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

[@somedaygibson6894]

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

[@codyscott8687]

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

[@guitareveryone]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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. 🤔

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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. 🎸😎😁

[@PoseidonJ0e]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@rinzan28]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@fettuccinealraver]

Babe wake up Alamo music has a new demo riff

[@LuizFelipeFreitas]

Awesome playing, Cooper! Congrats!

[@52Tele]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@stuckinchaselandia6427]

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

[@SisGuitarGAS]

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

[@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.🎸

[@bigboibenz]

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

[@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 .

[@happytrails1963]

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

[@codyscott8687]

PRS has just a little more hair on the chest. Can’t go wrong with either so it’s all personal preference. But without playing them and feeling the necks, I prefer the sound of the PRS ever so slightly. However, I speak Spanish, and have an adopted loyalty to Mexico. So I may go that route 🤣

[@cybersectech3171]

Killer demo, love the hybrid picking!

[@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.

[@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).

[@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?

[@Pohlmeister63]

Fender for me as I can't get past that PRS headstock on a Strat. Very strange looking!

[@GabrieleSantoro]

That headstock Is imho the worst flaw of the guitar. It's horrible

[@dandepuff]

same here

[@GerryBlue]

Interesting, the Fender Headstock is the copyrighted part of the guitar, and the one I always look for when I see a 'S type' guitar, nothing beats it.

[@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.

[@jaredlackey9177]

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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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 👍

[@timoconnell]

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

[@haithamannaji4790]

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

[@Ike-VPN]

Is the PRS for those wanting heavier strings on a shorter scale than Fender to bend, but a Gibson bends too much?

[@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

[@crestiesmb75]

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

[@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.

[@kevinkeith3530]

One is timeless and original, the other is a PRS

[@jerryhorton5708]

Owned and traded off a bunch of the timeless and classic ones. I’m one of those who went straight PRS. Thank goodness there is something out there for everyone. We are so lucky to live in a time with so many quality instruments at whatever price point suits our budget

[@dezsokosa9182]

...absolutely true.

[@Cookie4yabro]

The best part about the Player 2 coming out is being able to buy a Player 1 for $300-$500 on the used market.

[@smmyers5956]

I do prefer the PRS headstocks. The headstock is my turnoff for Fender Strat and ESPECIALLY the Tele headstock. (HATE IT). LOL. For that traditional Quack you cant beat the fender. Well you can equal it. Just get a new set of pickups. Both guitars sound great tho. PRS has more chime.

[@djfuzzystump]

I'm with you. I LOVE the PRS headstock and can't stand a tele headstock.

[@adamgray8009]

I can only hope the Player II Strat is much better than the original Player series. I played a couple of those and they were both terrible. However, I’ve never played a bad PRS. For this I’m probably going with PRS and their better QC. Both look and sound good in the demo. BTW this is coming from a guy with a Custom Shop Strat, which I love, and not a PRS SS (but own other PRS), so I don’t think I’m really biased in this thinking.

[@Ol_Dirty_Brasky]

I'll take the PRS

[@matthewsommerville88]

Cooper is exactly what I think when I imagine humble Texan guitarists who can really make it song. A rare man who could rock the Willy pigtails lol

[@SweetPablo972]

I can’t get over the headstock on the PRS. Looks so goofy on a strat.

[@iancurrie8844]

Paused at 2:16. Cooper looks JACKED and also kind of "tired of everyone's crap".

[@ZenoIV]

The PRS will play in tune.

[@TaiChiBeMe]

I noticed that PRS have the best neck (relative to the strings) shape that I've played. The Fender necks are a bit too narrow and the 6th and 1st strings can slip off the neck for me.

[@1rgam3r]

I like the sound of the prs. A bit warmer. Is it “better”, not really but “out of the box” sound, I prefer the prs sound. Cheers.

[@bartbart4702]

PRS and Fender my two favourite necks 😄

[@RackhirTheRed]

I've acquired so many cases and gig bags over the years that they're just something taking up space at this point. But I'm 57 yrs old and only play the odd gig every once in a blue moon these days so... never mind.

[@lordoftheriffs3387]

On another note, I hope I get to be half as good a guitarist as this guy!

[@bsoundsrecordingstudio7059]

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

[@rcclitherow6707]

I don't understand the dealer location bit. With online sales it doesn't seem relevant in today's market. Food for thought. 🙂

[@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

[@johnwilkes681]

They’ll be a player lll soon and it might sound like the best Strat ever, until the next one.

[@CraigGriffiths]

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

[@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 !

[@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.

[@deborahmcalister3936]

PRS hands down! PRS Gig Bags are Killer!!

[@bgarza18]

The PRS has a fuller sound, not as scooped so it looses a bit of twang but I believe it’s more versatile

[@thejuggernaut5327]

I have both, play them daily!🎉

[@Jeremya74]

Why not make it were you have a choice to get a gig bag?..extra 40 more and you get a bag?

[@jimwoodard64]

I used to have a PRS SE Silver Sky. It definitely sounded better in this demo than the Player II. That said, I love my Ultra Strat, and the SE just didn't come close to feel or sound.

[@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

[@fadiinspace]

When i tried out 1gen silversky se the neck felt more comfortable. But some things are not mentioned in many of the reviews of the indonesian made prs . Like the prs nut isnt glued and pops out with strings change, the tuning is alittle worse, the hardware is inferior with many complaints that some of the parts get rust on them. I think the indonesian made guitars still have some way to go , not in the actual build but rather the quality of the parts and hardware used.

[@Jeremya74]

Why do they try and buy your 2013 prs when they can buy one off the internet?..theres plenty out there..its not the only one

[@tymanngruter1808]

This guitars are both nice, the P.R.S. will be the next 1969 Japanese Fender in the future IMHO! 😲

[@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)😀

[@josephlerz6889]

For me the Fender has the jingle, bell sound, but to me the Silver Sky SE is more thick or a crisper sound, maybe more mid sounding. I find for a single coil bridge, that the Silver Sky SE's is far better. I like the neck profile and the tuning stability of the silver sky and how it's 3 by 3 with the tuner pegs on the headstock. Sonically and with how it looks I still prefer the regular fender stratocasters.

[@Mexxx65]

Huh? Thats your comment?

[@ir8dudefpv]

Most mid level and up guitars used to all come with hard cases, and then dealers started stripping the cases and selling the case apart from the guitar. Well it was only a matter of time before that went away. Guitar manufacturers were losing money, and thanks to greedy dealers they took notice.

[@scaredypicker]

I love the set neck PRS designs: the 594, custom 24 and Satana etc, but the Silver Sky and NF53 just look so wrong with those headstocks… I’m sure they’re great guitars but I just can’t get past the look

[@fffff9299]

is SE made in usa?

[@MarkStearle]

Thinking of buying the Player,I have the PRS,do you think its redundent to buy the Player?

[@thesmellycatjazz]

Yes, but if you can afford it do it.

[@MarkStearle]

@@thesmellycatjazz I played it and I liked it

[@therainchannel01]

i like both the prs sounds more mellow

[@kristofer603]

What Song is the Long Haired fella playing on the demos?

[@scripteaze]

That's no feller, that's a lady

[@tbone2451]

I really like the warm sound of the se . The headstock isn’t a big deal to me. I don’t own one, I’ve been 95% fender but the color offerings of the players ll is a real let down. And still screwing in the trem arm is ridiculous !

[@CraigularjJoeWoodworks]

I don’t know what to say. A fender is the original and will never be bested by a PRs knock off. I’m sure it plays nice but it isn’t a strat

[@747lch]

Both sound very much "budget". I still have my Player 1 and the playability is very poor. I'd like to try out the PRS

[@thesmellycatjazz]

You're tripping. Kingfish literally toured with a Player. So it might be you, and not the guitar.

[@edalvarez8901]

The silver sky feels like a good guitar but the neck shape isn’t for me so I’m gonna have to go fender

[@____44444]

What song is he playing?

[@sluys1999]

Is the tone knob at 10 on both? I always dislike that

[@tomnelson5815]

I still begrudge the copycat PRS thing, and don't get me started on the headstock. But if I could get the Silver Sky vibrato on the Strat I already own, bingo!