Silver Sky SE or Fender Players Series
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- Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
- Baxter finally gets his hands on a PRS SE Silver Sky and wants to compare it to the other 60's style electric guitar at the same price point, a Fender Players Series Stratocaster.
Let us know in the comments what one you like and if you have one on pre order or in your hands!
I dig everything about the SE, except the colors. The grey/blue one is ok but the rest don’t do it for me. Still, on overall value I think it beats the player by a hair.
Same, especially not being able to see one in the flesh they're a bit meh, the green or grey maybe, I'll hold out for a proper blue red, white etc
makes sense that the colors are kinda meh, some would say that the colors of the american version are one of its greatest appeals
That's the marketing at play. Why give you all the good colors of the American SS at a lower price point. You have to choose price that you like with a so so color or the killer color at the high price point.
I especially like the SS "moonglow" (yellow). With that Dark Rosewood, it really pops. I must say from this demo, I like the SE pickup tone more than the strat
I really wish they'd have released a lunar ice for the SEs.
I’d still go strat, but I’m happy to see PRS came out punching in this price range, I expected the SE to be $1000+. With the rising price of guitars, a little competition in this price bracket won’t be a bad thing for the consumer
For me, the Strat wins because it of the 22 frets, flatter fretboard, and huge catalog of swappable parts. In the demo the PRS sounds Fuller, but you can fix that with EQ.
But the catalog of parts is a huge selling point. I didn't go for a Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional that has a wicked roasted maple with a 14" radius and ebony board because I wanted to switch a couple of things
@@thesmellycatjazz Silver sky has 22 frets as well.
Agreed, I have the player strat with a maple fretboard. Really don’t need another similar guitar. They don’t sound that much different to my ears
@@thesmellycatjazz I am not sure if they would, but wouldn’t you think the aftermarket stuff like pickups, pots, and selector switch would fit the PRS because it is basically a fender strat?
@@thesmellycatjazz Tell us what parts on the Fender wouldn't also fit on the PRS?
I'd just go into a store and try them both and get whatever appeals the most to your hands. They're both good and both easy to mod the sound of. So it comes down to which one feels the best.
That's the problem. You never find a Strat you just pick up and like. We always have to change them. The PRS is probably going to be the same, because it really is a Strat.
Of course you’re right, but the problem I have in the guitar shop is that usually the one with the freshest strings ‘seems better’ to me.
@@williamnichols6253 to me it’s all about the neck, so ultimately we must detach ourselves from the name on the headstalk, and trust our hands first and foremost
they both feel the same for me. Silver Sky SE feels just a bit chunkier but still comfortable. Dont know what to choose
I think the Silver Sky SE is one of the best looking guitars around. The soft colors are beautiful! And it sounds amazing.
PRS is growing bolder with every year that passes, and getting better and better. Nice playing Baxter!!!
I’m really stoked by the PRS, I’ve played strats since the 90’s but PRS nailed this one. Every PRS I pick up is my favorite playing guitar From acoustics to electrics .
People ask me why I leave my Taylor and Martin at home to play my A60e. It’s the best of both to me, a Martin-feeling neck with the crisp tone of a Taylor. They are far and away the best Chinese-made instrument I’ve ever played.
Just bought my Silver Sky. It was between these 2 guitars. The PRS neck and fret work was heaps above the Fender Player. It just felt and played better
I'm excited for the SE SS but tried an Ultra Strat before pulling the trigger on a SS last year and chose the Ultra instead. I love PRS and I've also owned a lot of Strats over the years but my Ultra with maple board is hands down one of my favorite guitars ever and definitely my favorite strat! Still happy that I finally found one that really fit "me" after all these years.
I did the exact. Love PRS but Ultra Texas Tea with maple won my heart. Compound neck is extremely comfortable to play.
Bro the ultra is literally 1500 dollars more.. you cant really compare the two...
@@harrypotter6894 they were only about $300 apart in 2019… Ultra was 1800 and SS was 2100. ;)
@@MarbsMusic that makes 0 sense but okay
@@harrypotter6894 Not following… I’m taking about buying an ultra Strat over a normal SS not the SE. the SE would definitely be as you note about 1000 less.
Probably Strat. Both seem very similar but I like the Fender headstock and colors better. I got a player series from you all a couple months of ago and it is an amazing guitar. Roasted Maple neck and Fat 50’s.
I think what people have to ask themselves is are they hearing with their eyes? Are they judging the guitars based on nostalgia or familiarity? Those preferences are ok. It's ok to like seeing Fender on your guitar. Some great artists have played them on some of your favorite records. They are classic.
But, certainly don't hold it against PRS for making a strat, being mad at them for it, and therefore dismissing the accomplishment of making a quality guitar.
The PRS isn't meant to replace a Fender Strat, it's only meant to sit side by side with one. Either way, you can't go wrong with either guitar, because these companies have been killing it with making great affordable guitars. For $1500, you can get a quality guitar, amp and pedals, and still have money for strings and picks. Great time to be a guitar player.
What people identify with is a big deal in the USA and are easy to sell products to!
Flash bamboozling comercials in their faces so they can go get it!
Yeah, just like Mcdonalds...
Have people jumping for joy 🤩 singing "I'm lovin it"; they forget that they're eating BS but they love it because it's what they identify with! 😂
Jackass America? 😂
This PRS is nothing more than what Squier is to Fender!
Cheap azz plastics, the PU's are different not better than what I believe to be Alnico 5's in MIM strats!
Poplar is another corner cut than Alder!
UGH tgose cheap mofo tuner buttons WOW REALLY????
Grant it, this rig isn't meant to be a strat but stratlike but if ya gonna look like one, ya better not cut obvious corners!
That HUGE SE logo is WTF; don't know what they're thinking to label an anticipated guitar STUDENT EDITION; the same edition from before and this is a new release?!?!?
WOW just WOW what a let down!
O.K. I will be that guy. That headstock
One thing I have learned over the years is to be cautious of the hype. Think I will wait until my local shop gets a couple in to take it for a test drive, and see if they got the price point right. Not often I venture out of the Fender stable, but I am intrigued to say the least.
I think PRS throwing in a gig bag is a really nice touch. If I'm buying a new guitar I won't leave the store without a gig bag or case to keep it in, so I really appreciate not having another add on purchase on top of the $1k+ I just spent.
Agree.
I'm so glad to hear someone playing something other than John Mayer style stuff on a Silver Sky. I'm especially happy it's some Hendrix.
I didn't want to like it either but I played one yesterday and really loved it. The neck shape is fantastic. Though I prefer alder over poplar to me the rosewood fretboard is more important. I hate the way the Pau ferro looks and feels.
You're not the only one :)
faxxx i would have chosen fender if it weren't pau ferro. It will soon kill mexican fenders cuz they dont do rosewod anymore
For me its kinda the same. I don't see and feel much of a difference -if any- in Rosewood vs Pau Ferro.
No, im okay with PF im not okay with this Laurel or however you spell it crap. In the last 4 years ive had 3 guitars that use it, all 3 cracked after the 8mo-year time.
Pau Ferro feels terrible
I really enjoyed the jam at the end Baxter...u have a beautiful touch man...
I've been a "Fender guy" all my life, but the PRS has my attention.
Thank you for this. I really wanted to see this!
Shhhhh. Don't tell anybody but I'd go for a Yamaha Pacifica 612 or 611 over either of those.
41mm nut width is the big compromise though.
@@macht4turbo It also has a flatter radius as well, which I also prefer. I don't care for narrow vintage frets or radius although I know some people do.
I’ve been checking out the Yamaha as well
I'm gonna have to go play the SE. I'm not much of a PRS fan as far as the necks go, I've never found one that felt right in my hands. But it is nice to see that Paul is getting more of the USA guitars out in an SE version. Because 3K-8K isn't always attainable.
Loving the playing Baxter. I ordered my SE... Now if only I win the core off that wall there..
I’ve not been impressed with the players series. I’ve had too many with problems with fretwork, hardware problems, electronics issues, and just poor QC compared to the older Mexicans. I haven’t seen the justification for the price hike. It hurts me to say that because I’m a longtime fender fan. I still think getting an older Mexican standard used is one of the best values you can get for a hardworking great guitar.
I look forward to checking out the SE. I’m not a silver sky fan at the price of the real thing but at the cheaper price point it may be cool. Cort makes some good guitars and I’ve played some other Cort strats in the $600-$800 price range that kill the new MIM stats so I hope they put the same mojo in the SEs.
Killer “Wind Cries Mary” and awesome review. I played around with the SE today and thought it felt and sounded amazing.
Great reveiw Baxter. Can’t wait to get my hands on that PRS. I’m a Fender fan boy myself but man that Silver Sky sounds amazing. I wish PRS chose some better colors though.
It would be interesting to compare the ibanez azes to these
I have no doubt that the Silver Sky SE is amazing, but there's something about having an actual Strat. I greatly prefer the headstock and body of the Fender cosmetically, and also much prefer six-in-line tuners.
yeah but pau ferro is less than desirable and prs dresses frets drastically better. if you want just a better guitar put of the box, prs is the way to go. however, I have a player plus strat with the flamed cherry veneer that looks amazing and they did a great fret job on it from the factory. throw a set of 50$ locking tuners on it and it's my go to for blues guitar. it plays really well.
Did he just say that the fretwork on the Mexican player is “really excellent”?
It was at this moment I realized he’s a salesperson trying to sell guitars.
Definitely preferred the tone of the SE. I also prefer the darker fingerboard but would gladly accept the lighter color if it had that “tone.” I was one of those that said, “If you want a Strat, buy a Strat!” when the SS was first introduced. Then I heard one and immediately changed my mind. I bought one without ever having seen one in person. If I didn’t already own quite a few other guitars and could only purchase one guitar, it would now be a SS.
The 2021 Player Series have a major flaw… They have new saddles that hang off the bridge when changing strings (instead of remaining flush with the bridge like they’re supposed to), and it throws off the action every time, requiring the action to be reset/ readjusted after every string change. It’s actually quite unbelievable.
It never happened to me
My 2020 player series strat has this issue
Sold mine because of this issue
I never that issue with mine. Changing strings are easy as can be
Lol. It's not a flaw. It's perfectly normal.
Both sound great. The PRS does sound a little hotter but otherwise I think it sounds just like the Fender. I'm not a Strat guy but I am a Fender guy however between these two I'd say its super close. Baxter you have such a unique playing style with the arrangements you always demo👍
People always hoot and holler about the specific wood, but remember Leo bought what was available and inexpensive to him at the time. Both seem cool. Also, I predict Paul's making a Tele/not quite Tele.
Maybe he can persuade a Tele playing Fender Signature Artist to jump ship.
I own two Player Strats, a 2019 SSS Plus-Top and a 2021 HSS and love them, they are fantastic! But a couple of months ago I got a G&L Tribute Comanche new for less than $500 on sale and it is now my favorite. You should compare the Comanche with the PRS SE. The PRS pickups sound amazing but the (Leo designed) Z-Coil MFDs sound better (IMO), the SE Trem is not better than the G&L (also Leo designed) and the G&L fingerboard radius is the 12" that I prefer. I've watched a bunch of PRS SE reviews and love it but at this point I prefer the G&L Comanche, especially for 40% less money. G&L does not get the love they deserve.
Completely agree. I have one of the tribute telecaster style ASAT guitars, and I record with it/do video work etc. with it often. The pickups are spectacular, and just so well-balanced! If I remember correctly I got it for $450 up here in Canada. Stays in tune wonderfully too. I’ve played it so much that I need a re-fret
I had a Commanche for a couple years and it was great! Also had a Legacy and it stood up well.
I own several Strats (MIA & MIM) and an an American Silver Sky.. You may find this hard to believe, but though they all look, feel and sound like guitars, they all look and feel slightly different to the player. Having more choices is a win for the player. I hate comparisons. Find the one you love and get it. The shape of the headstock and name on it matters less than how it plays, feels, and makes you feel.
I'm probably going to go buy another Strat today and the only thing holding me back from the Silver Sky SE is the colors.
I agree. When I was looking for a strat I played every manufacturer under the sun that makes one and actually landed on a Schecter, just felt right as soon as I picked it up. More people should have your mindset and just play what they like instead of feeling like it has to be a certain brand.
Yeah I just left a comment about the colors.
I think they underestimated how underwhelming the colors would be for potential buyers. And I also think they underestimated the size of potential buyers.
I'm sure the number of JM fans that pre-ordered day one are high. BUT there was an undeniable unified groan from everyone online looking up these guitars when they saw the colors.
I have no doubt the colors were underwhelming enough to teeter people to NOT buy one.
I also don't agree with the "we can't use nice paint designs or people won't buy the SS". Anyone that will pay $2k~ more for a premium color is going to buy a SS anyway and the SE will just be a fun buy.
No one that is buying an SE because that's the guitar they can afford is going to save up and drop thousands more for the paint. The quality in components IS the reason for the price difference.
Only giving boring bland colors got the affordable version is just shitty. It's an unnecessary and frankly shitty delineation between the players.
Obviously they won't have the same styles as the SS, but you can still release better colors and adjust them to fit the price range like fender does.
I'm waiting until they announce the maple board and I'm hoping more colors.
Offer it in black and you would sell a trillion
Really? I think the SS colors are amazing. Especially on the SE model. I wish they’d realer some of them on the American.
You're a fantastic player 👏 👌
Thanks a ton! Very kind of you.
Seeing that I prefer the look of "wood".... I'd have to go with the Fender with the sunburst finish. Looks matter a LOT to me. That said, I'd have to try them both....and maybe others as well to be able to find what "ticks" all of the boxes that I require to add a guitar to my tool box. The best "S-style" guitar I have found so far (for my playing style, sound, looks and feel...all of these being really important to me) is the G&L Legacy that I found used in mint condition is probably a late 80's.... I haven't checked the neck or neck pocket. Love it!
Agree !00%. G&L Makes a Great Guitar.
I don’t like the colors. I was interested in the desert fruit one but it looks like watered down red or purple. That’s not the vibe I would gravitate too. But I can see how some would like it
It's ok that headstock blows it for most...its just wrong
Silver sky still my dream guitar!
That pau ferro board is the biggest turn off for me. PRS did a great thing by bringing rosewood into the mix at this price point because I havent tried one pau ferro guitar that I thought felt good in hand. Just my experience though.
My thinking is, if you have a Strat, and you like it, why buy one of these. I have yet to hear anyone say it's better than a Strat. And they probably wouldn't say that even if it is.
I have heard many people that said they like these better than the comparable price strat.
That headstock still looks dopey on that body, and the grey plastic truss rod cover and tuners look comically cheap. What were they thinking with those? Also, at the end of the day, its still just a strat copy. Made purely as a marketing creation. Plus, and this is just me personally, I would rather my money at least stay in the same hemisphere I live in when I buy a guitar, and is a serious consideration I make when buying just about anything.
I love SE's necks. MIM strays are too sharp. Plus Pau Ferro is ugly
To be honest I've been waiting for PRS to bring us an attainable single coil guitar for the masses. I think this is about as good as we could ask for. I wouldn't be opposed to a custom 22 style all single coil option though, maybe an se with narrow fields s pups 😀.
You're voicing the majority opinion Baxter. The SE is really a shocker. When I first heard about it and saw it I was like "Phh. A Poplar body for the same cost as a MIM Strat?! Get Real" Then I heard it and was like " Well $%^. How did PRS Pull THAT off" So its on my bucket list also....unless of course I win that SS you guys are promising.... :) You can NEVER have too many Strats!
Get ready for poplar bodies on everything! :(
Of course the prs is good (may actually sound a little better) you saying the frets are comparable is a compliment to fender. Tbh didn’t get all the hype over a stat copy but now I’m trying to tell myself I DONT need another strat.
I’ve had my SS SE for about a week now. I love it, the pickups and neck feel are outstanding. Great value, even if it were more expensive.
@@MikaelLewisify Because I bought it from Sweetwater in the first hour it was announced. My sales guy always gives me a head up on things I'm looking for.
@@ChristTiger So it’s your fault I didn’t get to play one on release day at Sweetwater! JK, congrats man.
Which color did you get?
I'm a big Fender fan now. I love PRS also. I have an SE version of the PRS and it is a fantastic guitar. Either are great guitars and I would not be afraid at all to get the PRS.
Also, the SE Silver Sky looks better than the PAU FERRO ITERATION of the Player Series, not necessarily their maple fretboard Players'. The SPECIFIC PAU FERRO wood that Fender uses on their Player Series looks like cheap wall or cheap furniture wood. It simply looks cheap. I've seen some great looking Pau Ferro wood used on other guitars, the SRV signature for example (it matches well with that guitar), but the one used on the Player guitars look like crap in my opinion.
I have a player Series Strat…… It checks all the boxes.
Strat sounds and looks better. None of those fruity colors can touch that sunburst finish.
No sunburst SS because of the poplar
Yep, those colors and the reverse PRS headstock is a deal breaker for me. Better vibrant colors and the regular headstock would have had me ordering
@@CasinoGuitars I haven’t seen sunburst on the American version either.
I had a very dark Pau Ferro board on my MIM Jazzmaster and it looked like Rosewood. I don’t like the light Pau Ferro fretboards and wished Fender would switch back to Rosewood on the MIMs.
In Australia the PRS SE is about 35% more expensive than the Fender Player. I’m a hard sell at that price difference.
Shocker, he likes both equally
50k subs and I get my Silver Sky. Baxter has to keep working that forearm. Over the Top.
I picked up my 2013 MIM Standard Strat and used it as a little GAS-X. Still sounds and plays great. Saved myself 850 bucks!
Now that’s a relevant comparison!
Thanks for the content!
I still think I want a Eric Johnson strat anyway.
I wanted one, too, until I read they had really fat, sticky necks. Hard pass.
I wonder how Fender will respond? I prefer the way the Strat sounded. Hope to try out the SSse but I don’t see them sitting around in stores for very long. Thanks for the head to head.
I would never change my player strat for anything
You should compare the SE Silver Sky to the Squire Classic Vibe strat. Seeing they are both made overseas and both have non-traditional body materials. The Squire Classic Vibe series costs about $400 less than the Silver Sky.
We def will!
That’s what I want. Love my 60’s Classic vibe❕
They are good guitars for the money but the fretwire sucks. Every 60s cv strat or 50s tele I've owned or played at the shop has had major pitting after 6 months. The wire is too soft and ruins the guitar. It's hard to sell a 2019 cv that already needs a level and crown job, that shouldn't happen under any circumstance. Even if the guitar is played with trash strings two hours a day, the wire has to hold up better.
If you played your way to a new fret job over a few years then you got your money’s worth. You can refret or buy a neck spec’d exactly the way you want from Warmoth (even with stainless steel frets) and you Still have a great guitar.
For me it's Rosewood vs. Pau Fero fretboard or Poplar vs. Alder body. The Rosewood neck on the SE is beautiful. But I'd have to to go with the Player's strat that wins by a hair because of the headstock. It's just easier with tuners in one side.
Players. By a country mile.
The se silversky in person has a really cheap and cheesy feeling about it. I think it’s the tuner keys and knobs. I’m not sure. It’s loathsome to play.
I heard Casino Guitars has a Fender Players Series scratch & dent they'll give you a little discount on. Be sure to thank Baxter for the discount on the way out. :-)
I think they call that relic'd now. Extra $30 bucks for that one.
Heavy relic so its more like $60 :)
Here in Australia the guitar shops sell the Player Series for 999 and the Silver Sky SE for 1,500.
Big price difference over here. I started this video thinking it was going to be an unfair comparison until you mentioned their US price.
Hey, I got the fender HSS Player from Belfiled Music in NSW for $950. Its unreal. Cant believe that they are $850in the US
I’ve never had a Fender Strat that didn’t have issues - all of them American - the best being a ‘Strat Plus,’ because of the least problems. My friend has a USA John Mayer, it’s a flawless guitar, if the SE is only a quarter as good it will beat any Strat I’ve encountered. Let’s face it, they’ll all basically kit guitars.
Baxter this is probably your most serious straight ahead product video and it showcases your enviable chops. Well done!
Fender headstock wins, certainly stylistically.
😮💨 matter of taste
At that price Fender should include a gig bag
agreed!
I have the Authentic Jimi Hendrix fender Stratocaster with the American 65 grey button pickups the Silver Sky SE or original Silver Sky couldn't touch my Hendrix strat..paid $1,200 for it worth every penny
I just can't get past the PRS headstock, it just looks so cheap, I really don't like it. Love the rest of it though, but, man! That headstock :)
it's insane to me that a player strat will cost you $900 with a gigbag. i'm gonna sound real old, but i don't care. i remember when they were half the price. what a world we live in.
I have the Strat and the Tele Player Plus and they come with a gig bag actually. It’s the Player range that comes without.
My bad, you are comparing the Player Series.
In the UK, PRS SE is about £325 more expensive than Fender Player Series.
The funny thing is, if you compare the SE Silver Sky to a Squier Classic Vibe Strat, they're made on the exact same factory floor by the exact same people.
I'm a fender guy.
I think the silver sky looks good but I prefer the genuine article.
great video - thanks! So interesting that you're comparing to Fender Player and not even Vintera!
It doesn’t matter how good the PRS silver sky may be. I will always look at it as something repulsive with that headstock. No guitar is superior or has redeeming qualities to overcome such heresy.🤣
This
You're officially my new uncle!!!
Love this channel and your videos :D
I'm sure the PRS is a fine instrument that plays just as good as a Fender but i cant stand playing a blatant copy cat strat.
PRS shafted us Lefty players. and the headstock is ugly.Fender all the way.
In EU the price makes the Player Strat a no brainer. You can buy a good tube amp or a full pedalboard from the price diference
the fret buzz on the prs make it difficult to watch :( I couldn't watch it past 1 minute
One correction - the silvery sky se has a radius of 7.5, less than the american version.
If the Silver Sky is trying to be a Strat, why not just get the Strat?
When I saw this video I instantly said "yes" haha exactly what I was thinking.. Pau ferro is really ugly to me tho
I think I like the Fender better. I got a hold of a 2013 in almost perfect shape, the PRS se lacks real quality. In my opinion. I find the se overated. Thanks for sharing.
Fender better start including a gig bag A S A P❗️
I wanted to buy an SE, but I’m not a fan of poplar. I wish they would have done alder.
Down the road, the Fender will probably have a little better resale value ( at least enough to pay for the gig bag? Who knows? ). Most players don't realize that poplar has a long tradition as a musical instrument wood. Considered an unattractive-looking wood, it's usually hidden and/or painted.
Why did the Silver Sky sound a little "thin" to me?
One of the best reviews / comparisons, straight to the point and sincere. No need to beat a dead horse. I however own G&L Fullerton Deluxe Legacy HB that I think is fantastic and fillin all my S type needs so I will pass on these.
G&L American is superb so no need for a Mexican or Indonesian modified version. But if you need a cheaper backup or for the road (keep nice one at home), I think the PRS is a very compelling option
You managed a 10 minute video exactly. Sweet perfectionists. Hahaha
not many color choices, I'll hold off on the silver sky se tbh. fender is the winner here
Doggone it! Y'all are giving me GAS! NOW I REALLY WANT ONE!
The difference in the fretboard colour is massive. Always a sucker for a proper dark rosewood board. Hats off to prs keeping that in budget. The Fender, great guitar for the price, but the fretboard? Oh dear....
An American strat variation (fender, G&L, PRS Core Silver Sky, Carvin, etc) are superb in quality and tone so no need for a Mexican or Indonesian modified version. But if you need a cheaper backup, gift to young student or one for the road (keep nice one at home), I think the PRS SE Silver Sky is a VERY compelling option for its rosewood neck, superior pickups and included padded bag.
Love these both. Difference is in the pickups but most in the feel of the neck and the fretboard. And one thing i don’t buy, that the fretwork is a draw. PRS really knocks it out of the park with that quality.
Agreed even if I haven't touched the PRS. The Player series I tried did not have great fret work. I think Fender saves some money on the MIM necks.
The PRS sounded good, but I got goosebumps when the Fender kicked in bc that is is the Strat sound. Sounds/looks like your struggled a bit with the Fender though.
Great, honest breakdown.
I've played em both and I definitely still prefer a Fender Strat. Strat is more chimey (and why else would you buy a strat!) and I think has a nicer feeling neck and easier playability.
I am interested to see how the PRS feels compared to a strat player with the maple neck. I just played three different strats and was most pleased with the maple neck because it is thicker. Easier for my hand. Trying to hold out to play a PRS, but not sure I can make it that long. Thanks for the video.