John Mayer Silver Sky

John Mayer Silver Sky
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[@ivarsnorrijonsson8377]

Imagine getting offended by a slab of wood

[@mickm8028]

He said you can make me a prs if it looks like fender, sounds like fender, has same radius and neck profile of a fender.has a vibrato like a fender

[@mfc9127]

New Keys cry about it

[@Tanikaze2]

@New Keys i like how you replied to a post that said "Imagine getting offended by a slab of wood " by getting mad about a slab of wood

[@timf7413]

@New Keys What's wrong with that? He'likes Strats, he likes PRS guitars, he asked PRS to build a Strat to their build quality and his specs.

[@seikatsu4life]

@@timf7413 I think the important thing people keep missing here by johns own admission, while he was with fender he wanted to improve the design they(fender) didn't/couldn't work with him on it so he went to someone who would. It seems to me fender just wanted his name not his insights on HIS signature model.

[@andrewmwhitehouse9726]

I find your lack of Slow Dancing in a Burning Room quite disturbing.

[@vvavie4858]

Andy White_2283 I find your disturbing dancing of room lack a quite slow burning.

[@rurichan6455]

I disturbing lack of slow burning your find.

[@lablondejames200]

I lack burning your slow find of disturbing a room

[@FinnAndJamie]

There’s a slow dancing burn in my disturbing room!

[@siegmac3267]

My burning room disturbing the dance.

[@johntaylor7496]

I guess making the best Les Pauls wasnt enough for PRS.

[@Ughwhatevs]

So true. Still love Gibson and Fender but man does PRS make better versions of both.

[@shawnadams1693]

I’m waiting for a PRS Tele!

[@graybryan9521]

@@shawnadams1693 Strandberg made a nice headless version. :)

[@davidburke2132]

J Well... if only you’d put a question mark on the end of that sentence I’d have had to have answered “no”. 😜 As a Les Paul fan there’s something about the Gibson ones that PRS doesn’t match to me, especially when you’re talking Gibson Custom Shop (which let’s be honest, if you’re doing a fair comparison with Core PRS models that’s the price level you’re often looking at). And I’m clearly not alone... Paul gifted Lee Anderton with a 594 singlecut but what Les Paul style guitar does Lee gravitate to for videos and demos and has admitted on video he prefers? His 58 Reissue Gibson Les Paul. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@tcrane8630]

Bam !!!!!! Hahahah

[@vDomMusic]

It's weirdly perfect for playing Chili Peppers songs.

[@xF1revolution]

Its a strat, so yeah!

[@ElDuderino502]

Something that expensive should come with a hardshell case. I also find it kinda' strange that it has plastic tuning keys.

[@rickjason215]

I thought the same thing. Maybe give you a choice. The plastic tuning keys were probable to increase profit.

[@rickjason215]

jeffrey cotton I agree. The plastic tuning keys is no big deal. They are trying to keep the weight down. The case thing is ridiculous, at that price point.

[@rickjason215]

jeffrey cotton The artists get dozens of free guitars. A cheap guitar probably cost almost the same as a 2 grand one. How much does Mahogany cost for a guitar in the amounts of wood they buy? I guess endorsements, marketing etc. is the real cost.

[@mikew9788]

Just got mine today in tungsten, love the guitar but the case definitely sucks!

[@TheDaniellouis]

You guys can buy a hard shell case for $50 on wish. Go try and play that guitar and you'll see why it's priced that way. The thing is amazing

[@3v3ryDayGam3r]

Great review Phillip! I just wanted to let you know, and you probably know this, but the reason they come from the factory with "high" 1.5mm action is because of John's playing style. I play with a similar attack as he does, and I can attest that you do need a higher action to be doing things like raking and pre bending, otherwise the string will hit the fretboard and the note will die. Additionally, for me personally and a lot of other players, high action makes it easier to bend and vibrato, as we can "dig in" more to the fretboard and really squeeze a note out! I'm sure you knew this, but just in case there are any new(er) guitar players here on the channel and looking through the comments, I just wanted people to know that high action isn't necessarily a bad thing. Cheers!

[@theharvardyard2356]

Am I the only one who thinks this body with this headstock looks good? I think it's a very classy look.

[@jakeMFbacon]

No I think it looks better than the normal strat which I've never been a huge fan of

[@soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342]

I think it looks like shit. At least paint the head stock a color that doesn't look like a greedy corporation couldn't wait to half ass toss maple onto this thing as fast as possible...

[@Nikoo033]

It does look better than the traditional fender strat headstock.

[@kitano0]

They have won me over, those pickups sound beautiful. But I hate the grey/silver one...that white horn just looks terrible.

[@jeffreymarkanich6076]

Love the headstock on this and the silver is my favorite color. I have 3 custom shop strats and this guitar is right with them in fit, finish and playability. I find myself reaching for this guitar more than any other. Something about this SS just inspires me.

[@ryanboshell6124]

Gibson: ‘we’re gonna sue Dean for having a similar shape’ Fender: Is the Silver sky a joke to you?

[@fragtagninja1633]

That's not how it works man. And Gibson is probably going to lose that suit.

[@arbazann]

That... doesn't make sense.

[@GotMeStumped]

Hey come on Phillip, play authentic 😂

[@neatspy]

Really like the look and sound of this guitar but a gig bag??! Come on....

[@loganhouge]

guitar obsession they’re actually REALLY nice bags, I believe they’re the Incase type bags and they’re EXPENSIVE

[@JayJapanB]

@@loganhouge Regardless, gig bag is garbage for the price of the guitar.

[@loganhouge]

JayJapanB so you’ve personally purchased one of these guitars and have analyzed the gig bag for yourself to make an honest and experienced opinion to publicly speak about it?

[@richardthomas3413]

When I bought my JM Fender signature back in 2005 it aslo came with a gig bag so I think it's a JM thing.

[@tedtriestech8864]

When i lowered the action at the bridge the screw tops were super sharp. I called them about it and they told me to file it. I thought this was strange for such an expensive guitar.

[@andrewmize823]

I'm not knocking the guitar. It's obviously a well-made instrument, and it sounds good. I'm just saying that the Stratocaster has been copied by just about everyone at this point, and given the opportunity to have a custom signature instrument, I'd try just a little bit harder to come up with something new and different.

[@dash0173]

the start has been copied so many times because it's literally the poster child for "guitars" in pretty much everyones mind ever. it's an icon of generations

[@givemeajackson]

If you're john mayer and you've played strats all your life, of course your sig is gonna be a strat of sorts. I also don't know why people are so pissed about this particular. there are way more blatant strat copies out there. This one at least has a different body shape, a different headstock, different tuner layout different inlays... It's very much a PRS take on the concept.

[@HPayne62]

@@givemeajackson You hit the nail on the head. Mayer originally went to Fender in the mid '10s and wanted to try and modernize the Strat, but they wouldn't do it, but PRS would. And the rest is history.

[@I.am_Groot]

I still have not played a Silver Sky. They look like a Strat. Cool. The tone of the pickups sounds to my ear like the Fender Custom shop put out a ceramic Strat pickup. Kind of like eating all organic pizza. You know its supposed to be better.. but the greasy slice from the shop on the corner is still much more satisfying

[@bipbipletucha]

Yep

[@seansyw143]

Having tried this side by side a a few custom shops through a single amp. I can honestly say is sounds better than most Fender CS, barring tomatillo strats. It’s not the nicest looking thing, but it sounds absolutely fantastic

[@I.am_Groot]

@@seansyw143 Cool.. so here is a question. If the pickups were available to purchase and put into a Strat would you still want the Silver Sky? Or just the pickups...

[@seansyw143]

Thunder Buddy I dislike the way the silver sky looks in person, so I would swap out pickups, but the neck feels great imo. It’s great strat for the price,if you must buy new. Used guitars are more my style and budget

[@I.am_Groot]

@@seansyw143 I have not owned a Custom Shop Fender, but my vintage re-issue had an amazing neck, near noiseless CS pickups, and was just over $1000 used with case. With Custom Shop stuff being available used in the low $2000s it just makes more sense to me get a great playing Fender and swap the pickups.

[@alexcorll90]

Something really unique about the sound vs other strats, it has an almost acoustic quality to the tone, sounds really resonant. Not quite as woody sounding as Fender, more note separation and clarity I think. The look is polarizing for sure, but I like it. For me it reminds me of the 'space age' aesthetic of the 50s, so still has some vintage influence, but more precise and modernized. I like the bird inlay too, makes me think of Goro Takahashi jewelry.

[@tricko2286]

Was a SERIOUS skeptic (not a PRS fan) but my new JMSS is the best guitar I’ve played (and I own a few CS Strats, Cutlass, Nash, etc.. those are awesome but...)... I didn’t think it was possible and really didn’t want it to be ... but can’t fight the truth 🙃

[@soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342]

Now you can run out of the doors of your high school screaming at the top of your lungs... Like a total sissy lololol.

[@unodeldim3610]

Well A month ago I went to GC with the full intention of buying a G LP. My experience as a lifetime fender player is that you should buy the guitar you play... well I found the one. But just to be sure, I decided to try other guitars. I tried a PRS custom 22 SE. The quality and tone was surprisingly great for the price range. Then I tried the S2 version and is my opinion it blew the Gibson out of the water.... there was no comparison. I walked out with the S2 custom 24. I still want a LP at some point because we’ll.... it’s RocknRoll, but I cannot find a better instrument than the PRS.

[@madcat5965]

Okay, Paul...

[@Nikoo033]

Juan Cardona same experience. And for Les Paul I’ll go for an Eastman SB.

[@sheercerebralpower]

Same here...own genuine 50s and 60s strats which are all great. The SSky is the best strat I own and I work with every day in the studio....

[@Jon-en3jz]

I think this a a great guitar. I’m not downplaying how great it is. I actually like the MusicMan Cutlass better. The neck is what separates it for me.

[@dirtyrottensinnermusic3212]

Jon I understand completely. I had a music man Luke that I traded for a PRS because I didn't like the music man neck profile.

[@Jon-en3jz]

It’s just a matter of preference. It’s what feels best in your hands. Both are great guitars and guitar makers.

[@soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342]

Yeah rotten... A luke isn't a cutlass but yeah man...

[@jaredholton3145]

I would like to preface my comment. This is not me trying to be negative to folks who have and enjoy this guitar, just my own opinion (gasp, free thinking...). I feel like when I look at this guitar I can appreciate the beauty of it. But, if I close my eyes and just listen to it, I have recently played both squire and MIM strats that blow this thing out of the water tone wise. Now, do they feel and play as good? I could not say, I have not played the PRS. But, for the price of a MIM or classic vibe squire you could get a professional set up and be off and rocking way under the PRS price point. Again, not trying to knock this guitar or those who enjoy it. Just don’t understand the price point versus other strat style options.

[@sinjon]

Jared Holton totally agreed. I’ve heard Squiers that sound far better than this

[@justinfrakes4186]

You're judging the tone of a guitar you've never played by the sound on a KZbin video?

[@rjroth4869]

Guess it's a matter of taste. I like the sound of this better than any Fender Strat I've ever heard.

[@dostacos1]

Justin Frakes not just a KZbin video, but a KZbin video with sound recorded just with the camera microphone. Come on peeps.

[@267koko]

You good Phil? Sounded pretty sick. Don’t get burnt out on us man. Take care of yourself first. We can wait lol.

[@12south31]

Just got the Silver Sky in Tungsten like the one in the video. Blown away, great guitar!

[@Bourgeault]

I've owned a couple of PRS over the years (an SE, which of course, was not pro quality and and very nice CE22 that I unfortunately sold. I was intrigued by the JM PRS Strat and watched this and other videos. Played one at the local GC and bought it. After some tweaking of the truss rod and switching out the horrible PRS strings, the guitar plays great. I agree that the best thing about the guitar is the pickups. I do like the headstock shape. Two negatives...a guitar that costs 2K should have better quality (aesthetically) wood for the neck. The grafted on headstock reminds me of the many $200 guitars out there. The other negative is the gig bag. Come on PRS, provide a case, even if you add $100 to the price. I got the Tungsten, just like the video. Try one out!

[@jerrystephenson1172]

I just don't understand a PRS Fender & the headstock looks horrendous on it. Seems PRS could do better like the way they did w/the LP & do it one better.

[@jakehadlee375]

Surprisingly- bearing in mind the build quality of most PRS guitars - I found the Silver Sky to be a shoddy, cheap feeling and very disappointing guitar. The quality of the volume/tone knobs and switch was shockingly bad - cheap feeling, loose and rattly. The tuners felt cheap and plasticy, the neck felt like a cheap knock-off. Apart from the neck pickup, which sounded great, the pickups were dull and lifeless with none of that Stratty snap and quack Id expect. Overall it genuinely felt like a Chinese Strat copy - which was shocking for the price and for the fact of who made it as I’ve always put PRS build quality right up there.

[@honeychilerider]

That is a shocker. The Silver Sky is my 12th guitar and, from a quality perspective, it is the best guitar I own or have played. Two guitarist friends of mine agreed that the quality was beyond reproach and one said, "Everyone should have a guitar like this." So I'm sorry to hear that you got one that wasn't up to standard.

[@arccityangels]

Played this guitar, I was pleasantly surprised by the modern take of this instrument. It made it to the “best strat” I’ve played and I love my strats. Dani

[@christiaandemarezoyens4720]

The guitar sounds just like my Strats without Fender written on it. When is PRS going to make something original? Will it forever remain as Gibson and Fender clones? Long live Fender, Gibson, Danelectro and Gretsch!

[@birdsongman]

Thanks for your comprehensive and honest review. And at last someone has realised that reviews are useless as soon as any pedals or effects are involved. Just pure clean tones through an amp are the only way to make any sort of meaningful comparison. Great slap technique by the way - JM would be proud of you!

[@nathansongne9790]

I love this guitar! But also I got to build it. So. Maybe I'm biased lol

[@hibernative]

Nathan Songné At the factory? I’d buy this for it had HUGE frets

[@Haulaton]

Well done, good sir!

[@liorauf]

Nathan Songné GREAT job guys!!!

[@TheCandel34]

How cool is that to see players etc jamming on stuff you built.

[@adamsoviak8575]

I would love to buy the pickups and put them in my strat😂

[@rubentrevino6288]

Why doesnt this axe come with a case for the price, lame

[@FireGrizzlyy]

Because you don't pay for the case

[@battlehog9254]

All that thought and engineering , and that plastic truss rod cap, and tuners … why , why , its like having a Ferrari with hub caps

[@knickymusic]

"I'm a bass player" my reaction😒... Starts slapping. My reaction😎😎😎👍👍👍👍

[@bleckybob]

nickolas bailey *Davie504 approves* LMAO

[@atespeach5672]

Guitar like string instruments are actually percussive instruments WoAHoOOoooooOoo

[@robcobi]

$2300 guitar with a gig bag, lmfao.

[@dskrilla17]

Rob C and plastic tuner keys... embarrassing

[@soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342]

No stainless steel or rear cover either... And it of course has the ugly prs look as well.

[@joesatchton212]

Great vid as always Phil. But I was less than impressed with the Silver Sky I tried here in Hong Kong. Can't put my finger on it, but it just didn't speak to me in the least. At the same time, I also A-B'ed the Silver Sky with a 2016 Music Man Cutlass. Now THAT S type blew me away. So much so that I have now decided to grab a 2018 Cutlass which now comes with roasted maple necks. I love PRS guitars. But the SSky just didn't do it for me in the least. Then again, I ain't John Mayer... :)

[@sd_design]

The PRS head stock *_does not_* look right on a Strat body (at all). I'll stick with Fender.

[@soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342]

Correction... The PRS head stock does not look right.

[@otaviofenderstrat4220]

The true John Mayer guitar is Fender ......Fender is Fender ... the best....PRS is not good enough to be a Gibson and not good enough to be a Fender....so , make monster ugly guitars like this....PRS want to be both , but is nothing, smells like nothing...has not got " the magic" of the 2 giants brands.

[@paulphelps370]

It's just a fake strat with a PRS headstock and inlays and it looks odd to me...I don't understand the point. Why doesn't JM just stick with real strats? Waste of money to buy one of these IMO.

[@BurgunndyMedia]

they should eventually turn the Silver Sky into the base S type PRS guitar that has options while still having the John Mayer sig Silver Sky.

[@soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342]

No... They should just get rid of this scam guitar...

[@josephmears3537]

How is this a scam guitar

[@TNTales]

Sounds good but I'm not sure it sounds $2k with an ugly headstock good. I'd rather get a proper custom shop.

[@nickdengh3095]

Sounds great but the finish looks kind of cheap

[@dogrocketp1807]

Have you actually been in the same room with one?

[@nathansongne9790]

What about it looks cheap?

[@nickdengh3095]

Something about the colors (black, and silver especially) remind me of squires, imo it doesn’t look like it belongs on a 2,000 dollar instrument

[@nathansongne9790]

Well that's weird. Because the number one selling guitar in the world is a white strat. And number 2 is a black strat. So that pretty much destroys the first part of your argument. Which also, sounds to me like you just don't like solid colors.

[@nickdengh3095]

Nathan Songné i didnt say anything about white and those guitars sold because of the people that played them. The Gilmour strat looks fine i just dont like the look of a black strat with a white pickguard

[@scottagar6061]

The pickups sound harsh to me. Not sweet like a real strat.

[@panumattila1253]

scott agar i agree

[@egstamaria]

I agree too.

[@jerrymichael8177]

I love this guitar.it sounds like my GLARRY !!!!!

[@bipbipletucha]

Heheheh

[@dazzastar68]

Lol..

[@lupang335]

One thing that really attracts me to this guitar is that it really does the part of a collaboration product rather than an artist-spec signature guitar. It isn't like how Fender set out to actually go and make a JOHN MAYER GUITAR, this feels like PRS and John came together and said "You know what, let's make a guitar". If that makes sense, lol. But just my opinion. Awesome review! Those 'in-between' pickup positions sounded heavenly.

[@9unslin9er]

You know what you should do? Get a Yamaha Pacifica 112V and compare it to the Silver Sky.

[@speckofdust21]

lol yes... my 112J modded into the most amazing guitar

[@SurfingSerpent]

@@speckofdust21 What pickups and trem did you put into your pacifica? I'm thinking of getting one, and I'm considering those areas. I was thinking of Seymour Duncan little 59 for that woody paf sound in a single coil form.

[@speckofdust21]

@@SurfingSerpent Dimarzio Duncan cool rails in the neck, Area 67 in the mid & AT-1(neck) in the bridge -its a sweet combination. the moment it it got refretted, sounded and felt better than any stock fender ive played

[@masterfulyushi7402]

@@speckofdust21 I did Duncan JB in the bridge and SSL-1s in the neck/mid

[@GOOSE-1334]

That neck position sounds more RHCP then anything ive ever heard in a youtube video with using effects..

[@mikehill3426]

I think you called 2 different positions the 'neck' pickup. Did I hear that wrong?

[@QCSACrashedToysSPR]

I think he said "next"

[@greggoldman]

It'd be interesting to A/B this with a Fender JM sig model. The headstock looks weird on a Strat style guitar. 7.25 radius ... mleh

[@marior6299]

Prs are overrated imo. Played plenty at pawnshops and at gc not really impressed.

[@patrickduguay8]

Excellent review! I appreciate that you let the guitar 'speak' for itself. I just wish PRS would make a left handed version!

[@MrErdner]

Regarding the dog tag adjustment cover, it strikes me that it's a great opportunity for personalizing your guitar. I think I'd put my own initials on it. YMMV.

[@imandan1966]

How to slap on guitar, lesson #1: DON'T

[@deormanrobey892]

Don't... like... cases? BLASPHEMER!!!! 🤪

[@heymrguitarman7637]

I'll stick with fender but to each his own. Yeah there's differences but it's still just a slightly differently voiced strat with a strange headstock

[@soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342]

agreed.

[@djbradshaw3390]

Crap guitars .... they spend more money on the finish and not the sound .... that head stock on a strat body is blasphemy... you want a strat buy a Fender strat

[@soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342]

Smartest comment here. Well said friend. Thanks for telling the truth. Seriously... 2200 for no case, no stainless steel frets, no locking tuners, next to no ergonomic feats... This thing is a joke. It only gets so much attention because of how much of a insult to REAL stratlike guitars it is...

[@AndrewThacker]

Honestly, this guitar has really grown on me. Sounds great! The grey finish is really nice as well.

[@AndrewThacker]

13:17 - so true

[@daniellowry660]

This is the guitar that made me realize I had drunk the PRS Koolaid... by far the best strat style guitar that I have been able to try.

[@TheBeatsMX]

I saw this video when you uploaded it, now I'm revisiting it because I just bought one and I'm can't wait for it to arrive

[@dcannek]

I’ll be getting one soon too. Let us know your opinion when you get it! Cheers 🎸

[@blkjakk]

They’ll sell a ton of these when they release the SE version.

[@rubenrojo700]

SE stands for Student Edition

[@Andrew-bc2ks]

hans meier And what exactly causes a guitar to have soul

[@foxmeisteruk]

I have one of the early Silver Sky's that came with a hard case - a really good quality, heavy, case, with a Silver Sky "plaque".

[@PelicanIslandLabs]

And then John Mayer "retires" and the Silver Sky suddenly drops in value. ;-) $2.2K and a gig bag............. oh yeah!

I’m a big fan of John Mayer ! I love Fender’s Stratocasters I love PRS But I will never ever buy a 2,2 k$ guitar with plastic tuners !!! Period !! That is just an INSULT to Customers !!!

[@adamsoviak8575]

Madmike I’ve had 2 and ended up selling them because they felt so cheap in my hands. Like an SE. if it was like $1350 it would be a better buy.

[@chrislangdell117]

So plastic tuners and a gig bag.. Kind of a slap in the face for the price tag. That would piss me off.

[@mmcd80]

Fantastic review Phillip. When the Silver Sky first came out, it was like you’d hear the same things from everyone. Great pickups, neck radius, etc. Thanks for going deeper and letting everyone know what you like, and what you don’t like about the guitar.

[@God_Help_Us_Please]

Please put a humbucker in the bridge.

[@gscgold]

Save your money kids just buy a Fender Strat made in Mexico sounds just like one

[@soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342]

You make a great point. Many rockers say their fav guitars are actually made in mexico. Price and origin doesn't always determine quality. Sometimes you get good wood made by a good guitar maker which can be found in any part of the world. I have seen customs shops with fret buzz and slow action while even chinese guitars blew them out of the water...

[@The-11]

Phil, Be the first one to modify one of these. Put the PRS neck you like on it and a humbucker in the bridge. Sharpen that axe!

[@JR-mk6ow]

I have a strat and I like that body and headstock. I don't like the color and those 'birds?' on the fretboard. I would probably buy one if my strat ever fails.

[@cyberdidi]

I read an article in which it was mentioned that an SE version of the sylver sky would be introduced at summer NAMM this year.. Don't know if the source is credible though..

[@kevinalfrey2633]

That’s a nice guitar, but that kinda cheddar and no case ?

[@GratefulZah]

Tell PRS to send you a Super Eagle II, gotta test those Dead tones

[@Spidouz]

I like John Mayer and I love PRS... and this Silver Sky is supposed to be a Modern take on the Strat. I understand it was all tailored for John’s preferences, but that’s not exactly what I would love for myself. I personally think they miss two opportunities: Include a modern fretboard with a 10” radius (perfect on PRS guitars as whole, or even a compound fretboard), and include noiseless pickups. THAT would be a great challenge to have great sounding vintage style tone pickups, but that are noiseless. It’s actually sad to not find those features when we can find them on an Fender Elite Strat (which is around the same price). I would love PRS to release a non-John Mayer version (maybe even a S2/CE version) that would use more PRS features (including a regular headstock). My 2¢

[@jonfeuerborn5859]

Good gravy does that guitar ever sound good. I'm with you on wanting a pattern thin neck in 10", then I'm sold. Really interesting look with the mirror image flipped headstock from a normal PRS. Unique, but I'd like the normal design on my normal PRS neck whenever Paul decides to build one, per your recommendation. 🙂

[@natrelacoustix]

My opinion of the guitar doesn't matter. But seriously, a two grand plus guitar and you get a 'meh... it's ok' gig bag? Two Grand plus and I want a hard case. I bought a stunning PRS Bernie Marsden reissue, it's an SE model. That came with a gig bag. And that's fine at £700 or there about, but £2.220??? Hard case!

[@djt6546]

For me the SS compares to a F Strat in the same way their 594 compares to a LP. The PRS versions inspired by the originals are much more modern HiFi. I like the Custom Shop models from Fender & Gibson because they have a very rich and organic texture and a kind of pleasing growl to them when you want it. Their technical imperfections are part of what we love in their sound. I would not buy a PRS if that is the tone & vibe you are looking for. To my ears that’s not in the make up of PRS regardless of price. However if you want an inspired by product that is kind of a more precise HiFi delivery of tone then PRS is all about perfecting what an instrument was designed to do. I own high end guitars from the big 3 brands, but never for one second compare them as if they were equals. They all sound and feel different to me. When considering inspired by instruments you really want to try before you buy when ever you can as they can sound and feel sooo different & your personal preference can really polarize your opinion.

[@evilcowboy]

7.25 inch radius........nope. Thats way to much of a radius for me. I'd like to see a 10 to 12 inch radius personally. Plastic tuning key. Nope. White painted on the access cut for whatever reason. Nope Straight trem bar. Nope Sorry but I view this guitar as a so so guitar. Mainly because PRS has never done a strat style guitar and almost seemed opposed to it then all of a sudden someone famous wants one and boom they are making a strat style guitar. It may be the purist in me but Fender & G&L are the only companies who produces a stratocaster everything else is a pretendocaster. I have owned so many strat style guitars it isn't even funny anymore, of them all the ones marked Fender or G&L always had something I couldn't place my finger on but was simply there that made it better. Honestly how do you improve on something so many people think is already perfect.......The answer is you don't, you leave it the fuck alone and if you aren't going to try an make as close as possible to what you are COPYING then you've fucked up. The fact alone that you are copying another person's work is a bold move, try not to insult them by saying you can make it better and then turn around and make a goddamn PRS with some strat features. No one asked for a PRSocaster except JM so it serves no real interest for people who aren't John Mayer.

[@BV_Beve]

Nice review Phil! I have the same color tungsten Silver Sky and I really like it I don't have an issue with the 7.25 radius as have a few vintage 7.25 radius guitars so suppose am used to it

[@ryanlittleton5615]

It's the best 7.25 I've ever played. But to be fair these come properly set up from the factory.

[@paulmearing9192]

I've been through a load of strat pickups over the years. Hands down my favourite set has been the bare knuckle Irish tour set. Superb cleans and handles overdrive without getting muddy or thin. Check them out.

[@soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342]

thanks for the tip... Might give those a shot. Right now I have 3 strats. EBMM cutlass with a custom noisless 60s style wound pick ups. Custom shop tx specials. And stock 99 american standard. Also tried seymours on my tele. And I got a big body gretsch silver falcon with high sensitive filter trons.

[@algorithm007ify]

If you want a lighter Suhr with a “strat-like” feel, get a Suhr Standard Plus.. Suhr is a better guitar than PRS at the same price point.

[@tendulkarification]

I dont think so because suhr has a 12 inch radius where the silver sky has a 7.25 . Might be an unpopular opinion but i and many of my friends who play guitar dont like a flat radius on traditional style strats. I dont know but i just prefer a rounder radius on strat. But an advantage suhr has is that they have stainless steel frets rather than nickel that prs uses ,stainless being much smoother and much more durable but harder to work with.

[@algorithm007ify]

Vardhit Mehndiratta since Suhr do a PLEK job on the SS frets, they wont ever have to be worked on, really.. will remain perfect for many years. I understand that some people like the low radius...Personally, I prefer 9.5mm that comes in the latest Fender Original 1960s.

[@IkBenSuperLief]

I played this guitar last Friday and felt the same the pickups sound clear and bright not my preference. And the tuning keys are great but they dont feel great, same for the volume and tone knobs. I liked the neck and the weight on this Silver Sky and it plays great but not enough to buy it...

[@soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342]

Agreed. I think something from suhr and EBMM is made with better parts for hundreds less.

[@vox9841]

Great Video Phil. I loved the slapping technique on the guitar, reminded me of Mark King from Level 42 on the bass. I loved what you played on the front pickup it was such a nice tone and chord sequence. I just don’t like the PRS headstock on the Strat, it is just so right on a PRS. I think they should have done a more Strat type headstock. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder though.

[@mikecarreca7864]

Hello Phillip, I actually considered the silver sky vs. The Music Man, but opted for Ernie Ball and I am glad for it. Great demo video.

[@soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342]

I never considered getting a sig model guitar let alone one that's from a horrible person that sucks at song writing and singing. He can play at least but my god he's nothing special other than that... Plus this guitar is a joke when put up against something like a cutlass. Cutlass has stainless steel frets. A straighter neck. Easier to play high up on the neck. V to c neck shape. Locking tuners. And it doesn't look like a guitar that's trying to piss off strat vintage lovers. Even fuckin JM himself plays strats more than this thing lololol. You know it's trash when the sig model exists just to milk dumb ass fanboy wallets when the main guy doesn't even want to use it... I'm sure it's a fine guitar but it is a rip off and you can do better... Just saying. Also guitars from suhr can top this guitar too.

[@chrisn3586]

You got it right on Phil! The PRS-SS is a thoroughbred in the line of Strat inspired guitars. The consistency of the build quality and weight is impeccable, and they all have that mojo that can be very hit & miss even in vintage Strats. The pickups and wiring harness design are possibly the real star overall, but definitely the heart and soul of what makes it really stand out from the pack for me. This is PRS saying, “We think we can out-Strat Fender,” and then repeatedly delivering the goods 10/10 times.

[@jpadilla132]

nice guitar, but my 2012 fenders select stratocaster blows this silversky out of the water, nicest sounding pickups

[@soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342]

I got a 2012 american standard tele. It's the shiznat!

[@bflo5210]

If PRS decides to make a T style guitar I'm screwed...I'll get one in every damn color they'll make😂😂😂

[@Yamazaki1923]

Please please please. What is the blue guitar above the Friedman?

[@Chinaguitarsceptic]

Framus Television 👍

[@phillipgohorns]

The FB radius is a deal Killer for me

[@JasonFiske]

Phil, a great review. You hit on all the points that I was curious about. Thank you.

[@JimmyDormire]

Exactly spot on, I wish they would offer this guitar with 10 inch radius period, that’s why I sold my vintage Fenders, couldn’t stand the radius… Would like to have a guitar without the name on it as well unless is Jeff Beck!😎

[@parkboy55]

Just looking at this guitar and this video, if you put a PRS neck on it why not use a regular PRS neck with flatter radius? The neck on this guitar should be six in-line and a flatter radius to draw the strings straight over the nut especially when using the trem. Also, this guitar should have the option of HSS pickup configuration.

[@TXchadTX]

They should have changed the head. The headstock and the body don't flow together. I've never really liked the PRS heads though so I'm biased.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Not sure I even like it now. Just stopped looking at. It reminds me of Samicks strat style guitar

[@TXchadTX]

@@PhillipMcKnight I'd rather have a tele :)

[@kimseniorb]

Good guitar but looks like a turd

[@RumblinMan]

So stoked for you that you got a Silver Sky bro! That’s one of my dream guitars. Great work! This was an incredibly well-done review.

[@MichaelBrown-ys6tj]

Mom always told me -- if I didn't have anything good to say, then don't say anything. Mums the word.

[@ziggylayneable]

I know this video is really really old, but if you are just now acquiring a silver sky?... Try turning it a half step down like a regular Strat. You will be happily pleased

[@mikiithe13th]

I've got the prs ce and has been my number 1 over my les pauls and sgs. If they release the silver sky in ssh and with flame, I'll be wanting it so much

[@ScottJamesHicks]

I hate the look of the cutaway sooooooooooooo much. I’ll take a Fender any day. Design counts for something.

[@gergnotsloh]

That crescent moon headstock, along with those plasticky looking grey tuning pegs and truss rod cover makes me wonder if an 11 year old is the lead designer at PRS.

[@shadowsong1]

I'm a strat guy .. but i'm not a vintage strat guy. I like skinny necks, big frets, flatter radius, and hss at least. I'm not saying that whole vintage thing isn't cool if that's your thing. It is cool and John Mayer is a great player. I dig some of his music. I prefer a nice modern strat though. That's me. you do you.

[@josephmears3537]

Mark Shields I feel like this is the most kind, yet passive aggressive comment I’ve ever read hahaha

[@shadowsong1]

​@@josephmears3537 How is having my own preferences on my guitar specs passive agressive? I'm just saying...this one really isn't something i'd want. I'm not saying JM was wrong...its his guitar. I just like different things. it's no shade either way.

[@johnjanoski3988]

It's pretty much the same thing boutique builders have been doing forever. It's a fine guitar, no doubt about it. It's just a little over hyped if you ask me

[@kimseniorb]

John Janoski and looks like shit

[@soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342]

It's only popular because of 2 reasons... JM fans are incels and he's one of the few people out there today that's good looking and talented at guitar skill. His looks are taking a dive but he is good at guitar. That is true. The other reason it's popular is the guitar is a abomination. You can't help but notice that the guitar world was stupid enough to allow such a turd to be created. Fender... The company that made THE GREATEST guitars in the 50s and 60s. Now being disgraced by PRS... A company that sold out to popularizing emo and butt rock. Some of the worst music in the world trying to horde in on the greatest music in the world. It's like mixing radioactive waste into a pure spring. This guitar is a joke. It only exists to wallet rape. Don't be fooled. Get a much better and much cheater music man cutlass if you want something similar but better.

[@alittlebitoflight]

I've always loathed superstrats, that harsh metallic sound. Ditto PRS' strangulated humbucker sound. This guitar continues that trend for me. Interesting to hear it, though.

[@soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342]

Same. I think it sounds nice and probably feels comfy to play... Other than that though... Will it last before parts start failing? Psh no... Is the price worth it? Psh no... Does it look kool? Uhhhh maybe 1/3rd of it does lololol.

[@jts11d63]

The word you were looking for was voluminous. Regardless, that guitar sounds absolutely fantastic!

[@rubentrevino6288]

Nah, fender all the way

[@metalheadblues]

Even John goes back to his fenders for his more intimate performances

[@soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342]

That's because his in on the scam lol. This sig model exists only to draw attention and money out of suckers. The reality is it's pretty garbage lol. Think about it... 2200 for no case... No lockers... No stainless steel... No quality aside from the pick ups...

[@normcote270]

AMEN!!!

[@ashleyjohansson230]

the prs silver sky is incredibly overpriced, its basically a strat standard for double the price for that prs headstock

[@normcote270]

@@ashleyjohansson230 Yes I agree, I'm a Fender guy, nothing can best them imo. 2009 E.C. Blackie Strat. 1987 Strat. Deluxe Plus. 2018 Tele. American Pro. 1969 Fender Pro Reverb (I bought new)!!! 2015 Fender Blues Jr. 2011 Fender Champion. 2012 Fender Frontman 25 Just the tip of the iceberg. 51 years of Fender for me so far. I agree with you Ashley wholehartedly!! I'm a true Fenderholic!

[@gtr1952]

That truss rod cover sticks out like a wart on its nose! They look like ‘knock-outs’ from an old electric connection box. Of course, LP ‘standard’ ‘custom’ and ‘blank’ ones are available everywhere and even they… oops, better not go there. 8) You mention they are not in the ‘pickup biz’? Maybe not current ones, on their web they will sell you 57/08’s for $210 each, and 7 others for a little less. I was there once looking for ‘594’ ‘LT’ PUPs and they are not available either. Some folks just can’t afford $2300 for an SS, but maybe can part with ~$450 for SS PUPs?? JMHO of course…

[@wyattwest44]

I think the truss rod cover was made to look like a dog tag on purpose. John Mayer’s dad is a WW2 vet and John founded the Heart and Armor foundation for veterans. Not sure that’s the reason though. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@gingerbeer914]

No, he wasn't. He was with the US Army 1946-1947. That's just AFTER WW2. prabook.com/web/richard_allen.mayer/807553