The Most Controversial and Hated Guitar in Recent Memory? The PRS Silver Sky

[@MascarasMil]

I own 10 American Strats, 3 Eric Johnson Virginia Les, 3 MIJ Jvs, no mex Strats, and a PRS Silver Sky (among other guitars). The PRS stays in tune, plays in all 5 positions, and has a beautiful tone and range. I first purchased a SE and recently gifted it to my best friend. I upgraded to the AM PRS SS.

[@mattsefton]

I got a Silver Sky second hand ridiculously cheap earlier this year after 40 years of playing Strats. It’s a superb guitar that I instantly bonded with. The tweak of the body shape makes it more comfortable than the original and the neck is so playable. Build quality is immaculate. It’s a modern reimagining of the original done extremely well.

[@jamescurtis8584]

Very well said, fully agree

[@beautifulguitars3158]

Can't agreed more, we'll said 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@eggncream]

Breaking news, man who played a single guitar type for 40 years buys the same guitar with birds for inlays instead of dots and likes it, amazing I didn’t expect it to

[@jamescurtis8584]

@@eggncream OP specifically cites the instant bond bc it's a remaining of the guitar he's played for decades. Reimagining means updated, as opposed to just rehashing the same old tired boring garbage such as more unnecessary Internet negativity and hilarious "breaking news" jokes.

[@gregjgman]

I LOVE my Silver Sky! I prefer the aesthetics of the Fender headstock but there are 2 things that are standouts for this guitar: 1. The pickups. 2. The superior tremolo design #1: the pickups never sound harsh even with the bridge tone knob wide open. The pickups also never sound too thin. Each pickup position has mojo, even the often neglected middle position, which to me sounds like the middle position of a Tele if it was not out of phase. #2: The tremolo is a set trem with a set screw to adjust the tension. And while I don't love the headstock, I don't know how anyone can say that the guitar is ugly. It looks very similar to the classic and I think the horn mods PRS made in the body design are a nice distinctive touch myself. YMMV, of course......

[@dustylense]

I own two core SS. I own 4 Fender strats. I play the SS 95% of the time.

[@billjohnson6906]

@@dustylensesame situation for me. Have multiple strats from all price points. When I’m reaching for a guitar to play, my hands are instinctively drawn to the SS. Even though I’m emotionally tilted towards the strat, just because my heroes played one. Don’t sleep on this guitar and don’t listen to those who immediately dismiss them.

[@Harrysound]

I play PRS, I love their neck shape, i have a modern fender with a C shape that’s ok…but you know it’s a fender, the edges are sharp, it’s like banana. How much Fender is in this PRS and how much PRS is in this fender?

[@BennyCornelissen]

I've owned a bunch of Fender Strats (both Mexican and US models), and my current 'S-type' crop is made up from a Fender 60th Anniversary Commemorative Strat, and a 2021 Silver Sky. The Fender is the best US Strat I've played. Well built, great finish, good neck, and it sounds like a good Strat. The Silver Sky, however, is my absolute number one guitar. I find the neck way more comfortable than the Fender, but that's a preference thing. I dig the pickups more than the Fender pups. The string tension on the higher strings is lower on the Silver Sky which may be due to the headstock design. I use the same strings on both. The Silver Sky somehow feels more compact even though it isn't smaller, which may also be due to the headstock design. The Fender is still here because it's a great guitar that somehow _always_ turns out to be the right guitar whenever I fail to find to right tone on my Silver Sky. I usually prefer the Silver Sky, but whenever I want a particular tone and I just can't seem to nail it with the Silver Sky, I pick up the Fender and it'll be perfect. The higher string tension and different neck profile also make me play differently, so I'm happy owning both.

[@ElBauldo64]

John Mayer is one of the few guitarists of the last 25 years where people talk about "In the style of John Mayer" the way people talk about the styles of SRV, Gilmour, Hendrix, Knopfler etc. Look at him playing on the John Mayer Trio. Awesome.

[@BeefNEggs057]

Which JM style? He changes styles every album. He hates being painted into a genre.

[@beautifulguitars3158]

Absolutely 💯 indeed 👏 👍 👌

[@RandyCraig-e3c]

He is a copycat. You mentioned 4 people he can imitate. I still don't know his identity on the guitar. Because he shapeshifts to whatever he thinks is hip to shapeshift. The only reason that dude stood out the last 25 years was because he got big on pop songs, and no electric. Remember, the guitar was DEAD in the 2000's and 2010's. So there was no one in mainstream really to compare to. But he was not playing anything new. There is no "John Mayer style." It's just regurgitation of whatever genre whatever guitarist he is trying to be. It's disingenuous. If he was just a guitar player, he would be a session player at most or playing guitar for someone else.

[@RandyCraig-e3c]

@@BeefNEggs057 He tries to change genre. He hasn't done anything daring. He's never challenged his audience. In the end, the aesthetic doesn't matter. They are just pop songs regardless. Even the trio stuff stays in his lane. So if you admire him, fine. But it's all relative. He really is no different than SRV, Hendrix, Clapton, Knopfler. Because that's who he mimics.

[@davidfaustino4476]

SOOO blues? That's just a young people reference for blues playing.

[@TheMichaelbriggs478]

I've been really enjoying this newish video format. Brief topic intro > TrueFire spot over intro jam > the rest of the vid. So smooth.

[@dustylense]

Most haters have never even played one. And if they did, it was for less than 10 minutes. And in those 10 minutes, they tried to shred heavy metal on it... Don't lie.

[@AutopsySuiteable]

I shred metal on mine tbh

[@nuendo2496]

…I’ve played about 20 of them…from $700 to $7000…..bland terrible guitars….

[@Dawg93]

Do I need to play another S style copycat to think it's just another S style copycat

[@officialWWM]

I’ve never played one. I already have a Strat! I have the original, I don’t need an overpriced copy.

[@user-dh5bnafe4b]

How would you know that unless you personally followed most "haters" around every day. I've tried a few of them. Perfectly serviceable instruments but nothing that made me want to give up my '62 Hotrod Strat or my Jeff Beck sig. How is that hate?

[@MichaelBassVideos]

I have an American Silver Sky in Frost with a maple board. It is unbelievable. Mine happens to have a super flamey neck. Barely touching the guitar anywhere makes the whole thing resonate. The quality is just astounding. It's the only guitar I play, besides an acoustic once in a while. To me, it's the coolest looking guitar I've ever seen. It's the perfect balance between round and pointy... like halfway between a Fender and an Ibanez. I'm inspired every time I look at it. I play 10 times more now that I have it. I wish it would have existed when I was young. My life would be totally different.

[@area859]

How do you feel about the neck? I just ordered a USA SS. I'm just a little worried it will be difficult to play with a 7.25 radius and thicker neck.

[@Luke_Williamson]

I got one in frost aswell. But with the satin. Had it a couple years and it’s already starting to age and paint wearing. But a lot of that is due to the heat the room I play in gets. Especially in the Australian summer.

[@Luke_Williamson]

@@area859hasn’t been an issue for me at all. A lot of the comments I see are people focusing on the radius but it’s no issue

[@MichaelBassVideos]

@@area859 If you play "Thumb-over" like John Mayer and Jimi Hendrix, its so perfect. I haven't had any issues with "thumb-behind" either. Its very sporty.

[@herbervalencia3401]

PRS Sky Silver is one of the most controversial, crazy & succesfull electric guitar I ever seen. We love it. That's it. 🎸🔥🤘😎

[@RodCat_Guitar]

I worked at Fuchs audio for a while, and a few years back a guy came in the check out an amp, I set him up in the front demo room with an ODS amp. I left him alone and went into the back to continue what I was doing, giving the guy some time alone to play with the amp. He was a tasteful player, and what we heard was jaw dropping, there were gorgeous tones coming from the front, Andy Fuchs and I said, "wow that a beautiful sounding strat." It was a beautiful clean tone, harmonically rich, articulate, very SRV and Mayer and everyone we know who sounds killer with a Strat. I went back out to the front to check on the guy and much to my surprise, he was playing a PRS Silver Sky! I was stunned! Both Andy and I were blown away by it. I bought one for myself after hearing that guy. I concur with everything you said about its playability and tone. But the Fuch ODS amp helped to make it sound so good. It's a killer guitar, listen with your ears not your eyes. That what we did, inadvertently. :)

[@david_farmer]

FWIW both the PRS & John Mayer thing was the reason I bought a Silver Sky SE. I'm plenty happy with it.

[@allend3127]

I love mine, as well.

[@coldshotblues]

Bought a Silver Sky Dead Spec last spring. My first PRS. Fit and finish second to none right out of the box. It has become my go to guitar in my collection because of playability, versatility and tone.

[@area859]

With the radius and thick neck is it easy to play?

[@theforgedone]

Have you tried the NF3?

[@Mrlz56]

PRS needs some options with the radius , lets say 12". a short scale would be nice too. Stainless frets? I'd go with a Tom Anderson strat before a silver sky. The silver sky imports I tryed 2 both sucked imo.

[@daviddalziel884]

I have an SE Silver Sky which I won and it’s a great guitar . When released they were £ 900 and dropped to £600 which puts them up against Player series Strats which for me the PRS is streets ahead of, better pickups , lighter , easier to play -8.5 profile so no bends problems. A lot of the flak they get is probably from people who’ve not played one . I didn’t like the satin finish on the back of the neck but it has smoothed out with playing . The trems are screwed down as per JM but don’t know what they’re like if you try to float the trem . Can’t imagine there’s much difference up to the core model which is pricey . Best case scenario a second hand SE @ £450 a great buy . I’ve got three Strats USA , Japanese and Korean and the PRS stands up great !

[@skye7690]

Thank you for this review, lots of useful information.

[@Timtime67]

Beautiful playing in the intro. The guitar sure sounds great in capable hands. Maybe others should do a rethink on that last statement. Good day.

[@musiccreation1198]

Selling my 2021 Silver Sky is one of only a handful of seller's remorse experiences I've had. The Silver Sky is a bargain. Suhr Classic S is 20% more expensive. K Line is also more expensive. Way cheaper than my Tuttle. I definitely see buying a new SS in the future.

[@Chris_Nouvelli]

Anyone that can say they ‘hate’ a guitar needs some perspective. It’s an instrument. Calm down. You ‘dislike’ it, but hate’s a little extreme. Also, too much attention on the headstock - I legitimately don’t understand why someone would say it’s ugly. The old Chapman headstocks are ugly in my opinion. The PRS ones are no more/less headstock-y than Fender, Gibson, Ibanez. It’s got its own identifiable appearance in a market where it must be nigh-on impossible to come up with something unique. I love my PRS Tremonti and yet I know the Silver Sky isn’t for me as I like my volume knob well out of the way!

[@RandyCraig-e3c]

@@Chris_Nouvelli free speech. We can hate all we want. Hate is exhausting but you can’t tell someone they “can’t” say something.

[@robertbrown1778]

I don't have a problem with the PRS headstock normally and will probably buy a PRS at some point, but I just hate it on the Strat body. It almost makes me feel nauseous.

[@Chris_Nouvelli]

@@robertbrown1778 Have to admit I agree about the headstock shape on the strat body - definitely unsettling 😅

[@MikeS4628]

I never liked the Chapman "reverse tele" headstock. Having said that, it doesn't change that the old plain brown wood ML1 is one of my favorite guitars. I've gigged it and played it so much over the decade I've had it. I don't dig reverse headstocks in the first place for use. A lot look cool, but I don't dig it in use. But that old Chapman is a fav for certain.

[@area859]

I just purchased this new PRS SILVER SKY in Faded Black Tee with Maple neck.. Im kinda worried about the playability with the 7.25 radius neck but most reviewers have loved this guitar. The tones are epic. I own Suhr guitars which are amazing and top shelf quality and craftsmanship. Decided to give PRS a try.

[@carlom.3737]

I don't own a Silver Sky and only briefly owned a PRS Studio (it was a fantastic playing guitar, but the narrowfield PUs were not close to single coils as they were advertised to be). But I've never understood the flak that PRS got for the Silver Sky, especially since so many other builders were already doing their takes on Strats. I ended up buying two Suhr Classic S Antiques and love them, and Suhr gets nowhere near the hate PRS does for their Strat copies (and yes I know John Suhr was a master luthier at Fender in years past). In fact Suhr guitars are (rightfully) lauded. So I don't understand why Suhr, Tom Anderson, and others get praised while PRS gets knocked. They all make great, but different sounding/feeling, S style guitars.

[@brandoncouture4432]

I absolutely love my silver sky, the thick neck, rounder 7.25 fretboard, and those pickups are perfect! PRS have changed the guitar landscape with these and other releases since, I think they've forced Fender and Gibson to compete with their quality at every price level, especially with the SE guitars being as good as they are for the price.

[@oldmanzen6682]

The Silver Sky hatred has continued to be one of the most idiotic, juvenile dramas in guitar that I've seen in my 47 years of playing. It's a Strat clone, for Christ's sake, not some divine design that can never be copied. Again. And I always laugh whenever anyone complains about them choking out. They don't. Neither did the classic Strats that are revered by the same people. The only thing I'd change on mine are the tuning pegs. Don't like the cheap plastic, and the grey doesn't fit all colours in the line-up. But that's minor stuff. Great video, John. And amazing playing as always.

[@cropcircle5693]

I feel like sometimes it sounds like a sampled guitar. Especially when played in this noodley clean single note running style. I rarely hear much grit or nuance out of them in the way it seems a Strat with do naturally. I've also just never heard anybody play a Silver Sky in anything but maybe 3 genre's that all seem to overlap as almost only one. I have no idea how they would work for Post punk, Shoegaze, Doom, Sludge, Grunge, Post Rock, etc. All Genre's where a Strat has an obvious place. I feel like the PRS marketing has done a terrible job in this regard. They just let this guitar get defined by the guitar community and they don't seem to be doing anything to drive expectations. But then again, I don't see PRS making any efforts in the genre's I mentioned so that's clearly a decision on their part. Blind spot or otherwise, they clearly don't care.

[@beautifulguitars3158]

It's interesting that when PRS Silver Sky came out: while criticism came in loads, PRS couldn't keep up with orders of the guitar 😂😂😂😂😂. PRS SE Silver Sky has been the bestseller two years running. That tells me something. It should to many too 😅😅😅😅😅.

[@nuendo2496]

Yeah….it tells me a lot a kids love it as their first cheap guitar….

[@rohanbungre]

Hey, do you have the backing track starting at 1:40 available anywhere?

[@IamMusicNerd]

PRS has an unwarranted stigma in my opinion. They aren’t for everyone, but I foolishly stayed away for years believing the haters, thinking it’s more art than substance. But once I actually played their guitars I instantly realized they are extremely well made, comfortable to play, and sound fantastic. I should have known better with players like Tremonti, Lettieri, Orianthi, Navarro, Meyers, Mayer, McLaughlin, etc all playing them. Don’t believe the internet trolls until you play some versions and then decide for yourself.

[@humbucker08]

@@IamMusicNerd I agree. I saved up some money a few years ago so that I could go to my local shop and play as many guitars as I could with a completely open mind to whichever one sounded and felt best and inspired me to play. I tried Fender, Gibson, Ibanez anything that caught my interest… once I played a PRS I knew instantly I wanted one. Walked out with one that day and I’m still convinced it’s the only one I need.

[@jeremyroberthickey]

I've been playing my 2008 Fender American Standard Strat more than any other guitar over the past 16 years. I pulled a used PRS Silver Sky off the wall at a music store for the first time recently (I only had a few minutes with it, unplugged) and was surprised at how different it felt from my Strat. I really liked the feel of the neck in my hand and especially the heel. It definitely needed a setup; notes were choking on bends and the action didn't feel particularly low. I'd certainly be interested in trying more, as well as the SE version. I don't really know why PRS gets so much hate. "There's no PRS sound" is such a weird complaint to me: they make a variety of really-good-to-me-sounding guitars and, in my experience and from what I've read, they're super consistent, which I like. And for the record, there are a lot of stock Fenders and Gibsons out there that don't have their respective brand's sound.

[@DornAndGrant]

If I was head of Fender, id release an absolutely clear Custom 24 style, 2 H/b pickup guitar, with a fender headstock. Unfortunately nobody would buy it, but for sh+ts and giggles it would be hilarious. Also - the John Mayer discussion. The tribalism of guitar/guitarists is hilarious. And imo, if a man knows his music well enough to employ Robbie Mackintosh, Pino, and Steve Jordan is worth a listen.

[@danthedem]

As a Clapton fan, I had a few Fender strats and a few Teles. But I never really connected with Fenders. The Silver Sky is a strat style that suits me better than Fenders. I got the SE version at my local PRS dealer. It was my second one (I got one of the first SE versions in Dragonfruit, but am not a fan of rosewood on strat or tele style guitars). I love them and their tones. For the money, they're the best strat (imo) style guitar. I've played the American version and like it as much, if not even more, than the SE version. Love the pickups and the playability of the neck. With Fender's I often struggle to play them for too long without some kind of discomfort. The Silver Skies seem to address that for me.

[@retromacman620]

I owned one just like that for about 6 months. Sold it because I needed some cash it wasn't exactly what I consider my ideal strat style guitar. I tend to favor 9.5 inch radius or 12 inch, and maple fretboard, modern pickups... I've come around on them again though, and I'd consider picking up a used one for the right price. The SE is pretty solid, too! ❤

[@powerchuffer]

For about 1500$, you can get a nitro partscaster with the best specs (even SS frets if you want), and with a way better bridge than the PRS one (Vegatrem for example). It would play as well as the PRS, and it would certainly look MUCH better, while being a lot cheaper.

[@davidkeller6156]

I went to Sweetwater and clicked on PRS guitars listed by most popular. The very first core model that shows up is the Silver Sky. The Silver Sky SE is on the list of guitars before the core models, also.

[@tomaslopez2940]

8:36 You can't say that Ibanez knocks off Fender strats like PRS does. The RG series are superstrats which are a whole nother level above a Fender strat. Superstrats use locking trems, humbuckers, and 22-24 frets to distinguish themselves from regular strats, whereas the Silver Sky does only one of these and even goes as far as to copy the exact control layout of Fender. Speaking of which, when will you try a real superstrat like the Jackson Soloist or Ibanez RG550 on this channel?

[@erikvoima2701]

I got a silver sky in july, absolutely love it. Immediately felt right at home with it even though it's so different from my other guitars

[@Cousin_Gregg]

It’s an iconic guitar reimagined by one great guitar player for guitar players. Tough to argue against that.

[@metalfatigue]

Guitar players are stubborn and even Gibson/Fender have had limited sales success fixing what wasn't broken. Here we are, 70 years later, still playing Teles and Strats, even buying vintage replicas down to the wax on the wires. I don't think there's anything wrong with the Silver Sky but I also don't think there's a lot wrong with a good Strat. Personally, I think the rosewood on this one looks gorgeous, and the taupe paint looks like a coat of primer, but to each his own. Your comment on value is spot on. The Silver Sky may not be the greatest guitar ever, but Fender won't give you a guitar that's as light and resonant unless you spend a lot more.

[@RandomVideoGuy02]

You must’ve forgotten about Schecter’s abysmal blunder with MGK’s razor blade guitar. That’s easily the most hated pieces of garbage to ever be considered a guitar lol

[@gdawgs101]

Of all the hideous guitars produced throughout history, why is that one the worst?

[@jean-philippemorin1176]

Prs makes awesome guitars. I have owned a ce 22 from 2008 with alder body ( special run I think). It was light awesome neck (fat neck) sound good, maybe a little dark. I sold it to fund my dream guitar, a fender customshop strat. I wish I still had the prs but the trade was worth it for me. I have no doubt the silver sky's are awesome guitars. In the end people plays what fits them and what they like. since we are all different that makes sense there are many guitar styles on the market. Also when I get bored, playing another different guitar can bring inspiration.

[@samuelhatman8995]

John, everybody I watch says you are a grounded expert, and an opinion to use as a standard against most others. It is about the feel in the hand. You used the word "inspire." Yes, I held inspiring tone in my hand... Ohhh my, sounds so beautiful and my hand, said, no son, you'll not put this guitar into practice and get your best moves out of it. My point: it hurts to see a crowd of negative responders use damaging words to say simply this, or that does not fit at the end of a day. I'm pretty old... never was pretty, kinda funny looking really, many have said. The PRS McCarty series are beautiful... The Silver Sky? It's undefinable, but while ok, it doesn't "grab" me. Our larger world is vain, ie. Epiphone Headstock now looking like Gibson. Tone? Your play is beautiful, you know how to dial an amp and effects, then blend for broadcast on KZbin. But, pick up virtually any S or T style guitar in any shop and it's pot luck how it will sound. I love an underdog. But I might never play it. It was hard to type this. I felt a need to be kinder. I like what Paul does in presentation in person. He is a little grating. But I like the man and his work. We should talk.

[@BlugubriousMusic]

I have a couple of PRS SEs... I have had and sold others... I recently got the NF3 and am digging it. I played an SE Silver Sky and found the neck way too chunky for me. Not the modern C or even C of most Fenders... that is not a complaint - just a heads up.

[@jackprice7828]

Let’s face it. The guitar manufacturing industry is a business. Somewhere in there is musical innovation. But it’s all done around business decisions.

[@bloosman1]

I own a Silver Sky and a CE 24. The issue had w/ both of them was that the volume pots wore outing the first 2 years of owning them. I replaced these and have had no issues since. I use the volume knob on my guitars extensively. My 2009 Strat has never had this issue.

[@Tatted-ne7tu]

I’m a 594 player after finally ditching Gibsons. If I had to play an S type it would be the Mayer PRS. Love the design, the tone and the quality. I’ve never ever enjoyed playing Fender strats. If Paul ever does a 10” radius Mayer I’m all over it.

[@christiantaylor4027]

Interesting. Looks nice.U make sound good. Great playing John.Take care.

[@danielhunt2510]

One great design choices is it has a dedicated bridge tone control which they don’t put on all ‘strats’. Really useful to tame what can be an ice pick sound, when flicking from the neck/middle pickups.

[@gdawgs101]

You can do this mon on a regular strat in less than 3 mins

[@johne.1011]

I have the core and SE versions of the Silver Sky and am 10 out of 10 pleased with them. PRS is a top shelf brand and well worth their price. I even like the headstock over the Fender. Try one...I'm sure you too will be happy you did. BTW...I'm still picking my LP up over the Silver Sky very time...but no guitar brand are in between them...two top manufacturers of electric guitar at this time.

[@alguitarchristie]

PRS are some of the best quality guitars on the market and anyone who says otherwise, is an idiot! My DGT is better than any Gibson I ever had.

[@BeefNEggs057]

Low IQ bot comment.

[@monahantp3767]

I couldn't name one tune by John Mayer, but I've seen interview clips... so I know about him ;) The Silver Sky? It's a fantastic instrument! The discounted street price puts it about $100 or so near the American Pro II Strat in many cases. Used, is where the real bargains are-- considering that PRS folks are generally very precious about their guitars, so getting a good one is pretty easy. When the guitar was first released, that headstock on a Strat was a bit of a shock... but as time went on I really like it-- it's different in a good way. BTW, Paul successfully juggled things around to keep all his employees during/after the "C" shut-downs-- Fender can't say that. Don't know about Gibson...(?) Cheers!

[@strumminronin]

Thanks for the video, and the prompt for some introspection! I must admit, of all the S-type guitars out there, the draw from the Silver Sky is very minimal. I wish I could explain why! A "stunt double" of his "the black one" would be a lot more interesting. Just in case Fender is listening LOL.

[@vincet68]

Your summary is right on the money, John. By any objective measure, the Silver Sky (both core and SE) are amazing guitars at the relative price point. Much of the hate comes from people that haven’t played one for any appreciable amount of time. If I wanted an S-shaped object, it’d be on my potentials list for sure.

[@Tallguyband]

My band mate has the USA version so I have played it a number of times individually and in a 4-piece band context. The guitar plays and feels amazing, and I especially love the chunky neck carve, which is very comfortable. My only gripes are with the pickups. They sound great clean, or with mild gain, but I don’t think they handle moderate or high gain well at all. They seem to clash. Also, they are extremely noisy with 60-cycle hum, way worse than typical Fender-style single coils. Don’t even think about turning on a compressor. Maybe this is just an issue with this particular instrument, but I assume not. So in summary, I like it, but don’t prefer it for anything beyond clean or light gain applications. I would be curious if this is the case with the SE version, which I have yet to try.

[@thepatzer]

Tim Pierce also likes PRS guitars and I reckon that guy knows a thing or two about tone and feel. I think you nailed the “issue,” such as it is. One thing you might add is the prevalence of flashy flame tops in somewhat gaudy clear finishes. That does recall a bit of spandex, big hair, bandanas, corvettes, and dentists. It sounds great, plays nice, is reliable, stays in tune, is a good value, and inspires you. That’s hard to argue with. I like the birds.

[@LarsonGuitarPlayer]

For many years I was looking for a replacement for my '74 strat that I've had since 1979. Tried a few Silver Skies, noone was good enough. Then one day I saw a gold SS and tried it, and it was great. Now it's my main guitar. Really hate the knobs, though.

[@heikohesse4666]

great video, thanks - how do you these clean bends? can you make a HowTo-Video about it? - I can't do it without background string noise ...😎

[@GraniteSoundtrack]

Hey John do you think you could do a video showing how you would EQ a POD Express to get tones like you get from your helix on these intro and jam videos?

[@mattiv1]

11:20 how high is your action? in mm

[@salbiase2117]

As a theodor owner....

[@geraldochi7945]

I have an se, very nice, (have an american strat). Mine is black- and as PRS, I would've painted the headstock black and lose the grey pegs. as is, I replaced the gray truss cover with black, and that helped appearance alot.

[@pauljenkins8677]

This is the exact reason I chose the grey silver sky. I wanted them all to match haha

[@saddle8bag]

I think it looks fine. Not crazy about the sound, but had I been raised on that instead of Fenders, I'm sure the Fenders would sound funny to me.

[@MayeenNaomee1984]

No matter what people say, this is the most sold guitar in the last 2 years. And, I have been watching your channel for quite some time and if I watch your earlier videos with Kline Strats, I don't see any tone difference between the silver sky and the KLine strat. To me, they sounded same. Just my opinion. PRS SE Silver Sky is my number one guitar now.

[@poodleguiderpeyes7388]

And D), it looks, plays & sounds great, and is fun to create music on. 😉

[@jasontieu3737]

I’ve owned my American strat for almost 20 years and recently purchased the silver sky. Feels and sounds amazing. No regrets.

[@laska747]

One thing I haven’t yet seen commented on by any KZbinr is the improved top frets access. I’m referring in particular to where the top horn meets the neck. On a standard Strat it meets at the 17th fret whilst on the SS it looks like the 19th, which has to improve solo playability. I still think the PRS headstock looks weird on a Strat shape and really wish PRS had come up with their own version of the 6-a- side. After all the likes of Gibson and Fender do have varied headstock shapes and that hasn’t diluted their brands

[@gdawgs101]

That's the one thing really keeping me from picking one up is the headstock. Not even because of how it looks, that actually doesn't bother me. I think 6 in a line is just an objectively better tuner arrangement than 3 + 3. The strat already had perfectly straight string pull, the PRS headstock does not

[@markosimonic]

The headstock is definitely not my cup of tea. Other than that I have no feelings about PRS - positive or negative.

[@andrewburr5305]

Hi. Have you ever tried out a Kauffman Strat? If you have, what are your thoughts on them?

[@John_Hudson_922]

what is the wireless adapter thing you are using?

[@JamesMiller-ou1wr]

A buddy of mine has a PRs from every price range and a silver sky, while I have no issues with how they sound or the build quality of any of them, I really don’t find the neck profiles comfortable to play on. Other than that I don’t have any issues with any I’ve played.

[@macsarcule]

For me, it was the first strat I’ve ever liked. I sold the others each after a year of playing them. I’d pretty much given up on them as not for me and my playing style. Silver sky fixed all the issues I had.

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

Never been a fan of PRS, dunno why. They just do nothing for me. But if I were going to buy a Strat type guitar (I am a LP and V guy), it would have to be a Fender. I have been curious to try out an Yngwie Malmsteen Strat with a scalloped fretboard, if I could find a store that stocks them. Don't fancy the hassle of mail ordering one and then having to send it back if I don't like it lol. What's your opinion on scalloped fretboards?

[@jmaripen]

I love the SS. Honestly, if I did not already have an S type guitar, I would get this as my first Strat. ❤

[@mikesalt9027]

HI John, could you review the Silver Sky SE

[@jackpallet773]

Mayer has changed my mind playing with Dead and Co..

[@bigdaddystinkeye]

Love Mayer's playing with Dead and Co. He's awesome in that role.

[@Bryanpjc]

I have no idea how anyone can hate this guitar, especially if the person's a Strat/single coils guy. Wonderfully made, play like a dream... I say it as a person who has a total of zero John Mayer songs in his library. The bridge pickup in the Silver Sky is definitely different from a Stratocaster, so it is a qualitatively different animal. I also have no idea how anyone doesn't like Paul Reed Smith, the brand or the guy. Top quality at every price point.

[@trustmac]

Which wireless system are u using?

[@1man1guitarletsgo]

To me, the SS would have more credibility if it had a more familiar PRS body shape, but with the three single coil pickups and trem. Only one volume and tone control though. That way, it wouldn't look like a Strat copy to which someone had bolted a PRS neck.

[@csharp57]

It looks like a bad joke. Like if Gibson put their headstock on a telecaster. Or an Ibanez headstock on a SG 😵‍💫

[@shawnmcginnis2508]

@@csharp57 idk, my first guitar was a strat knockoff. I don't havr any particular love for Fender, though no dislike either. To me the Fender headstock is just stupidly large and unsightly. The upsids down prs headstock on the silver sky is a little weird, but functionally its probably better( 3x3 ) and to me looks wise it isnt so large and unsightly. 🤷‍♂️.

[@denniscoverband4369]

John not sure if you’ve spoken about Suhrs before but would love your thoughts

[@musicisfree91]

I'm not a strat guy, and I don't care for John Mayer's music at all. I also was never drawn to PRS guitars. The reason I bought a Silver Sky is because of Paul Reed Smith himself. He has strong opinions and is outspoken about them. I respect that, whether I agree or not. So I got an SE SIlver Sky and love it, the first S type guitar I like. I like the Silver Sky so much lead me to getting an SE McCarty 594, which I also love.

[@tbone2451]

Have you changed your opinion on the silver sky se ????

[@jonathanbaxter7509]

I have a Gibson Robot Les Paul, makes me sad they get so much hate it’s a great playing and sounding guitar!

[@jp7963]

I fully admit the very first Silver Sky picture I saw I thought it was some joker's meme they knocked up in Photoshop! I had to check it wasn't the 1st April. I don't think we can call it the most "hated" guitar of recent times, mainly due to the fact it took me MANY months back in 2018 to even try one as they were always sold out in all the stores near to me. But yes there were/are the detractors too! In their droves. So maybe "contentious" is a better word than "hate" maybe?

[@throughkenslens7972]

I have a decent collection including legacy brands. I play my PRS the most. They just play so well for me.

[@mikeellis4345]

I don’t hate the SS but I will say I’m confused about why PRS would want to make a blatant copy of another company’s product. ( The Stratocaster) And then flog it as some sort of innovation. PRS had their own stand alone guitar designs and they diluted that by making this model. Yes I know that Mayer didn’t get his way with fender and went to PRS etc etc. But imo .. Reed Smith has made a big mistake. Fender aren’t selling PRS look alike guitars… at least not yet. I’d bet Reed smith would spit up his liver if they did. I have a Strat .. mim. It chokes badly due up high frets on the trebles due to a bad fret job .. wait for it..by a well respected guitartech .. hmmm. I like mayers playing. I have played these SS instruments. Don’t like the car paint colours. There’s a reason to stay with the tried and true colour schemes. They sell. Anyway fascinating video and thoughts. Cheers

[@mickymalibu]

100%

[@smartmammal9926]

Envy and jealously. PRS builds quality....and the people who bought sub-par Fenders and Gibson (and others), are lashing out

[@mattc2674]

People online think and say stupid things - a lot of the haters I don't think have tried it. I love my Silver Sky and I think it's the best S type guitar I've owned. I honestly don't think you can buy a new Strat from Fender that is better than a Silver Sky for any less money either.

[@stephanematis]

The SE was even more an impact IMO. I still prefer an ESP Snapper (SN) or Ibanez Roadstar Guitar (RG), just because I have a soft spot for OG clones.

[@dcamnc1]

I've played a bunch of them. They're fine, but I'd rather my strats honestly. The normal core prs models I do dig however.

[@CMHobbies]

The machine gun Kelly razor blade guitar by Schector is very much hated. Everyone thought it was a Chibson joke at a glance. But the Silver Sky’s ire has been around since it was announced. I played an SE and thought it had a great neck 🤷‍♂️

[@MusicTaIks]

My favorite Mayer record is Sob Rock, which features him with a Silver Sky on the very front cover, but I would never consider buying that guitar. The only PRS I am truly excited about is the Robben Ford signature model.

[@elevenAD]

wait what, Robin Ford Sig? How did i miss this!

[@nobodyimportant76467]

I’d like to try one. I’m a little wary of the fretboard radius (I prefer a 10”-14” compound radius) but PRS makes quality guitars and it would be silly for me to not at least see what I think of one

[@ApeLikeCreature]

I’ve played a few in guitar stores. They are wonderful instruments. A bit different than a Fender, not necessarily better or worse, but one thing for sure, it is an excellent instrument. Even the overseas model.

[@AnkurWow]

I've never connected with a PRS guitar (including the McCartys I've tried, the Silver Sky core and SE models, etc.)--in many cases it was the neck, but obviously they're very popular guitars.

[@humbucker08]

I could care less either way how people feel about the Silver Sky, but I’ve honestly only heard good things about it.

[@rinkydinky-ob9pe]

for me its the pricing and lack of a hard case that puts me off buying one , im not going to shell out €2800 and then another €200 on a case , id expect a gig bag with a sub 1k guitar , dealers should do a deal like that then they might spark interest , you couldnt fly with it or store it without it getting busted up so i wouldnt interested , a standard usa strat is €1750 with a hard case so its a no brainer .

[@mattc1176]

I have had a few standard USA Strats over the years - still have one now. I think the PRS is a step above most USA Strats in quality. On price - I got a good deal on mine second hand, and there are good deals quite frequently. I kinda agree on the case, but I more think it should be a choice/option. I do like and use the gig bag, not the best I’ve seen but it is decent. I already have 3/4 hard cases sitting around, not sure I need/want more myself.

[@fawkesandhound]

You’ve never received a “free” hardcase in your life. No matter what you paid for any guitar with a case, you paid $200 for the case. I swear the absolute gullibility of the guitar market to think the manufacturer isn’t recouping that cost, astonishing.

[@rinkydinky-ob9pe]

@@fawkesandhound where in my comment does it say the word "free" ??

[@varanzmaj]

If it had a traditional "strat" style guitar headstock, I would be all over it, as it is, it's just a fugly baby.

[@dr7246]

Whilst I’m certain that there are people out there who have genuinely had bad experiences with the silver sky, I suspect that the majority of the hate comes from people with an irrational dislike of PRS and/or Mayer, who try to disguise said dislike with subjective crap about “ugliness”, dentists, legacy, and other such crap

[@kelvinburn7743]

I got an SE with rosewood board in moon white for £320 sterling from evilbay. I've since sold my light ash strat and haven't missed it one bit.

[@pads-zr9ln]

I don't hate them, I'm not a John fan, they're over £500 more than an American pro 2, about the same as an ultra which can be discounted even more

[@illbehereagain]

Love my Silver Sky SE, to me it plays and feels greatand despite the haters I think the look is beautiful. As far as John Mayer is concerned, IMHO he plays great, seems to really enjoy playing. Like anyone, I don't care for all his stuff but then I could say that about anyone.

[@stevestrang2376]

I have one and love it! It’s the best Strat style guitar that I’ve played…. in my humble opinion.