Brutally Honest Gear Review #7: PRS SE SILVER SKY!

-Brutally Honest Gear Review #7: PRS SE Silver Sky! (made in Indonesia)
*price on screen is the current going rate as of 9/15/22
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Thanks!!!

[@squishy312]

Always loved how PRS guitars feel with their playability. Doesn't matter the model, every one just feels like butter on the the neck. They really have it dialed in. Love the tones you can get out of this. It's really well spec'd out. Regarding the tuners, I have an old Yamaha acoustic that my daughter knocked over when she was little, and broke the D string plastic off of the tuner. I used pliers for years to tune it, and it worked because it stayed in tune pretty well. Years later, I have a 3D printer, and printed a new knob. I put some super glue in it and hammered it on. It's surprisingly stayed on for at least 3 years now, and has not stripped out as others I have tried to fix it with. So, if they're plastic, but made right, there shouldn't be any issues. Time will tell...

[@anotherstart1]

Best sounding/playing sss guitar made today at any price point. Had 2 core ones and preferred the SE. It took a 1950,s design and modernize it in all the right ways. My # 1 favorite

[@Dizzle7771]

Nonsense. I tried one and it felt cheap, even compared to entry level Yamaha's.

[@martgryfny]

come on, that SE might be a good guitar for sure, but it's not a modern strat just because they've changed the look in places where it doesn't affect playability

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

I bought the actual USA Core model and I regret it. Not that it's a bad guitar, just the opposite. It's a stunningly perfect instrument. I regret not waiting and getting the SE. I paid over $3200 for mine new ($2700 + tax + ext warranty + shipping) But back then I didn't even think there would be an SE version. For what I do, the SE would have been more than good enough. I noodle around in my bedroom and jam with some friends on weekends. That's a lot of money for not so much usage. And even if I were a gigging musician, the SE would still be more than I need.

[@trainstationz]

Silver Sky models have a pretty good second hand price. You can always sell your current guitar and buy the SE model!

[@linuskangas9791]

​@@trainstationzindeed, i bet you could move it for a decent price! One of us internet strangers might surely take it off your hands lol.

[@GaryDGuitar]

I have this guitar in the same color. I ditched the tuners and swapped them with locking tuners (which required enlarging the peg holes), installed graph tech saddles, installed graph tech nut. I also sanded the back of the neck, it's definitely stained yellow because the bare wood is white. Plays great, sounds great.

[@harrisontownsend910]

1 thing I've gotta say is GIVE THE MIDDLE PICKUP SOME LOVE. The middle pickup is amazing on its own, even if you're used to digging in with the pick. It sounds great both driven and clean.

[@HannahCope88]

What you were playing right at the beginning was just damn beautiful, it sounds amazing coming through my speakers. I do love the headstock shape on the PRS guitars, and the bird inlays especially the pearl ones, but the plain white still looks nice too. I actually quite like the colour of the neck, and the rosewood fingerboard is just so nice. Looking forward to more reviews!

[@WaldoIMO]

Sounded like oh darling by the Beatles

[@antonioalbares]

John Mayer - I’m going to find another you

[@Krisinized]

Hannah, I was thinking the same thing. I thought it was Vincent by Don Mclean at first, its very similar.

[@localhero635]

It reminds me of “Need Your Love So Bad” by Peter Green

[@HannahCope88]

@@Krisinized I'll have to listen to that one I don't think I know it. It's a John Mayer tune, I couldn't think of the name when I wrote my comment haha 😄

[@electricworkshop4462]

Absolute masterpiece of a strat at that price honestly. Same with Mike’s playing in the intro. Wow.

[@siitan83]

hmmm... its not a strat! I agree that its an amazing guitar. a prs.

[@matoni69]

Just tried it in the store. I like those big tuners. We tune the guitar every day. Bigger is better + It doesn't feels cold as steel. Bigger switch is also great. Headstock is also better then from strat, because string trees are unnecessary and silly. They did it, they improved the strat! That said, I would personally prefer HSS for more tone versatility.

[@CEbding1996]

I've always felt the most comfortable on a Strat style guitar, but I haven't liked what Fender has put our in a decade. I've been looking at this blue Silver Sky SE as a daily driver guitar when I put my Inca Silver Stratocaster into retirement. These sounds and play amazing!!!

[@Wilbrankat1997]

I just bought one and I like it better than my American Pro II Strat. The neck radius is more comfortable and the pick ups sound better to me. Best 700 bucks I've spent! Really good quality from PRS, especially being made overseas. Thanks for the great review!

[@BrianClem]

Wow. You really got that srv stuff down! And this guitar sounds really good. Good review.

[@McHale72]

Er... you mean Hendrix.

[@eddiejr540]

Mike…I’m so glad to hear you comment on 22 frets…I have played 22 frets for so long, when I play anything else, I actually lose my place when I’m up hi on the neck…it’s really weird, and I never admit it cuz I think people will laugh and call me crazy!!!!

[@tomekk.1889]

That's me but with 24 frets. Can't live without em

[@SarahElisabethJoyal]

I've always thought about getting one of these so it's good to hear your opinion

[@JunkfoodZombieGuns]

A lot of people are iffy about the tuners, but the US version has the same plastic keys and itxs a spec that John wanted, so thatxs what it has. Same thing with the inlays being regular acrylic, and the neck being 21 frets. I think they did a fantastic job with the pickups. They sound pretty much dead on to the US versions when I hear them in A/B comparisons. I think they made a great affordable version of the US version overall. Thanks for the video.

[@diazzsama]

Why does he want garbage tunner?

[@matoni69]

@@diazzsama To me personally those tuners feel much nicer then the normal steel tuners. It's easier and faster to tune because of the size, and it's also definitely nicer to the touch.

[@TheNothing6]

I bought a PRS Custom 24 a few months ago. I've been wanting to try one of those SEs out. I have a Fender Stratocaster, seems like it's basically the same guitar.

[@bojangles6444]

It is supposedly based on a strat from the 60’s according to prs himself. I think it was a 64 or 63. At least the original Silver Sky was.

[@DCFotoSF]

I have Strat and Silver Sky, both US and SE. A mint SE can be obtained for $700ish. For the money, it’s tough to beat.

[@muaythaikid4706]

You could replace the fender neck with a silver sky neck 😂

[@jeffrey.a.hanson]

It’s basically the baby of your two guitars ha. You’ll likely love it! The other great off-Strat, check out the HSS MusicMan Cutlass (Sterling). It’s pure fire if you like a fat neck.

[@MrKrampyHands]

Man i love strats in general especially 50's and 60's strat sounds this guitar is Definitely on my radar its now time to save for this guitar imo this is the best strat copy you can get without breaking the bank

[@siitan83]

yeah.. .its not a strat. its a prs.

[@erickiuri7492]

oh man, that's was a really great review!

[@bradgilligan2429]

Really love this inlay design with the birds.

[@kylerowe3843]

Man that guitar sounds so good. I ordered one in the same colour, I can't wait!!

[@nammajeff38]

Well you finally have a strat now! Nice

[@siitan83]

its not a strat

[@mpactdesignmedia]

Great review and a +1 for the shirt! "I can hold my breath a looooooong time!" Great movie!

[@musemuser777]

I own everything from PRS , Charvel, Dean to Gibson.... I love my Gibson V and my PRS Custom 24 the best! 🔥🎸🔥

[@chrisday5341]

Great demo and overview man. I have the core model and I adore it. Fantastic guitar. I can't wait to get my hands on an SE for comparison. The tones you got out of this are spot on.

[@mrWILLAZZ]

I got myself a SE Silver Sky from the internet sight unseen. Stone Blue colour with the gig bag. Im just an amateur who used to play punk rock. I dont own expensive guitars. To me, the SESS is my most expensive guitar I own. It’s not perfect when it arrive. Had some crooked knobs, some fret buzz, one fret dot marking were not fully round. Got most of it fixed by a luthier. Now, It plays very well. Comfortable neck, amazing pick-up which handles distortion well. Fav position 5 and 4. The volume across all position are the same! Impressive tones. I love to play it everyday. Something that I really like about PRS is in the pups and the neck. The sensitive touch between the strings and fret.

[@rick00770]

I was skeptical too, I hate the 10 size strings, I got to go with 9,s at least but I’ve played 2 of them and they stay in tune good. Play great and tone is great I like the number 2 position , the quacky sound best. I’m just worried how it will be with lighter strings. I ordered one anyway. I played the USA model at Sam ash, that what I really want,, but can’t afford right now. Thanks for the review. Subscribed. I’ve played for close to 60 yrs. Very impressed with the guitar.

[@markhallam7821]

Great performance; well played! Beautiful guitar and sensational tone.

[@MichaelEMJAYARE]

I would LOVE for you to do a review or your red SG! I consider it your “signature” guitar. That finish is amazing. Just a solid looking guitar.

[@MegadethFan9000]

Do a "Brutally Honest Gear Review." on the 12 String guitar next.

[@comment.highlighted]

Great “Real” usage review. Love to hear about wear and tear 🙂

[@TheRemulosEpsolonProgramme]

While this guitar sounds amazing, and I’m a huge John Mayer fan while being a metal head, this guitar I just can’t get fully behind as that headstock just doesn’t sit right with it. I was hoping PRS would lengthen the headstock to suit the strat shape more. Granted it’s mostly a visual gripe. But outside of sounding and playing great, it’s a bit ugly.

[@MetalArchives06]

Your right. The head stock doesn't have that smooth wavy style that the guitar has.

[@markuyehara7880]

If you own one and have it sitting out on a stand, you get used to the headstock in a surprisingly short time. It's actually kinda nice.

[@brianmckenzie1318]

Enjoyed the review! Glad you played it for a month or two before reviewing it. Too many people review things during the “honeymoon” phase which skews the review! Would love to see you review your SG or Flying V, especially since you play out live. That brings another dynamic on the experience.

[@aa.mirezZ]

This guitar is on sale right now, and I’m considering it, but do you think it’s good for non bluesy type stuff?

[@blackinblue11]

Still waiting for Brutally Honest Gear Review on that awesome Banjo:)

[@afonsocelso1981]

The best video talking about this guitar

[@patstuker]

There's Jimi Hendrix and there's Stevie Ray Vaughan, but I'm wondering if Robin Trower would play this guitar 😅 (probably)

[@revelationsoundstudio]

Thanks for your honesty with this review. So many just praise PRS guitars and you wonder how many are getting paid by PRS to do a positive review. I really think this guitar is fantastic. I own the USA version which has slightly brighter pickups and different radius neck. But the SE is really really nice.

[@stevedix3695]

Thak PRS was not available when I got my Mira. Love that guitar.

[@Coffeetableleg]

I didn’t have good experiences with the 2 I bought and tried. First model of them and then the revamped model recently. Had sharp frets on both with the revamped being a little better but fret ends were not great. Enjoy the feel of the neck otherwise, I enjoy satin necks. The fit and finish wasn’t great around the neck pocket. The PRS 24-08 custom SE models definitely feel better to me but of course, aren’t the SSS setup. I just bit the bullet and went with an American performer Strat and the gripes from the PRS (which I really wanted to be great) were all taken care of, of course at $350 or so more. One thing that fender doesn’t do, gig bags from PRS are the best I’ve come across from anyone. Was torn not getting a PRS but in the end, glad I got the Fender

[@ronaldgoebel2174]

Sire guitars beat everything all to hell. Sire is the real deal strat and tele and 335 and jazzmaster and les paul. They are all leaps and bounds ahead of anything I've played in a long time. Been a guitar tech for over 47 yrs and I fell in love with Sire guitars. I think you will too!

[@Johnjingleheimerschmidtt]

I love the playability of my Silver Sky SE so much that I’m putting Seymour Duncan Antiquity Texas Hot pickups in it. Why spend over $400 to swap pups in an $850 guitar? Because it plays as well if not better than my custom Nash strat that costs 3x as much. I’m really excited about seeing how nasty and throaty this guitar will get with the right pups. The neck is fast compared to my other strats. It just feels really good in hand - friends and my guitar tech agree. But I’m looking for a nastier sound out of it so that I can have the best of both worlds. Worst case, it becomes a very very reliable #2 behind my Nash. Best case, it becomes my #1. We shall see

[@mellowfred8935]

Beautiful guitar. I love the color I guess it’s a personal preference. Tuners are really functional and not over or under responsive. The guitar sounds awesome. Only thing I didn’t like, my hand kept bumping the volume control turning my sound off. I might possibly learn to avoid this if I owned the guitar. Nice review thanks.

[@n2havnfun2]

Thank you for playing the "Neon" riff! Now I want one dang it lol

[@theroadhomefromwrestling1788]

I have one and it’s the most comfortable guitar I own. I love it.

[@Steven-m2s7b]

I own one and they are GREAT!!!!

[@area859]

Do u still own the SE? i'm torn between the Se and the Core which is obviously more expensive

[@gorf8799]

wow the intro clip was really nice!

[@marcimarcimarci5101]

So much YES to the blues stuff!!!

[@dariocrocetta9026]

I own 2 Strats with humbuckers, one Music Man Luke, a Telly, a Les Paul and a HH Ibanez. I would really love to buy this SE just because I really like the shape and the colour of this guitar,but I wonder how it could fit with the rest of my collection. I don't really understand how I could justify a 1000 Euro expense for just another guitar that I don't really need

[@tbone2451]

Nice review, did you end up keeping it ?

[@visionsofbeyond9095]

Recently I was looking to buy a Strat style guitar, it was between the SE Silver Sky and the Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional. I ultimately chose Schecter for a few reasons. First being that I don't personally like the Fender style on top on the body angled input. I always use angled cables, so sitting is not a problem for me with those cables. Another reason was that I don't like the 3 knob layout that is typical of Fender and the Silver Sky models. I don't really do volume swells, so I prefer the 2 knob layout. Another reason was a few spec differences. The Schecter has a roasted maple neck, an ebony fretboard and locking tuners. All these things together made me go with the Schecter and I absolutely love that guitar. I urge anyone looking to get a Strat style guitar to try the Nick Jonhston models, they're great guitars.

[@fawkesandhound]

I have an NJ too and I love it. Along the same lines, I wanted a Strat, then I played a Strat and all the little issues that Fender will NEVER address or change just add up. That’s why this Silver Sky exists. There’s plenty of reasons to want an “S-type” guitar but NOT want a Fender Strat. And if you like PRS well here you go.

[@fawkesandhound]

I have an NJ too and I love it. Along the same lines, I wanted a Strat, then I played a Strat and all the little issues that Fender will NEVER address or change just add up. That’s why this Silver Sky exists. There’s plenty of reasons to want an “S-type” guitar but NOT want a Fender Strat. And if you like PRS well here you go.

[@Ottophil]

Imagine playing a schecter lol

[@tonym7051]

Man I’m debating on getting this guitar, but I’ve seen comments saying it sounds cheap, but some say it sounds good. I have an older Squier classic vibe strat that I love that I plan on modding. But I still want this too. Decisions.

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

Heard them in guitar shops and have had a few in my hands, not p,ayes them though, and they feel like toys imo…they lack balls…way too thin sounding…new pickups definitely

[@markuyehara7880]

If you like chunkier necks, lighter weights (7-7.5 lbs) and mids-ier tones, the SE is a good choice over a similarly priced MIM.

[@alfredcakeburn1166]

I picked up one of the Moon Whites in the current sales. Get one. Claims that they are toys are from people bearing the grudge of spending more money on a guitar than they needed to. It's a superb guitar. Grover vintage locking tuners drop straight in if you want a different look.

[@sprintbass]

I cant justify buying one.. i like the cut away on it.. but i have a stratocaster already (shrug) i put alot of work into it... and am more focussed right now on my SG guitsr..

[@carlbaumeister3439]

Excellent review.

[@XI_Daisy_XI]

✨😍🌊☁☁☁Such a soothing colour. 🎥😱CREEPSHOW! Funny, just heard "Don't Let Go" the other night.🎶💃🕺🎶 Classic, always pass on the roach story tho!😬😅✨

[@JackWGuitarLessons]

Did this dude hit is with a riff from " i love how you love me" amazing!

[@ryankafi2907]

Nice video man

[@skye7690]

8.5 radius is unusual! Great review thank you.

[@patrickar1491]

A 25" or even a 24 3/4 " scale would have been interesting .

[@jimantonino4394]

The “pearl” birds on your custom 22 are abalone. The SE birds are a plastic inlay.

[@kagenotatsumaki]

My local Guitar Center has one of these in the Dragon Fruit finish on the used wall, I'm not a Strat guy but I can't go to GC without grabbing it lol

[@siitan83]

go grab it! by the way... its not a strat ;) its a prs.

[@frankhall7005]

I've been hearing of bad fret sprout on the 2nd run of these. Any confirmation on this? I'm getting one for Xmas maybe. It's this or a Mex Tele.

[@rudiyantohalim736]

I definetely agree about missin something on start with 21 frets. That force me to bends from 21st fret to 24th

[@hankrocks7504]

Props on the Creepshow tshirt !

[@TheMadub101]

I'm about to buy my first higher quality guitar upgrading from a Squire Strat. And I'm torn between a player strat or a Silver Sky Se. I really love them both, but kind of like the PRS a little better. However, a fender has a whole lot more in the way of potentially upgrading the guitar in the future. This video was really helpful though

[@ajsmusic711]

Im ngl the Silver Sky SE is hands down one of the best sounding guitars at its price point. Right now they are on sale for $679 USD. I recommend the silver sky 100%

[@johnbaldwin2948]

"I can hold my breath for a long long time!"

[@8KilgoreTrout4]

After 25 years I learned that I can live without 24 frets (which I thought I couldn't) but I NEED 22!

[@Bbbbad724]

I want one. How do you like the 8.5 radius?

[@michaelolz]

I love it. But I HATE that it’s made of poplar. Isn’t that a really weak wood?

[@BetterCallJamie]

Did you buy it, I’m guessing not with the paid advertisement that PRS sent this to you to try before hand. Nothing wrong with PRS at all as I have a SE Custom 24 2017 and it’s amazing just please be clear

[@TheArtofGuitar]

No this is one of the only guitar reviews where the company actually sent me the guitar to review. I’m not sure if I can keep it or not.

[@BetterCallJamie]

Hi Mike, thank you for responding to my comment. Though I did look to getting one of these since I own a custom 24 se, but they are £850 on average here in the UK

[@martinchocoo]

that intro was nasty

[@Yesh77777]

It’s not the guitar it’s the player. Period

[@gandalf8216]

PRS SE is a good choice for budgetary reasons. And if you're into Humbuckers or Strats, you can make your PRS sound like one simply by swapping out the electronics, the pickups in particular. PRS SE's does not come with great pickups, but the wood and neck are still both top shelf. Want a Telecaster? Easy, buy the PRS SE aiming to be a Telecaster and swap out the pickups to better ones. Want a Les Paul but can't afford one? Buy the PRS SE version mimicking a Les Paul, and swap for better Humbuckers. PRS SE guitar series' truly are an affordable alternative to the originals, once the pickups are upgraded.

[@Johnjingleheimerschmidtt]

100%. Once I replace the pups in my silver sky SE, it’ll be as good, spec-wise, as an American strat, if not better. PRS haters have never felt one in hand. They are just the kind of guitars that you pick up after playing a different brand and think, “wow - this just feel great”

[@michaelmcnamara9919]

Great review…

[@jackbandel]

did you float the bridge or leave it decked?

[@hotcakesman]

great review.. beautiful guitar... your playing makes me want to vomit! only because you play so effortlessly and I just suck.. practice and patience my friend! Bravo Mike!

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

Interesting. I have not played one, but I have a PRS 1990 ten top I'm actually about to sell to finance some other guitar stuff. That guitar from specs bothers me about the radius because I like a flat radius. I had a strat from Mexico that had a 9 inch radius and it drove me nuts for some reason because I was so used to my Jackson's and stuff. Maybe just me though. It looks great and sounds great. I also hate plastic nuts. Why don't companies spend the extra dollar or two and use a graphite but if the guitar has a trem is beyond me. I know money matters, but I think most guys would pay the extra 5 or 10 bucks or whatever it costs for materials and the labor, etc. I love lightweight guitars. I have a bad back and that's great. I have an Ibanez Japanese S series I love. I have two of them as a matter of fact. Great guitars. One has a Low Pro edge trem which is nice and the other has a go-to two point non locking trem. Glad to hear you're going to do some blues rock vids. That's my fav and I've been playing forever. Of course one can never learn enough with a guitar. Thanks man. Be safe sir.

[@linuskangas9791]

I absolutely love my two Ibanez S series. Hope you got good value for your 10 top, that's kind of a holy grail pipe dream guitar for me!

[@mchammer1836]

I wish they had it in some burst colors and a maple fretboard. I was disappointed to see another vid that found a couplr of high frets on theirs.

[@Blue_3rd]

They look great apart from the tuning keys, which look cheap and nasty even on the USA models. Sounds lovely too! Thanks.

[@RiotOnlyMakesOpCHars]

Okay my review noone asked for: Colour wise i Love the moon White but i get that its boring. Playwise wow insane guitar Love the Classic strat Sound and never really found it for such a price ....i paid 670€ in a Sale and my god what a steal ...even for the full price its such a good guitar. The Attack on this guitar is crazy good the pickups all Sound useable and the five way is SO much better to engage mid playing than any other round Switch (Englisch is not my first language therefore im Not that good at describing this but i hope u get the point) Neck feels really good you can slide Up and down without missing a beat. It feels like a guitar with character...Something ive been missing with my se starla.

[@randomcompdude]

Never did like PRS, neck shapes always felt wrong to me.

[@usageeko1]

Can you post your amp and pedal please ?

[@matthewpark8932]

What amp are you using?

[@alexvandendaele9995]

Did anyone ever think of replacing (or replaced) the ugly grey plastic plaque on the headstock of the SE by a wooden handcrafted one?

[@siitan83]

its easily removable.. and ive seen the guitar without it... and i would definitely remove it.

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

I need to actually play one… have picked several up and hated the way they felt..felt really cheap actually

[@visionsick]

Kyle D promoted your show

[@MrSmitht04]

How is this guitar with players with small hands

[@nickrosa1334]

I’m torn between this and the P90 Revstar

[@ThePrinceXIV]

Does the poplar body dent easy?

[@kellyshannon45]

Cort makes some good guitars, at least the Korean slave labour market ones were awesome in the sub 300 market.

[@metalmaniac1105]

Hey mike!

[@MolitovMichelleX]

Love these guitars

[@johnnorris1983]

Would Hendrix have junked fender had PRS been around.. ?

[@8KilgoreTrout4]

Good morning

[@luckyluciano75]

Lovely guitar but can’t find a left handed version 😢

[@sublyme2157]

I briefly had one but ended up returning it due to numerous cosmetic issues (sloppy inlays, tons of tool marks on the fretboard) and sharp frets. I just felt $849 was too much for the instrument, but would have kept it at $499 or less. To me it felt like a $400 guitar. Aside from that, it was a really nice playing and sounding guitar, but the quality needs to match the price.

[@bojangles6444]

That’s PRS for you. I bought a McCarty in 05, but the prices seem inflated now I can’t justify buying another.

[@bristol1312]

Totally agree this is a 400$ guitar. I’d Rather have a squire CV Strat honestly than this .

[@stvngbylove]

what is that demo song played in the beginning?

[@jacobkincaid123]

what amp?!

[@ShakeItJordie1987]

What song was that the beginning?

[@TheArtofGuitar]

Find Another You

[@electricworkshop4462]

@@TheArtofGuitar wow dude. You played that so beautifully. Very moving🙌

[@ShakeItJordie1987]

@@TheArtofGuitar Thanks!

[@BlakeSpohn]

First, also great video man

[@drewgraysonxoxopanda]

Yeah it's a "Student Edition" If this is your only exposure to the PRS JMSK its far from the real deal.