Fender Player II Stratocaster VS PRS SE Silver Sky | Which Is The Better Budget Blues/Rock Machine?

[@dxcman1]

I have one of each... I love them both. Agree on the gig bag as well. Its a small thing, but it makes a difference. The PRS gig bags are nice too.

[@somedaygibson6894]

All I’ve got to say is ,that is some killer playing.

[@shaggymusic1174]

14:33 was insane

[@IamMusicNerd]

I have both. The Fender is a classic, and I love mine, but I have been shocked that I find myself playing the Silver Sky more often than the Fender. I’m not sure why. Both sound and feel great to me. I guess I just feel more connected to the Silver Sky for some reason, which is odd because I’ve had the Fender twice as long.

[@PoseidonJ0e]

PRS Silver Sky is a modern classic - to my ear, warmer, deeper tone - love mine ;-)

[@codyscott8687]

Cooper’s reaction to the strat pick guard not following the contour of the body perfectly was priceless 🤣

[@jgiaccotto78]

don't forget also the PRS' pickups are also raised a lot higher than on the fender which can give it more punch.

[@joshL28]

True, but u can just adjust pickups height on your own for almost any guitar lol

[@mitcharney1]

and can cause harmonic problems.

[@HuddleAdventures]

The PRS Silver Sky SE pickups are higher output too. They are in the 8K range vs 6K for the Fender.

[@AnomieTrain]

Last year, I got this really sweet deal on a PRS Silver Sky SE (demo model + crazy sale price) that I couldn't pass up--got it for $535. I agree, it sounds like a Strat but it's different. It's not better or worse, just different. It took me a little while to get used to the neck feel, but it's very comfortable. I can go back and forth between the Silver Sky SE and my 2003 American Strat and it will take me five minutes to adjust to the neck feel. The real plusses with the Silver Sky SE for me is that it's a pound lighter. 7 lbs vs 8 lbs is a huge difference and it's so much more comfortable to me. Also, the body carve on the Silver Sky SE is more comfortable. The arm cut is in the perfect place on the Silver Sky. I've never really liked the position of the arm cut on the Strat. And the rounded heel on the Silver Sky is a big plus. The one issue I had with my Silver Sky SE is that it had a serious case of fret sprout when I got it, which I took care of with a fret beveling file.

[@areallyboredguy5825]

There’s a video comparing a silver sky to a 60s strat. The times are surprisingly similar except the fender was 20k and the silver sky 2300 or so. The silver sky is a particular vintage Strat so it won’t sound like a lot of modern strats.

[@Patrick.B223]

Great video as always guys! I agree on the gig bag wholeheartedly. Something with enough padding to keep the guitar safe but also tough enough to withstand any kind of weather. Apparently that’s asking way too much. 🤔

[@loganspears2395]

I bought the PRS SE Silver Sky in Moon White (basically faded yellow) and it looks really good, but after seeing them side by side in this video, the fender just looks so much more classic and has a lot of the vintage character I'm looking for. May have to take their advice and convince the wife to let me have BOTH!

[@josephlerz6889]

It reminds me of a buttercream, if it was more pale, kind of like a custard or a egg nog buttercream finish. I still think despite the finish, their like a alternative equivalent strat but just uglier.

[@Hobinator17]

Man, I hope to never be in a situation where I need a wife's permission to buy a relatively affordable fun item. Does she ask for permission when she buys shoes or a new handbag?

[@tobsixi6702]

​​@@Hobinator17 most shoes or bags cost less than $200 unless we are talking about designer brands of course... both these guitars are retailing for around $800, so there is really no reason to compare the two 😅

[@Hobinator17]

@@tobsixi6702 bad point. There are plenty of $200 guitars and also plenty of shoes/handbags that go into 4 or 5 figure price tags. Women desire designer brands just like men care about who builds their guitar. Totally valid comparison

[@tobsixi6702]

@@Hobinator17 the original comment mentioned both the Silver Sky SE and the Player 2 Strat specifically, so it makes absolutely no sense for you to bring up a $200 guitar 🤦‍♂️being in a relationship myself, I would claim that there is a certain budget (maybe $200 - $300) you can spend on shoes, clothes, (guitar) etc. every once in a while without consulting your partner. Depending on your economic status that budget may differ, but I assume that for most people it is still no where near $800 🤷‍♂️

[@edlicari3909]

I have a Player 2 Strat and it’s amazing! I tried a few SE SS’s and I found them to feel clunky and cheap!!

[@robertpurdy4452]

Once again a great video. have PRS SE guitars (No Silver Sky) and Squier guitars, but until yesterday I had not found a Fender I liked. I picked up one these Player II Strats and this series is, IMO, so much better than the regular Player series it is astonishing. I find I like it better than the Silver Sky overall and now I finally have my own genuine lefty Fender Strat.

[@chriseells5532]

Thank you for the video. At the end the day, I prefer the Fender. Familiar neck carve. What made the decision for me was the pickups. The Fender provides a nice, clean tone. If I want distortion, I use a pedal.

[@jeffanderson8384]

Lots to like about both, thanks for the review. I own several Fenders USA and MIM and they do everything I ask of them. I also enjoy swapping parts... if something is not to my liking I swap it for something that is. Darn shame that Fender is shipping guitars without cases tho.

[@allend3127]

Went into my local store to compare. I now own the identical SE model in this video. I wasn’t anticipating liking it. It felt way more comfortable, and rang out and resonated night and day over the American made Fender Strats that I compared it with. I wasn’t too fond of the gray body, but the guitar’s comfort and acoustic resonance was undeniable. I ended up putting in a set of Radioshop Chris Buck pickups in it, and it’s now one of my top 3. I play this a lot more often than my American Pro II Strat that I’ve owned for quite some time.

[@bluwng]

I dont get along with neck. It’s OK I’m not losing my mind over it. I still think the Player II is better not sure how it compares to a US Silversky.

[@allend3127]

@@bluwng I hear you. If it doesn’t feel good it doesn’t feel good. The neck has to feel right. The necks were about the same between the SE and American Silver Sky. Both were chunky. The SE a little less so. I preferred the SE. I would have bought the US version had it been better or more comfortable.

[@robertforbes6502]

❤Slick licks😮😂

[@robertforbes6502]

I'll go with the Squire❤

[@onlyguitars]

Hey! How do you find it sounds with the pickup swap? I do like the stock pickups myslef, but wondering how much will change with a pickup swap. The SS has a particular thing in the voicing I find, but would like that more traditional vintage strat tone in it, but not sure if the pickup swap will achieve that more, or how much more. Thanks!!!

[@eugenehavens]

No, not too much talking. A great talk show format. Nice deep dive with info I hadn’t heard on the PRS for years.

[@ernestiu7398]

I've played with the player II in person. There are a few things that people should be aware of before getting it. 1) the nut is so poorly cut. It looks very cheap. And im sure it affects the tone and sustain of the guitar. 2) the saddles are not rested in grooves like the SE Silver sky ones do. They are more prone to moving out of place as a result.

[@fluffkiller]

I need to say this….im a diehard strat guy. I love them. I have three….i was shopping for a used fender amp last week….i found a used hot rod deville that I had managed to dial in for this nice gritty sax-like tone….and I played about 8 different guitars through….my 3 faves were a Strat ultra, a vintage American and…..the silver sky SE….i know….know….honestly it’s a fine instrument.

[@chuckdriver8269]

I’ve played mainly Fender Tele & Strat guitars for 30 years. In 2019 I bought a PRS Custom 24 SE Roasted Maple and instantly loved the neck profile, string spacing, tone of the pickups, scale length, balance, weight and most shocking of all… I actually like humbucking pickups after YEARS of avoiding them at all costs. I’ve only played single coil pickups until this purchase. Basically, I think Paul Reed Smith’s design is brilliant. I’d choose the Silver Sky.🎸

[@guitareveryone]

I prefer the clarity of the Fender. The look hands down Fender too.

[@edlicari3909]

Totally agree!!

[@Sushi09602]

The colorways of the player II series are superior to the Silver Sky

[@thomasamos4055]

The bird markers are naff.

[@marcossnchz9820]

I have a 2022 Silversky SE and the other day I tried a 2023 one in the shop, and I was honestly appalled on how different the whole feel of it is. I prefer mine but probably cause I play it everyday

[@LuizFelipeFreitas]

Awesome playing, Cooper! Congrats!

[@andre.brasil]

After twenty years without touching an electric guitar, I’ve got a Player II strat. I’ve always wanted a Fender but could not afford one as a teenager. I recently bought the Fender Highway Parlour acoustic and I’m so in love with it that I decided to get the strat also. I must say I’m disappointed. I expected it to be playable out of the box, but it took a look to adjust it. I even had to shim the arm to get a near decent action. Overall, I still enjoy playing the Highway more than the strat, and I did not see that coming.

[@TheRealChetManley]

I have the Fender player, Fender American Vintage ii 61, and a PRS SE MF3. Those are my strat type guitars. The PRS SE NF3 is my favorite, hands down. I love the satin neck and the NF3 pickups sound awesome. The NF3 feels perfect to me. I have the PRS SE locking tuners. My favorite guitar.

[@watto59]

i have one i got it after learning on squires and a few other budget guitars ,so along with a player tele it is my best guitar i have played ,i love it i play it the most ,easy to play and sounds great.

[@rinzan28]

The new finished of new start looks really nice but i was so impressed with SE pickup, it sounds better than start.

[@mrknowitall9778]

Personal Preference. Gentlemen, this video is good timing for me. With Labor Day deals coming up, even if there is no deal, I will buy the Player II Strat. There is very little for me to comment on because you guys covered it all! The Player II Strat obviously hit a home run with hardly any bad reviews about it, and it will be my first entry level ‘fender’ Strat. I already own Godin guitars, but just need to finally get a ‘fender’ Start. I’m going to get the Birch Green one. Thank You.

[@matthewcyahoo]

Saw an Andertons video from the UK yesterday and they were selling the SE for $595.. Summer deal. Amps also..Hope that deal comes to the US..

[@mrknowitall9778]

@@matthewcyahoo Wow, thank you. I do have 800+ in Amazon credits saved up form past gift cards. I'll be using it. Both PRS and Fender Player II are available on Amazon too. thanks for the info.

[@joepal843]

Did you end up with the Fender? I'm in the same boat, first electric. Has to be a fender. How are you liking it?

[@mrknowitall9778]

@@joepal843 I did purchase it, and well, I haven’t really sat down to tweak the action and start playing it. I have other electrics and acoustics, but previously did not have a ‘fender’, and is why I thought the player II would be a good entry level fender for me. I’m an intermediate to advance at times, but the build quality on the guitar is excellent and will last a long time providing I take care of it. Since it is your first one, it will be a long time before you too need to replace it. I’m already thinking of adding the alembic stratosblaser kit to it.

[@TheTopGun920]

PRS sounds more dynamic with better low end, but something about the glassy sound of the Fender just feels so good.

[@52Tele]

Cooper is a phenomenal guitar player. Big fan of his playing 🙌

[@rabbirelax]

Always informative. Always a great guitar lesson, watching Cooper's demos! "San-tan-ah" HA!

[@OssianEMills]

I own both. Being a, generally, Fender man, I use the Silver Sky just to change things up. My Strat is wired differently (using a 4-way to eliminate typical position 1 & 3), so I use the PRS as my "normal" wired S-style. My Strart is: B+N, B+M, M+N, N).

[@granthutchins2016]

24:48 I know the place this video resides is a different venue, but, “that diatribe being put aside” deserves it’s own in-depth documentary.

[@cybersectech3171]

Killer demo, love the hybrid picking!

[@daviddalziel884]

Thanks for a great video . I’ve got three Strats - American Deluxe , Korean Lite Ash and a Japanese 62 reissue (1996) .To confuse things even more I won a Silver Sky SE a couple of years ago . It’s an outstanding guitar . I didn’t like the satin finish on the neck but through time it’s smoothed out a little . Tones are great and easy to play . Trem is screwed down as this is what JM apparently uses and there’s an insert that comes with the guitar explaining this . I wasn’t aware of the neck carve change in the newer Silver Sky models so must try one . For me Silver Sky beat the old Player series hands down but looking at the video it’s much more of a close run thing .

[@tenpercentfordabigguy8550]

I have both these guitars and love them both. Though I definitely cant play like you guys my go to guitar is the PRS. It ,to me, just feels better and sounds warmer. Nothing at all wrong with the Strat,, just personal choice

[@07HDDriver]

As a side note, over the two years I’ve owned my SE Silver Sky, the neck finish has smoothed out really nicely. If the Fender Player II was a thing back then, it would have been a much tougher choice I think.

[@allend3127]

I rolled my own a bit. Took 20 minutes I think.

[@james_vance03]

I was able to snag a brand new PRS SE Silver sky at a Sam Ash music store closing sale for 600 bucks and absolutely love it, that being said id still love to own a fender. I am of the belief, you can never have to many guitars.

[@TheWhiskeyCowboyLife]

Both are fantastic guitars.... and I love PRS..... but for me, this time the Fender just sounded better. I like a more mellow, deeper, richer sound, and in this comparison the Fender just had that over the PRS. But yes, you can adjust for that with your amp and settings... so.... I would say both are more than good enough. Cheers!

[@scottanderson4175]

The PRS is more pleasing to my ear but I love the neck on the Fender 🫤

[@LukeMcDonald-t5d]

That's my thought's to

[@ReelDealOutdoorsTV]

I have 2 Silver Skies and recently got the Fender Tele Player Plus... I've owned some Fenders in the past and never really connected with them. Always been a PRS guy. But I'm really feeling that Tele and the neck carve... love the rolled edges. Thinking about maybe trading one of my SS's and getting another Fender 🤷‍♂ Always going to keep one SS though. Love that guitar.

[@AndyK.23]

Great shoot out! I prefer the real thing - Fender. But, every Player II I've tried had terrible sharp fret edges. They're not drying/aging the wood enough, or something.

[@reedoburrito7456]

What the hell. Iv never been on this channel befor. And im thinking to my self the guy on the right looks familiar. I was literaly talking to him today about the prs guitars. Alamo music center is across the street from my job. Thats crazy!

[@ID-xg1vu]

love the style of your videos! would be nice to see you doing a comparison between the Fender Player II Stratocaster vs. the Player Plus :)

[@GOOSE-1334]

Well these are my 2 favorite companies of all time. I will take a PRS Custom 24 or their Tremonri or 594 single cuts over any guitar for my play style. With that being said, when it comes to Strats and Teles, it's gotta be a Fender product. Nothing to me beats them. Even what Fender has done with the Squier stuff is awesome thats just my opinion. Great video guys

[@JoshuaMarquez-x4g]

For the money, the SE silver sky wins in sound, feel, and looks. I've had an American made silver sky and an SE and they were both amazing

[@abhinandanghosh2028]

Loving the warm tone of the PRS silver sky SE but again Fender headstock and tone. Makes me think of Mark Knopfler. So might as well go for Fender . Both would be great 👍

[@faizeljoemrati6329]

Great comparison! Thanks! My favorite, the PRS.

[@guitarsfunmods3986]

Because the price of both are almost the same, i will go for fender player. Its really easy for the future. If i get bored of the pickguard, its so easy to get a fender or non fender replacement which fits perfectly. If you want to replace the pickup, the players body is already routed for buckers. And its also very rasy to find a perfectly fit HSS or HH pickguard. And when the frets wore out, guitar repairs are very familiar with the 9.5" radius fretboard. But with the silversky, i think you must find someone who can make a copy of the pickguard. And to swap to buckers, the body has to be routed. Theres a guy in youtube he opened the se silversky and the body is routed for SSS. Without routing, the only swap possible for fat tone is with single sized hums like rails and stacks. And finally when the frets wore out, although its very possiblle, but i think it wont be easy to refret an 8.5" radius fretboard.

[@paulwhiteside1805]

Nice demonstration, guys👍. Both guitars are equally cool. The Fender is obviously more traditional and will appeal to those inclined towards vintage models but the PRS is refreshing and bolder in its appeal. Different strokes for different folks. You can't go wrong with either, really. 🎸😎😁

[@indigos290]

I have a PRS guitar and I have 3 fender Strats. I like having both. If I wanted another strat I wouldn't be going for a PRS.

[@jonconger3527]

Awesome guitar work!

[@gph2193]

Have owned a rosewood neck strat plus, loved it. Have a purple maple neck SE silver, great player, quality great sounding alternative. If you run across one on sale for around $500, just get one.

[@bsoundsrecordingstudio7059]

Fender player II vs G&L Legacy tribute would be an awesome comparison

[@neuron05]

I have always been a Fender guy. But I nust say the now I am a PRS guy. I like the brightness of the PRS a lot.

[@TalonShreds]

I went to a guitar store last week and ended up buying a strat. The guy there told me that most of the time when they get PRS guitars in (because they aren’t a PRS dealer, just trade ins) it’s people trading in their silver sky’s for strats.

[@LiveFreeOrDie76]

I had a Silver Sky, non SE. While I loved the "feel" of the SS, and the ease of playability.. for some reason it just felt like I was gliding where my strat feels like I am in a fist fight.. I couldn't get into the tone difference. Granted my Strat had Josefina hand wound fat 60's which was half the price of the guitar new in the early 2000's, but it was enough that I sold my SS. I could get more at the time for it, than was worth replacing the prs pickups with the fat 60's. Few years later my local shop ran out of my favorite GHS vintage, and so I bought a pair of PRS classic 10's... and wow... 90% of the SS feel was now on my strat. I was kinda blown away how much different string sets can feel. Been playing for 40 years and always just used GHS, I feel like a doofus now I should have been trying all these different brands.

[@antlou123]

Fact: I returned the Fender strat that I bought from Fender website and bought a JM PRS SE. I like the sound of the prs. It is much more clearer, modern, bassier and clarity is outstanding.

[@thesmellycatjazz]

The PRS sounded better in this context and the heel is more ergonomic. I like the thinner neck and finish of the Player, which is why I bought one.

[@SisGuitarGAS]

Kudos to Fender for upping their game to match PRS. Awesome playing too!

[@AndyA1234]

I'm a bassist who plays guitar a bit. Have a Strat but always liked the look of the PRS but never played one. Recently played an acoustic & electric PRS and didn't like the neck. I played a Taylor acoustic as a comparison which was lovely. Considering I'm used to the bigger necks of my P, Jazz & Spector 5 string it was a big disappointment to play the PRS's. Maybe could have grown into them but initially didn't like the small radius profile.

[@haithamannaji4790]

Just picked up a 95 US strat used I can't wait to receive it

[@ColinMenzies-s3c]

Fender, from the tone, but more the neck profile of the silver sky, the looks I'm indecisive, but the Silver Sky, between this video, for me. The bell, jingle sounds, I prefer, over the thicker, crisp, Mayer voiced tones.

[@worthmoremusic]

PRS; only I prefer a maple neck Most important to me is how the neck feels, the weight and last the pickups. The latter if needed can always be changed. Also I like PRS's bridges better. I could care less what the headstock looks like.PRS baby ! 👍p.s....$799 each check retailers. Next video, compare the Player ii vs PRS SE NF 3 also $799. ALL PRS come with either a gig bag OR hard case...my $499 SE CE 24 Satin came with a gig bag. nf53

[@Jack-_-H]

Ah, Cooper's hair was pulled back for the Fender, but hanging down on the strings for the PRS demo. Despite that, the PRS was described as having "a lot more gain".

[@jonathanoakley88]

great video though guys!

[@bigboibenz]

Tab for the demo played please Cooper - that's ace!

[@calvinbass1839]

Some of the best playing I've heard! PRS has more mid & the strat has more spank. Seems they could be eq'd either way.

[@ronmoore1219]

I’m curious what the SS’s original owner traded on. A Pro 2 Strat, maybe? The PRS is a great sounding guitar through the amp, but I like the Fender’s spankiness better. It is aggrivating Fender doesn’t include a gig bag.

[@Not2dv8]

Enjoy the comparison great job. Telle guy

[@robertlucas9867]

I wonder if the string gauge effects sound too. PRS SE come with 10s while Fender has 9’s and I find 9’s have more mid and twang while 10’s to me are more balanced/flat with a little more bass

[@davidchaletzky]

After owning the sky, and previous fenders- it’s clear. I like the PRS in every way, but the pickups are dull. Mayer says they emulate an old worn strat- I swapped in Texas specials and it absolutely rocks!

[@ericvibal]

Do Fender strat pickups drop in without any modifications? Planning to swap mine with Hot Noiseless ones

[@IcanhearClemFandango]

I've noticed the player plus guitars are on sale now, too. There's probably a player II plus coming very soon.

[@thesmellycatjazz]

If you want a modernized Strat, I think it's better just to go outside of Fender to Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional, Charvel DK22, Ibanez AZ, Yamaha Pacifica 612, or something

[@czechplastik]

@@thesmellycatjazz Don't underestimate the appeal of a Fender. I'm well aware the guitars you listed are excellent and well priced but I'd still rather have a Fender. I likes what I likes.

[@happytrails1963]

It like the chocolate cake vs vanilla cake they both so good! 🎂

[@bart26188]

PRS and Fender my two favourite necks 😄

[@1alb]

The PRS doesn’t suffer from the scatchy/pinging sound that Fender Strats always seem to have. I’m also not a pastime paradise person, hence, the PRS does it for me aesthetically, and the neck is superb. Plus the three a side tuners are easier to deal with tuning wise.

[@CraigGriffiths]

I have an SE SS. Happy with it and my original player1

[@jsauce311]

Man that jam was killer for a demo

[@timoconnell]

Those beards are on their way to becoming a signature Billy Gibbons edition. Keep em going!

[@Paulo-ze1tl]

I'd like a little bit more information on the neck construction of the SE. The core MIA Silver Sky is listed as having a scarfed neck. In the past it was listed as a one piece neck, but it had a scarfed headstock. Although technically correct, people seemed to have take issue with how it was listed so now it reads scarfed in its spec sheet (this was also the case for the S2 line and the CE24). The SE is listed as multi-ply neck construction. I haven't seen this being addressed anywhere else. It's not just a matter of the scarf headstock joint. How many pieces are the neck? How are they put together?

[@noneofyourbusiness2766]

How close is the neck on the SS to the neck on my PRS S2? I hate the wide-thin necks found on most SE models.

[@DevBone42]

Are the tremolos the same?

[@realtimeant]

Don’t care about the comparison, your playing is nice!

[@thejuggernaut5327]

I have both, play them daily!🎉

[@tfive1060]

I'm liking the Fender here. I do like PRS guitars though as well, I have a S2 McCarthy 584. (And I like the Beach Boys better than the Beatles too)😀

[@JMichaelThurman]

Ah… the video for which I was waiting ! Against original Player Series, it was easy. Player necks didn't seem to be finished. Player II fixed that. I like the Fender colors and head stock better. Otherwise... it's a wash for me.

[@stuckinchaselandia6427]

Give me the Player Plus! 12' radius, locking tuners, box saddles, Push/Pull, 2 Pt Trem. Not even close imo

[@bruceman9581]

Classic player 60 strat , the one with the custom shop neck plate.

[@scottforti3194]

Ya accept the plus comes with enemic noiseless pickups

[@GreggBennett-j3p]

Owner of numerous strats through the years was surprised how similar they sound after hearing much talk about how different they sound.

[@RLMUD]

I think they both sound good, but yes, different. But when you boost the fender, add some grit and turn up the amp, you can’t beat that classic fender tone.

[@ImBrayz]

What’s the colored of the prs called ?

[@EricMakingWaves]

The Silver Sky is great, but I sold mine for one main reason: it feels cheap in the hand. The neck is tiny, the body wood is soft (easy to find loose screws in the guard) and the plastics feel so toy like. Fender’s original Players were junk too, but this second gen is a pretty obvious winner in my opinion.

[@robertsguitarsandgear]

As other videos have shown, the SE pickups are much darker. Not bad, just different.

[@douglascrawford4791]

Prs is a nice addition to the guitar industry. I'm going with the guitar that gives you a case at the two thousand dollar level

[@fettuccinealraver]

Babe wake up Alamo music has a new demo riff

[@ABBYDOG26]

I’m with Cooper on the headstock design but sound wise I liked the fender sauna better. The PRS sounded a little like a Tele to me and I already have one of those so I’m with the Fender

[@ABBYDOG26]

Sound

[@crestiesmb75]

They're both great but if I was looking at a fender nothing else has the same distinct sound so it always wins.

[@Chris_mueller]

Both fantastic instruments

[@pimhoff]

Not that it is directly comparable, but I have a Player 2 Telecaster (from you) and a Paul SE PRS. The fretwork is much better on the PRS. The Telecaster has rough edges that I have had to ease to avoid irritation on my hands. There are some issues with the electrical wiring on the Fender as well. The PRS build quality/consistency appears to be better. That doesn’t mean it is a better guitar per se, but better attention to detail in the construction.

[@TVsBen]

The SE Silver Sky and the USA model have two very different necks. That 7.25" radius is still on the USA model, but it's when they introduced the SE that they flattened it out some. They did a few things to make the SE model more "modern" - two posts on the vibrato instead of six screws, the flatter radius, and IMO slightly hotter pickups. Not better or worse, just different. They're different enough that they're not really the same guitar any more, and I really appreciate that PRS made those changes. Overall I prefer the SE because of the differences in the neck and vibrato. Also the headstock is just reversed from the typical PRS headstock and John Mayer has said he asked for it so that his hand has a little more room underneath the neck. It does make it look more Strat-like, for sure. Disappointed about the scare tactics around CorTek. Nobody (including USA guitar makers) pays people well. It's a disappointment for sure.

[@a.j.garrett9639]

I actually prefer my American player over by American professional. Both 2 series. I had to get one cuz Miami Blue is just the coolest color ever. Don't get me wrong, it's a great guitar that I love to play. But I prefer to play the player series.

[@lollofunky]

I would go for the PRS only because I feel like Fender is pulling my leg releasing very similar model all the time. And Also I enjoying playing something a little different from what everybody else is playing. Also at 800 Euro I would like a Gig Bag! I noticed that even more expensive Fender do not come with a gig bag! it is a shame !

[@JakeL202]

Both guitars look and sound great, the PRS bridge pickup and a slightly better tone, but the plastics tone knobs on the PRS look cheap. Hard choice! though!. Oh both are $1100 to $1200 in Canada, case included with PRS