Why The PRS Silver Sky Is Not A Strat Copy

[@colinmcguigan4630]

It is marginally different, but at the end of the day, it was designed specifically to do the strat thing. I still consider it a modified strat. And that's totally ok, nothing wrong with that. Everyone's strat inspired guitar is gonna play differently.

[@newgunguy4176]

And, not too modified at that. 3+3 and a nicer bridge.

[@captaintony1227]

Every strat plays different. I've owned. $200 starts I've own $3000 dollar ones and I dont think anyone one type did the same exact thing. Some we're close. But some were completely different.

[@andolf1686]

I totally agree. It is a Strat ... made by PRS.

[@newgunguy4176]

@@andolf1686 And, a very nice Strat. I agree with Dylan in most things but, everything he says makes the SS different than a Strat are features any Strat can have. Like, one Strat can have a c neck and another can ha a v. Different radius, too.

[@everythingtakin]

Idn I'd just get a fender strat. And a prs hollow body if I wanted prs. I understand s style and t style and all. But I dont know. Mayer could've done anything to make it different his own guitar. I would've opted for something original.

[@paul_grimsley]

It’s really refreshing to hear someone who had opinions formed over years of experience change their mind and be big enough to say so. I haven’t played one and I only have one friend who has a Bernie Marsden SE, so I have no opinions of my own on the matter. But, good on you Dylan.

[@robmurrah3224]

I'm looking at the Silver Sky's specs now: alder body, 25.5 scale, vintage tremolo, maple neck, 3 single coil pickups with a slanted bridge pickup, one volume two tone knobs, 5 way strat switch, 7.25 radius, strat pickguard, start arm contour, strat-style output jack. I understand that legally this guitar is fine, so it is not a "copy" in the legal sense, but when practically all the specs and aesthetics are literally copied from the stratocaster, yeah, we're going to correctly call it a strat copy.

[@newgunguy4176]

It is a Strat copy. Ridiculous to claim it isn't.

[@hkguitar1984]

Agreed, it is a Strat copy. The reason it was such a big deal (because apparently Dylan doesn't know) is because John Mayer (a noted Strat player) left his Fender relationship to move over to PRS to help them design (you guessed it) a Strat copy! I don't understand what the big deal is, it is a nice guitar and just happens to be a Strat copy! No real story here

[@newgunguy4176]

@@hkguitar1984 True. It's a Strat copy and that's a good thing.

[@markuyehara7880]

The SS is a copy of a strat the way a wizard profile is a copy of a boatneck. They look similar from a certain distance but feel and perform very differently.

[@newgunguy4176]

@@markuyehara7880 Strats come in all sorts of ways. SS is one of those ways.

[@billnelson9413]

Same thing happened to me Saturday at our studio’s beginning of the year jam. I was playing my candy apple red parts strat when my buddy handed me his candy apple red silver sky. The setup felt very similar to me so my playing was seem less in the middle of the song but the clarity of sound was amazing and the volume and tone knobs were so musical in every position. I instantly wanted one. I’m now looking into the PRS world including amps. I missed the boat but it’s never too late.

[@douglaswhite1624]

I too was late to the PRS club - only got my first PRS about 2 years ago, after decades of mostly LPs and teles... fought it for soooo long. Luckily, there's plenty of room for all of us late converts 😉

[@drothberg3]

It’s made to look like and sound like a strat, with same pickup configuration and electronic setup, but it’s not a strat copy? C’mon. All strat copies are a bit different from true strats and some might be better. That doesn’t mean they aren’t copies.

[@ScottfromBaltimore]

It's a PRS strat. It's gonna be made by PRS, the way PRS makes guitars (extremely well, with many small innovations, intense attention to detail, and research behind every feature). It's also made to look and play and sound like a strat, for people who like strats, and can afford really nice guitars, to buy. I'm very interested in ways that it differs. Tone knob for the bridge pickup? Wow! What other wiring differences are there? Does it have a treble bleed circuit? How does the tremolo improve on the 6-screw fender ones? I hope you get that interview with Paul Reid Smith, Dylan.

[@JC-11111]

Fenders have had tone knobs for the bridge for years 🤷

[@nathanw32]

@@heres2ya that is not true loll

[@mitcharney1]

All you have to do is solder an extra half inch wire in the 5-way switch.

[@kevinborchers3522]

@@heres2ya no they arent lol

[@nathanw32]

@@heres2ya the SE silver sky is made in Indonesia. The core is made in Stevensville Maryland just like the rest of the core PRS line :)

[@michaelvarney.]

This video is why I always tell the haters: “get back to me when you’ve actually played one…”

[@crazydrummerlad1]

Strat guy here. I've got 3 silver skies. 2018 version, 2020 version with 635JM-R neck profile, and 2021 maple. My first impression was that it was not a strat. Like you said, appearance wise it looks like a strat. Once it is in your workspace you quickly realize nothing is the same about it except the real estate around the strumming hand. Every micro aspect of the strat has been given relevant improvements where the final outcome is far greater than the sum of its parts. It captures the magic of that sought after strat tone I've loved packaged in something meticulously crafted for a new era. I only wish it could have a nitro cellulose lacquer finish. My brother has the satin moc sand though and that finish is so comfortable. I noticed your gripe about the lacquer on the neck feeling sticky. I recommend trying the maple version with no finish because that is extraordinarily smooth and comfortable. Glad you got a chance to enjoy the guitar!

[@bluwng]

What makes a Strat. Body, neck, pickguard (loaded), tremolo and tuners. That’s it. That guitar has 90% of those requirements. Don’t fool yourself with non sequitur logic.

[@karterdowd606]

They make it with nitro finish now. Pretty cool. I do wish the did something with the heel pocket however. Wish they shaved it down or did something to if a little

[@jralanmorgan]

You said they improved a Strat...its still a Strat then. It may not be a copy as nobody should make direct copy, but it remains a Strat.

[@ravenslaves]

It's as much a throwback as it's an evolution. Many of these neck features were either factory options, or just random craftsmanship. Mr. PRS is wise enough to look to the lost past to bring the best qualities to a guitar, and then he adds his own touch. Smart man.

[@nocturnal101ravenous6]

Well Technically it was what John Mayor wanted, the Silver Sky is his signature. At his requested Specs, he went to PRS because Fender wouldn't do what he asked them to, there was quite an interesting rumor mill that went on behind that whole debacle.

[@ravenslaves]

@@nocturnal101ravenous6 I always figured that Fender just couldn't make some aspects of the guitar without outsourcing the work like they've done before.

[@RudeRecording]

Recently bought a PRS SE Custom 24 in Black Gold Burst and was blown away by the quality. It was almost perfectly setup out of the box. The sustain is absolutely unreal and the trem feels awesome. I wanted something that would do the 2 bucker thing and I've always been a Strat guy. Jury is out on the pickups but they are quiet, even in front of video monitors. Looking forward to checking out the Silver Sky SE, just wish they had better finishes.

[@nocturnal101ravenous6]

Try the 2021 Zack Meyers it was fantastic for an SE, easily felt like it was more in the S2 line rather than the SE which was odd. Then again Cort has made some really great strides in quality control with their Production for other manufacturers, I guess when the Chinese made guitars started getting their quality up Indonesia had no choice but to keep 1uping them.

[@eeervin3]

I guess the headstock is different.. :D

[@misterknightowlandco]

It’s a strat copy dude. 3 single coils, 5 way selector switch, 1 volume and 2 tones, a 6 screw trem, a bolt on neck, a white pick guard, a double cutaway… literally the only difference is the birds and the 3+3. As for the neck radius… fenders originally were a 7.25 radius and had some thicker necks. I’m sure it’s a high quality guitar cuz that’s what prs does, but don’t push it man lol it’s a strat copy.

[@x3a3x3]

Strats come with all kinds of different neck shapes. so even if this has a unique neck it’s still a modded strat…

[@RJ_HTx]

Just cover the headstock and guess where the design came from. Yup! Fender Stratocaster!

[@leegollin4417]

String break at the nut stops more vibration behind the nut and keeps energy in the neck area and loses less to the headstock.

[@TrickyGomez]

Dylan, thanks for the review. I have three Fender American Strats from different decades and absolutely love them. They all are similar yet different because of electronics, nuts, trems, etc... I also have a PRS DGT that is not like anything else yet it is.... I've been eying the Silver Sky for a couple years now and know I won't be getting it for "Strat" tones because All my guitars have "Strat tones" if I want them too. Thanks for the review. Really not interested in the SE version but will check out the review!

[@Watergrovey]

Hey Dylan, have you ever played a Music Man or G&L Strat “copy”? I haven’t, but would be interested to hear about the differences in the evolution of the Strat done by Leo Fender himself and the evolution done by Paul Reed Smith. Looking forward to the SE video!

[@crazywisdom2]

I own a ebmm 2016 Cutlass SSS (strat copy). Out of the box, one of the best guitars on the planet. Plays like butter. Not one thing I want to change on it. She is literally perfect. I think that we find that guitar and when all the details are lined up. It's a magical moment. I am sure that the PRS, amongst others is like that too.

[@mattflickinger8151]

The real deal G & L’s are fantastic, you will be happy

[@nocturnal101ravenous6]

I wouldn't call them a copy as it was Leo that created the brands.

[@stringspicksandfiddlestick6388]

I had a G&L Legacy. It had a swiming pool route. I got it for $400 at a GC. I could not sell it so I donated it to my church auction. I now own a G&L Legacy Deluxe that is a back routed hardtail guitar with two G&L Alnico single coils and a coil tapped Seymore Duncan Trembucker in the bridge. I got that from a pawn shop for $700. (with a case). Check out Brit Floyd (Music Man) or Umphries Magee (G&L Comanche). There is a Bobby Harrison of Brit Floyd Gear Run video on KZbin.

[@ExplodingPsyche]

I have a G&L S-500, made in Indonesia. Amazing guitar I got for under $600. Push/pull pot allows you to get all pickup combinations. The tone controls are called PTB, passive treble and bass, that works differently from typical controls. Feels like much more than what it costs. As they say, the evolution of Leo Fender's ideas.

[@jamiebriggs8277]

"they're going on about tonewood crap..." But so does Paul Reed Smith ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@PaulCooksStuff]

He's often taken out of context. He says "everything on a guitar matters". In PRS's own design discussion videos he says some things matter more than others, but everything matters to some degree. The question nobody seems to ask him is whether he thinks tonewood 0.1%, 1%, 10%, 50%. Everyone seems to have assumed he's the poster boy for tonewood just because he believes it has some influence. His position in that regard is no different from Dylan or Ben Crowe who feel that tonewood makes a small difference, but not one that can't be reshaped with other choices (pickups, scale length etc)

[@markuyehara7880]

@@PaulCooksStuff Smith is really clear on this. There's video where he actually laughed in the face of someone who said wood doesn't matter.

[@PaulCooksStuff]

@@markuyehara7880 and nothing you've said contradicts what I've said above. Yes wood matters, but how much does it matter. Nobody is saying it has zero influence.

[@jamiebriggs8277]

@@PaulCooksStuff he has gone on to ridiculous extent about the importance of tonewood. Nobody has to ask....go search for the videos

[@PaulCooksStuff]

@@jamiebriggs8277 I have watched dozens of his videos and listened intently to what he actually says. His "21 rules of tone". If the wood was the be all and end all of tone, there wouldn't be 20 other factors in his rules. Watch the TEDtalk videos where he talks about his engineering approach - he openly talks of nuts and saddles as critical factors in his "subtractive" theory, but no special mention of wood beyond acoustic instruments. Watch his wood library private tours/talks - it's about aesthetics and moisture content, not intrinsic tone. As I've said already, yes, the wood plays a part in solid body guitars. Dylan/Crowe et al don't disagree with him - they're just openly pragmatic that wood is a very small contributor and pickup choice and scale length and a dozen other factors are way more important at increasing or decreasing whatever natural character the wood has. Smith says wood plays a part (and doesn't quantify how big a part). Dylan/Crowe say the same and quantify it as minor. Tonewood evangelists talk as though Smith believes its a primary or even significant contributor - I'd like to know how they've reached that conclusion. I haven't heard him say any more than everything matters to some degree.

[@vinniesworld459]

Nice video as always. All I can say is... welcome to the world of $2k+ guitars. I think this really goes to your point about how expensive guitars are not the same as inexpensive guitars in your other videos. However, on the efficiency point - let's be honest here, once you're in the $2k+ range, PRS isn't all that unique anymore. There are a good selection of makers that can make guitars that feel "perfect" out of the box so long as you're shopping for performance (i.e. in the supercar sense of the word) guitars and not collectibles. Fender/Gibson aren't really in that game as they're going for that vintage/antique/collectible vibe in that price range and the market seems to support their strategy.

[@tattooed1979]

All it takes in one trip into carters guitars in Nashville to see those old strats and gibsons go for insane money. Picked up a 55 tele flipped the tag over said 35k..I'm like I'll just put this back.🤣

[@CerealDust-nStuff]

"Here... hold my beer." - Silver Sky SE

[@Rockandrollgeerage]

The SE Silver Sky is only $850 and every bit as good. I actually like the cheaper one better

[@ChronicMetamorphosis]

As a Fender guy who loves Strat hybrids, this sounds like everything I would expect and want out of a PRS. I was going to get one anyways, but now you got me hyped! 😎

[@iromanovsky]

Looking forward to comparison with SE!

[@jimwoodard64]

I played one of those when PRS first introduced them at the Experience in 2018. I felt the neck was way to thick and I've heard from several people that the profile has been modified to make them a little more comfortable for the buyers. I've got the SE coming (should ship tomorrow), and I'm going to use that to decide if I want the full on guitar. Problem is that my #1 (seen in my profile) is a 50's Standard Les Paul in amber (no burst). It's been my #1 guitar for 3 years now and I feel weird trying to squeeze tones out of other guitars except my friend's R9. Anyway, I used to be a Strat/PRS guy, but since I've gone back to the Les Paul (was a Strat player from 2000 - 2016), I have to have an entirely different set of settings to make the guitar sound and feel right through my amps. The Kemper Profiler Stage helps, but I can definitely hear a huge difference through my Marshall or Fender Twin. I know this, these guitars will be worth having, because there's just a huge market for their peculiar tone, even if people are or aren't Mayer fans.

[@fiddlix]

I wonder how it would sound with some Dylan strat pickups in it..?

[@ChicagoBulls1984]

How is the SE??

[@skullheadwater9839]

it also has 3 strat pickups, strat electronics and a strat bridge. Just cuz the neck plays different doesn't mean it's not a strat copy. Must be nice to know everything.

[@stringspicksandfiddlestick6388]

Premier Guitar just dropped a Silver Sky SE Video. It as a Poplar body the back of the neck doesn't look glossy.

[@Hundenminhelmer]

Hi Dylan. Thnx for a great review. I don't have and have never played a Silver Sky but I recently purchase thr PRS SE Hollowbody-II Piezo an man is that a great guitar. You talked about tone efficiency and I know exactly what you mean. Two days of playing and fiddling around with it and I was i deep deep love and still are. That guitar became instantly my nr1 goto guitar. Worth trying - even if you're not a fan of PRS humbuckers

[@peterklein5861]

Nah, it is - even John Mayer joked about the fact that he just wanted to create a Strat copy the way he liked it. And there's nothing wrong with that! Every Strat player's ideal Strat has minor differences from each other, so there's no problem with companies like PRS, Suhr and Schecter offering slight variations which might be somebody's ideal fit!

[@andrebritten]

Exactly. If you close your eyes and play this guitar, nobody will say it's a prs. It's a strat copy

[@theoo5657]

that's not the point of the video...

[@benedekgabor.]

@@theoo5657 Yes it is. It’s literally in the title.

[@theoo5657]

@@benedekgabor. use your brain

[@benedekgabor.]

@@theoo5657 says the guy who can’t see the obvious.

[@romeou4965]

Excellent thought: it’s not a strat copy (reverse-engineered), it’s a PRS that sorta looks like a strat (re-engineered).

[@Pnanasnoic]

TLDW: of course it is.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

DylanTalksTone It's basically a copy of a Fender Stratocaster w/ a slightly modified shape to avoid being a Lawsuit Guitar.

[@DylanTalksTone]

Except that the shape wouldn’t be up for a lawsuit so……

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@DylanTalksTone It's not a Lawsuit Guitar either.

[@doubleotwentyone]

Interesting views on this guitar Dylan and makes me re-evaluate my perception of it. Looking forward to the SE video and your comparison to this one. The PRS that interests me a bit more than this one is the Fiore, perhaps a little more versatile? I have to say this one sounds really good.

[@rick00770]

Agree, I played one at Sam ash , it was really good, a lot of quality. Played excellent. Haven’t bought one yet. I do have the silver sky se. Soon as I get some more cash I can part with I’m getting the USA model , it’s that good. I’d be happy with a used one.

[@triumphil11]

I picked up an SE SS and liked it a lot. I ended up buying the American SS. Both great guitars. I’m not a strat guy. I tried to be. And have owned quite a few. These are not strats. The action on my SS was really low. I was surprised how low it was. And it did not choke out. I notice the 7.25 when I bend the high E. It actually makes it easier to bend. I prefer the neck profile on the American to the SE. To me it was worth spending the extra money. I’ve had strats and PRS In the past. And this is the best of both worlds for me. It’s truly it’s own thing!

[@robertturtle]

I like how everyone says it is indeed a copy, before the video has even started and Dylan stated his reasons.

[@SirVicc]

Because we have eyes and ears.

[@robertoamericano8661]

It's called being closed mind

[@fkcamry88]

Your playing in this video shows you with joy, although not as tight as your usual playing, you seem to love the feel and JM style.

[@squirelova1815]

"Tone Wood Crap..."...I hear you Dylan. After all, you ARE just a humble higher end pickup maker. What do you know?

[@waynecook5836]

I have a buddy with vintage neck through Ibanez nice guitar last year he wanted an upgrade and had never played a strat I have mex splattercaster I left with him for a couple months to get an idea he loved it but got a deal on the American PRS I was so impressed how well it played and one of our lady friends ordered one right away

[@raytorvalds3699]

Sounds absolutely great ! Congrats with the recent purchase, Dylan !

[@michelefrogan7150]

Great video. Thanks. Could you make other, with the Silver Sky, analyzing the electronics, especially the pickups? Would be very interesting

[@byron3710]

Excellent review. Thanks for the info.

[@1964vintage]

The question that should be asked is ‘if JM had the opportunity sit down with PRS and design a model that reflects everything JM loves about a guitar why does it look so much like a Strat and not a PRS?’. If the ‘fit factors’ like neck profile string spacing etc define it as a PRS why not make it look like a PRS or at least something different to represent a JM model from PRS.

[@greghilinski6571]

Great review! The pickups are also very quiet and the access to the upper frets is really nice.

[@mattrorke7536]

All I can say is this: if you haven’t played a PRS and really given it an honest try, go play one. PRS has something special going on with their guitars. Dylan refers to it here. The engineering and the ergonomics of their guitars may not be very obvious at first glance but when you play it, you feel the difference.

[@0megalul309]

More than meets the eye

[@MikaelLewisify]

Totally agree. I guarantee most of the negativity is coming from people who haven’t played them. I had been a strictly Fender guy for 30 years before I played a PRS. I still play my Fender tele a lot, but my main guitar is my PRS EG. That will probably change once I get the SE SS that I just ordered. PRS just makes incredible guitars.

[@jahkristjanfari]

I 100% agree with this video. I know I'm late in finding this, but I got an SE a few months back, and i've been saying it's really not a Strat Copy. Strat-inspired, yes, but it's definitely its OWN thing. I LOVE my SE, and plan to upgrade to a core model. I already play the SE more than my Fender EJ strat, and my Am Pro II. It just feels and sounds better.

[@EM-km8em]

This is pretty much a classic vibe 60’s similar sound and weight. Can be found for $150-200 used

[@kurtisr2339]

Right there with you, man. No particular bias against PRS, just wasn't into them, figured I had those bases covered. Until last Summer when a friend urged me to try his Silver Sky. My conversion from "sure, whatever..." to "what do I have to do to get one of these?!" was one of those zero-to-sixty moments. Lost time playing that thing. My own is due this Summer.

[@macsarcule]

I completely agree. It’s the first s-style guitar I ever liked playing. The biggest difference is OEM pickups aren’t screechy. It’s also set up like a million bucks, and neck fits large hands well. If anything, I hate how much more I like it than my Collings I-35.

[@lp4fred]

I think that you’ll love the Humbuckers on the PRS 513

[@ginoames]

So, are you going to put some of your pickups in it?

[@DylanTalksTone]

lol... #triggered

[@mikeomatic9905]

This comment section would be even more hilarious if dislike counts were visible lol

[@danielelamworshipguitar]

Haha, yup. I have a 2019 Golden Mesa Silver Sky and you are correct sir. It’s a bit of a different animal. It’s not a Strat but it can out-Strat a Strat and it “goes to 11” like it has an extra gear or something. Mine pushes certain amps better than others (Helix) and loves all levels of gain and fuzz. I initially got into PRS out of curiosity and picked up a CE24 and and older CE22, both phenomenal guitars but I didn’t wind up liking the humbuckers, same as you. I did feel like there were some amp models I was hearing for the first time, like the pickups were so neutral that it let the amps character really be heard but there was also this modern, midrangey thing about the HBs that I just couldn’t get along with so I sold both CEs. My dad knew I loved Strats and gave me the Silver Sky. I wound up selling my Fender after that and getting a couple of bucket list guitars (for me anyway) a Duesenberg Starplayer and a Gretsch Sparkle Jet 89 VS. I finally feel like I’ve got 3 electrics that I will actually keep for many years and the Silver Sky is my favorite. It’s just the most fun I’ve ever had playing guitar in 28 years and it’s the best I’ve ever played live and in a band mix.

[@TheRCAirMarshall]

I haven’t had a chance to play a Silver Sky yet, but I can completely relate to everything you said here. PRS sounding too sterile, the neck not feeling right, etc. Like many players I have several guitars… Several strats, Schecter C-1 Classic, Ibanez RG, and they all play great, and sound great. But none of them had that PRS gorgeous look, and I was just at a point where I wanted a PRS 10 Top just to enjoy the beauty. So I went out and spent an insanely large amount of money on a Core Custom 24 10 Top, 35th Anniversary which has some switching mods. I tell you when I first picked it up it felt like a foreign object. At the store I seriously considered walking out because I just wasn’t used to the feel and it bothered me. A lot. That was back in October. Fast forward 3 months and my opinion has completely changed. The neck that is totally different now feels like home, and my other guitars feel like the aliens. I love the neck profile. Those 85/15 pickups I wasn’t really sold on now are the most articulate and harmonically rich pickups I’ve heard. The Jazz/JB combo that sounds so wonderful in my Schecter don’t hold up against the 85/15 PRS pickups. The tremolo is so smooth, the saddles so well machined, no discomfort at all, the floating setup so natural, yet it sustains like a hardtail. The action, the frets, the fret end dressing, the rolling of the fretboard, all just perfection. You can bend forever… And when you think to yourself it just can’t get any better, you hit that coil split switch… Come on man… Yep… It was $5,000… And worth every single penny. I don’t regret it at all. I’m honestly a little ticked I didn’t do it years ago. Now that I own a PRS, and I know what they’re all about, I’ll never buy another kind of guitar. I want them all. LoL. I want a 594. I want a Silver Sky. PRS makes stunning marvels of guitar engineering, and you owe it to yourself to not only go try one at the store, but actually buy it and play it for a week. Guitars don’t have to fight you, and that’s my major take away with the PRS. It doesn’t fight, but it’s not too loose either. The instrument doesn’t get in the way of the music. Well that got long winded… Long story short, I love my PRS and wouldn’t trade it for the world, but when I first picked it up I kinda hated it. Great video 👍

[@669rd]

Still not a fan of Silversky. No one will change the perception that whenever I look at a silversky, I see a Strat copy. Trademarked or not.

[@shanewalton8888]

agree.

[@tattooed1979]

100% agree!

[@jerryeddy804]

Agree, completely. I commonly hear "It's just got more magic than a Fender" or "it's just set up so well"...or "you can tell the components are sooo much better"...does that warrant the huge jump in price compared to other Strat copies? Absolutely not.

[@669rd]

@@jerryeddy804 lol these are exactly the type of upgrades that are not worth upgrading to a Silversky for and further proof that silver sky is targeted at the newer player. With upgrades that costs a few cents. Like pots, plastic knobs and a few ‘proprietary’ components. Silversky got ‘ripoff’ written all over it. No thanks I’m happy to stick to my Strat.

[@markuyehara7880]

It's called being blinded by your fandom. The SS is better than any Fender production model, period. Unless you're playing a Custom Shop, 99% chance you have an inferior instrument.

[@saddle8bag]

Put a Callaham bridge on a Fender (or anything else for that matter). I've had them on a Fender and two Gibsons and they all sing forever like that afterward. I first bought it for an SG that had no sustain at all new. You wouldn't believe that such a simple part could make such an enormous difference, but it did. The other two weren't bad to begin with, but improved too.

[@0megalul309]

Makes me wonder why fender don't supply their guitars with proper trems in the first place, or even locking tuners. For some reason they prioritize matching headstocks over functionality.

[@leegollin4417]

I sounds like a Strat too.....Im interested because Im a Les Paul guy, but Im not totally dedicated to Fender....

[@sirbaronvoncount4147]

This guitar is a magnet for controversy. A guy can’t even tell his honest opinion without taking fire. I like this guitar- yes it is paying homage to a strat but it has many differences that less nuanced players may not notice or take into consideration. All tone and playability is subjective no matter how much people may hate that fact.

[@mikeenos4040]

Strat copy like many others have out just with some refinements.. 25 in scale,fender may a strat for John too but they had some kind of fall out so John went to Prs....basically just a custom strat.. like other custom builders make to your specs ,I have a James Tyler strat and it out plays my friends silver sky. So fender makes now about 20 different model strats ,signature and not counting custom shop models. Not dogging Prs because I have a McCarty soap bar gold top that is amazing and I tried the Gibson gold top 50 reissue with p90s and liked the sound of the PRS. But the silver sky is a everything that John likes on his vintage modified strat incorporated in a prs model ,just a custom strat... that's what is , his name on it put it out of reach for the average guitar player so now they have came out with a SE model which is only similar to the core model, I personally would just buy a fender player series they are just as good and same price range. My two cents

[@somethingbl]

Agreed on PRS humbuckers. I love how PRS guitars look and how they play, but their pickups are so flat sounding to me. I'm interested in trying a Silver Sky someday.

[@podfuk]

I like older ones HFS and Dragon 1(they are hot ceramic pups) than they struggeled long time trying to make more universal pickups, but failed until 57/8 and 59/09, they are imho really good PAF style pickups.

[@Squall6575]

Definitely try one out. I tried one side by side with an fender AVRI 57 and it made the reissue feel cheap.

[@RobertFisher1969]

I think the biggest reason that people gave PRS a hard time about the Silver Sky is that their overblown marketing copy played it off like it was a completely original design. If you make a guitar that looks so much like a Strat-no matter how much it might not be like a Strat in practice-you’re shooting yourself in the foot if you don’t acknowledge the inspiration and then say how it is different. Pretend like you’ve invented something wholly new and that’s going to get a negative reaction even if people don’t immediately recognize that they wouldn’t have had such a negative reaction if you’d presented it differently.

[@acepalacio8223]

That was the best explanation I heard on the silver sky,I own one and with 10 other strats ,I believe Paul refines the guitars he creates.My 594 McCarty is a refinement of my Les Pauls as my strats with the silver sky ,they are different animals.Thanks Dylan

[@allanflippin2453]

Dylan, Can you have another review of this guitar? For example, I'd like to hear all the pickup combinations. Also, you mention that the guitar "wants you to play clean", but what happens with some distortion? Can we hear what it sounds like? Thanks.

[@jackbandel]

Did you do anything to make the neck less sticky? I felt that too. Also do you recommend making the action a tad higher on the low and high E? Thanks.

[@WilliamHaisch]

This is the best PRS Silver Sky review I have seen. Thank you!

[@adrianhorn9000]

great review ive been thinking about selling my custom shop strat and getting one

[@oldmanzen6682]

I’ve got the midnight rose/maple neck Silver Sky, and I adore it. I have a few other PRS guitars as well, and am always baffled by people who insult the brand, or say they’re just for rich people. There are a wide range of guitars in their line-up and as far as I’m concerned most play beautifully. Anyway, great vid.

[@fritsvanzanten3573]

As far as I know John Mayer went building a signature Strat with Fender, but they couldn't agree/come to a satisfactory result and in the end he went to PRS to get it made like he wanted.

[@dbFretWorks]

Dylan, this is probably the best review and explanation of the SIlver Sky I have watched (and I’ve watched a ton of them). I have a Fender, a Suhr, and a Silver Sky and I believe you’re correct about the Silver Sky being the least Strat like. When I met Paul at the PRS Experience, he did talk about tone wood being important but he also talked about every part and decision of how you make a guitar either adds or subtracts from the performance or as you said efficiency. So, i think you’re spot on. I hope you get to talk to him. I’d love to hear about that conversation. Thanks for all of the great videos you do.

[@digital-guitars-uk]

Well done Mate. It's not a strat copy there's lots of comparison video's which are pointless as they are two completely different guitars both of which are pretty good. I'm lucky to have a Strat and a Silver Sky SE and like them both but I wouldn't do a compare video are there isn't any point. All my best wishes 👍👍👍👍😊😊😊😊🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@JoseSanchez-bp5pu]

I was shocked when you said you played through the spark, I was thinking man, I wish my spark 40 sounded like that!! I can’t get it to sound right

[@dr.stevenpennym.d.3241]

Excellent video and explanation of the silver sky. This is what a guitar should be in every aspect. I just purchased two of them. One with a Rosewood And one with the maple neck. My collection is complete. Four PRS guitars in four different flavors. Thank you for the great video an explanation

[@podfuk]

I would love to see discussion between Paul and Dylan!

[@jeffrey.a.hanson]

My only issue is the sneaky $700 price hike PRS pulled by first putting the Roxy Pink at $2,500, releasing the SE then moving all colorways to the Roxy Pink price. That’s a move I’d expect from Gibson, not Paul. Incredible guitar, tho. The neck will wear in. I’ve played used ones.

[@calcuttaslim9673]

Hey Dylan. The specs say the neck is scarfed, but from all the photos and vids I've seen, I can't locate the scarf joint. Have you identified the location? Is it so subtle as to be almost undetectable? John in Montreal

[@BlackDotPatrick]

Glad you love it. But to say it's not a Strat copy is nuts.

[@michaelhayes2794]

Thanks for the input. I hope you get to talk to Paul, and make a program out of your takeaway.

[@codyconrad7333]

That's the color I own. Wife aprooved as well.

[@GoofieNewfie]

What year is this guitar in the video? I ask because they changed the rosewoods, and pickups. I have a 22. The neck is quite thick. Of all my PRS, it is the largest, yes, even larger than a 594 which I also have. The maple neck is slightly smaller. It is built VERY well. The pickups are great. I feel it looks great. I do feel the knobs are a little cheap, and the my selector switch wobbles a bit....something my other 6 PRS have zero issues with. But while it feels like a PRS in build quality, it plays differently than my others. The neck is too different from any other PRS, and PRS makes some really good neck shapes, and this is all preference, but I feel their other neck shapes are better. BTW, I have a Mid 60's oval C Strat strat custom shop. The two are completely different. Oh, my Sky neck is also sticky.

[@BSPotter]

:38 "I've Never been a PRS fan" ad nauseam "This is SO PRS"

[@wtfchuck6192]

Great job JB! Now I'll be gassing for one of these! 😝

[@Glicksman1]

PRS makes very nice guitars and the Silver Sky is one of them. I'd have one. Alright. However, that it's such a good playing instrument does not in any way change the fact that it is a shameless Strat copy. If you played my '62 Strat (not a re-issue), I'd bet that you'd say that it's one of the best playing and sounding guitars you ever played. That goes for any number of great new and old guitars out here. A different headstock, neck, and bridge do not take it out of the category of "Strat copy". From the end of the neck to the bottom of the body, it's clearly a Strat, not "sort-of-like", but absolutely. It sounds like a typical Strat. You proved that with everything you played on it, and no two Strats sound exactly alike. I replaced my '62's bridge with a Callahan because the parts of the original bridge rusted out. It's still a Strat, nevertheless. Real Strats have every neck profile you can imagine. So, which one is a "real" Strat? Answer: they all are. Look, Dylan, I like you and your site, and I mean no disrespect, but IMO, the SS is a F-ing Strat copy and that's that.

[@pahwraith]

This ^

[@janzahalka9096]

A-men

[@Glicksman1]

@@rdmkeytohwy Well, apparently you didn't read my comment or did not understand it. I never said that the SS was not a good, even great guitar. I said that I'd have one. I have played it and I like it a lot. However, it's still a Strat copy, nevertheless. As for what is anyone's opinion, I think it's understood that most comments, including yours, contain someone's opinion. Some contain facts as well. Did you not read the "IMO" in my comment? What do you think that meant? You have no idea what I or anyone else would say about anything. Don't get above yourself. I notice the many imitations and emulations in the guitar/amp world that come to my attention. I have no problem with them or of the SS. I just call it as I see it. Peace to you.

[@eddiejr540]

Mr. Smith is a mad scientist...and if a guitar speaks to you and makes you want to play it, then it is a good guitar!!!

[@leonarddaneman810]

Neck width . . . my Elite Strat 55.5 @ the 22nd and 43mm @ the nut. Variations in neck width and radius is to accommodate playing styles, the flat wide neck more like a classical Spanish, to the thin early Strat necks that permit the 'thumb over' barre. The Elite is 9.5 to 14 inch compound . . . if I recall correctly. You got a bone nut? And the bridge is six-screw Vintage Strat . . . and the angles and spring tension make for a solid trem return. Mr. Smith is an engineer who plays guitar, and his design parameters, influenced by John Mayer, are part of the 'art' of the luthier. As for sound, a lot of it is where the pickups are placed, the strings producing different mathematical vibrations from the neck to bridge. And, the Silver Sky does sound like a Strat. I guess you would agree that the Silver Sky is perfect out-of-the-box, and you didn't want to tweak it (except string height) . . . like a Mercedes AMG SLR, mechanics won't touch it because it is perfect the way it is. I custom-wired my Strat to have the bridge pickup on the bottom tone knob, and may jump the middle p/u to the neck tone knob next time I open it up.

[@bozeeke]

Not only is it a copy, it's an expensive copy that looks like a cheap copy (very Yamaha Pacifica-ish).

[@DDE_ADDICT]

Very well described

[@MaurysMusic]

Well done! I admit I thought it was just a strat, since Mayer is (was?) a strat guy.

[@duaneforrand5253]

Agree it's not a strat copy, and it's not the only strat shape prs makes. My prs se custom 24 body is a strat outline, it has square sides like a Gibson but if you rounded out the sides like a strat, it would look like a strat. The se custom 24 also has a maple neck with a wide thin profile. It feels like my mim fender stratocaster. All my other prs guitars have mahogany neck with the wide fat profile. My point is that prs did not make a big leap to make a strat ish guitar. Put a pick guard with single coils on a rounded se custom 24.

[@bryantwalley]

That’s a beautiful color.

[@bardpendragon7229]

Thanks for your views on this guitar. I would love to try one, but our local store doesn't carry PRS (the joys of living in country Australia).

[@bardpendragon7229]

Also, please talk to Paul Reed Smith.

[@GMec78]

My question is have you played the old PRS EG (1,2 or 3)?

[@mikeomatic9905]

Has anyone? They’re super rare these days.

[@NoelHaven]

I have a few EG 4’s and a couple SE EG’s, and love ‘em. The US ones have much thinner necks which I like but both are great. Funny how those, nor DC3’s, don’t get the hate that the silver sky does. And as Dylan mentions, any other company can make a 3 single coil guitar without getting flack. Aggressive opinions are so fuuun 🥴

[@GMec78]

@@mikeomatic9905 Yes, as well as the PRS NF3. Nothing really new about the Silver Sky except it is associated with a particular player.

[@misterbeane]

I totally agree with what you’ve said here. After having mine for about 2 weeks now (got a used 2021 midnight rose, rosewood board, just like yours here, and in fantastic shape and only $1900!), I can confidentiality say it’s the least Strat-like Strat copy that I’ve played, as well. The best way for me to describe it is that PRS took a Strat and modernized/improved everything on the guitar about 10-20% or so. Some things are subjective (I.e. neck shape, board radius, looks of the headstock) but everything else is, IMO, objectively better than any Strat. I’d take the SS over a $150k vintage 60s Strat ANY day, and that’s EXACTLY what Mayer was trying to do with the SS (replace his vintage 64 Strat for touring purposes). As far as I’m concerned, the pickups alone are worth the price of admission, as there are no other pickups that are currently being made that come close to the sound of the 635JM pups. I’ve got Klein Jazzy cats, which, while great in their own right, don’t hold a freaking candle to the 635JM pups.

[@1scooterpilot1]

You address the model from and engineering perspective, which I like. For example, a Corvette always looked like a Corvette until the C8. People will always refer to it as a Corvette; however, it has transformed into a supercar. I view the PRS the same way. Yes, people will alway refer to it as a "strat" copy; whereas, the engineering design has transformed it into something that is other than a Strat, with the exception of aesthetics. The functionality and performance of the PRS is different, call it what you want.

[@nalukeko]

15:43 Sweetwater has been doing pre-orders for the SE if you call your rep. They'll ship promptly on the 11th

[@michaelgotthardt4727]

This was super helpful- I just traded for one of these & am picking it up today. I don't like strats, but I want something "stratish". This has been the most informative demo & review on this I have found. Great work, Dylan! Also, kudos to you for your humility and willingness to eat some crow- you are an example to all of us gear snobs

[@xF1revolution]

I bought a maple midnight rose on sale the day after Xmas, it is definitely a different playing experience. I will say PRS tends to nix harsh frequencies in their pickups, keeps things nice and smooth. It's just a different instrument. Absolutely love the neck carve. Honestly, my DGT neck feels much more like a Fender strat.

[@Pantalooj]

Not sure I would agree that it's not a copy of a Strat from a tonal perspective... the one I tried sounded like a quintessential, low output Strat, ie, perfection. I do agree that the playing experience is where the divergence is ... like playing a thoroughly well oiled machine that lets you forget the guitar while you're playing.

[@remy7721]

The neck and body are from such different aesthetic planets, it looks like it was cobbled together by a hobbyist to me. It may not be a "strat copy," but the body is sure very much like a stat. They maybe should have started with the headstock and neck and continued to modify the design for the body - tons of opportunities in the shape, pickups, knobs, pick guard, etc. to tweak the design.

[@ratspam7655]

If it's 7.25" radius neck with tiny frets then it's just variation on a 50's style Strat like so many Fenders. This PRS SE however has an 8.5" radius fretboard. Three single coils with volume and two tone controls and 5-way blade switch? Then it will sound like a Strat and it does. 09:07 Why make fun of people who care about the resonance of the instrument based on the acoustics of tone woods, etc. If you want to learn about what PRS himself cares out, then watch the oldest videos on his channel from about 9 years ago and you'll see him tapping all the woods with his knuckles and dropping metal pieces and nut blanks on the tabletop while he listens to them. What you are concluding is that low-volume manufacturer PRS has out engineered high-volume Fender. That's no surprise: he's a luthier and has his name on the headstock. You'd think that after 70 years, Fender and Gibson could make a guitar that is playable out of the box and stays in tune. PRS cares about this and makes any guitar they sell a worthwhile consideration and investment and companion.

[@Mpcoluv]

My Silver Sky SE is pretty strat like. It’s a slight refinement of a strat.

[@fulviosanna]

I'm sure is a well made guitar..but I just can't stand looking at that headstock coupled with that strat shaped body...I wonder why they didn't put some effort to design something different. I think it's quite horrible, but it's only my personal taste...😅

[@pickandstring]

Now i want one!

[@Iggytommy]

When the neck profile of the Silver Sky was designed, what did John Mayer specify and desire about it?

[@b.rodclark7349]

To me it's a Sky that comes in various colors besides silver, kind of like a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud in any color besides silver... it would be awesome that they made a hardtail version!