$900 SE vs $3500 PRS Silver Sky | Sound Comparison

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[@tomsmith6291]

I can’t tell the difference. I’m more impressed on how you recorded both guitars and your timing was flawless. I know when I play any song I never manage to play it exactly the same. Great job. It makes the comparison easier to listen to. And I emphasize that the lower priced version sounds as good as the other.

[@victorsantiago7391]

It’s called playing with a metronome

[@christopherweise438]

Tom Smith - Same thing i thought. Couldn't tell. Certainly the NEBULA was not $2,600 better.

[@zitnbit]

@@christopherweise438 quality - price is not linear. It's exponential growth.

[@frankzappa951]

@@christopherweise438 Spot on Christopher

[@hawaiirealmedia5610]

@@victorsantiago7391 Could be a track with drums and bass that you're not hearing. Not hard to do at all. Nicely done demo, just the same!

[@felixbpunkt3007]

I honestly couldn't tell the difference in the performance. Stunning quality, especially considering the price range!

[@ShapuhiFilms]

Best side by side comparison video I’ve ever seen! The quick back and forth over the same song is so much better than the usual gratuitous soloing you see on other channels. Well done Mary! Love your style!

[@briandriver301]

You gave the absolute best side by side comparison I've seen yet. And , I love your music. Best of both worlds in this video. I look forward to more videos and possibly tour dates here in the USA.

[@SophieBurrell]

Such a cool vid Mary! Rad that you could do a side by side comparison, loveee! 🎸

[@seanbaines]

I'll be checking out your vids on this thing next. wanna hear what both of you have to say.

[@Rick_Cleland]

SOPHIE!!

[@kathleenandbruce]

I'd be interested in hearing about what you think about it.

[@seanbaines]

@@kathleenandbruce She also has a review video. There are many. So far, I've found Mary's and hers to be far more helpful than most.

[@FuzzWoof]

Honestly, the SE actually fixes a couple of the things I didn't like about the US model when I tried one, particularly with the slightly flatter radius. I liked the US model, but definitely not enough to buy one for the price they are. SE might be another story entirely!

[@shaunmason3243]

I played one at the L.A. Amp Show and just didn't want to put it down. After the euphoria wore off I could not bring myself to spend upwards of $2500 for one. $850? You bet. And that Dragonfruit color slams.

[@hanskung3278]

You have played the SE? Did you like the radius?

[@nojeshei]

@@hanskung3278 Never understood why people dont like small radius. Except when the bends are choking. Flat fingerboards are terrible.

[@hanskung3278]

@@nojeshei Yep

[@13thAMG]

I'm just impressed that you actually synced the comparisons perfectly with any flanging or latency. Well, you're right. The differences are subtle. But they are there for sure. Then again, I'm an Audio Engineer so I'm probably likely to hear nit picky things that the average player doesn't care about. You're quite a talented Musician, and so young. Very cool. All the best. 🙂

[@ChintuRai-fk8rr]

can you point out some differences

[@mistymu8154]

The SE models from PRS have always been an incredible value and this seems not exception. I have heard of bands who actually tour with SE models even though they have an American model, because they really are good enough and they don't have to worry as much about looking after an expensive guitar on the road. It is really great to also have an affordable guitar which doesn't make big compromises, which aren't difficult to play and could put off beginners to the instrument.

[@TVsBen]

Great playing as always. And I'm floored how similar they sound. I was disappointed that life got in the way and prevented me from buying a Silver Sky last year, but now I'm really stoked about getting an SE instead.

[@RohannvanRensburg]

The difference, IMO, is how they feel. I have an older Standard 24 and compared to SEs it feels incredibly refined. Wasn't out of tune after being in storage for 6 months. Gloss neck is surprisingly smooth and slippery too, not sometime I encounter with other glosses

[@davidkeeley7287]

The nebula sounds a little bit brighter. I’d probably hold out for a used USA model but I think the SE will fly off the shelf. Really great side by side demo. Great playing as always Mary.

[@taylornotswift03]

I agree and completely disagree, I actually prefer the SE because it’s a little warmer and more similar to what I like. Just proves there’s no right or wrong in guitars, I suppose.

[@neverenoughguitars8276]

I mean you're going to dial in the exact tone you want through your amp anyway so I think the pickups are pretty much a wash imo.

[@TheArmchairrocker]

Agreed

[@robertpurdy4452]

I've heard the same in a couple of comparison videos as well. Not necessarily better or worse, just different.

[@MetallicA29]

SE still half the price of a used Core SS

[@fabriziodutto7508]

You're a great professional! Not all pro are able to repeat same performances between two takes, I mean both your guitar sound and your voice are outstanding and on the mark on both takes! Thank you for sharing your personal experience, great things to know for musicians with low budget like me. Cheers from Italy!

[@martyphi3502]

The way you compare them {color changes) is the best I ever saw.

[@BryanEwald]

It really does play and sound remarkably close to the SS. Well done

[@DevilMayAsian]

The side by side song context was crucial. Bravo for going that route. Excellent demo!

[@luckyrocks1]

Excellent comparison Mary! I have a few PRS models in my collection form SE models to a Core wood library model. I recently sold my Core Custom 24 and purchased an S2 McCarty 594 Thinline. Just so impressed with all of them and you are so right that the difference between the SE to S2 to Core models is a matter of diminishing returns. Anyway, I just pre-ordered my Silver Sky SE in the same Moon White color and loved how it looks white in the monochrome black & white videos. You've also convinced me to practice more using my thumb over the Low E string instead of contorting my hand and fingers to those wrist numbing C-shape bar chords! Thank you!!!

[@_jbabo]

Both are beautiful instruments and I'm very impressed how there isn't little differences. Amazing

[@liamneslind5708]

Yeah one looks amazing and the other ugly

[@jesserichards8941]

honestly prefer the sound of the se especially in the 4th and 5th position it has a nicer bassier sound to me without getting muddy, not as bright as the silver sky but i like that its warmer, more mellow and to me feels more present and impactful.

[@ewal8556]

Well I must say Mary, I think this is the best review / demo of this guitar I’ve seen and I have not stopped watching half way through. Not forcefully pushing the hype, just a clear comparison between each guitar, and very well done it is too. It is hard to tell the difference between the 2, a great demo of the sound. Great recording on your part too.

[@awkipintee]

I’m partial to blue but what I loved is the chord progression you opened with.👌 The tone is slightly brighter on the nebula. Great demo Mary.

[@dpault]

Such a clever way to review the guitar. Loved that Mary.

[@gauravjain1665]

Trust me Miss Mary, its 12:02 A.M. in India, I was just going to sleep, but watching this. I am truly your fan.

[@colinkelly279]

REALLY is refreshing to see a side by side playing a song. So few do it this way and I appreciate your honesty that the cheaper one may actually be well worth the buy. Given that I purchased 4 new guitars in the last month- I will admire it from afar. Thanks for doing this- my interest has certainly perked up.

[@marlock2723]

The American made sounds like it has a more pronounced top-end and perhaps a bit more depth. It's a subtle difference though. The position 4 on both is to die for! What I am most impressed about is your timing Mary. It is really hard to nail two performances down to a t so you could make the seamless switch between them. Very nice!

[@a_js]

Agree

[@stephenhawk8384]

Aww, that final phrase of the song where you harmonized with yourself - magical!

[@petersuddath6477]

I thought they both sounded great! Generally speaking, the things that normally set the American version vs import apart is pickup sounds and playability. What I got from this video is that Mary did not notice a significant difference between the two. However, she did preferred the SE neck over the American made.

[@thecakeisalie7070]

I'm blown away the consistent performances for each guitar! It's one of the measures of pro level skills isn't it? Imagine what you can get with the 2400 saved! Amp, pedals, cables, monitors, time from mixers, etc.

[@MOAB-UT]

FM9 (if you can get one- I'm still on the waiting list for months) w/money to spare for lessons=winning!

[@eddycurrent413]

jells man you need to think about jells

[@masterofthetelecaster]

Im in love ... I was diggin for the guitars but stayed for your playing and singing! You are very talanted!

[@jamesdonnelly8888]

It's nice to see your love for the instruments coming through

[@frankthebaldguy9819]

Both great guitars. PRS doesn’t skimp on the SEs

[@seabass3373]

I agree. I own a PRS SE 245, and it sounds bloody great! It weighs nine and a half pounds, but the tone and construction are so good!

[@DeffoZappo]

body is a cheap chinese poplar/cottonwood hybrid like the kind I used to see on 99$ guitars.

[@riverrhodes7394]

Cheapest, thinnest sounding guitars I've ever played or owned.

[@mads.8857]

@@DeffoZappo tonewood literally doesn't matter on electric guitars lol. plus john petrucci's signature model was made out of poplar and that thing is a high end beast. if it sounds good, then its good.

[@francispopham7105]

The biggest difference that I noticed was that you seemed to be having more fun with the SE. Great vid and lovely playing, Mary.

[@darrenwilliamson9325]

I just pre-ordered one from Sweetwater. I got the guitar and a bone nut installation with set up option based on your review. Thanks!

[@sean78745]

So this is going up against the player series I guess. Sounds amazing

[@JohnnyAndTheUniverse]

They sound very similar. They did a great job on the SE. That said, I can hear a clear difference in the bottom, low mids - the USA is more full. Both sound great!

[@federicocanut3771]

Would you be able to tell that so call difference if you wouldn't know they are very differently priced gritar? Or. Just even if you wouldn't know they are 2 different guitars? I don't think so

[@samueldavidvisuals2595]

Listening on my studio monitors I can hear this too, but wasn't quite sure how to phrase it. I think the SE sounds a bit tighter in the lows, where the USA is more full as you said. I think I like the sound of the SE better in that regard personally

[@bradwoods371]

silver sky sounds like a CS strat SE sounds like a player series

[@lucianolucidi8624]

@@samueldavidvisuals2595 i prefer the SE sound. More silky sound

[@BlackRoomful]

Can hear the difference if the se had the same pickups as the USA one they would be too close to the same for the money 💰 go the SE change yo USA 🇺🇸 pickups

[@dobster5819]

Great video Mary. This demonstration was very clever and great way of comparing the 2 guitars.Thank you very much.

[@geoffnelson4530]

this is how all side by side comparisons of guitars should be done - fantastic

[@BrentAdams]

Wonderful comparison video. Beautifully done. I honestly feel that they are pretty indistinguishable sonically. (I think that I would also prefer the 8.5" radius from past experiences...). Thanks for your demo version..... very enjoyable!

[@BenFentem]

Absolute respect for the discipline and skill involved in that opening demo. Shows your skills as a player, really well done. Tonal difference is minimal in my opinion, especially in the song context. PRS onto a winner here I think. All this video was missing was the original version of Last Train before JM covered you

[@bradproskoproduction]

Great vid 👍 thanks for taking the time to do it.

[@loosingparts6159]

Us mere mortals may never be able to get the SE model. The first time I heard you was on Anderton’s now I look for everything you do. Thanks.

[@timbates799]

Great comp video! There is something about that SE Headstock and truss rod cover though that makes it look a bit cheap, but I guess it's okay for the price point!

[@MOAB-UT]

Agreed- very much so...then there is the whole SE stamped on it. Must they scream this is the cheap STUDENT edition after people shell out nearly a grand? That alone would put me off otherwise decent, be it over priced non-usa guitar.

[@fordhammie]

This is to Silver Sky what Squier is to Fender! 😁😆😁

[@A-Wa]

@@fordhammie this more the fender player series than squier. squiers arent that expensive

[@zaricharisamorzapatos]

I appreciate the detailed feedback on the neck. (It's something I'm very particular with when I'm watching guitar reviews) great songwriting too🖤

[@msapostle]

Liked your review wish more creators were as honest as you. Ordered your CD also.

[@RyanAdams1]

They do sound very similar! The top end sky has a sparkle in the highs that distinguishes it from the SE. In the lows and mids I can hear a little bit more of a tightness in the regular sky. Overall the SE sounds killer too!

[@TourGuide223]

They both have the exact same electronics.

[@RyanAdams1]

@@TourGuide223 and your point is? They have completely different tone woods for the neck and body. That alone can change what I was speaking of.

[@TourGuide223]

@@RyanAdams1 Tone woods lol

[@TourGuide223]

@@RyanAdams1 By the way all 3 levels of this guitar have a maple neck with a rosewood fretboard, not that it would make a difference. However the 2500 dollar one gives you a choice to have a solid maple neck but those weren't even featured in this video.

[@BkBk-gy6vr]

All that extra money for such a subtle difference that 95 of people cant tell is a waste of money. Put the same pickups in both and there would be zero difference.

[@tdb2012]

To my ear the PRS Silver Sky has a bit more of a dynamic sound. The SE sound isn't quite as full. But it's a slight difference - not over-the-top obvious. Quite an accomplishment for a $900 guitar. I wonder what Rick Beato or Rhett Shull would think of the SE? 😉

[@seanbaines]

I believe Sophie Burrell is also reviewing it, and she's familiar with PRS. So that's worth a check out.

[@MrSongwriter2]

It’s the kind of difference I’d be happy with the Se but still wish I’d bought the American. For me £900 for a SE and if I could get the American SS rosewood used for £1600 it’s a no brainier I’d get the American in a heart beat. I’d rather have a used American SS over a new SE

[@MrSongwriter2]

@Reid James it’ll be a long time till these SE silver skys end up going for sale used. I predict the scalpers are going to buy available stock and they’ll end up going for £1500 on ebay

[@MrSongwriter2]

@Reid James UK based, but I predict next year price will go up and be maple boards then the following year will end up laurel or some crap like that. I’m still going to wait for a second hand core at a good price but I need to eBay something else to make space PS Anderson’s said if they get obvious scalper orders they will immediately cancel. I think it should be one per customer so people desperately wanting an SE will actually get one

[@paoloelicano]

One of the better comparisons I've seen today. And I've seen A LOT. 🙌

[@gregsimpson621]

Another fabulous and informative video Mary. I'm 68 and realizing how many more videos that you've made that I need to watch in order to educate myself because you post so many informative videos on so many issues that I have always wondered about. I loved the fact you kept saying "I can't believe I'm saying this". Thank you once again!!!

[@bogmusic]

Nicely done Mary. Guitars sound remarkably similar. I thought the lower register sounded a little more stout on the USA version. From the mid register up indistinguishable. All that being said, pretty damn good song as well! Greetings from New York.

[@BradColemanisHere]

The whole PRS SE line of guitars are the absolute best guitars made in that price range. I'm not surprised at all that the Silver Sky SE is an absolute gem. I think I'm gonna get one. I've thought about it long enough.

[@phrawga]

Im here to tell you to do it. I cant put this thing down it just feels like… a guitar? Its not the greatest in any aspect but absolutely everything just feels right. Ive never been super impressed with PRS, but wow this guitar just works.

[@benjimontgomery9826]

Came here for the guitar comparison, stayed to listen to your amazing performance

[@brettbryner9486]

Great comparison and review. Ty!!!

[@SeanOHanlon]

I have been listening to 'reference audio' for two decades now and I can't detect a single tonal difference between those guitars. Paul Reed Smith is one of the few people who truly understands the science of sound.

[@jfinester]

Cool video, Mary! Through my headphones (Bose) it seems like the core version has more sparkle or presence, but not $2600 worth! I’ve felt that the US model was overpriced since they were introduced, but the SE changes all that. I have a Fender Custom Shop Strat, so I’m not looking for another Strat, but if I were, the SE would be at the top of my list. I’ll bet these will cut into sales of the core version, but maybe not-there are plenty of people who want the top of the line and are able to pay for it.

[@theshapeexists]

It 100% will cut into core model sales. Its 95% as good for 1600 less. Not many people have $2600 to drop on a guitar. For $2600 I could buy a great guitar and amp, tubes, pedals, strings, picks, capos, and use thd rest on groceries. Ive got $600 guitars that blow away my American made guitars that cost $3000. Thats why those guitars sit in their cases and I play the absolute crap out of my Mexican and Japanese strata, and my vintage ibanez blow those away.

[@denismacnaughton]

Just bought the same silver sky se you are using, I am actually a strat guy, and it took me a couple of days to get used to the sound, but now I just love it

[@scke3717]

Obviously if you want a "Strat" by PRS, this is the contender. PRS builds typically offer low action/good fretwork, but the user experience for many folks is 1)neck 2) pickups which really must be a hands-on test. SE's always models have dumbed-down higher output pickups that are less sensitive to dynamics; thats life in the PRS pecking order. But the good news is if you like the neck/action then for a bit over $100 you can swap in some real Strat pickups (eg Tex Mex). Hopefully we can check these out in stores soon.

[@Peter_S_]

I was quite surprised to see which was the more expensive instrument. I prefered the tonality of the $900 model and was expecting it to be the other one. I do see where the $3500 unit could give an engineer more to work with in some cases, especially with delicate parts.

[@ashamael]

The only real difference I heard was that the pickups in the SE were slightly more noisy (or maybe they're lower output and you had to up the gain for uniform volume). Either way - it's fantastic!

[@tyv1383]

i'm definitely going to pick it up used later on lol. so cheap

[@Severinate]

They are slightly hotter. As seen in another review when tested with a meter.

[@gibson2623]

The pick ups are exactly the same! Lmao...my god

[@Severinate]

@@gibson2623 Watch the 'know your gear' review. Pick-ups are definitely not the same.

[@arn999]

@@gibson2623 They're not the same. But they both sound great, frankly.

[@fabienjeunejean2193]

They sound so similar... not to say the same. Fantastic sync work !! Great video ! Thx

[@kmanikin]

I came here for the PRS review but it was your voice that blew me away.

[@bleavit]

Thank you for this video! I've wanted a Silver Sky for a while and was having trouble deciding between the Core and the SE. Mind you, I'm not really a player, more of a hobbyist, but I wanted a nice guitar to play poorly :) I was about to go all in and buy a core model, but your video showed me that the SE is a great guitar and well worth my money. I bought the SE in Stone blue and I am impatiently awaiting delivery.

[@calvinlee8103]

I've owned like 50 guitars in my life, and never cared for the looks of PRS, so my collection has always been Fenders, Gibsons, etcetera. Yesterday I played a Silver Sky SE, and everything changed. I now own that Silver Sky (in stone blue) and it is *by far* the best guitar I've ever owned. In the opinion of my ears and hands, it does the Strat sound and feel better than ANY and EVERY Fender. It is just so goddamn good! My friend, when your Silver Sky arrives, you are going to be so happy.

[@SleepscapeSerenity]

Both sound nice and both still way out of my budget! 😂

[@bcook6960]

Honestly couldn’t hear any difference without headphones. Without recording them and playing them side by side like in your video I would be hard-pressed to tell one from the other. Thanks so much for this video!

[@johngarner9555]

Great review! Love the presentation of the actual guitar and not the stomp box. BTW, just got the the Silver Sky SE (Black) and find the neck so easy to play, you are certainly right there! Loved the guitar so much, I just had to get a Custom 24 SE.

[@bradleyard4195]

The Nebula has more high-end clarity, but otherwise, they both sound amazing.

[@bradleyard4195]

@Reid James Yep, but they're not going to put the high-end pups on a "low-end" (for PRS, anyway) guitar. If you could get the pickups from the Nebula and put them on the SE, you would have basically the same guitar, but with what looks like (to me) a more comfortable fretboard radius.

[@gamingcraft456]

Prs SEs are definitely a studio and stage use level instruments dont let the se series being import confuse you, these are work horses fs, tho the American made had more body and character tho is a mix, might be pretty hard to tell

[@giovannifarinacci4533]

I'm sold, I ordered one. thanks for your honest opinion. Peace from Canada.

[@streetshooters]

Mary your video editing is terrific. Switching black and white to colour was inspired. Great audio...great content...and great singing. :)

[@BudgetRC_Channel]

It was interesting to hear the difference in sound. It was even more interesting to conclude that I prefer the sound of the SE. There's a little less top end on the SE, but the midrange sounds more full, more complete. Every time you switched to the core model, it sounded hollow.

[@joshloki]

Low-wind pickups in the core model produce more highs and less mids.

[@BudgetRC_Channel]

@@joshloki yeah. I was just surprised that there was such a difference considering how easy it would have been to knock off a few windings until it was voiced more similarly, but I guess you can't make them too similar or people won't keep coughing up $2500 for the core model.

[@peerlangenheimmusic]

This guitar is incredible for it‘s price point! I also can hardly tell the difference!!

[@choomanji]

The nebula is much brighter & full, actually very noticeable

[@lewisharris7353]

Very Very well done. The very best comparison video - SIDE by SIDE I have seen. Having both comparisons up, perfectly times and then the switch of gray to color indicating which is playing is perfect. Love the duet at the end of your song. You area a talented, smart, clever human. Nice song too!

[@mistreated]

thanks Mary always enjoy hearing you thoughts

[@johndrowe5281]

mistreated (?!?!) Only quickly butting in; however, if your moniker is hinting at a “truth”, please run! That is very serious subject to me! O/w, you may tell me to keep my well-meaning nose out of your business 😇🎸👨🏼‍⚕️. Cheers and God bless!

[@mistreated]

@@johndrowe5281 lol, it's coo, John. I'm actually a male. Mistreated is just the tile of my favorite Blues-Rock song by R. Blackmore. Cheers and have a great weekend

[@fernandogarajalde4066]

Perhaps I’m biased on the SE, but it sounds warmer (especially fingerpicking) and something I’ll put on my shopping list. Thanks Mary! 💞🎸

[@Brian-L]

That polychromatic finish though! 😍 What a great comparison Mary, beautiful work on the editing.

[@MrZerohour1967]

I bought an SE some time back and have to say I was blown away with the build quality. Really a great platform and something PRS should be very prod of for the price point. The fret work was of a quality I've not see in any other guitar at the price point.

[@gandalf8216]

Once you swap the PRS SE pickups for something much better and in line with your sound, they're at least as good as the originals they seek to mimic.

[@MrZerohour1967]

@@gandalf8216 I have little doubt. The key thing for PRS is they got the hard to do stuff 100% right, so what a great platform to upgrade :)

[@jhesbol]

I'm so pleased to hear that the SE has almost the same bass response. So full. Love it. Thank you.

[@thegeorgeflores]

The SE with a maximizer pedal could sound about the same. When you factor in pedals and PA systems you wouldn't be able to hear the $2600 difference.

[@kaygee9263]

down 75 ft of cable the se just kinda 'goes away!~'

[@StefanoMioli]

Diminishing returns indeed. You can hardly tell them apart, and I'm willing to bet that, had this been a blind test (consider it for next time!), most people would have had a 50% chance of getting it right. And this is on the solo portion. Throw it in the mix and the differences are going to get lost. As a long time acoustic-only player, it is my opinion that in *that* market, where everything is more expensive, once you get past the 2.5/3k mark or thereabouts, it becomes a matter of taste rather than quality of the instrument. As I recently got back into the electric world after a 15 years long hiatus, I'm impressed with the quality even a modest amount of money can buy you. Ultimately a guitar is worth however much money you are willing to throw at it. Nothing wrong with wanting the expensive option, pretty things are desirable, and if you have the cash go for it, I say. But all these years the quality of cheaper instruments has been steadily increasing, to the point where there are acoustic guitars that cost around 1k and sound waaaaay better than they have any right to do. Like, ridiculously better. And in the electric world it's even more obvious, also due to the simpler build process. If you are the sort of person that has to save forever to afford the 3.5k one, I'd say don't bother, because the returns are not really worth the 3x+ in price. Plus, you can put so much stuff in between your guitar and the amp that the difference is going to be even smaller. On top of that, with electric instruments you can upgrade so many parts and radically improve/change how they sound. If you go for the SE you can buy a few upgrades here and there when you can afford them to make it even better, and in the meantime you still have a killer box. Cheap-ish nut? Swap it out. Locking tuners? Buy them 6 or 12 months out. Seems to me like the sweet spot for your average electric guitar is anywhere between 600 and 1500. Past that you're probably already in diminishing returns territory.

[@RomainG6409]

your average sweet pot is the right one ... exactly there, I am 100% in agreement ... problem is that up to that sweet spot, there is no justification (out of the 100% "artisan" local made guitars) for the prices' differences ... labor costs locally being more expensive is one thing, but do not justify the x2, x3, x4 and more ... on the prices ... the issue are the consumers, exactly like on the smartphones' business, they want the brands' "Flagships" in their hands ... so the brands are just answering to the customers' requests and giving them what they want ... stop buying high prices guitars, and they will disappear ... ;-)

[@dingusfuzzklonnkt2755]

True but a guitar is only as good as it's neck. Two guitars can sound identical but feel like two different galaxies. The g&l Fullerton models compared to the tributes are a good example. The tributes sound almost identical to the USA model, they use the same pick-ups. The necks are completely different. The USA model feels and plays like a $1700 guitar, the Indonesian model is nice but is not comparable. Short of new frets, a plek, and a complete reshaping of the neck the tribute will never be up to the Fullertons standards. They cut expenses on the se to bring it in at under $900, you can guarantee the neck was the main area of cost savings. Doesn't mean you can't find a good se Silversky but you're going to have to search. The subtle differences are what make a strat style guitar incredible or average. It's a slab of wood with a bolt on neck, it's not rocket science. You're witnessing hype over something that has been done 25xs over.

[@seanbrooks2583]

i would suspect the biggest difference is in the feel, not the tone. thats generally what happens once you get above $500

[@groovymoon]

I just found that setup by someone that really knows their way around can make a $500 guitar play and sound like $2000+. Such is the case with my $550 used SE24. $200 complete setup and nut change and it's really nice now

[@RomainG6409]

​@@dingusfuzzklonnkt2755 agree and ... disagree :-) , it happens that I own several guitars, from highly expensive to cheap ... meaning under 900 and even under 400 euros. The Yamaha Revstar RS 502t I have since over 5 years is a "killer" that costed me, at the time, 550 euros ... and quite frankly, if you are not an expert (and I am not) you can't "feel" or see any quality difference compared to the Strat reissue 62 Made in the US or the G&L Legacy Strat made in the US that both costed me, when I bought them ... between 2,2 and 2,9k euros ... but you are right with saying that the "Made in US" are most of the time in a higher quality (although the US Gibson ES 335 I bought in 2008 was crap ... really, I bought it because it was one of my dream guitar, but sold it after a couple of years ...), but still that better quality does not justify their high end prices, in my pov.

[@mellowfred8935]

Random thought speeded up your song 1.50 and the chorus sounded awesome. Great video wonderful singing. I just got Silver Sky yesterday. All about labor cost US versus Indonesia I’m thinking!

[@dominicdaly1973]

Lovely Review and what a beautiful song. I am a huge fan of yours Mary.

[@SombraDeLaMosca]

Actually I enjoyed the cheap one more for your style of playing, it sounds a bit warmer, a really lovely guitar =) Perhaps when you play high gain lead solos the cards will be new mixed? Great video, thank you!

[@seanbaines]

Sophie Burrell's review takes a run at covering the overdriven sound. Good vid. Between Mary and Sophie, they've really covered this thing thoroughly.

[@JarpisX]

I think the same, only the bridge pickup sounded better on the American made

[@BAMozzy69]

Shows how great and 'Close' to the US models PRS has got with their SE models. The 'changes' they make are sensible changes to ensure they can meet the Price point but they don't compromise on the 'feel' and playability. There is a 'small' difference in the sound, more like a 3D audio over surround sound - more 'hi def' sound to the US made... But that's the 'compromise' to hit a Price point and they are perfect to gig with too and stand up to the beating a tour has which you may not wish to do with your 'Nebula'. Zach Myers uses his SE's as does Mark Holcomb too and in the Studio. I think the SE's are the 'best' bang for buck, best in price guitars you can buy. Therefore I had NO doubt the SE Silver Sky would be any different. It was the same when PRS released their SE Pauls a few years back, they proved as 'different' from the Cores as this is from the SE's too. I think the 8.5" radius was because they wanted it to be a 'bit more accessible' for all as the 7.25" is the most rounded and not 'modern' so compromised with 8.5" to fit between the 'modern Fender' and its 9.5" and the Vintage Inspired Silver Sky's 7.25"

[@zoomzoom3950]

Like Fender, MIM by Mexicans vs MIA by Mexicans. Good luck trying to find a new MIM Fender Jag in stock somewhere in the US; meanwhile, I keep getting spam since Thanksgiving for acoustasonics, is anyone actually buying these abominations?

[@zildjianrickenbacker8492]

@@zoomzoom3950 the acoustasonic is actually very nice to play, I loved checking them out at my local store.

[@zoomzoom3950]

@@zildjianrickenbacker8492 well there are plenty in the market to choose from. if you think it's good, why not buy one? there's a reason they're in stock everywhere, and why many of us keep getting "deal spam" for acoustasonics. My guess is Fender made more than the market wants. Now they did MIM acoustasonics which reduced the manufacturing capacity for other MIM models, such as the Vintera '60s Jag. Plenty of unsold MIM acoustasonics, I haven't seen a new Vintera '60s Jag -from a dealer I'd use - in the several months I've been looking.

[@zildjianrickenbacker8492]

@@zoomzoom3950 i didn't buy one because it wasn't what I'm budgeting for right now, I'm actually budgeting for my Silver Sky right now lol. That said, I do intend on eventually getting an acoustic, and the acoustasonic is high on my list of options. I really liked the feel of it and enjoyed the tone I was able to get when plugged in. I genuinely think a lot more people would like them if they gave them a shot.

[@zoomzoom3950]

@@zildjianrickenbacker8492 then you're in luck, because acoustasonics are everywhere. If you're looking for a new Vintera '60s Jag, you might be looking for awhile.

[@steveflicker5248]

Hey great job with this video!!! I've seen several similar but this is the best format I've seen.

[@vincejohnson6229]

Thank you for singing! Once I realized the guitars sounded exactly the same I was about ready to stop the video... but I needed to hear the rest of the song!

[@TourGuide223]

I guess I'm confused. I have an American made PRS and it is a borderline perfect guitar. It's fantastic. My confusion however lies in the price difference between these two models. They both have the exact same electronics(yes all 3 levels of this guitar incluide the 635 JM pickups) so they sound the exact same. They're both made using CNC machines to the exact same specifications, they both have the same finish. So what makes the price so vastly different? Simply because it was CNC routed in a building in America instead of Indonesia and they added locking tuners and a real bone nut? Where does the almost 2.5k price difference come from? The 850 USD one seems to me like an amazing guitar for the money, and the more expensive one seems extremely hard to justify when it comes to price. I guess I'm at a loss but it seems like the only difference here is the ability to say you have the more expensive one. It's almost like they were competing against themselves with this cheaper model, it's the no brainer choice between the two.

[@thelegend2645]

I aso have an American made Silver Sky. I'm considering selling it and buying an SE one.

[@junieverse]

@@thelegend2645 how much are you selling the standard for?

[@thelegend2645]

@@junieverse €3300.-

[@thelegend2645]

@@junieverse it's a lunar ice

[@tommilitello198]

You are 100% correct

[@eddievelazquez5467]

The SE really stands up against the Core. I would probably go for an SE even if I had the money for the core… hopefully they expand on the SE colors as the ones they introduced aren’t my cup of tea…

[@jay3146]

Love your honest opinion. Totally sold me on the SE.

[@MrSteviek52]

Just laid away that exact guitar….it just arrived at a local dealer….I’ll be picking it up next week 👏….can’t wait🤗…..by the way Mary, love your stuff🥰….very cool song ☝️🎸

[@DW-xt7vz]

Love the way you did the side by side - made it very clear. They sound pretty close to me - but I’d still pick up the American made just given the quality of materials will make it a “better” guitar.

[@rmzzz76]

For ~$1500 more on the USA version, you're getting an Alder body, the USA John Mayer PRS pickups, USA pots, caps, wiring. Higher quality bridge, USA model exclusive finish options, higher quality locking tuners and the prestige of owning the USA signature Silversky model. Honestly, that's a fair amount of extras for the money... The SE model is positioned to compete with the Mexican Made Standard Stratocaster, so that's the category.... In the end, functionally the SE is a quality stage worthy instrument and musicians looking for it as a tool for the toolbox will likely value function over the nuance details that make the USA model exactly what Mayer himself uses as his main. So I think the SE is the better choice for most, but if you're a big John Mayer fan, or a working musician able to tax deduct your gear, the USA model makes sense

[@user-dh4mi6ir2m]

@Mary Spender Can you upload Draw My Life?

[@TheBogfather]

Loved that. Beautifully played and sung. Thank you for a balanced view, based on ACTUAL PLAYING EXPERIENCE rather than the speculative hysteria I’ve been seeing on ‘social’ media 🤓

[@marke4188]

I’m not surprised by this at all, the SE’s have been phenomenal guitars for years!

[@mattfinchley5908]

RIP colour-blind people during the comparison 🙃 great vid anyways Mary!

[@crunxo4758]

lmao

[@tariquemahfuz6582]

Blind test!

[@stevecarter8810]

I mean these guitars are the best two colours for the vast majority of people with colour deficiency

[@bobtheblindbedroomguitaris8742]

Great job Mary I didn't quite get your comment until I listen to a bunch of your comments and then I figured out what you were talking about because I happen to be not colorblind but just blind haven't always been but it's been gradual and hey it is what it is that's why I'm flying Bob Bob the blind bedroom kottaras LOL I purchased an SC two weeks ago I purchased the NSC protesters SE silver sky with a rosewood neck and the am I in love with it notes my first PRS is the first prsi ever played as the first track of time I've ever played believe it or not I've been playing guitar on and off of years but anyway it's a pretty good guitar and I do like it the more I play it I like it more muscle for the sound I'm not used to the feel of it really that but hey I can play anything else got six strings ain't that crazy about things like the specs going all nutty up and down left and right flat not flat whatever I'm just rambling so thanks to see Alibaba

[@pbrecipe2443]

i just squinted and blurred my sight to mimic the effect color blindness ….yeah,i realized immediately that obviously didnt work.

[@billkeaveney1526]

If you can't hear the difference buy the SE

[@frankboyd.]

Very interesting and well produced video. Mostly I liked your honest appraisal of the sound and value of the products. Finally snagged one last week. Your video was what helped me find my "Moonlight" in moon white. Thanks Mary

[@jerryduncan8832]

You are so honest in your assessment. You helped me make a decision on my next purchase. Thank you for your honesty. Peace

[@Math4real.Schramm]

There's actually a very pronounce difference, that being said the SE version seems very production friendly with it's mild tone

[@KainzMusic]

They sound incredibly similar, but I can't see paying $900 for an import budget guitar when for a couple hundred more I can get an American made Stratocaster. Even entry level USA made Les Pauls are worth the extra price. Now, your vocals, worth millions and there's no import budget version. One of a kind!

[@MOAB-UT]

PRS is first a marketing company- and a good one at that. Decent guitars but the prices they charge are insane.

[@avalon1734]

I have had my 93 American Strat since 98. It was refretted to SS frets 8 years ago. I don't see any SSS strat copy ever replacing it.

[@mostlypostie1]

This is probably the BEST side by side guitar comparison video I have ever seen. Well done!

[@lnlnd]

What can be better than Mary playing guitar? Two Marys playing guitars ☺️

[@lnlnd]

Okay, taking this back. Two Marys playing guitar and singing is definitely the best thing 😊

[@greigclement9081]

Thank you for your review, Mary :)