I Tried the New "PRS Telecaster" | 2023 PRS Myles Kennedy NF53 Review + Demo

[@Trog]

Should I try the base model NF53 next? 🟢My Website: www.troglysguitarshow.com 🔴Reverb: reverb.com/shop/troglys?_aid=growsumo&gs_partner=Trogly 🐕 Private Help Sessions: troglysguitarshow.com/help-appraisals/

[@coolcgaemer]

im sorry did you meen Bass and not base becas you sead base\

[@sassycat]

Yes, yes you should.

[@Hurricane9146]

You gotta get the new Tom Delonge Fender, never did do the OG. Preorders out at Sweetwater and Guitar Center

[@atheist-karate-guy]

Everyone is allowed to throw their money away…but if it were me, I would stay away… the resale value for something like the Kennedy must be close to nothing,

[@jimmyjames2022]

Worth adding how different the cutaways are between the MK and the NF53. MK cutaway comes off at 19th fret, NF53 cutaway comes off at 21st fret. And the horn shapes are different too. They really are two completely different "T" models.

[@Trog]

Good eye!

[@FumbleHead]

. . and the NF53 has an offset body

[@jimmyjames2022]

@@FumbleHead wow it is, now that's a good eye!

[@joegoesretro]

I can totally see the SE version of this, or the NF53 being a pretty good seller. I kinda dig the idea, but not the price tag.

[@DavidHBurkart]

...and hopefully, a lot more Tele-like. This in an SE version might actually do pretty well

[@martyshwaartz971]

@@DavidHBurkart I disagree. Teles already exist, I’m glad that they did something a bit different. I would consider the SE if it gets the same features.

[@HelterSkelter199]

Leo did a lot of this 40 years ago with G&L. The Special might be a little more what you thought the PRS would be(without the PRSness) and a fantastic sounding guitar if you get a chance to play one. The fat single coils are really cool, but I've always been a sucker for a Tele with a p90 or a HB in the neck.

[@seattleday9690]

I love a humbucker in the neck on Telecasters.

[@slamcrank]

40 years ago? G&L still make them :) ... and I like the G&L much better than this PRS. I played one of the PRS NF53's late last week and I didn't like it at all. Didn't like the neck shape. Didn't like the "DD" pickups. Didn't like the frets. And the finish is ... weird - like it's a thick poly? And to top it all off, the tuning machines are wacky. LOL. It's a total swing and a miss for me on this T-style guitar. But I'm sure there will be people who love them!

[@akwamarsunzal]

@@slamcrank 100% agree about G&L.... Fantastic guitars and, I agree, "better" that this PRS Tele. The only thing that this PRS wins on is how ugly it looks! The Tele is a workhorse and never been the prettiest looking guitar but this PRS takes it wo a whole new level at a crazy price!

[@slamcrank]

@@akwamarsunzal Totally agree. That price is insane!

[@steveparish9210]

I only have 2, and their both American made but both have been fantastic guitars. My favorite has single coil, humbucker

[@fergusuan7371]

I really like how alternative they are and the mini humbuckers... But a 3 piece body and scarf jointed neck... This should be the SE model.

[@BaltimoreRockGuitar]

I bought an NF53 last week. Yes, a little expensive but once I played it I wasn’t leave the shop without it. Plays fantastic like most of the other PRS guitars I’ve played. Love the voicing of NF53 pickups and the neck profile is the best PRS neck I’ve played so far. Really happy I went and tried one out for myself.

[@kenfee8170]

Were you able to try the MK version? I have tried the NF53 and liked it a lot but need to play the MK version before making a decision

[@BaltimoreRockGuitar]

@@kenfee8170 No not yet. I haven’t found any in stock locally. Can’t wait to try it though.

[@revelationsoundstudio]

I found the neck to bulky for my taste even though it was playable. The new 335's with the calibrated pickups have a large neck but much more comfortable to play

[@steelpatriot2xx]

My PRS CE 24 from the mid nineties had a 3 piece maple top. I’ve always loved it. Just for being different. I wish I had it still. It was beautiful and played so easily.

[@GuitarBeard]

I think this is a guitar for people who don’t care about telecasters but love PRS guitars. I can’t stand the look of those at all but in sure they’re nice players. Thanks for the video as always 🐉

[@Mo_Taser]

Same.

[@segueoyuri]

Thanks man. I was really hoping someone would demo the clean middle positions like you did.

[@Madakalim]

I dont think Fender has anything to worry about.

[@MatthewFant]

Bridge is the same as the vela. I love that guitar.

[@justingallion4902]

honestly you saved me the want to buy one of those!!! I have been wanting to dip my toes into PRS but I cant find one that sounds better than a Fender or Gibson.

[@JoeDread316]

594

[@liamplunkett5100]

That bridge sounds incredible with some dirt! Pretty cool guitar

[@danpritchett5617]

I just bought my new SQUIER 40TH ANNIVERSARY TELECASTER! A spectacular guitar. Black with gold hardware. $399. I'll enjoy hanging out with it FAR MORE than I ever would for the over priced PRS thing. I've owned far more than 100 guitars. And I've got 16 now. Four Les Paul guitars. Don't get me wrong. I've had lots of PRS guitars. Two Artist series 24 guitars. Gold hardware. I've met Paul and have heard him speak. He autographed the back plate on one of my guitars. I've had an SE PRS. That was worth every dollar. Was about $500. No chance on this thing. NO CHANCE.

[@BearBearBearNERDFUN]

Same here my first PRS SE standard mahogany body is awesome so is my Zack Myers simi hollow body and my blue black hollow body II. I love them all.

[@fairguinevere666]

Ash is currently being absolutely decimated by a fungal disease in the USA. In Europe it killed something like 90% of their Ash trees. There's still some and proactive culling of trees infected with it means it'll take a while for the shortage to become especially felt, but a company like fender has enough momentum to their production and likely does enough of the processing in house they need to be proactive.

[@rocknroll4ever7]

Your videos are great!

[@erickleefeld4883]

Mini-humbuckers are great stuff. Seems odd to see them so rarely in the major production guitars.

[@Kahuna54]

I own the Jimmy Page Dragon Tele that’s a MIM but I love it! I played a USA and the fit and finish of the MIM was better IMO! I also own a 1991 USA Strat that plays great but my overall favorite guitar is my LPGT!😂

[@dougiemcclure]

Great thorough review... as always!

[@USWNTfan101]

I’m a bit biased since my favorite guitar I own is a PRS CE24. But I appreciate PRS willing to take some liberties with a “classic” guitar. That bridge is super interesting. I’m excited to try one at some point. But $3k for it is a bit steep for me. If I like it, I will probably be looking for a used version for a better deal.

[@andrewbeverly7718]

These look pretty cool and they sound great, and as a primarily acoustic player that only ever plays teles when I do play electric, I will inevitably get one (though I might wait for an SE version, considering I like the SE Silver Sky more than the original made in America model). That said, if we are paying $3,000 for a guitar, I think a hard shell case should be included rather than a gig bag. Ridiculous.

[@jordanwilkinson1]

At 9:00 minutes in Trogly says the PRS is 15.5 inches from the neck pocket and the regular Tele dimension is 15.75. but he stated that the 15.5 was + .25 inches which would actually be - .25 inches compared to the Tele, he also says the thickness is + .07 inches bit it would be - .07 inches as well. I love watching these videos and learning about the specs!

[@Zebraworm-fj6kn]

I personally like the standard NF 53 way better than the Myles Kennedy one because the standard one is just the bare bones, workhorse guitar expected from a T style guitar. The Myles Kennedy version has the 5 way toggle switch and and the coil splitter, it does way to much and takes away from that classic T style feel in my opinion

[@StupidGuitar]

Also think the pickups have more twang on the NF53

[@gibby3820]

That's fair, but you have to keep in mind it was built as a workhorse for myles and his music, not to be authentic to someone else's model

[@BigJohn95]

Not a coil split, just a tone roll off

[@kevinp8758]

The bridge is the same as the Vela from the S2 line. I like mine, comfy and adjustable.

[@chuckburns9900]

Enjoy watching all your episodes. Glad to see you're branching out. Have you ever documented Heritage Guitars and if not are considering it? Keep up the interesting episodes.

[@guyincognito1423]

Im sure he was contacted by Heritage, just like Heritage has contacted every other youtube guitarist in the past few weeks.

[@joukovaananen5951]

Great review as always!

[@paulraider2001]

For that kind of money, I might as well buy a Les Paul.

[@atquinn1975]

I think this might be the finest guitar review I've seen. Subscribed. As for this particular guitar model, this was an instant no go as there is no rosewood fretboard. In general, PRS' "clone" guitars don't appeal to me at all, but I'm sure they wouldn't be making this if they weren't sure here was a market for it.

[@SteveOuimette]

I love that PRS always brings some niceties to guitar design. Little things that make a big difference, like the way they designed the bridge, and the screws/springs for the pickups. But man, that is one homely guitar. Such a mismatch of looks with that super bright fingerboard with bird outline inlays, the traditional Tele-like body and color, odd pick guard shape and PRS headstock. Just looks really random. That said, it doesn't sound like a Tele and it has a wide range of tones. For my money I'd prefer a Tele or an LP, though this is neither, and that's OK too.

[@Dead_Remnants]

Yup looks like crap and not a true tele sound.....no sir I dont like it

[@sixslinger9951]

They lost me at $3000 with this one. no way that is worth $3k and I'm a PRS owner and fan.

[@attichatchsound-bobkowal5328]

I like that bridge. Surprised the pickguard is plastic. I thought they said the pickguard was brushed metal. Sure looks like it.

[@rubbadubdub6543]

It would look a lot better to me if the neck wasn’t so horribly pale. I guess it will get darker with age, but maybe not if it’s kept in a case, which is what I would do with a 3k guitar. I think, if I wanted a nice but slightly different tele copy, I’d be looking for a Yamaha Mike Stern for a tenth of the price.

[@gorlagOv]

The bridge is the same bridge as the PRS Vela. It’s a great design.

[@clarkbabin9799]

That bridge is significantly different from the lFender Telecaster bridge. I'm wondering if you have the same or less adjustability.

[@kevinjenner9502]

The bridge is from the PRS Vela.

[@Normal_knees05]

If you really want a tele with an ash body, build a custom Kiesel retro solo. You can get get 2-piece swamp ash, 1-piece swamp ash, or 1-piece roasted swamp ash.

[@JohnnyBGoode9]

In this episode: Trogly encounters a guitar with light weight and good finish QC. Weird. Who'd have thought it was possible?

[@xaphan8581]

Yeah I know it’s why I’ll never by another one. Like I love Gibson but not enough to own one. The last one I got the fucking nut on the e string was filed below the fret so I either have to replace the grey or what I did for a temp fox was put a piece of plastic in it to raise the string. Then on the volume when they drilled it out I think their drill bit and took a top layer of wood out and so there’s an obvious ducking hole around the volume knobb

[@minobu75]

Obviously NOT a Gibson, cheers. 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😁

[@danpritchett5617]

Lol

[@bradconklin2878]

Ha, ha.

[@sstace69]

But comes with only a gig bag 😅

[@jagged_little_phil]

I keep hearing people say that these are "just under the price of a Fender Custom Shop Telecaster", but if you get on Reverb you're gonna have a hard time finding a Fender CS tele that isn't between $4,000 and $6,000 bucks (comparing Brand New prices of course). Having played both the Fender CS instruments and this same model of PRS, personally I felt the PRS was the better buy. Also, good luck finding a Fender that is under 8 lbs, much less under 7.

[@alexh3153]

What are the dimensions of those pickups? Would they fit in a p90 route?

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Does NF stand for Nothing Fantastic?

[@peejay6930]

Not Fender

[@Elaleyelunivese]

Perfect 3 pieces, Big one in the center. Thats the way to do it right

[@kevinjenner9502]

Bridge is from the PRS Vela.

[@joermnyc]

New Alex Lifeson signature from Epiphone announced today. It costs more then the old sunburst one (though it now has quilt top veneer under a transparent Ruby finish and gold hardware), BUT they deleted the piezo system. Maybe the rumor that the old signature was priced way too low and Epiphone was losing money with every sale is true.

[@phcgt6353]

I agree with the "telecaster way of playing" - my FMT Tele "makes" me play in a far different way to my Std Player Telecaster....both together cost about a 1/4 of the price of that one 😂

[@monstrok]

I am a bit shocked that the strings don't align with the pole pieces on the bridge pickup.

[@rudypospisil4094]

I'm a bit shocked that PRS is bundling a $3000 guitar with a gig bag and not a hard shell case. Are their margins that slim on this guitar?

[@billthepainter5106]

There’s a bug called the Emerald Ash Borer that is decimating ash trees. I wonder if that’s having an effect on the availability of ash wood.

[@mikeomatic9905]

I want to say so, but I also had a PRS Cu24 Wood Library from 2017 that also had a 3-piece ash body. Unless the ash scarcity has been going on a lot longer than I thought?

[@StupidGuitar]

@@mikeomatic9905oes back at least to 2018 and that article talked about it like it had been happening for a while. Even found an article from 2012. It also seems like the bigger issue is finding big trees which may more explain the need for 3 piece bodies

[@frankw9619]

That bridge pickup! Wow!

[@silverman169]

Glad we got to see the Myles Kennedy model here. I was actually pretty impressed with the gnarly dirt tones from the bridge pickup. I kinda like that the shape is a bit ugly and has its own charm. This shape definitely benefits with more modern colours.

[@samlelowitch]

I like the sound of this guitar. It strikes me a more polite than aggressive, but in a good way. However, if I was prepared to spend almost $3,000, I would more likely go for a Rickenbacker 360.

[@Full_Deflection]

For 3 grand it needs a one piece body, a hard case, and impeccable finishing.

[@michaelaiello9525]

The white dog haired version appeals to me actually… which is a rare experience for me with PRS guitars; I usually find them somewhat dorky, “dad rock” guitars. I do like the 4 screw bridge. I know PRS guitars are made really well, but most of them just don’t immediately compel me. Hopefully, I get to try the dog haired versions,… but I have too many Fenders and Gibbies ahead of this model in the wish list line up for me to seriously consider the PRS T Style

[@pedramabdollahi7333]

You should have tried NF53. I like that one way better than MK signature.

[@Kahuna54]

I really like the Zack Myers PRS, it was a good player and sounded great!

[@BearBearBearNERDFUN]

Have have the Zack Myers simi hollow body and it's great! I also have the hollow body II blue also awesome.

[@edgarpoureshagh6023]

I actually really like this guitar, but a 3-piece body for a 3k guitar doesn't feel right to me. I'd rather they just not use ash if it's getting harder to find.... maybe Korina?

[@edgarpoureshagh6023]

i do love the wood overlay on the headstock though.

[@daniellowry660]

Some have 3 piece others have 2 piece bodies

[@patrikgibbons7560]

I absolutely love my PRS strat style

[@judethedewd7304]

I really like these. I think the reason people don’t like these is because the price and the fact that people are calling a telecaster. But I think it’s a really cool guitar you just need to think of it as something that’s not a tele

[@StupidGuitar]

Yeah it’s sad all these KZbinrs keep saying tele. PRS isn’t for multiple reasons.

[@kevinbaker6750]

The hunter green makes the birds look like ducks.

[@sassycat]

Are the pickups the same for both models? 🤔

[@samiam5557]

no

[@f33fifofum]

Like the bridge, curious about the pickups but realistically can only see this appealing to PRS fans who want a Tele style guitar. Otherwise it's a hard pass.

[@allenjames-j3l]

Hopefully You would do a review on YAMAHA REVSTAR RSS20 standard or RSS02T standard model.

[@paulwilliams1045]

Just a note, the bridge isn’t new. It is off a PRS Vela.

[@sanjsurativideo]

Sounds lush 🙌

[@TM-ev2tc]

I would like to see you do a review on a Buck Owens Fender Telecaster after your 4th of July Special video.

[@smop]

All of the PRS guitars I’ve held have felt and played great; I just really don’t like the look of the inlays or headstock shape. Shouldn’t matter, but when you’re spending that kind of money…

[@ChicagoBulls1984]

I'll take dot inlays over birds anyday

[@disco4535]

I LOVE these. I'm just having a hard time stomaching the price for what it is. Will probably get one anyway eventually, or maybe find one used.

[@Geetarman69420]

Yeah seriously. Scarf joint, 3 piece body, and a gig bag. Personally I’d go for an American deluxe tele for the money

[@susanholt56]

You should review the Friedman Vintage T with P90's and the Buckers.......

[@TayTayKemp]

I’m so glad you’re doing this review!!! Haven’t even watched it yet 😂

[@BrockOfBodom]

If they put out an SE version it’ll definitely be a buy for me

[@sassycat]

Same, I'll wait for the SE NF53.

[@mtg_sanctuary542]

This has some Squier Classic Vibe vibes… scarf joint, three piece body… at least it comes with gigbag… for 3k…

[@estenray5385]

What are you talking about? None of my 4 squire Tele’s has a scarf joint neck and I have yet to see one that does! All one piece necks with skunk stripe!

[@robinkhoury5579]

Mr Kennedy signed a T-shirt for me a while back and I can confirm this is his signature on the neck plate

[@ksmooththeengineeringdude]

Actually NF stands for "Not Fender" haha

[@jefffletcher2614]

It’s not a new bridge design. They’ve used that on the Vela for many years now.

[@Trog]

Good to know - first time I remember encountering it

[@ChrisShortyAllen]

Looks fantastic and clearly designed well. A truly modern instrument. The Fender appears well OOD in comparison but it has soul whereas the PRS lacks something despite the quality. No hard case? That seems mean.

[@riverrail]

I've would like position 2 and 4 be in series and see how that sounds. The price, it's not for me.

[@justingallion4902]

did you tune that guitar flat?

[@marions.120]

At $2899 it should come with a hardshell case.

[@JimDewdGuitars]

Hey trogly! Love your videos and was just curious if you would ever review a custom shop guitar like Kiesel? I'd be interested in letting you review one of mine if you'd be interested. I have about 14 models to chosoe from, headless and headstock. If they are not really your thing I totally understand and no worries.

[@brunoantony9257]

why is the middle position always fun?

[@doe53]

It's not always fun. It's just for fun.

[@richszmal1653]

What is next for PRS??? Flying v,explorer,sg??

[@GearGasms]

Nice job! Go Trogly!

[@ethanhitchcock5431]

Myles Kennedy looks like Jared Leto & Kevin Bacon smooshed togetherz...The PRS ' Tele' looks fuggin weird , but at least its not such a lookalike like the Silver Sky...I like the wood & finish , also the owl is cool...Thanks Trogly !

[@zaccarter3801]

My core issue for PRS: at every tier and budget level, there is something else I would consider for the money. Se, s2, Core and customs, each tier level has amazing competition and I just have yet to play a PRS that sounds the way I want (at the time). I’ve played a lot of them too. However each one I played was stunning in terms of look and detail.

[@jbbourbon178]

The Tele killed it

[@Lovetone1983]

Struggling with how they can get away with 3 peice body on a transparent finish on a $3000 guitar. The lack of option for string thru body. Lack of locking tuners on the standard (but same price) model is really confusing too. Generally feel this is just a cheap feeling thing. I think if you like/want one the Miles K signature has a lot more to offer (relatively) . No hardcase too. Joke!

[@keithsmith9889]

Well sounds fantastic with some dirt

[@Chris-wy7je]

Pretty sure Phillip Mcknight said that the bridge design is something they they make under license rather than being their own design if that’s of interest to anyone. I rather like it.

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

I’m waiting for an SE model to come out, then to go on sale. Not worth it to me on the expensive models.

[@penzrule9192]

Only Tele you ever need is the Kotzen Tele. And it's an ash body!

[@iwaspaidtoflywithyoubatman]

1:38 that isn't such a "regular" telecaster but ok😂

[@psutter5]

H E double toothpicks! Scarf joint, gig bag? 2800? 3 piece body? Buy a Gibson for that price that makes more sense. You keep it it gains value. Resale again make money or come damn close to breaking even. This thing, no way. Don't get me wrong, looks beautiful sounds aggressive its the price. Maybe 1900 to 2200 and that's still high but I'd be more accepting. Need a hard case with case candy. When you start buying guitars for 1500 or more it best come with a hardshell case. Gig bags for that high dollar guitar is a joke. That alone I will never even contemplate or think of buying one. A MK signature come on hardshell case with an Alter Bridge logo (the blackbird) on the case. That would be sweet.

[@zepptar]

A rich man’s Tele…

[@AlishaJussab]

SE gen 4 is such a step up

[@larrynoe6162]

Myles Kennedy is a bad ass. I like the mini humbuckers in it.

[@BubblesBubbles]

Why is there never a link so we can directly check these guitars? Just curious...

[@michaelaiello9525]

The more I think about it, I can find a ES345 for less than this … and a handful of other essential guitars. I mean 28 to 29 hundred can get you an essential heritage guitar.

[@danjudson5661]

The duck wins it!

[@steveparish9210]

Wow this guitar certainly generated the comments section!

[@rudiyantohalim736]

I prefer string through body bridge

[@johnwasha6594]

Should've been the Greg Koch PRS.......

[@jonscudder759]

It’s a little pricey for what it is. New flavor of guitar is pretty cool though. And Miles is the shit too.