PRS Silver Sky John Mayer: OLD & NEW Rig Shootout!

Here's something a little bit different from us today. John compares JM's Old setup a Original 1963 and Two-Rock Classic Clean Amplifier, to his new PRS Silver Sky Signature and PRS J-Mod 100 Head and Cab. Both of these setups sound ace to us and undeniably different.
Let us know what you think about these setups below!
Get your very own PRS Silver Sky here:
Onyx: goo.gl/w244D3
Tungsten: goo.gl/gMV7Pr
Frost: goo.gl/PQp9nk
Horizen: goo.gl/Xjj3CG
J-Mod 100 Head:
goo.gl/Yp2V31
Two-Rock Classic Clean:
goo.gl/JRAkYo
Website: www.peachguitars.com
Facebook: / peachguitars
Twitter: / peachguitars

[@nycLPplayer]

playing starts at 5:00 and Silver at 13:40 amp change 17:34 and 21:25

[@canart1999]

NYC LP Player not all heroes wear capes

[@kjellodnebreitebakk]

The hero we need, but do not deserve.

[@riffraff1350]

I've played the audio from this vid for about two dozen people who are non-guitar players. 21/25 preferred the Silver Sky. Most said it was "warm" and "full" sounding while the Strat was "weak" or "thin". I was surprised by this. What I've concluded was that the biggest reason people in comments sections prefer the Fender is because, as guitar players, it's the sound they expect and have been listening to for years and not because it is the superior tone. It makes me think that if the Silver Sky had been around in the 50s and 60s alongside the Strat, all things being equal, a lot of musicians would have chosen it over the Fender on tone alone.

[@apophispnw5717]

I'm absolutely amazed by every video of the silver sky.

[@patrickcarroll1754]

That clean sound is stellar. So full and defined.

[@ireneruthfox]

The Strat is more compressed, thinner, very sweet sounding. The PRS is hotter, fatter, and clean. bigger sounding. Both are nice in there own way. I prefer the tone of the Two-Rock amp.

[@RickMcCargar]

Would have been much more useful comparison using the same amp. The PRS amp had no sparkle. We don't get to know if it was the guitar, the amp, or both.

[@demeanor3704]

@@RickMcCargar agree...peach guitar always seems to mess up on these compare videos...different amps..or no reveals on which guitar even used on some videos...

[@colinparks619]

Not sure why they would use diff amps on a guitar comparison..bizzare ​@@RickMcCargar

[@rcjoe406]

I'm subscribed to so many guitar- gear channels and I was like Ohhh no not another one. Then when you began to play you had me on your first riff damn brother finally one that can play a guitar. Well done Sir...🎸

[@willbrock6799]

some great playing on some cool gear!! never seen this page before, love it

[@absinha6209]

That’s some impressive playing.

[@garraraugusto6574]

Old strat sounds amazing!

[@widowmakerheartattack5212]

That 63 strat is a beast.

[@jcee6886]

Sounds fucking A👍

[@WillsMusic-Namaste]

Both sound great, Strat just has the magic for me.

[@stretch90]

I'm trying not to be biased because I do love Fender, but that strat just sounds so much better to me.

[@ajpyyz]

Strat has the mojo

[@jamesneal2912]

First of all thank you for the video and very sweet blues playing! With that being said, Both are great sounding guitars both are great sounding amps! The Vintage Strat and Two Rock are much more pleasing to my ear, however the PRS Jmod amp and Silver Sky have a wonderful sound with a more modern flavor. I would not be ashamed of owning one or both rigs!!! I look forward to demoing the silver sky soon just to see for myself. Thanks again!

[@MatthewElDeOrazio]

Thanks for taking the time to put this video together. I've played Strats for decades and PRS just in the last few years. Which one I reach for depends on my mood and what I'm going for at that moment. Many times (since acquiring a couple PRSs) I've reached for a Strat and while playing, wished I had one built with the high tolerances and attention to detail inherent in my PRSs. Not to mention the superior trem. I have no attachment to any brand (aside from two amazing builders we have here in Louisiana), only to the music though I'm happy to see PRS finally throw a hat in the Strat ring. Looking forward to trying one out. Just my two cents. Thanks again for doing what you do!! ⚜️☮️❤️🎶

[@Messier31NGC224]

Both fantastic rigs!

[@jhanson16]

Youre a hell of a player! Great licks!

[@trevorjohnson8142]

This is great content. It really helped me make my purchase decision; thank you!

[@gelliott3]

'63 has the dream tone of a lifetime, but the PRS is more versatile. If I wanted a Stevie Ray tone, it's '63 all the way baby.

[@JosePineda-jn8jk]

Or the 63 pickups on the silver sky? Haven’t really seen people try those kinds of demos...

[@smilerman1]

Brilliant balanced video. V happy i have a silver sky on the way to me

[@frankiebella5745]

sounds beautiful mate !!!!!👍😋😁

[@darrengill]

Who knew Jamie Oliver could play some sweet geetar! 😂

[@SamRommer]

Nice playing!

[@Dr9000]

Lovely. What a great video. It's not a competition folks ... they are different tools, different paint brushes. The Strat sounds fantastic! The PRS is so tight and modern. This makes me want to trade my Bi Onyx for the Classic Reverb.

[@PeachGuitars]

Gorleston Guitar thank you! We love them both! I just wanted people to see that they both sound great and the silver sky certainly isn’t embarrassed by what is probably regarded as the pinnacle of Strats

[@MuhammadAbraarAbhirama]

Most on point demo 👌, tone ON POINT

[@frankiebella5745]

sound's real peach'e mate !😝🐝

[@BrianAndersonPhotography]

Here's what I heard - the PRS is a much smoother less edgier version of what a '63 offers as a piece of history. I think all Paul and John wanted to do was modernize the experience. Much of the tone is coming out of the hands. The '63 and the TR in the shoot out came out much grittier. The PRS combo came off much smoother and buttery. Neither are bad but I can imagine that John wanted a more modern sound and experience. He said himself last week he went to Fender for that but they never really worked to help him find this arrangement. But you said this yourself in the video and I can confirm that sir ;)

[@ecinaz]

Nice playing.

[@chinnarciso]

The fender has a warmer tone. A more vintage feel. The prs has a more modern sound to it. Each person has their own opinion about these guitars. I like the fender one. All in all no one should be so negative, its JM thats using it not us. He knows what he wants. 👍

[@demeanor3704]

Lol everyone could have guessed that without even listening to the video.....

[@diamondbreak]

The 63 was just delivered directly from the SRV’s factory! Nice playing!

[@suqies]

the strat no question, has a life of its own wow

[@Magicmeatbag]

Apples and oranges imo. Was definitely interesting seeing the comparison. Thanks for the upload :)

[@jcee6886]

The tone on that old strat is killer

[@sebvarra]

I think we have to change our mind about the PRS Silver Sky. The point is not to replicate or beat a Stratocaster because nothing could do that. The point is to open a path from where the Strat has stopped to evolve. We all know Strat's tone, and we know it so well (and love it so much) that it cannot express itself more than what we already expect from it. Silver Sky is for me a new door open from what fender is, with its own character and tone even if it's based on a strat. That's why this is nice to see a PRS headstock on it, because we have to forget that this is a Fender replica. It has his own playability, his own specs, his own tone which is darker and cleaner that a strat. I'm not surprised that this idea came from a guy which has spent his entre life playing Fender Stratocasters ! By the way, love them both !

[@razznote7586]

One of the best comments on the Fender vs PRS Silversky debates.

[@voxshall]

Love this video, I have a sunburst 63 strat and a two rock and my mate has a black silver sky, so all I need is a J-Mod to repeat the comparison.

[@casualintrovert207]

The PRS is just so sweet, it has a much more round and warm tone than the old strat does.

[@logankienzle6115]

Hits the first note in slow dancing “I’m not going to play it” Hahahah

[@MickaelKrebs]

Both sound great ! the Strat is sounding perfectly like i love. PRS is really cool too, more moderne i would put my hand on it too. so i need both ...

[@Earl00001]

The amps are making a big difference imo. Two Rock sounds great.

[@garthvader8868]

The old school strat for the win!

[@neatspy]

In the last week, my opinion on these has gone from “Over priced Strat copy” to “I NEED this guitar!!”

[@Mattiasljung]

The PRS sounds definitely more tight and modern. The fender at the end with the two-rock has alot of frequencies i dont like meanwhile it feels like the frequencies are very "concentrated" on the PRS. I could use both setups :) great video!

[@sublyme2157]

That Fender sounds fantastic. I'm guessing it fought you for every note, but the payoff was beautiful.

[@patrickfiore5083]

Man! I want that strat for one thing, and the prs for another. And THAT’S the idea here! Both are killer. I do like the versatility of the prs. Feel of the guitar and pickups under the fingers is the key...no vid can capture that. AND from other vids, those expressive tone knobs on the prs can make it sound like a different guitar itself.

[@Nigel-ie6gy]

PRS for me has a great sound

[@chrismundayguitar]

Wow the old Strat & the two rock all day! I want a Bloomfield Drive though

[@BV_Beve]

Nice video.

[@DanielDeMonico782]

Both sound great to me.

[@mgammill]

Silver sky and jmod sound incredible

[@pauldickinson286]

Both sound amazing. Been looking at the fender American original 60s myself.. prs silver sky is tempting also. Guess ill have to play both

[@benforsey]

I was lucky enough to play a real '63 Strat recently. Probably the best Guitar I've ever played.. such an experience.. Also I've had the chance to play a Silver Sky; great punchy sounds for chords and full warm notes for lead

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

That Strat is clearly in a league of its own.

[@earl240sx]

Always love reading the comments from the "experts" whose opinions are presented as statements of fact. Here's a clue guys; unless your last name is Clapton, Beck, Page, Cray, Mayer, or one of a couple dozen other guys whose opinions most of us would actually respect, it's just your opinion and means little to nothing. My worthless opinion, as a huge fan of both PRS and Fender (I own two of each company's guitars), in this presentation with these guitars and amps I prefer the sound of the Fender through the Two-Rock. I think both rigs sound fantastic though, and I would be thrilled to own either of those rigs (obviously the value and rarity of the '63 Strat tips the scales in its favor). The fact that they are different sounding guitars and amps is the very reason many of us own several (or many, depending on how fortunate you are) guitars and amps; each has its own voice and we choose the voice that suits the sound and style we are looking for on any given day. My $0.02

[@riinochen9318]

That Fender 60 strat + Fender two Rock is Beast ! that vintage vibe waa ! love it , the PRS sounds modern , with smoother neck , still prefer the Fender

[@atravelingboy7995]

Great playing! I was wondering what sound you prefer?

[@ericbachmann8037]

Has anyone watched the John Mayer video where he explains Why he went to/with PRS? Yes, the old Strat needs a Fret job. John Mayer tried to contact the actual designer at Fender and couldn’t get ahold of that person. So John went to PRS and Contacted Paul Reed Smith himself. This is 1 reason John Mayer went with PRS, the one on one contact and design with the player (John Mayer and designer (PRS). John Mayer wanted to design a new modern take on the old Strat with his own ideas, he couldn’t accomplish this cause he couldn’t contact the designer at Fender. This is my opinion: Fender Custom Shop could have created what John Mayer wanted. BUT, that’s not a one on one design with the designer at Fender, that’s a one on one with a builder at The Custom Shop. All of that aside, there’s still the “look” of the Strat body. Which is why he went with the Strat body look (because the Strat Body is what he’s used to seeing), with a subtle difference as not to just be another Stat body copy. What John Mayer’s video, he explains this. Again, my opinion, I think John Mayer just wanted a signature guitar and Fender wasn’t willing to do that...... so John Mayer went elsewhere. But still wanted the look and feel of a Strat. The Silver Sky is what they, John Mayer and PRS, came up with. The headstock wasn’t copied for obvious reasons. A comment on this video. The SS is $2,200 USD? And is BRAND NEW...... why not add a brand new $2,200 Strat in the comparison and compare all 3. This will give the “newness” fret comparison and also dollar for dollar. Just my $.02

[@beatlemartin12]

"John Reed Smith" Who is that guy?

[@JohnnyArtPavlou]

I saw the piece. It's hard to hate on such a nice, smart, and talented guy. God bless, if he's happy, and Paul's happy, I'll be happy for them. 😐

[@monkeyman1327]

Can't match this for 2,200 in the fender shop unfortunately

[@rweaverfx9199]

“John Mayer tried to contact the actual designer at Fender and couldn’t get ahold of that person” Yep. Leo Fender is dead apparently.

[@jimmybergmooser]

Preach

[@rafyolmeda]

Both of them sounds great!! Both has a awesome tone.. if ask me what would be my preference? Well, I’m sure most of all working musicians has more than one guitar. I guarantee you, you will use more than one guitar or for every other gig you take one different depending on your mood or music style. Both of this guitars sounds amazing.

[@jbbourbon178]

Dat Strat!

[@documentingordinarythoughts]

I wasn't expecting this but I LOVED the PRS 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@mwrable]

I’ll take the old Strat, smoked the Silver Sky. The shortcomings and warts of an old Strat are part of its vibe and tone. YMMV.

[@thehotsixer1]

The old Strat had juicy tasty tone, I agree totally.

[@dougrettberg7986]

I am a big Fender and PRS fan, but the Fender definitely sounds better for that classic Fender sound

[@chazbutcher]

Strat fore the win.

[@RN-fx3zl]

that strat has so much clarity

[@burroughs334]

I don't know how to describe the fender vs. the PRS tone in this case, but I'd venture to say the fender has more "character", whereas the PRS has really delightful sounding high end sparkle to it. The fender sounds aggressive and awesome and the PRS really shines during those delicate parts. I take it a lot of that is a function of the amps they're played through as well, thus the "rig" shootout. In terms of guitars, though, I like the classic look of the Fender. That's really splitting hairs, though. The PRS is an intriguing take on a classic. I'd love to try one some day

[@colaboytje]

He still uses Two-Rock amps live. They are behind his PRS front displayed amps. Also Fender Bandmaster is still on stage. So, the only thing that changed, is that there are 2 PRS amps on stage.

[@MrAnders1976]

One small factor between the two guitars is the reverse wound polarity middle pickup on the PRS. It actually affects all 5 positions. On a vintage strat with three pickups with the same polarity you get sweeter (less highs) and more soft (less output) 2 an 4 positon to the extent that you often need to boost (especially the highs) on those 2 and 4 position but the quack sound is also different from a modern wired fender with reverse polarity middle pickup.. But to my ears even the other position (1,3,5) are slightly affected by having a reverse wound middle pickup..They seem more "open" sounding with a non-RWRP middle pickup. I had a strat with a set of fender 1954 alnico 5 pickups with 5.8, 5.9 and a slightly hotter bridge at 6.5 output and no reverse middle pickup.. There was something "different" by not having a reverse wound middle pickup.. Here is a BKP (bareknuckle) video talking about it kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGO9aI1_gKaLiqM I think a dual p90 guitar is also to be found on their site.. And the middle position was vastly different from having two p90 with opposite polarity used in conjuction than two with the same polarity..

[@It_is_now]

PRS sounds unbroken in. Sparkles and well balanced. The vintage one sounds unpredictable and that probably makes it like a life like instrument.

[@anraj_plahe]

Maybe it's just my ears, but the warmer, cleaner sound of the SS just appealed to me more. The fender was that classic tone we all love, but upon playing the SS myself, I just vibe with it. All depends on the player

[@MrCgar18]

The prs sounds good to me I like it.

[@kuzeyrfatkzgnkaya7274]

John, i always hear your swallow whenever you show up on the Peach videos LOL

[@fullmetalsal]

Don’t delete the you tube app!! Great demos as always.

[@decleanz]

should revisit this interview when the pickups on the silver sky have worn in

[@MrGibsn1960]

I’ve been looking for a comparison like this. Everything I’ve heard thus far from the PRS has just been really polished sounding and not what I want to hear from a strat at all.

[@cmkilcullen8176]

In this video with headphones on, the PRS is less clean or less trebly - more middle- rounded- holds the bottom well if that is what you are into. PRS rounds out some brash edginess - smoother- agree with that. There may be something gained and something lost in all that depending on what sound you like or appreciate more....

[@dezionlion]

Take a note from Paul when you spec out your custom shop strats, and put the same pickup in the bridge as the neck!

[@makmcqueen8634]

I think all three are the same 6.27

[@reviewforthetube6485]

I loved both and people hating on the prs need to open there eyes and there minds and look up how it was made and ehy it sounds like it does they put alot into that guitar and for good reason it is one of my favorite prs ever made just necause it looks more like a strat doesnt mean it is the internals and the pickups and the control knobs are completely different and there amazing it doesnt get that over treble sound that pierces the ears the wrong way and they made it specifically that way people just need to do more research on the guitar and truely understand why it was made and I promise you will realize the difference

[@savethemercury]

Strat is magic

[@justingarcia7722]

The old rig has some much character and the PRS rig sounds very hifi and transparent (to the player), by that I mean, if most of us were to play through that 60s strat/two rock rig, we’d likely sound somewhat similar, or at least go for similar tones (all players are different of course) whereas I think the flat Clarity of the prs rig really places a microscope on the player and simply is designed to make that player louder forcing all the character to come from that individual. Both very good, but I can see why Mayer had it designed that way, he just wants to make his playing louder and bigger cause all the character is in his hands

[@vintagepipesnightmares]

Can you please tell me how a custom shop Strat comes setup ? Action an relief . Thank you very much !

[@arnasbernat7019]

strat+two rock had more of a SRV tone , while jmod and prs SS had the spot on JM tone.

[@konnektlive]

I do have a Suhr Classic Pro, Fender Strat Elite (ebony fretboard) and a PRS Silver Sky that I just purchased for the studio. We also have more than 9 Fender strats in here including 4 CS models. Surprisingly, even when playing the Suhr, Fender Elite and PRS Silver Sky without plugging them in an amp just acoustically, they still sound very different than Fender CSs or even Standards! I think there is an 'intentional' difference in the built of the Suhr Classic Pro, Fender Elite and PRS Silver Sky which make them sound more woody/modern/middy and smooth in compare to the more twangy, jangly, bell-like and glassy sound of the Fender CS and Standards. The pickups do sound different for sure, but even when playing them acoustically the sound difference is there, that's why I'm saying the sound you are hearing is not the pickup compression or anything like that, but for some reasons they somehow built these guitars (Suhr, Fender Elite and Silver Sky) physically in a way (fret material? bar material? fretboard wood type? etc...) to sound more modern with more mid and less presence/twang. I like both sounds and especially I like the Fender Elite with ebony fretboard for that modern sound. IF you want the sound of Suhr Classic Pro but would not like to waste 1k more go buy the Fender Elite (which acoustically and plugged in sound 99% the same). Also get the Elite if you want the Silver Sky but also need a different and more modern fretboard radius (9.5 on Silver Sky and compound 9.5 to 14 on the Elite) and a great set of noiseless pickups (version 4 is a head and shoulder above the version 3 noiseless pickups). Soundwise, what I found is that the bridge pickup on the Fender Elite, Suhr Classic Pro and PRS Silver Sky sound 10 times better than the Fender CS or Standards or Pro series. All Fender single coil guitars (except Elite) on the bridge pickup sound overly glassy, super bright and harsh, while the Elite, Classic Pro and Silver Sky bridge pickups sound very usable, still bright but very tamable. The neck and middle pickups on all Fender single coil guitars (again except Elite) sound typical twangy/bell-like and overly glassy with lots of presence sound; while the neck and bridge pickups on the Elite, Classic Pro and Silver Sky sound way less twangy and bell-like, less compressed with more mids and silky smooth and woody sounding (not glassy at all). In way I love the spongy and dynamic feel of the Fender Elite and Silver Sky as they seem to be more dynamic in a way that when you dig more the sound will open more and vice-versa. Two different sounds for different tastes. One can perhaps say the Suhr, Fender Elite and Silver Sky are a bit dull and lifeless as I see people say it, but that's not true, they just sound less glassy, less bright and more smooth and buttery which might give the impression that they sound more dull. I think just like any guitar player on needs one of each! Overall, I think the best modern strat sound out of these 3 belong to the Fender Elite (with more features, same built quality with more convenient and modern features), and the best vintage sound also belong to Fender CS or Pro series, period. Cheers,

[@Mrguitarcraze]

I wonder how much of the tone on the original strat is coming from the strings buzzing on uneven frets etc. creating all of the overtones.

[@vintagepipesnightmares]

That Strat looks much better sounds much much better ! There is not much more to say.

[@rcnewman51.]

The silver sky I think has less high end. Not so sharp/ bright on the initial note, sounds smooth like a nice dark roast. Can’t believe think I like the silver sky tone more than the strat!

[@strattac2264]

While I was watching this video I overheard two squirrels talking in the Pecan tree in my front yard. One of them said he would trade one of his nuts for that strat sound from the 63 and the Two Rock.

[@clelandstephen4181]

Bigger, warmer and fuller sound off the strat for sure.

[@randyvanvliet226]

Really have to wonder how the PRS would sound with either some Texas or Big Dipper wound pickups, compared to the 63 Strat, of course, in John Mayer's hands.

[@theguitarodds1779]

I had a thought about the silver sky which kinda follows what John says here. Ibanez makes modified strat copies, Gibson has kramer which not only have the superstrat guitars but also have a cheapy strat copy of their own. And even a lot of high end companies like suhr and knaggs make guitars that are heavily inspired by the strat. And there are a lot of companies that make guitars very similar to PRS guitars. I personally think that this guitar was originally and will continue to be a strat that looks and sounds vintage without any of the mistakes that were made on the 50s and 60s guitars. Paul is an innovator and what he has done with this is taken a classic guitar and ironed out the creases in its design.

[@celicharvel]

The first time I saw the silver sky I thought its body was identical to fender's but I can see some difference now. On a side note this guy can sound like SRV

[@stratorarious]

I find that the high end S type recreations sound like they are accentuating the prominent tones of the Fender Strat; the result to me is that they sound more like a Strat than a Strat does.

[@eaglewindrider7700]

Strat for me 👍🔥🎸🦅

[@coffeedudeguy]

23:34 to hear both guitars through the SAME AMP (Two Rock)

[@mjallenuk]

It was a really, REALLY good choice to keep hold of that old Strat (long may she reign!) ... But let's face it, unless you're fairly minted and don't mind the worry of owning a true vintage 30k instrument then the PRS is the guitar you'll play every day. Drag it off to gigs, kick about with your mates and a few jars and then throw it into airlines baggage handlers careful loving hands. When it comes back buggered to all hell in a carrier bag you put in a claim and order another one. It sounds just fine and with enough decent amp action and a few pedals you'd be almost daft not to have one. I would love the strat. I'd be VERY happy with the PRS. End of the day the wife wouldn't let me buy either so I'll stop dreaming now.... Thanks for the demonstration John and crew. Glad you didn't shy away from all the crap on the internet and made this happen for those of us who can afford such niceties.

[@pauljude]

Excellent video! Both sound good but the strat...amazing tone....so, so good. Good playing and nice set up for comparison. I picked up a 2017 strat pro that reminds me of the silver sky. Beautiful, plays like butter but has a somewhat sterile sound that you really have to work around sometimes. My frankenstrat with American special body, Stevie ray neck and Texas specials doesn't play as easily, isn't as pretty but...the sound...it's like a poor man's version of the 63 in this video.

[@amerzero2002]

P

[@SomekidthatplaysVR]

Geez LOL, you must have hit that 63 strat 50 times with that ring in the beginning when you were doing the intro to the video, $$$REDUCED$$$

[@PeachGuitars]

Mason Jordan good job it’s not for sale!

[@noobmusic1864]

Relic'd baby, the price went up!

[@someweirdguy101]

There's a high end sparkly-ness in the Strat that's not there in the Silver Sky. Both sound great, just different.

[@michaelcraig9449]

What is Vemuram Jamray, what does it do, any other similar recommended pedals?

[@saintmovies7735]

The 63 Strat by a Country Mile

[@pereztube2]

Honestly, I liked the sound of the Silver Sky more!

[@bradwoods371]

i think some of the "grittiness" coming from the 63' strat is fret/setup issue

[@mattycee5412]

The more I hear the j mod the more I'm like that would complete my musical life have a feeling it would be an incredible jazz amp

[@JJDPROMEDIAPRODUCTION]

Same O'l story.. "Stale "dialed" in tone from PRS. The real Strat has that "open" tone" that's gorgeous..

[@Justafeller]

Must be a "same ol' story" only you're familiar with.

[@il-koojameskim6708]

Hugh difference between two guitars. Prs sound is quite gentle, pretty but old strat is just like the beast.