad
Brutal that this (and many other PRS models) are not offered in Lefty. I have a custom 24 se (that I've modded some), and its build quality and playability is excellent.
It sounds very good for around 800 USD, thats whats important, it would probably be an incredible touring guitar. But if you wanna go up a step. Check out the American Professional 2
An interesting line of thought with the SE Silver Sky, is that they won't be constantly tweaking the SE Silver Sky. The Core line guitars are constantly being slightly modified from year to year (neck shape, fret size, pickup impedance). I doubt the SE SS will be constantly changed, so if you're looking for a guitar to nail that JM vibe, the SE Silver Sky is a great way to go. The Core guitars are killer, but is a constantly-evolving project between John an Paul, where I feel like the SE is what it is, and may be a little more stable spec-wise in the long run. Just my $0.02.
i bought one last week, it's a good guitar, feels and plays well, a great deal for the price. Great video, I've been away, good to see you guys again, peace.
I was literally today gonna buy a silver sky until I saw this SE version came out. Watched some reviews and especially this video made me wanna buy this version, so thanks a lot guys you saved me about 2000 euros👍👍
What a beauty! I like the white one. I own an se custom 24 and it is the best instrument I own. The quality just blows me away. That tells me that this is the strat copy to get. But it isn't quite a strat copy with the PRS headstock and the carve on the lower horn. Comparing this to a Mexican strat at the same price, my choice is PRS.
These chaps do excellent reviews and this guitar looks even better than I thought it would. The sound was definitely different (more shrill with dist?) but still great. The clean tones really shined. I want to see one in that retro yellow finish!
Currently I have four Strats now, and I am using Gretsches mostly in my current band, but the Silver Sky SE would be at the top of my list of a Strat, if I needed another. The Bernie Marsden PRS SE fulfilled GAS for a Les Paul Standard.
The Bernie sounds great but not a fan of the neck which I guess is similar to a Gibson . Don’t get why 800 dollars ties in with £800 ? Someone suggested that the guitars are shipped back from Indonesia to the States then shipped here so that comes at a cost .
Brilliant to see opinions based on ACTUAL PLAYING EXPERIENCE 😜 instead of the hysterical screaming that’s been clogging up the ‘socials’. Thanks chaps. Great little video as ever.
You're with about one thing, and that's that your review is probably the best! Okay, what's not to like about an SE version of the Silver Sky? We knew it would be brilliant...
The price is one thing to not like. It costs more than a SE Custom 24 and that has more expensive woods, binding and a flamed maple vaneer so it probably costs more to manufacture. Seems you're paying a premium for the John Mayer link.
@@talkychris maybe. But a lot of us like true single coils and this is the only prs I can think of where you can get 3 pure single coil pickups. I know they have buckers that coil split/tap on a lot of SE models but that’s just not as good as these single coils. It’s good, don’t get me wrong, but this is great.
Great video as usual guys. Not much of a difference in sound or feel is what I am hearing all over the internet about the Silver Sky SE. Thanks for playing and being objective about this. I have watched you guys enough to know that I trust your judgement. These guitars are going to sell out multiple times. I know your shop will move them quickly. Cheers and all the best from across the pond!
Rock solid Instrument with tone and looks. We don’t have to argue about the quality or the material. Come on, trust your ears! This thing sounds amazing 🤩 By the way I had 2 of the US models for a month for testing. There is a difference I can hear between the US and SE, but actually it still has some of the great qualities. I’d buy that one over a current Fender Mex any day.
I really like the fact that it has a rosewood fretboard at this price range. Also I'm sure I'll love the neck profile and taper. Per the released specs, the neck depth is 0.828 inches at the 1st fret and 0.968 at the 12th. I love vintage 60's necks that have that taper, how it thickens out as you move toward the upper frets.
There are good guitars half this price with a roasted maple neck, bone nut and locking tuners. Having a rosewood fretboard is nothing to shout about at this price. If you're referring to Fender having Pau Ferro then it's fair to say Fender are not the best value guitars either. And Pau Ferro is a member of the rosewood family. It's not that different. Personally I like maple fretboards so I'll wait and see if PRS do a SE version with that before I consider buying one.
@@talkychris Ditto on the maple fretboard. I wonder if PRS will ever do a Hardtail Silver Sky in either line since Fender doesn’t give us very many Hardtail Strat options.
I have to say I do like it. Though the pickups don’t do it for me at all, so they would have to go. They made them insanely dark to match John’s old guitar. Also not sure what to make of the trem system. Will I be able to use an aftermarket trem there? Or are all the measurements different. I guess the appeal of a fender is you can buy and replace anything you want super easy.
Dark? These are anything but dark to me. They’re bright as hell. Nowhere near the tone of the Black1. I agree that these pickups don’t do it for me at all
I just bought one. Freaking love it. I really had to mess with the tone Knobs to get a tone I liked. Had a chance to jam it with a live band the other day too. The pickups really cut through the mix like the core model. I do think it can be a little clangy if you don't shave a little high end off the Bridge pickup. Nothing like my American Strats. And Jack it's always a joy to hear you play! Man I hope you play out live!
I'm biased,not sure if that is the right word but my Dad played a guitar that looked like that💕I dont actually know anything else other than he played it well and funky with it!🌌🎶
People can hate on the Silver Sky all the want and say it's just another Stratocaster copy. This might be true for the original Silver Sky in particular. It was made for John Mayer because he essentially wanted the same thing, just better "service" to accomodate his needs which Fender did not offer. But I think the SE version offers something that sets it apart from a lot of other S type guitars. It offers the feel and experience of a vintage instrument at an affordable price point! The price of the original Silver Sky is pretty high, more expensive than many core models of other brands. You find plenty of vintage inspired guitars at that price point. The AVRI Fender models cost roughly 1000€/$/£ less than the US SS model. But at the sub 1000€ price point you don't really have ANY models that offer specs similar to a 60s Stratocaster. The closest is the vintera MIM series but those cost over 1000 (1200€ where I live). Another factor is that the PRS quality control is much better than Fenders QC if you ask me. Most PRS are great straight out the box, especially true for the SE series. Fender is always a coinflip. Either you get a great guitar or one that's on the level or worse of a Squier Classic vibe (which is half the price!!). Most people compare the Silver Sky SE to the Player Series because they cost roughly the same depending on your location. But you SHOULD compare it to the vintera series. And while the SS SE offer "kind of vintage specs" it also appeals to a broader market. Most players dismiss Vintage inspired models because of the 7.25" radius of the fretboard. The SE has a 8.5" radius which sits right in the middle. People that prefer a vintage radius will get almost the same feel, while people that usually stick to the 9.5" radius will consider getting a Silver Sky because 8.5 might be close enough to what they're used to. It's quite clever. It ticks both boxes and will appeal to customers looking for a vintage and/or a "normal" spec. The thick neck is also great, comfortable and a joy to play. I don't know of many other guitars with such a neck profile at that price point. The only ones that have it are 60s style reissues with either a 7.25" or unappealing Features like truss rod access at the bottom of the neck. The pickups are incredible. The main reason you would want a Silver Sky tbh. And the SE kept so many specs of the core model, it is almost the same instrument besides the radius, the truss rod cover and the locking tuners (of which only the radius is actually important when making a purchase decision imo). To sum it up, while the core model is just another strat copy that just exists because John Mayer was dissatisfied with Fenders service, the SE version really sets itself apart with a lot of features that are hard to find at this price point and the quality of the guitar is also great. A well made guitar. (To be honest it's not hard to beat Fender in that regard. Their quality control is bad and the instruments feel overpriced when looking at the competition. Other brands sell guitars that compare with Fenders American models in terms of quality and features. Locking tuners, great fretjobs, more options all under a thousand bucks while Fenders Player series, the only one under 1000€, feels on a level with the Squier Classic vibe models. Only reason you would get a player is because you want Fender on the headstock. And I love my Fenders dearly but the company could really do better.)
@@pahwraith The most important things in getting a good tone are your touch on the instrument, your musical imagination, and your overall technique. All else is fine, but of little to no importance without the former.
Man, I wish I would be able to get the USA and SE model in store so I could play them side by side, but sadly I do not anticipate that to happen anytime soon with how scarce this will be
I would love a comparison between one of these, Schecter Nick Johnston and Sire S7 (in SSS configurations for all of them obviously). All three seem like great modern recreations of the classic stratocaster formula but each has it's own approach. This PRS seems to be the most vintage, Sire is somewhere in between and Schecter goes for a modern radius and playability.
GRT Marketing strategy which i blv was set up all along, Make a USA version, then REELEM in w/this version which ur splitting hairs to define comparability! very smart Paul is :)
Lots of strat players don’t use the tremolo, so screwing in the screws in the tremolo cavity “locks” the bridge against the body meaning you can do double stop bends etc without the guitar going out of tune/detuning.
Because no one ever uses them, except for two times for 0.5 of a second in a half hour video. And that's because we stopped wanting to sound like Hank Marvin in 1965. They also generally make your guitar go out of tune. (Unless you buy a PRS that is).
There are only two things I don't like about it (note: I haven't actually played one since I'm a lefty HINT HINT to PRS): the truss rod cover is too big/awkward, and it doesn't have locking tuners. But both things are easily changeable, and the price just rocks. I would probably design and 3D print a truss rod cover...
I am so distracted by the shimmering drums behind you guys 😊 all the colours are so pretty for my daughter! Can you please ask PRS to also make in natural wood colours/natural grain textures with JM signature on it, thank you!
Nice guitar and playing but why no information about the signal chain??? When watching a review I would at least like to know which amps/pedals (if any) were used.
With the marketing campaign and all the reviews, the Silver Sky SE may likely de-thrown the Epiphone JB Lazarus LP and the Sire S7 as the hottest new affordable model. The PRS spot with Krasno and company playing the Silver Sky by itself about sold me.
Funny you say. I sent back my core Silver Sky. I liked it but didn't love it enough for the money to keep in the rotation. That very scooped sound makes this a one in a collection, not an only guitar. And the neck wasn't my favorite so Im happy to hear that its a bit different. But this is definitely going to end up in my hands.
There will be people who get one of these instead of a real SS. But there will be just as many people who own a reall SS and get one of these just to have a kick-around. I’m licking my chops already.
Sire S7 is £450, with Alder body, bone nut, roasted maple neck and fretboard and locking tuners. You could use the spare £450 for Custom shop pickups and a full Plek set up. Or buy a brilliant Shijie for £815 or £915 with Gotoh locking tuners. That has full copper shielding, roasted maple and is on a par with many guitars costing £2000. PRS must think we're all stupid. You would have to be to buy one of these.
I closed my eyes and it sounded like a very nice Strat being played by an excellent player. I opened my eyes and saw a Strat copy. No problem, as long as we call a spade a spade. Glad it's inexpensive. I'd have one anytime.