PRS Ruined the Stratocaster! | 2020 Paul Reed Smith John Mayer Silver Sky Nebula | Review + Demo

🔴Reverb: tidd.ly/4aFiyhC
🔵ebay:
ebay.us/N6O6KI rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53...
⚫Amazon: www.amazon.com/Zither-Wooden-...
🐕 Episode Guide:
0:00 - Intro - Check the Links in the Description!
0:14 - Who is John Mayer?
1:11 - Fender Falling Out
3:14 - Silver Sky VS Stratocaster
4:18 - Finish Options
5:10 - Nebula Finish
6:01 - Pricing + Scalper's Market
6:54 - First Impressions
8:30 - Inside Look / Specs
17:22 - Tone Demo
20:51 - Final Thoughts
23:49 - Blacklight Test
24:09 - Gig Bag / Case
📚 Description: Today we are taking a look at the highly-coveted and limited edition John Mayer Silver Sky in Nebula finish that was released during the 2020 Winter NAMM Show. We also compare it to a regular stratocaster
❓Private Help Sessions ➡️ troglysguitarshow.com/help-ap...
💰New to Reverb? Get $10 on Me ➡️ reverb.grsm.io/earn10
🍭Shop Sweetwater + Support the Show ➡️ sweetwater.sjv.io/x90ZDO
🥇 Patreon ➡️ / trogly
📘 Facebook ➡️ / troglys
📸 Instagram ➡️ / troglys
🛒 Current Inventory ➡️ reverb.grsm.io/CurrentInventory
✉️ Email for Business Inquiries ➡️ [e-mail]
❓Guitar Questions ➡️ troglysguitarshow.com/help-ap...
👕 Merch: www.teepublic.com/stores/trog...
⚙️ Gear Used to Make the Show: (AFFILIATE LINKS)
Guitar + Recording:
George L's Guitar Lead: ebay - goo.gl/6SjCeG
Shure SM57 (Amp Cab Mic): ebay - goo.gl/JK9bAC
Audio Interface - Roland Duo Capture EX - amazon - amzn.to/2tkIBed
+ Universal Audio Apollo Twin: amazon - amzn.to/2uYeeKN
Headphones: Focal Listen Professional: amazon - amzn.to/2tonXtI
Rode Videomic Go (backup audio): amazon - amzn.to/2vHNzm5
Lens: Lumix 12-35mm : ebay - goo.gl/NP6dQd
Computer: Mac Pro 2013 - amazon - amzn.to/37L9eb4
Editing Software: Final Cut Pro X - ebay - goo.gl/oiU3L2
American DJ Eco UV Bar Plus Blacklight: ebay - goo.gl/1E4ELt
Camera:
Panasonic Lumix GH-4: amazon - amzn.to/2Se3akM
Camera Gimbal: amazon - amzn.to/38KxYk9
Camera Slider: amazon - amzn.to/3bTIXK1
Rode NTG-2 (vocal + room mic): amazon - amzn.to/2UjxmxA
PRS Ruined the Stratocaster! | 2020 Paul Reed Smith John Mayer Silver Sky Nebula | Review + Demo
Affiliate Links are found in this description + comments section - clicking and purchasing items from partners will help financially support the show.

[@Trog]

I love the neck on these silver sky guitars. Definitely give one a try! 🔴Reverb: tidd.ly/4aFiyhC 💰New to Reverb? Get $10 on Me ➡️ reverb.grsm.io/earn10 ❓Private Help Sessions: troglysguitarshow.com/help-appraisals/ 🎸New Guitar Day Program: troglysguitarshow.com/ngd/ 👕 Merch: teespring.com/basic-logo-4245?pid=211

[@mikemcdaniel8746]

Hey, I’m fairly certain that the silver sky is based off John’s 90’s SRV Strat, and his fender signature strat. The pick us are based on a pair of 63’ pickups that Rene Martinez had from one of Stevie’s guitar.

[@Justafeller]

Normally PRS has a screw on the back of the bridge to tighten the whammy bar down. Should be a tool in the gig bag. Unless the SS just doesn't have one. Also only 24 fret PRS usually get the owl.

[@XxWolfDerpxX]

You didn’t mention your thoughts on the strap buttons on the prs, what are your thoughts? Personally for me, I find it that I don’t need to change out the strap buttons because they secure my guitar strap more so than fender strap buttons.

[@Riverdeepnwide]

XxWolfDerpxX Yup, me too. Never a strap failure since 1988. Those strap retainers are simple fast effective and interestingly the same piece as Fender basses have as the string retainer on the headstock. Guys were doing that back in the '60's and Paul is always one to pick up on a good idea.

[@gavrilopricip11]

John Mayer shouldn't have a signature guitar he should have a signature box Zinfandel/xenex for all the 40 divorcée mommies picking up the kids from school after watching reruns of "friends" in the rangerover that make up his fan base !!! What's next a Hootie and the Blowfish signature Les Paul copy by Keisel ??? A Bare naked Ladies SG copy by Klein??? A Rick Astley tele by Godin ???

[@lifeofalex9199]

I sanded that neck!! I work at the factory. Those are my initials at the end of the neck

[@Atomic1710]

Alex Jacobs right on

[@Jay-st6sl]

My uncle works at Nintendo

[@MrMichaelConstantine]

That's pretty cool, must be interesting to work there. What's pay like?

[@lifeofalex9199]

MrMike I like working here, the people are cool and Paul makes a serious effort to make us all feel important and valued. Pay is alright to start, but they like to hire up from within the company so if you work hard and have a good attitude you can work your way up to earning more fairly quickly.

[@MrMichaelConstantine]

@@lifeofalex9199 that's awesome to hear, I love watching factory tour videos etc, and when I was younger I always thought how cool it would be to have a job within one, possibly testing out the finished product, lol. Being around that must be fascinating. Thanks for getting back to me.

[@fatherchrist8]

“Your body is another brand” that was hilarious

[@MrYatesj1]

How you missed that he plays with the Grateful Dead is kinda surprising. John is an amazing player not just a pop fluffer.

[@jayybone6227]

Over 5 years and still touring! I've seen Dead & Company many times and when he and Oteil Burbridge start improving its stupendous

[@markgeiger6421]

Think he uses a version of the Modern Eagle with D and C. THere's a video somewhere on the PRS site and that guitar is about 7 or 8 times the price of this.

[@MrYatesj1]

@@jayybone6227 Dont forget Jeff, his key playing sets the foundation!

[@jayybone6227]

@@MrYatesj1 yes sir, Jeff knows exactly what to play, all those Furthur years were proven

[@nanakveermehta7497]

He's right. Stfu

[@TH-gu4wj]

I used to think the PRS low friction knobs felt cheap, but not I can't live without them. When you get used to it, it's extremely expressive.

[@sorenahlback]

A Paul and John together can’t go wrong.

[@robinsmusiccorner8824]

Still amazes me how people still make fun about his pop phase, yet most guitar players are not even able to neither transcribe nor play the chords and rhythm of the bridge part to Your Body Is A Wonderland right. Even in his pop days Mayer was top of the game at guitar playing and songwriting, just saying...

[@bpastorb]

Ya I agree 100%, always loved John Mayer. Incredible talent, didn't even realize that it was debated within the guitar community, seems pretty cut and dry. He always throws out good songs, no matter what era he's going through. Like you said even in his pop days he had some great songs (even in terms of guitar playing), and great lyrics which really sets it aside from the pop title. Also there has been music in the past that was considered pop when it was current and then given a different label afterward. One of his top 'pop' songs Slowdancing in a burning room, is probably some of my favorite guitar playing from him. Mainly for the fact it seemed to exemplify his style of playing. Waiting on the world to change had a pretty iconic guitar solo. I even enjoy some of his pop songs overall, I thought 'Daughters' was great. Both for the lyrics and guitar playing

[@Dnell-tb1yd]

Most guitar players? How about some or many guitar players can't...It's not like he's Holdsworth.

[@GregGallagher]

Anyone who says John Mayer isn’t talented or an ace guitarist has clearly never actually listened to any of his music. I don’t think it’s debatable, he’s a fantastic guitar player. I don’t love all of his work but you can’t deny he’s a monster player and pretty much always has been

[@GregGallagher]

@Donald TRUMP you’re entitled to your opinion, I happen to disagree with you but hey, we don’t have to agree to get along. Who’s your favorite guitar player?

[@wickharr]

Not to rag on Mayer, but who cares how ‘complicated’ the song is if it sounds bland? If you can make a song sound boring while playing things a regular guitarist would find difficult, somethings very wrong imo... just an opinion, feel free to disagree.

[@DSG-br5lk]

For 'cheaper' loose feeling pots, I remove the knobs and add small rubber grommets over the post of the pots, and reinstall the knob. The knob pushes the grommet down onto the pickguard, and offer a nice heavier feeling resistance to the knob.

[@WarriorOfGhengisKhan]

"I've never felt a Stratocaster neck like this!" --- *neck dimensions are a copy from a Stratocaster*

[@Atomic1710]

😂

[@robotandgirl1170]

Same neck profile found on JM Signature Strats.

[@solchristopher6891]

The measurements were taken from JM's favourite 1964 strat, not just your average strat..

[@brutus6328]

The neck is an exact duplicate of his beloved '63 or '64 strat (I can't remember the year).......point being the neck measurements DO in fact come from a vintage strat.

[@brutus6328]

@Cody Goins Not all vintage strat necks were identical. Maybe Mayer's strat neck was different from any of the 17 you own (the odds of that are damn near 100% considering they were all hand carved by a number of luthiers). The Silver Sky neck profile comes from his vintage '64. It seems as though you're implying that because you own 17 strats you've felt ALL the neck profiles Fender has ever made. Maybe just maybe John Mayers differs from any of your 17 considering thousands were made? Maybe?

[@VapnFagan]

One thing about PRS guitars, The pots/knobs are so easy and smooth, NOTHING like Gibson pots. Some people love them, Some hate them. They are just soooo easy to turn. Definitely not cheap. PRS Strap buttons are the only buttons i never have to change out for strap locks. Since they are so large in diameter the strap never comes loose or falls off. The ONLY thing i am not liking about this guitar is the way the trem screws poke out thru the cavity, That doesnt look right at all.

[@quackyduck1499]

If you get them hot soldering they get stiff

[@alexanderbraddock6543]

I have a 6-point trem on my Strat and that’s the way it is on my instrument as well

[@johndiloreto3738]

That's how the screws are on some Strats. My brother's '74 Strat has it like that

[@jakevoss7885]

Vintage spec strats will have the trem screws poke through. It's just the dimensions they were routed to

[@Howardtripper]

I think there prs 305 is a better option and sounds way better

[@bertjilk3456]

David Gilmour about the Stratocaster: “what can I say, you can’t really improve on perfection”

[@pahwraith]

Thats not what Leo Fender said tho.

[@ethandaniel1978]

@@pahwraith yeah but Leo didn’t play so I trust gilmour more on that kinda thing

[@alebo0]

The fact is: had the headstock been a normal Fender headstock with the Fender logo on it, you wouldnt make a big fuss out of this.

[@crayak19]

"Your body is another brand"...! You caught me off-guard with that one lmao!!!!

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

I think that was an online meme if I'm not mistaken. These things got TONS of hate when they first launched and people were making extreme fun of them online.

[@richsackett3423]

The lameness of the joke was indeed jarring. Trogly gets the best stuff but is the hardest to watch.

[@stevenpape2021]

Red on the back if the middle pickup. Reverse wound reverse magnet. so that it is hum-cancelling in positions 2 and 4. Makes it easier for the factory to know which is which.

[@johnharris7353]

OMG! I've been away from music and guitars for a while. Somehow now I'm 68 and just retired...again! Anyway, I'm impressed...they are making some awesome guitars these days. I'm impressed with Trogly's channel too...we didn't used to have these when I was growing up!

[@jiajunyang1573]

Holy. The moment you took the pick guard out I was in shock. That level of the quality is crazy. Really respect that.

[@FachryZulfikar]

Trogly : We haven't seen it lately in major manufacturers ESP & LTD Arrow Andromeda : Am I a joke to you?

[@clamus68]

Schecter Hellraiser for the last Decade.

[@seamusforpresident3670]

Fachry Zulfikar yea well esp ltd aren’t classed as a major manufacturer

[@Djarra]

Ibanez on a bunch of guitars too, and you can't say Ibanez aren't a major manufacturer as globally in 2018 and 2019 they outsold Gibson. Also used by Yamaha and Yamaha are the largest musical instrument company on the planet (although mostly that is down to their piano, classical and electronic instruments rather than their guitars)

[@Masterfighterx]

@@seamusforpresident3670 lol since when?

[@kurosumomo]

@@seamusforpresident3670 oh boy.

[@japhygoldman8856]

The red marking on the back of the middle pickup are most likely to denote that it is reverse wound so they do not mix up the RW middle pickups from the others during assembly

[@daniels.3818]

And, the bridge should be flat to the body when there is no tension on the strings, although I can confirm that it is flat with tension too. Just funny he chose to talk about that after the tension was off 😛

[@KonwTheTrut]

I’ve been playing 20 years….took a few years off recently…getting back into it..I’m loving learning and catching up watching your vids.

[@ezbowers]

Yo Man your guitar playing during these demos is so great! Feel like you’ve improved a lot!

[@evilcowboy]

For those wondering why they didn't shield the inside body cavity its due to the routes and paint used. The routes surround the pickups and those humps are painted with paint that has metal flakes in it. Notice the copper stripes on the pick guard and how it only covers areas the routes are not at and only one between the middle and bridge pickup due to the angle of the bridge pickup making a bigger gap away from the wall of the route. the more noticeable thing to me and what caught my eye first was the screws showing through in the back. The reason you see them is because there is a metal insert that gets embedded into the wood from the back, this allows them to use finer thread machine screws from the front and not wood screws. They hold better and are more secure since they can't flex due to the insert. Think of it like the post inserts on a tune-o-matic bridge. Most people who do this usually installs them and the screw goes in from the same direction the insert is put in. With the way they did it the insert is preventing any movement of any screw on the bridge plate and is a better way of doing it. I am impressed. Obviously this comes from PRS so it is always going to be a nice guitar but that neck profile would be a no-go for me. good video thanks.

[@SIXPACFISH]

I thought the flake these days was all polly.

[@aornic]

I got a good deal on a first run Onyx Silver Sky and it quickly became my favourite guitar over my Strats (including a really nice custom shop '56). When this was announced, I did a super irrational and impulsive thing and went for it - having to sell a few things including my Onyx one to finance it. No regrets though! Lovely guitar and the finish really hasn't lost its effect on me months later (got it in April). There's another colour that you don't see unless you use high intensity white light in a dark room, a sort of metallic jade green that is similar to the Dodgem Blue variant. Even though I prefer it overall to my Strats, it doesn't do what they can do. There's no grit, no raunch. It's a very "hi-fi" sounding guitar in the sense that it is non-fatiguing and clean outright. Some will doubtlessly call it clinical for this quality. My first demo of one, back in 2018, left me unimpressed. I tried it at a store with a Kemper. Big mistake, even though I love my Kemper. I gave it a fair shake after seeing Mayer live in 2019, and hearing my favourite solo of the night being played on one. I tried it with a Princeton Reverb '65 Re-Issue, and I got it on the spot. Not sure why I'm waxing poetic about it in a comment nobody will likely read, but I really do think PRS knocked it out of the park with this one. The only other models by them that I've found a bit interesting, but am priced out of in the new market, are the DGT and the Paul's Guitar. I'm in no way someone who would want a "Wood Library" or a "Private Stock" PRS someday. I like Strats, and I like this despite it not really being a Strat.

[@keithconner9036]

I liked your comment

[@fretlessfender]

Me too...

[@gianski3306]

It’s not an upgrade to a Fender strat, it’s just another copy that did something different, or to put it nicely and alternative, that’s all that it’ll ever be because of how humans work, we have these things called “Preferences”, that’s John Mayer’s preference of an S type guitar, but that’s no guarantee that it’s gonna be everyone else’s preference No hate to the model, PRS is a good brand, from what I’ve heard, and it’s understandable why John wanted to work with Paul to make that guitar

[@johnlackner1193]

If you want a Fender Strat get a Fender Strat, If you want something else get something else.

[@paoloantonio1531]

Best comment ever

[@bluenotestrings]

Maybe I wanted a Fender Strat, but BETTER. I've owned Strats for 35 years. Lol. This is a killer guitar, and your jealous hatred won't change that. Besides, why do you care what other people like? Oh, you can't afford it. Gotcha.

[@MrAwesomeSaucesome]

What if you want a PRS strat?

[@jerryhill8281]

But this plays great without paying an ass load of money for a vintage..fender is hit and miss with how their guitars are set up ect.

[@alanpettibone]

Think I’ll just go with G&L when it comes to “improved” Fender models. Love my PRS guitars, but they are PRS models.

[@br0mn0m]

the owl is only found on the 24 fret models

[@ChrisLeggTurtleDucksAreReal]

The amount of times I had to explain to people the 21'st fret is not the owl and it would be on the 24th fret

[@Justafeller]

Yeah, I think it's a Hawk. 9 birds for anything less than 24 frets.

[@shaunw9270]

If a real '59 Les Paul is a Doctor's guitar then I guess PRS are Ornithologist guitars 😂

[@matthewkuhns7303]

That's one reason why I wanted a custom 24 SE. The owl just makes it looks better and feels more full

[@dommadonia9207]

@@matthewkuhns7303 big hit at any Hogwarts gig.

[@Muzikman127]

"Fender does not own the stratocaster body shape, unfortunately" That's a pretty weird thing to say. "Unfortunately, a company named after a man who ceased having any involvement with it 50 years ago, and who died 30 years ago can't legally prevent anyone from building guitars in a specific shape." Why would you *want* that to be true? Personally, I'd get rid of all "shape" IP, and get rid of that ugly point on G&L headstocks with it.

[@nickbrown8892]

Agreed . If Fender owned the copyright for the shape we would be missing some amazing guitars (and choice)

[@Happylink75]

@@nickbrown8892 we wouldn't have Ibanez if we didn't have fender

[@wodenoftheangles3339]

I agree, Although I think head stocks should be protected in copyright. As is the law as it stands.

[@bo-xmusic6940]

It's unfortunate for the company(fender) because they're not making a profit from the strat patent. but for the consumer it's much more of a blessing than a curse so you're technically right

[@Chaddilaculus]

I don’t think Fender is losing out at all by other companies borrowing the body shape. It’s arguably the most recognizable body shape in the guitar world, and the benchmark for every other company. You’ll hear them called super-strats and “ST” style bodies. It’s kinda like free advertising for Fender every time another company sells one!

[@Ronsonic]

The color on the back of the middle pickup probably indicates reverse wind reverse polarity for some hum cancelling in switch positions 2 and 4. That scarf joint on the headstock is much, much, much stronger than tilting it back with a single piece of wood the way Gibson generally does. And you know what happens.

[@dommadonia9207]

I will consider one when I see one played in an iron maiden gig.

[@Olegstuff21986]

I doubt Maiden are Mayer fanboys :).

[@erikkassner9324]

A $5,000 guitar...... comes in a “gig bag”.........?

[@aaronwilliams7988]

Yea what the f*ck it needs a high quality solid case

[@aidanbrooks771]

I was thinking it was going to be like 1500 or 2000 would be the price, but 5000 and no hard case included? Jeez that’s steep.

[@aidanbrooks771]

Guitar Ocd it’s just scalpers up charging

[@AnonymousBosch3158]

It was John Mayer requisition actually...

[@mindfall82]

@@guitarocd9984 I think new they're $2999 but people are selling them for a lot more

[@rhykko77]

Great atmospheric playing at 17:29 , I could listen to that for hours .

[@BSIII]

Just gorgeous color. The blue/purple thing is amazing. I had a mim strat with a similar purple/blue thing, but not as gradient as that one

[@rhylanmorgan9537]

His top hit was ‘Your Body Is a Wonderland’ , but his guitar is saying “Your body is another brand” 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@natlparkdude]

Yes! That line cracked me up, too. Nice.

[@randompanda876]

That was a sick burn ngl

[@TheSupart91]

😂😂😂

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

Yeah, honestly!

[@deadprivacy]

hes a phenomenally creepy man is john mayer. beyond slime.

[@guitareveryone]

I just can’t warm up to a PRS headstock. Especially on a Strat body. I’m sure it’s a great guitar nonetheless.

[@ferox965]

It is. The guitarist in one of my bands has one and I took a spin on it. I was really impressed, considering I hate playing Strats and I don't like most PRS.

[@kateslate3228]

Same happens to me with the Schecter headstocks, amazing guitars, ugly ass headstocks.

[@Jester-Riddle]

It does provide more separation between tuners, which can help ... and will help re-stringing in particular ...

[@guitareveryone]

Wise Guy... I wouldn’t turn one down lol. It’s just the headstock. It’s not overly radical or anything l just don’t like the shape. I’m sure it’s a great guitar. Nice modern body and sure the pickups sound great too.

[@Anarchy-Is-Liberty]

Like being brainwashed huh? That's your problem!!

[@DrGreenaway]

Great review. Thanks for doing it.

[@TVsBen]

The rolled edges are so, so nice. I have them on my CE24 Semi-Hollow and it's so very nice.

[@LasVillafrancas]

A few years ago, at a Fender event in NYC, I met Fender’s CEO and asked him why Mayer left. He said they parted ways because John wanted his own Fender offshoot brand, similar to what Eddie Van Halen did with his EVH brand for Ernie Ball. Anyway, Fender wouldn’t do it, so John Mayer took his talent to PRS...

[@riheg]

Interesting. I wonder why Fender wouldn’t do the same thing as with EVH. Anyway I do understand why he went to PRS. They’ve got lots of very happy artists and Paul is a genius.

[@clamus68]

@@riheg more importantly Paul plays guitar while Leo never did.

[@Luthiart]

@@clamus68 yeah, that makes a huge difference now... 28 years after Leo's death.

[@clamus68]

@@Luthiart its ALWAYS made a difference. Paul was a guitar player when he introduced his first guitars in 89, and Leo was still alive. Leo built Fender to be a working man's guitar of sorts where everything was assembly line built and later replaceable if need be. PRS Guitars from their lowest SE Standard to the Private Stock are all well built guitars.Fenders have always been utilitarian.

[@riheg]

Carlos Lamus amazing that the vintage Fenders ended up sounding so good and be so valuable, maybe we like those tones because we got used to them via amazing players, idk but fascinating

[@davey_tones]

I've had my silver sky for 2 years now, its the best "strat" I've ever owned.

[@maxwellfresh5187]

I second that!

[@5thfloor584]

Boi you just think it's the "best" because you have one lol, if you had some rare Fender strat you'd say that one was the best. I own only one mid-range PRS Les paul style and it's great for the price, I just prefer the original designs (Gibson/Fender...) I don't like designs that take different aspects from different guitar designs and fit them all together. Just make a whole new design! PRS would be perfect if they made a completely new design instead of copying/cutting/pasting. Just check out reddit guitar subs, there are tons of people who come up with cool looking designs that could sell amazingly well. Btw I prefer the Fender Nebula strat instead of this one, that cutaway of the horn makes it look awkward. But know people who love the PRS Strat necks instead of the fender necks as they are bigger/chunkier which reduces hand/finger pain.

[@maxwellfresh5187]

I love how usable every single pickup is. Ive never had that on any strat ive owned. Not to mention how responsive it is

[@davey_tones]

i've owned several other strat types including some custom shop fenders. Its all subjective, buy and play what you like if it inspires you. I love many styles of guitars, PRS just does it for me more than other brands.

[@stratmister009]

You should at least state the fact, best strat "copy" you ever owned. In the end, it's just a copy.

[@richardu4535]

Thanks Mr Trogly. I appreciate your documenting style. I just bought a used PRS SS and thought the truss rod looked off. Peaked at your vid and saw it was similar and was more relieved with my purchase. Cheers!

[@danidobravado1384]

“Am I missing something about John Mayer?” Uuuuuuuuhhhhh yuh. Yuh yuh dud

[@ryangregohara]

Wow, No kidding...this guy...do you even music brah?

[@dillonlankford7594]

It all had a lot to do with the experience he had with PRS making the super eagle model for his gig with Dead and Company

[@Riverdeepnwide]

Michael Beatty how so?

[@TimAyro]

I had a Silver Sky for a bit but I ended up trading it in for a Strat Ultra. Fender still rules the stratosphere. The Silver Sky is a great guitar but it is so built for Mayer.

[@Matsterious]

I'm in love with my Ultra!

[@clamus68]

I believe the Silver Sky is better than any Strat but the Ultra Series. Those additional comfort carves, compound fingerboard and neck carve are just better. That said they are 2 very different beasts, one goes after a vintage feel and the Ultra is a more modern guitar.

[@UmVtCg]

@@clamus68 Referring to a guitar as a beast makes one sound knowledgeble. But I doubt that's true, who is to say what is better or worse. What is quality and what is preference? How many strats have been made? And after all, it's wood and simple electronics, hardly rocket science. I don't like it, don't like the headstock, feels out of place with the stratocaster body. It Feels ripped off.

[@clamus68]

@@UmVtCg well, if calling two different Guitars beasts disrupts your sensibilities then let me use language which will possibly appease your fragile linguistic pallet... The PRS Silver Sky and the Fender Ultra Series Stratocaster are two guitars that are aimed at two disparate demographics. The PRS Silver Sky appeals more readily to a John Mayer fan, of course, but it also greatly appeals to a player that appreciates a more "Vintage" feel given the 7.25" finger board radius and thicker 1950's style neck. The Fender Ultra Series Stratocaster appeals more to the Modern player given the compound radius, slimmer neck with a Satin Finish, Comfort Carves for both the entire heel area and the heel itself, and Noiseless Electronics. The issue YOU have with the Silver Sky is aesthetic. And a rather frivolous one given that a MULTITUDE of companies make an S-Style guitar from Schecter's Nick Johnson Signature Model which is a straight Stratocaster clone to the Chapman ML-1 with a Reverse T-Style headstock. The difference is that the PRS Silver Sky is a FAR better built instrument than a Fender Stratocaster. There is no logical argument to be made against the fact that PRS is simply the best mass made American Guitars, better than Gibson or Fender. The only thing close is Ernie Ball/Music Man and its Cutlass. Hell, the G&L Guitars are the best Guitars ever made by Leo Fender.

[@miksajlo007]

@@clamus68 its just your opinion that prs is best made usa guitar...

[@ronnienose8608]

The arm isn't just held in by the bushing, it looks as if there's a little allen screw at the back that alters the arm tension.

[@hmedhmed3520]

I love how some PRS SE guitars now come with hard cases but this doesn’t

[@zerohourdrift]

This one might not but the rest of them do, at least they were advertised to

[@GearGasms]

Trogly really does live in a cave. Jesus lol. I’m 1000 years old and I’m very aware of who John Mayer is

[@mikael6043]

Sometimes I feel like he’s trolling? Reminds me of when he said he had no idea John Lennon played Rickenbackers in the Ric 325 review....

[@Moskal91]

who dat?

[@demonoising]

I always hear John Mayer's name but I don't really know who he is. Maybe I do live in a cave too.

[@diobrando5896]

@@demonoising he was on episode of the Chappelle show

[@kitoyobeni1]

@@demonoising Check out his Trio album, his appearances on Clapton's Crossroads tours, or his Where The Light Is live performance. Where The Light Is has three sets, one acoustic, one blues, one pop.

[@jjdillon2007]

The "Owl" inlay, is on the 24th fret, of the 24 fret PRS guitars (only).

[@johnchandler6831]

John Mayer has taken over the Jerry Garcia spot in Dead and Company. I was skeptical but after the first couple songs I was convinced. He's an AMAZING guitarist.

[@inz1]

They have plastic tuner keys because Paul wanted to take as much weight out of the tuning pegs as possible. He likens it to removing as much mass out of a bell to make sure the strings ring as long and true as possible. The strap buttons are also from a bass. I've heard Paul mention it several times in different interviews.

[@orchurch]

The large strap buttons are modeled after P bass string guides.

[@GetawaysandGuitars]

I think I'll hit up my Glarry Strat copy with a file, get some bird inlays, change the headstock and make one of these!

[@Flamewalk]

A note: it's not too easy to replace pickups in this model. Most of single-coil replacements out there are Fender style, meaning their base plate is more triangle-shaped, whereas these are kind of elliptical. Fender pickups simply won't fit in the body routing.

[@foskco87]

Sigh... 32 years old and I still giggled when he said 1.66 inch nut-width

[@riley_3153]

I didn't catch that in the video, but I giggled when I was reading your comment... God dammit

[@elgravos]

PRS zero resistance knobs... feel weird and cheap at first, but now I want them on all my guitars. You can micro adjust with your pinkie on the fly with no effort. Allows a lot more precision than traditional knobs.

[@bobluking5401]

And then again....I bump them when I'm playing hard. I'm not a fan either. I own them, I can deal, but they aren't my favorite.

[@alwaysopen7970]

I have no problems with the pots - the true topic at hand - on any of my guitars but one. My old Les Paul needs to be completely redone. Sounds like a nice evening. The knobs make no difference at all...you can JB Weld some bottle caps on for some cool knobs. Hell...you can make the knobs out of JB Weld and shape them into anything you want.

[@MyRealName]

i was put of by that on my esp, felt so cheap and i wondered what's up but i bought the guitar anyway cause the rest of it was spot on for my taste. only when i started gigging i actually realized how useful it is to have pots with little to no resistance, just like you said. they still do feel cheap though.. oh and the switch that switches to bridge pickup and bypasses volume and tone controls is the best thing ever.

[@ZZZebman]

Pretty spot on review and it reinforced my view that best Strats are Fenders'.

[@captainamerica9353]

Of course the best Strats are Fenders. The best Fenders ARE Fenders, that should be no surprise.

[@donefinished]

And the best guitars are PRS.

[@captainamerica9353]

@@donefinished , really? I prefer originals to copies.

[@donefinished]

@@captainamerica9353 hehe I honestly don't know enough about either. I just looove prs design, sound (to the extent I understand it) and color. I think it's a great idea they've attempted to modernize a strat. It's its own thing standing on the shoulders of a classic in my mind.

[@jacobbrown1690]

earnie ball cuttlass

[@baz5806]

I can't help thinking 4k - 5k would buy a very nice fender!

[@lukather1]

I can’t help thinking I still wouldn’t buy a fender !🤪

[@BaconatorJames]

You could buy two Ultras & still have $ leftover to get stainless steel frets installed. PRS built an ugly Strat. Not shite'ing on the obvious quality of PRS, but the more I look at this 'silver sky' lineup the less I like them. They made a $4500 guitar look like a Squire. If it's even possible to sue anyone, Fender not having a case against this one is insane. Total infringement.

[@lukather1]

@@BaconatorJames If you’ve played a sky then you know they are totally different beast ! Body shape is a bit similar but the neck pickups headstock and quality are way better than any custom shop I’ve played ! Attention to detail ! Played ultras they’re great guitars but they are not in PRS land ! Ps I play Tyler Guitars ! 😎

[@BaconatorJames]

@@lukather1 Thanks, yep there's no disputing the quality of PRS, I've held one (509) but never played it (if I put one scuff on a $5.5k guitar it's coming out of my life insurance!). Beauty is subjective so my arsehole take on it is w a grain of salt. I found it to be overwhelmingly ugly though, and thought for the price, that headstock had better be pretty damn charming. I just don't see what someone's getting from this guitar that could justify the price. It's an ultra with a PRS headstock & stainless frets. The Ultras are overpriced too, mind you. Signature series always tend to be more collectible, but this is one homely looking instrument. You mean Taylor guitars, or James Tyler guitars?

[@lukather1]

@@BaconatorJames James Tyler and look at the price of those ! Japanese models ?

[@Nicholas247066]

The paint job is very reminiscent of the Mystic Dream colour on the Music Man John Petrucci signatures. Beautiful!

[@RJW14]

What You confirmed: It's a good strat alternative. What I learned: They really should work on the case candy. And the gigbag sucks.

[@sanehumanbeing7019]

That's great that sellers are making a profit off these, but I wouldn't pay extra for the flip flop finish. For $4000 or $5000, I want a nice wood library PRS.

[@Olegstuff21986]

Talking advantage of the Mayer fanboys :).

[@harrisondaines379]

That body joke was GOLD

[@dr.stevenpennym.d.3241]

I received my first one today. Made in America and it is epic. Flawless. Set up perfect. I can’t wait to buy more.

[@RicTic66]

'Your body is a Theme Park' I have to queue for hours to get the best ride, then there's always at least 100 people in front of me. 😩

[@yazonkyoudai]

I found it oddly satisfying that you numbered the neck pickup as 1 and the bridge as 5

[@ravenheart1439]

Since I started playing PRS I never looked back..they are butter and the Santana model has become my favorite these days...I think they should get more recognition really...

[@jonathandiaz2435]

Damn that third position sounds so nice!!

[@chriseklund3796]

I am fortunate to own a Silver Sky and a number of CS strats so have been able to compare over 1 year of playing and gigging. The Silver Sky is a great instrument, but it is a mass produced one and you can tell - it doesn't have the same refinement I have from my CS strats. The pickups are HOT and very lively unlike any high end CS pickups I have experienced - I noticed that when I saw John Mayer last year at the 02 - the PRS sounded lively, but when he did put on a Strat (wasn't the black one) it was smoother and much more a part of the mix - it didn't sit on top of the mix. Silver Sky is great but a different offering and closer to the Strat professional series and in my opinion isn't fairly compared to a CS strat as they are more expensive instruments. I did have an issue with a faulty tone pot on the Silver Sky but this was easily fixed. I play my Strats now and don't play the Silver Sky but there is something that is stopping me from selling the Silver Sky - I like it and it does offer something different.

[@alexrosenthal2887]

thank you for the well-described perspective! Very helpful actually.

[@jameshill2015]

Too funny..years ago as a kid l picked the same EXACT color to paint my Datsun 280ZX. I didn't realize how much the blue would flip flop to purple when l picked the color, but once on the very curvy body it appeared to be like 50/50 which was far more than l wanted on the car however it's an amazing color on the less curvy strat body and is unique in guitar colors..it stands out and says what it is from a mile away...nebula! PRS are always a mellow mid-tone sounding guitar pickup wise.. the knobs l like being slick vs rubberized being l still have a bad habit of bumping the volume knob while strumming and rubber on my "17"Elite S1 knob grabs and changes the volume far more than l do with my "19" Player. Great Axe... Never picked up a PRS and fell "in love" but l did REALLY like a PRS l picked up in Total Entertainment Guitar Center in Daytona that had a 100% rosewood NECK and board on it..a beautiful trans green color... the mat finish and feel of the guitar almost made it my first PRS. Just haven't found THE ONE yet.. l do regret not buying it.. might be the one that got away!

[@Rockandrollmademe]

To answer your question regarding the neck shape, if you had one of the John Mayer Fender Strat, it has the same big chunk of a neck. keep in mind that John is a big 6'4 dude.

[@jvin248]

Lol: "with PRS guitars ... there is a fanciful explanation for everything" If you open the pickguard back up, it would be interesting to get measurements of the pots actual kohms (measure across the outer lugs) and see what the tone cap uf marks are. They had to do some late component swaps to get the tone to match the Fender 63 benchmark. If you have a meter that can measure capacitance and inductance, those would be good too to compare to Strats you may have around.

[@ppp9201]

John Mayer es como el Chayanne de Estados unidos, ambos son los amores platónicos de nuestras mamás

[@juniorsanchez6697]

es lo que pensaba😂

[@Silkaz7]

ajhjahajha, y el idolo de los guitarristas que pueden ver mas alla de su musica pop.

[@mmmanutd]

Pensé que solo gente angloparlante veía este canal, qué bueno saber que no :) Y sí xd, solo que John Mayer es un guitarrista de la puta madre, eso sí

[@Watergrovey]

Jajajajaja

[@ppp9201]

@@mmmanutd totalmente

[@Killenmachine05]

Another thing that makes me love paul reed smith is that I still cant be convinced that he's not a larry david alter ego

[@1satisfiedmind]

I tried to Like Maher's radio stuff, but really found ok, but then his blues stuff came out, and I became a fan of his blues playing. He is gifted, for sure. SRV was his biggest influence, go figure.

[@DaMainDude]

Whats so controversial about it? It's pretty damn beautiful and damn close to perfection if you ask me. The rainbow colors are so subtle and tasteful - damn, I'm impressed.

[@phi2771]

I’m pretty sure your demo had this guitar tuned down to D. Probably why it sounds so thin. I had the opportunity to play the JM model. It felt amazing, and sounded amazing. The only thing I would change would be the machine heads, and add stainless steel frets.

[@OriginalRitz]

I just noticed this and wondered the same! Why have it tuned down a full step? Cool review nonetheless!

[@pedraw]

The red marking on the middle pickup most likely denotes it as a reverse wound pickup so when they're packing parts bins and assembling the guitars it's just a visual cue.

[@gonzalooliveraalves]

12:54 they do have some guitars with an owl inlay on the fretboard, but only in the 24 fret models

[@professorprog4170]

John Mayer has 2 sides, the guy who writes pop hits and the guy who writes some of the best guitar music of the last 20 years. His first album and Continuum will always be great

[@THEQueeferSutherland]

Soccer mom music for blues dads

[@ferox965]

True. Buddy tried to have me listen, but I heard the Wonderland song, I was about to take a hard pass. Checked out some of his live stuff and he chops are undeniable.

[@ferox965]

@Osom Sith There's lots of good in the last 20 years.

[@Riverdeepnwide]

JM playing with Leon Russell at Leon's Hall of Fame induction for anyone who thinks Mayer is fluffy.

[@wesleyalan9179]

@Michael Beatty you dont have to put him down just because your jealous, man😄

[@daggergblue]

Holy shit man, he is IN the Grateful Dead. Like standing in Jerry's shoes.

[@alwaysopen7970]

The guy from Phish was better.

[@markfreeman5255]

Don't start that better than stuff. But Yes Tre did a very fine job at soilder field

[@keithremedy]

alwaysopen not even close. There not even comparable. trey sounds like someone trying to imitate Jerry. JM sounds like JM not to mention his live blues stuff is impressive

[@zenwheat]

Him: "lets see how it sounds"... Me: Out of tune is how it sounds

[@druwk]

Now that you’ve gone through it...I’m digging this guitar! Love the finish! Since the tuner buttons are plastic, wish they were Pearloid, or white. I personally like chunky style necks.

[@tjm5492]

Trog...Clapton described Mayer as a virtuoso. I guess maybe he's got some chops, huh?

[@Randy950]

The last great record Clapton made was about thirty years ago and he's going deaf so, there's also that.

[@darko714]

I'm not sure that's a compliment coming from Clapton.

[@coonjamalay]

@@Randy950 lol try to play like john then you talk

[@chrismorgan7494]

I never liked the PRS headstock, but that's superficial. I hate the look of pointy guitars.

[@rst4641]

I hate the sound of any guitars - when I play them.

[@nomadenview]

Prs headstock = ugly

[@mattadorno6452]

3 +3 headstock looks so wrong on a Fender-ish body. It's fine on the other PRS.

[@mihalispsychedelicrealeyes1284]

Here here, I agree

[@guitarded1524]

Your honesty is awesome. I would love to do a guitar build with you.

[@SilkenCloud98]

I have a Dodgem Blue silver sky and the neck is heavily flamed as well! Love it

[@jr0706]

“Your Body is another brand.” Roasted! That was classic, Trogly!

[@INeverWanted2010]

ehhhhh

[@gabrielc.1556]

cool color but like others said, i’d rather just buy an actual strat

[@Choco_Bada]

fenders are cheaper too, and more option for price points with no big differences

[@andrewsheek]

Have you every played a silver sky? They definitely don't feel the same at all. Nor do they sound similar.

[@Choco_Bada]

@@andrewsheek I'd personally love to try, but it's pretty hard to find in guitar stores near me :(

[@motonegearchannel1510]

I played one when they first came out. You expect to hate the 7.5" radius, but then you love it.

[@kristofferhjelmaassivertse4736]

I have one of these in Moc sand, hands down best guitar i've played! i was skectical about the tuners, until i went back to my tele and realised how much space you have with the tuners, space in between and the fact that they don't go cold or leave fingerprints!

[@Jodyrides]

I sprung for my very first PRS about six years ago. It took me five years to get rid of it

[@jimyang8824]

5:34: Musicman Majesty please. That nebula color is almost john petrucci's trademark now.

[@Tobilikethis]

My Father played a Team Build strat and it is realy a great Guitar and he loves it. I bought one of the silver sky first editons and he was also realy happy that i get a realy good guitar that is awesome to Player and Sounds realy great too. 😊

[@samueltractorton2088]

Your reviews sound and are just like saabkyle04, except on guitars not cars, are you saabkyle? Kickass! Great review!

[@williamrowell3053]

I love PRS guitars, but for $4000.00, I would opt for a 594, 24 or a EVH wolfgang.

[@Soprano_661]

I got a USA Wolfgang for $2000 AUD and it’s the best guitar I’ve ever owned.

[@misterroberts344]

I'm late, but the Silver Sky is around 2k USD

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

@@misterroberts344 That's what I saw, as well. Of course, the first 500 in the nebula color are the ones going for a premium.

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

If I were John Mayer and had an opportunity to collaborate with Paul Reed Smith on the design of a custom model based on the Stratocaster, I might’ve considered forgoing the implementation of the customary blade switch and incorporating individual pickup selectors (if not phase cancelling switches too). This one just looks like Strat-emulating models that PRS was marketing 15 years before this one, as if John and Pail hardly spent any time at the drafting table. Ironically, my first formal guitar teacher in 1995 played a PRS model of his own. Looking at it once a week sort of confused me when I started saving up for my own first electric guitar which was a Stratocaster. In my nativity, I thought the bodies looked like each other, as if Paul wanted to combine that look with the standard pick up configuration of a Gibson. Since I referenced the subject, Trog, could you possibly review a Brian May guitar?

[@nickmanville900]

I feel this way too. They marketed these as if they were "reinventing" the strat. But what we got was.... a strat. All they did was add fancy paint colors and a slightly more convenient trem bar. From what I've tried out in music stores, they're comparable to American Pro 2 strats... For an extra $800.... I'll pass Paul, thank though. The SE's are decent value though. Same price as the MIM's. Pick your poison, both are fine for the money.

[@alfalders3020]

Excellent review. Nice 🙏☮️👍

[@mboyer68]

Kerfuffle: a commotion or fuss, especially caused by conflicting views. A word typically learned from your grandmother, but a great word anyhow!

[@jonesy2111]

Its doesn't have that classic fender sound I've come to love so much and although I do like the paint job I'll stick with my players series, thank you

[@texasbelle6111]

I played one in February of this year. Had the money at the ready. I decided I didn't like the fretboard radius. I bought two Players Series Strats and a Players Series Nashville Tele as well as a Martin 000-28 and a Martin 000-18. The 9" fretboard radius on those Players Series Fenders is much more to my liking.

[@guitarhack210]

You can put a Tele neck on a strat ( jimi did ) I really don't care how good if feels , it looks dumb , no collectable value , totally a waste of money , plenty on reverb for sale , hmmmm I wonder why

[@Happylink75]

It's not meant to have "that classic fender sound"

[@jonesy2111]

@@Happylink75 That's why I don't like it

[@Happylink75]

@@jonesy2111 k

[@benjaminnevins5211]

The only thing I wouldn't like about it is the neck. I like a flat/thin neck like the wizard, especially if you can find it in a compound radius. That's a nice case, beautiful finish, and the pickups sound amazing in 1/2.

[@brianvillage5]

You really should get a guitar with a deep C neck and a more rounded radius. I always thought the thing Modern flat necks were the best but everytime I play my telecaster I’m reminded why I like it more than any guitar I’ve ever played.

[@benjaminnevins5211]

@@brianvillage5 I have a 2014 american strat. I still like my 80s ibanez RG3 better.

[@johnmcbarron7282]

One thing that I like about the Fender is that there is a straight line to the peg. That said, this is awfully nice.

[@cementheed]

If you want humbucker sounds, you could put in SD hotrails.

[@petebrown3715]

Love my PRS SE! It's a beast!!

[@matthashobbies]

I just got one, I absolutely love it! It handles so many genres honestly it's just an absolute beast like you said

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

Agreed

[@finaljesus]

Back in November of last year I got a prs SE custom 24 the guitar is like no other guitar I have ever played I love my prs