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

[@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.

[@HooksBill]

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.

[@gavriloprincip11]

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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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...

[@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?

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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 😛

[@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.

[@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!

[@fatherchrist8]

“Your body is another brand” that was hilarious

[@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.

[@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?

[@jacolux]

A Paul and John together can’t go wrong.

[@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.

[@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?

[@Illiyinmusic]

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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@shannonthomas8894]

I'm proud to say that I worked for PRS in their "Golden Years" before we moved to Stevensville They still build a great instrument but they don't have the magical production simplicity as known in so many "vintage" guitars.. I will stay with Fender Strats over this guitar.

[@shannonthomas8894]

@Roberto Munoz I've played several of them and they are nice but it's not my thing. Even back to back comparison with a Fender Strat and a Suhr "Strat" and the Silver Sky sound I didn't care for but It did play really nice tho. To be fair tho I prefer Fender Strats no later than 1976. Like I mentioned PRS builds amazing guitars and the best consistency over any other maker but I'm not a fan of the PRS Sound.

[@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.

[@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...

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!

[@dommadonia9207]

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

[@Olegstuff21986]

I doubt Maiden are Mayer fanboys :).

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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 :(

[@jr0706]

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

[@INeverWanted2010]

ehhhhh

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@GenosGlory]

That guitar just doesn't feel $4k at all I don't care how rare it is or who made it. Nice color and all but that's it. Feels more like a $1.5K guitar.

[@Tricknologyinc]

Everybody's really milking guitar building! Carve a body, Carve a neck, wind some pickups, And stack that wreck! They're not doing ANYTHING on these guitars that isn't done on a $350 guitar except mouth breath on 'em and pat themselves in the sack!

[@Spongebob-lf5dn]

PRS makes quality guitars

[@GenosGlory]

Spongebob I know they do but in this case all the fascination is on the color change. You can find a $4k PRS much better quality than this model. I got mine for £400 used and it’s great. This is 10x that.

[@Spongebob-lf5dn]

@@GenosGlory well its limited edition, so the price is gonna rise. I think the msrp was like 2300

[@GenosGlory]

Spongebob Dont get me wrong i like it just feel is just a bit overpriced considering the other PRS’’s in that price but as you said it is a limited edition and many wanted it and I am sure all sold out.

[@coquio]

I was so relieved when I realised I'm not actually subscribed to this channel.

[@jiajunyang1573]

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

[@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 :).

[@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.

[@WalkenDead]

Much like I said in that Stratacoustic video, at that price point a case is a must. I firmly believe that nothing over the $1000 price point should have a gig bag

[@williamcharlesschneider4825]

Gibson has left the chat 👀

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

Nobody cares what you said in another video

[@AFopMostFoul]

While I tend to agree with that assessment, it was actually John Mayer's request to have it in a gig bag. Something to do with taking it with you anywhere or some such, so it was not a decision made for money or anything. A hard case would be more appropriate though, as you say

[@WalkenDead]

@@AFopMostFoul At that price point giving both a gig bag and hard case would be the best option. Also it amazes me the PRS doesn't label their hard cases, if not at least on the inside

[@AFopMostFoul]

@@WalkenDead That would be very possible and I agree, if Mayer really wants a gig bag included then just add it in as an optional extra or included in the standard price, not like a gig bag costs that much (considering the amount already being spent especially) I also found the lack of markings a little surprising when I got my PRS but I am fine with it. Oddly enough, I often recognise PRS cases without the logo stamped on anyway, often due to the threading, I suspect, but it might just be a form of confirmation bias (I remember when I get it right more than when/if I am wrong)

[@piranhakeet]

Lol, so if the Silver Sky has ruined Strats for you, you were never that big into Strats. :-) Keep posting great videos, and thanks for being awesome.

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

Exactly

[@wesleyAlan9179]

I'm a strat guy, and I would probably love to play this axe, not gonna lie I'd shred it to peices, haha

[@ludwiglanestudios]

As much as i love PRS and the silver sky, and the legendary Strat, i can tell you that the best strat I've played these last few years is a $650 Sire Larry Carlton Vintage Strat. I am selling my Vintage 2 Strat and Ill have enough cash for a nice amp.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@HooksBill]

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.

[@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.

[@qwertyzxcv123]

Eric Clapton himself said that John Mayer is a class of his own.

[@UncleRicoOSU]

I have very fond memories of getting stoned and listening to his solo on Covered in Rain from his 2002 DVD over and over. He’s a once in a generation talent. I argued for years with the dummies about that. Now I just refer them to that Clapton clip where he gushes over Mayer’s talent.

[@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. 😩

[@meltyboys946]

Scarf joint is much stronger and they're very common on 8 and 9 string guitars because of the tension on the neck it requires a really strong neck and every single 8 string that I have (i have 4 and have owned a total of 10 different ones over the decade) have had scarf joints. All different brands and price points. From 400 bucks to 2000.

[@alidan]

on top of being stronger, they are far more resistant to breaking because the guitar fell over, they are also for the most part, cheaper to do as well because instead of 1 piece of wood being perfect, you can use that piece of wood more times, and get perfect sections of it instead. at least this is my understanding of them.

[@Anarchy-Is-Liberty]

@@alidan - Load of nonsense!!

[@pdp977]

@@Anarchy-Is-Liberty But you're not going to tell us why. I see...

[@rvk8991]

@@alidan just don't like scarf joint necks for some reason.

[@Draugoth]

A minor correction. Scarf joints are long standing carpentry techniques and have origins in boat building. The strength varies given the ratio of the thickness of the wood to the length of the joint. They can be considered weak spots when it comes to localized loads (i.e. a force applied directly perpendicular to the joint) but one of the benefits is that on low ratios joints you can get a fairly clean break capable of being repaired easily, whereas a break on a solid neck could be considered a virtual loss. To be fair, the typical one piece Fender neck would be about as strong as you can hope for on a guitar, but without an angle to keep strings seated in the nut, string trees are a necessary evil. In the end, the only time when a scarf joint would fail on a guitar is if you go full Pete Towsend on one. If you don't do that, you'll be fine. There is nothing wrong with a neck that has one and IMO people who denounce guitars that have them do so out of pure snobbery without knowing the math behind it.

[@therealmichaelmeyers]

Every Silver Sky I've picked up, has played and sounded great. I can't say the same for every Custom Shop Stratocaster I've played. Looks can be deceiving, as this guitar has many subtle differences that set it apart. It's genuinely a sum of all its parts.

[@vyvynylification]

I just bought an expensive telecaster pro II so I'll wait a few months most likely BUT: I'll own a PRS Silver Sky one day! I just like it more than a strat... Not just tonewise, but also the looks!

[@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.

[@ferox965]

My guitarist in one of my bands has one of these. I took a spin on it and it's top notch. Outstanding craftsmanship...I'm a fan of neither Strats or PRS, but this guitar was excellent.

[@soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342]

Not a fan of the strat... The best guitar ever... But you have the nerve to say this strat copy is excellent. Ooookay then lol.

[@ferox965]

@@soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342 Well, until you are old enough to gig, come talk to me.

[@dunawayguitars7494]

I've had my Nebula for about 3 months. I was really weirded out by the tuning keys but now I like them. The control nobs feel super cheap so I'm replacing those but keeping them in case I ever resell it. But, I'm never giving it up. I love it. I playing almost everyday and on gigs every weekend. Its going to get dinged up and I'm ok with that. Great instruments should be played...

[@donefinished]

I replaced my with abalone and silver. They look great.

[@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

[@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.

[@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. 😊

[@arthurbehrman5130]

Thanks for this. I think I’ll wait for a used Silver Sky in one the other less special colors to pop up used. The head stock has grown on me. I’m happy that Fender doesn’t own the rights to all the classic Fender body shapes. There’s an argument that Fender stopped being Fender when Leo sold out to CBS and CBS immediately started looking for ways to cut corners. Fender’s lack of ownership has paved the way for some excellent work in the boutique guitar world with people like Riggio Custom Guitars, Danocaster, and Nash building some classic bolt on guitars that are arguably as nice or nicer than most anything Fender put out for years. At a competitive price point too. Lastly, if anyone is truly looking to be faithful to Leo Fender, G&L is much closer to his spirit than Fender these days.

[@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

[@capresto1]

Love the finish, but it seems to me like an overrated Strat :P

[@andresgarch2755]

I'd like to disagree. I think it sounds just as good If not better than Stratocasters in the 2000 dollar price range, but to each his own.

[@nehemiahzo_]

More like an overpriced strat

[@ferox965]

The guitarist in one of my bands has one. The hype is correct. I don't like Strats or most PRS but I was seriously impressed when I took a spin on it.

[@Riverdeepnwide]

Seems that those who play them like them.

[@MarkJohnsonJams]

I played one. Def not overrated. It was so good I had to buy it.

[@yakacm]

John Mayer never made it over this side of the pond, the 1st time I ever heard of him was on Music Is Win, I assumed he was talking about John Mayall from the Blusebreakers, lol.

[@catdumpling]

FWIW, Fender does NOT own a trademark on either the Strat or Tele body shapes. This is why so many companies have released their versions of those guitars, and why they're so commonly available as aftermarket custom bodies from Warmoth, KnE, etc. Fender tried to trademark the Strat and Tele body shapes in my more recent years, but they were denied a trademark on either because they'd ignored it for several decades and the USPTO determined those body shapes had long ago entered the public domain. Fender's DOES own a trademark on their headstock shapes though, and will go after any manufacturer who uses them without a license (Warmoth, Allparts, and a couple other manufacturers are licensed to manufacture necks with those headstocks, but some neck makers are not.) PRS tweaked the Strat body shape because they could, not because they had to.

[@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

[@allstopblue5717]

Lol at the “downsides”. It collects dust.... it has single coil pickup routes.... that case looks great though. Never seen that shown before. Very nice.

[@philipthomas8440]

I will never buy ANY guitar that costs over 2k that comes with a gig bag.

[@CosmicHippopotamus]

They let you upgrade for $200. They’re giving you the option, so I don’t really see the issue with it. I have a mono gigbag that I use for travel and I display my guitars on wall mounts so I have little use for cases. I’d rather be given the option to save $200.

[@soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342]

Same. Also plastic trash tuning knobs that will get stick and crack in the coming years easily. Also weak trem that loses its tune easily. No stainless steel frets. Cheap knobs. No trem cover. And it's kind of ugly to most folks but that's a opinion thing... Yup... Totally not worth the price. Maybe worth getting close to 1k but good luck finding that deal. Only worth getting for the most die hard fanboy of JM but if that's who you are then... WTF is wrong with you? He sucks ASS lololol.

[@jimistheman9732]

@@soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342 - Yeah, the lack or a tremolo over is just wrong. The upside is that it will make that lil' bit 'o dust he found on the edge like an operating room after the tremolo pit picks up a years work of stuff.

[@rayfabris2512]

I watched an unboxing of a $1900 EVH and NO GIG BAG JUST THE BOX IT CAME IN.OUCH!!!!

[@fawkesandhound]

lol poor. That’s all I hear.

[@Des_Armoni]

Awesome in depth review!! Wow but i agree definitely doesn’t sound like a strat! The only thing it really has is the body and some single coils. John should’ve taken that to fender for sure and modernized the actual strat and kept some classic elements especially the sound which is most important for a strat.

[@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

[@evanpi314]

I bought my PRS from the guy who worked with Paul to design the tremolo system, John Mann. In his shop he has some of the original PRS guitars from the early days. The guitar is a PRS SE Custom 24 Lefty for those curious.

[@Riverdeepnwide]

I remember meeting John at the shop on West Street in '84, cool guy, very smart.

[@joannebeauchamp1169]

I’ve owned two Paul Reed Smith guitars and they were, by far, two of the BEST guitars I’ve ever owned. That said, I’m sure this “John Mayer Silver Sky” guitar sounds fantastic. The only criticism I have with it, is it’s headstock. Design-wise, it just doesn’t seem to work visually with the rest of the guitar’s body.

[@apophispnw5717]

I liked it from day one but a lot of people tend to like it over some time.

[@aliengrey6052]

Design wise it’s a Frankenstein. I think the fender sound is better. People are loving on this so ?

[@zenwheat]

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

[@TheNewRevolution]

Say what you want about Mayer and the Fender copy: the reality is this is a great instrument and it does sound great.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@largtr]

I just picked up the new Fender American Ultra Stratocaster. Compound radius neck, thinner neck feel... new comfort cut on the back and a new sculpted neck heel! It may be Fender's way of answering PRS. It is a beautiful guitar in a natural Ash finish with the Maple fretboard. What's more... "Made in CORONA CA"!!! :-) I also own 2 PRS American made guitars so I cannot complain. Great video! Thanks!

[@Nicholas247066]

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

[@destroso]

He can play blues but I don’t like his music aside from that. His signature guitars are top notch though.

[@Jodyrides]

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

[@boyabundance]

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

[@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 ?

[@samueltractorton2088]

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

[@skateandfingerboard1]

The only thing ruined here was the punchline to the guitar body joke lol

[@JoshuaC923]

Agreed

[@skateandfingerboard1]

@@JoshuaC923 I expect nothing less after 2 years here lol

[@bak1386]

I still can't get used to the prs headstock on a strat lol. That being said, I totally want a silversky, they look and sound unbelievable. I'm sure they play like a nice slice of warm butter too

[@peterdebad1]

Not for me. I'll stick to Fender Strats. Thanks Austin. Peace.

[@peterdebad1]

@kevindlinc Absolutely!

[@Atomic1710]

kevindlinc g&ls sound Great 👍

[@carsandguitars2361]

I was given one of these because of a screw up on a limited custom and could not be happier. Beautiful and amazing playing guitar and have have purchased several more. Check out the prs pauls model amazing guitar. That is Alex initials at the end of the neck and the bird inlays are local to hear in maryland. Incredible company and amazing people i recommend the factory tour

[@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!

[@orchurch]

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

[@yadakc]

Austin, I hope you read this! On Strats,( I've owned over 50), position 1 is all the way down, and 5 is at the top. You'll hear people talking about the quack you get in position 2, that's the bridge, and middle pick-ups. And just a note. As far as well padded, tight fitting cases go, my 50th anniversary SG Special in Alpine white is so tight, if you don't put it in right it almost won't fit, and it's not due to protrusions jutting out, but due to the body fitting so tightly against the heavily padded sides. It's the best guitar case I've ever seen for protection unless you get an Anvil type road case with guitar specific padding. I wish you'd do a video of my 2011 50th anniversary SG Special since it's never been played since leaving Sam Ash! Truly a Mint condition guitar, and I don't think you've given this model any Love. It needs to be documented, as it's the best sounding SG I've heard since my 63 SG Special got stolen in 1985. The P90s are the best sounding I've heard in a modern Gibson, and sounds just like my 63! Now stop wandering off, and show us some Gibson's!!!

[@matthewshort7904]

I've played one at Guitar Center a while back. Absolutely loved it! Sounds like a Fender but doesn't play like one.

[@bodieselfridge4623]

I played one at guitar center and I really loved it i love the strat style body but I hate the necks on some fenders but the neck on the silver sky is amazing

[@TunaStrata]

@The Weasel im sorry. I dont know how to play guitar. But why headstock can affect the playability?

[@deadpoolz9161]

@@TunaStrata no my man is just sour.

[@bluesdude514]

@@TunaStrata it doesn’t really. But the neck can, The people complaining about the headstock are just mad because it looks so much different than a fender Strat.

[@davidcordrey6678]

I've seen a lot of your videos and was wondering if you had ever demoed a PRS guitar. i was just about to write in the comments and ask that question when I saw you had posted a video about a PRS guitar. I don't play guitar (I did take lessons for a while back in the 1980's) many times I wish I had tried harder and stayed with it. I have seen videos of the factory tours of all the different makers of guitars and I think I like the PRS guitars the best. That silver sky model you demoed was really a cool one. I will say also that the flying V Gibson with the flame top was really nice also.