My "Strat" is a Silver Sky SE, and I really dig it. I was never going to buy the US one (although I really wanted to) and the SE came along at just the right time.
The Silver Sky sounds similar to a warmer Stratocaster but the ergonomics are quite different because of the lighter weight, lower horn cutout, the smaller waist and streamlined topline. Value-wise, it's better than the Player and Player Plus offerings (unless you really want locking tuners or noiseless pickups) from Fender.
One thing I would add - the neck carve (for me personally) is much better on the Silver Sky SE than a Player. Its hard to find chunkier necks in the player range. Also I think Rosewood looks much better than any of the substitutes .
Its because the bridge is completely pinned to the body! Its got 4 springs holding it down and the block is huge. You have to have some muscle to use the trem
@@betzky2012 Good to know, that would explain it, seems like it has a similar explanation on why the telecaster bridge (to me) sounds good only a totally different construction.
I’ve been a longtime fender guy - strat and tele owner - but I picked up this exact guitar (down to the color!) last week. After some setup it plays better than anything I’ve ever owned. Beyond feeling, for me its really the small things with this guitar. The tone knob gives you so much precise control. Straight into the amp you can get so many tones too. But lets be real. I just got it because it says “John Mayer Signature” and has his sig laser etched on the headstock 🥹🥹
What’s crazy is that I actually prefer the SE version of the Silver Sky over the USA version. Not because it’s made better, but because I prefer the fretboard radius on the SE more. It’s one of my favorite strats, I just don’t care for any of the colors. I wish they would make a natural or burst version.
I’ve played a couple core silver sky’s, and Ive played the SE. My personal favorite thing about the core model is the maple neck option. I’m not usually a maple neck guy, but the silver sky maple fretboards are heavenly to play
I just won a PRS Silver Sky in tungsten. The signature model. I bought 2 raffle tickets for $12, 😳.Had to pay $109 for import fees. $121.00 all-in and it arrives tomorrow. Can’t wait!!!
after I put a bone nut and had the frets professionally done over on my MIM it played better than my American strat. Now my MIM is the only strat I own.
I got a Tungsten Silver Sky Core a few weeks ago and LOVE it. Literally one of my favorite guitars I’ve ever put my hands on; it has a certain magic to it. I can see why they aren’t for everyone, but I couldn’t be happier with mine! 🎸🤤
I have many Strats and a Silver Sky. Of all of my Strats, my 2020 Silver Sky is closest to the my 2019 American Original Strat. The fretboard on the AO is 9.5" vs the SS 7.25" radius, but the neck feels very similar in the hand and the PUP's also sound pretty similar. It's hard to say if I have a preference between one or the other, though I personally find a 7.25" radius more comfortable most of the time. Edit: my AO might be an 2018- I am struggling to remember anything pre-Covid.
First of all, continued prayers for getting back to a healthy life, since having Covid-19. Secondly, I could purchase a custom shop, but the American original 50’s seems to be my dream sound. I love the neck, the pups, and it’s overall bite. I’m just looking for one that’s not heavy. Most of them are over eight pounds plus. Otherwise, they are, in my opinion, the best bang for your money. How would you say the PRS Silver sky SE, and the American Original really stack up, in the end?
I have both the mim strat and the silver sky se. The se fit and finish , neck work edges and frets and all around quality are noticeably better. They have done a great job with the pickups. I was very impressed. The difference to me is if you want a 850. Dollar strat that you don’t have to work on or modify the se silver sky is it. But if you want a strat to do mods on and make it your own you can’t beat the mim fender. 👍✌️
I’ve owned a lot of fender an non fender strats, American, Mexican, warmoth, etc. I bought a Silver Sky core on my local store after I played it and couldn’t stop playing, sold 2 guitars to buy it. After the SE was released I was able to play several on the store and they sound and play as good as the my core, honestly if I didn’t have a core already I would not mind getting an SE. So no, the core is not worth $1700 more.
mike, im a new subscriber and initially saw your short vids, but i have to say these story form videos are exceptional, really captivating throughout keep them coming bro
I had an American strat as well, and once I got my hands on the Dragonfruit Silver Sky SE, I haven’t touched it since. I LOVE the SE, and def feels like an expensive guitar but yet I can’t comprehend how I got my hands on A JOHN FREAKING MAYER signature… I’m blown away
Played an American SilverSky and was kind of disappointed in how it felt. Was one of those don’t meet your hero moments. Got my hands on an SE and I’m absolutely in love with it. Neck feels so much better
I enjoy your videos because you offer a perspective of someone who isn’t Tim Pierce or Rhett Shull. Thanks for what you do. It’s tough right now. I’m interested in a true single coil but I want to hold it in my hands and play it before I make the jump and they just aren’t around to do that with. I know how consistent PRS is, I have a S2 custom, but finding a shop with both the PRS SE and a Mexican Strat in stock just hasn’t happened. So I wait.
I totally love my Silver Sky it's really an amazing instrument. It really doesn't matter how it compares to more expensive guitars or Fenders. If you pick it up and play it, you will probably feel you don't want to put it down and that really is all that matters and what makes it so amazing.
Since around 2012, my screen name for basically every platform (including this channel, before I became known as Fishe) was Silversky. Thought of it AGES before the Silver Sky guitar was made. Imagine my surprise when the guitar was released lmao
Nice guitar, but as a Fender player I can't really get excited about yet another strat copy. While I've tried them out, they aren't a step up from my Strat, just another option.
@Miles Watkinson gotta day that's the issue with the strat. With there new models they're insanely inconsistent. From the players to the ultras. Each guitar will play different, I've tried numerous American professional 2s and some I hated but loved others.
I love my Fenders, but these SE silver skys are amazing. They are now my go-to guitar. I never thought it possible that I wouldnt reach straight for my Strats.
Dude what amazing timing on this!!!! My Silver Sky is coming in tomorrow and I'm SO excited! And the day before it arrives my favorite Guitar UA-camr uploads a video on the same instrument!? Did you make this video specifically for me? 🤔😅
It's hard to hear that this guitar has "changed" things. It comes down to a couple preferences of a big name player. Neck Radius, Neck Shape, and Pickups. I buy and sell guitars so I have had the chance to play several Core Silver Sky and Its a GREAT guitar. Personally I didn't like the neck shape. I also owned the Fender JM Strat which had a very similar in neck shape but the pickups in the Fender were had a little more HIGH tones vs the PRS. I personally liked the Core Silver Sky was a bit better as there were a bit deeper/darker tones. Neck Shape and Pickups are everything to me as a player. Give me a slim 60's C shape and some Lollar Dirty Blonde Pickups and I'm set : ) I love taking guitars as its subjective so hearing everyone's take is so much fun. Great videos, Mike! Keep it up! PS the truss rod cover placement was killing me during this entire video.. LOL.
My favorite super strat is a kramer jersey star in Alpine White because it was Richie Sambora's signature guitar from the Bon Jovi Slippery When Wet Album tour.
I like the silver sky se pickups very much... including the bridge and middle. The neck is pretty fantastic, too. It's mentally hard to do, since I have always played and identified with Fenders -- but there is something precisely right and correct about this design.
I own a pink Silver sky American with maple fretboard. I think i prefer the color and slipperiness of maple, but i really just need to buy more american guitars with rosewood boards 😉 It brings out something in me. Not just confidence to riff. It hits different in the way only prs guitars have to me, so far.
I have a PRS SE "eg" which is a Korean strat-like axe. If you read the "eg" upside down it reveals a "53" which is the first year of the Stratocaster. It's a nice PRS strat.!
I think the SE version is worth the money since Fender keeps raising its prices. Personally, if I was going to spend $3k on a guitar, I would buy a Suhr.
@@RN-fx3zl i’ve never played a squier that had that quality, where the neck was rounded over and didn’t have any issue with the frets. i have a mim that i fixed up and plays amazing now, probably better than the prs, but that guitar is really good for the price.
I love the Silver Sky SE. No issues with it whatsoever. I prefer the SE to the American because I like the neck a lot more on the SE. Sound wise, they are so close that I’d call it indistinguishable, realistically. That said, I don’t own one. The Nick Johnston Schecter is my alt-strat. Roasted Maple neck, locking tuners, great trem system, bridge humbucker and no annoying third knob under the pickups.
I've owned both the core and the SE and the differences to me are very subtle. All I can say is if you can afford the core then go for it but if all you can afford is the SE then you aren't missing out on too much. The SE is punching way above its weight in terms of quality.
Current have an American Strat.. huge Mayer fan and was looking at getting the original Silver Sky but i just couldnt bring myself past the plastic tuning knobs for that price of a guitar. But now with the cheaper SE its time to go back and test one out.
I’m not opposed to a Silver Sky but one of the perks to a Fender is it’s so modular and you can customize it very easily. It’s the GM motors of guitars. Me personally I’ve had dozens of Stratocasters over the last 25 years and I’ve got 2 really good ones for me. I don’t have the urge to buy a silver sky se or American. That said I’ve had the same issues as you they are always out of stock at my local guitar center.
Definitely sounds like a nice strat I haven't played one yet but buying one would come down to quality The PRS would have to be significantly better in terms of hardware electronics and neck/fret board to get my $ over a Mexican Fender
I owned one for a short time and wasn't super fond, but I've come to realize it may have just not been setup right. Been building partscasters the last few years, but damn... Making me reconsider getting one again.
The PRS SE EG which is their first go at strats is awesome. If only it had a fixed bridge. I have one that I slapped in some Fender 57/62's and it's unique in that it has a set neck and wide fat neck. Perfect for big handed players. Don't know why it never took off.
The silver sky is a great guitar and I love mine, but I still pick up my 62 RI Strat and my Clapton Strat. I honestly play my silver sky more tho for what that’s worth.
I’ve only played the USA SS and it’s truly a remarkable instrument. At the time it was $1,800. I chose a Tele Ultra, but both were magical to my ears. It came down to what felt better in the hands. Edit- Same GC just got an SE in…testing both out today.
I found your videos yesterday on my recommended feed due to my recent rediscovery of John Mayer and was wondering if you had played the Silver Sky. After life getting in the way, I am finally getting back to music and the silver sky se will be my first electric guitar in 10 years. Try them at my local shop a few times and automatically fell in love with the feel and tone it. Been loving your videos, keep it up!
I have that guitar and it's the best Strat type guitar I have ever played. It is one of the electric guitars I have ever owned! PU' neck tone and volume controls wow!!!! and light.
Owned a Fender John Mayer strat as my #1 for years. Would turn heads at gigs, literally "barked". Never believed the Silver Sky hype. Found a roxy pink to try, and have never traded a guitar faster. Literally like going from 1080P to 4k. Not to mention that "buttery" fretboard.
There were a couple single coil prs before this (dc3 and 305). But that silver sky is a different beast entirely. Ever the SE has it’s own charm (perfect for those that want to mod into an hss).
sounded great - it's on my radar for sure at the right time in the future. Sounded like a little Hillsong in there with the clean progressions :). Great to hear it really singing on the bridge too - it seems to retain a little sweetness and cream even there which I find my Strats lacking. Thanks for the video!
I played a Silver Sky SE a few times. I like it as a guitar, but don’t love the neck to be honest. But that’s just a personal thing. I played it back to back against a player plus and hugely preferred that. Different strokes I guess.
I played an American Silver Sky. It was boring and uninspired. I played a Silver Sky SE same way you did, my friend had one and let me play it. Within a minute of playing it I decided I wanted the Fender Players Series Cherry Strat. I have not regretted that decision. There is just something sterile to me about the Silver Skys that I cannot quite describe. Dont get me wrong, I am a John Mayer fan, but its hard to get past the fact he started his career playing a Fender. His Black 1 is all over Continuum. For the money I just feel like the Players Strat blew the SE away and I have little doubts that the Fender AVII 61 Strat will blow the Silver Sky American Made away as well. That "Extra Cash" Because 1)Its a Signature and 2)Its a a PRS. If they LOWER the price of the American SS to what it would cost for the American Vintage then sure, there may be a dogfight. All I can say is, I wanted an SE, I am so happy I passed on it. I want an American Vintage and will never find myself saying "I should have got a Silver Sky. If Sweetwater ever offers to send you a American Vintage 61 and a Silver Sky to compare....please do it. If I am wrong I am wrong, but I really think the SS will always BE a "Copy" of a Fender Strat.
I’ve had my SE for a couple of months now. I got it because I didn’t have a rosewood Strat, and they were on offer in the uk. In terms of feel and quality goes, it is indeed seriously good. However, I find that it just lacks character, and I find it very compressed sounding. Ultimately, it spends most of its time on the guitar stand. I still reach for my American original strats pretty much every time . I know these are more expensive guitars but ultimately they have life, something which I cannot say about the SE.
If you want a PRS with single coils get a Fiore. Even if you don’t listen to his music, this is a true PRS design with single coils instead of a PRS version of a Fender. Try finding a used Black Iris Fiore. Cheaper than the US silver sky and in my opinion better looking. 🤙
Actually I found a few years ago the silver wasn’t PRS’ first strat guitar, they had the model called the EG. people seemed to really dig them and they had an SE model too. I currently own a silver sky, and have owned a silver sky SE. For the value, you can’t really go wrong with an SE, but there’s definitely great feel that comes with the core model. Go with rosewood, I didn’t care for the maple
I’m a fender guy love strats and teles I’ve been keen to try one of these they’re not that common in the uk yet but all the reviews I’ve seen have been positive about this guitar the one thing that sticks out is the neck is a bit chunkier that your modern standard strat I have small hands so I prefer the modern size profiles aren’t so much important to me than the size itself but like I said I’ve not played on and the reviews often say they’re a good guitar for the money
Hey Mike , I got exactly the same PRS SE as your friend Joe and yes it is based on the Stratocaster , but it is still a Guitar on its own , very well built nice Guitars , typical PRS Quality even in the SE line , I got three Stratocaster and one Telecaster but the PRS SE SIlver Sky fits in perfectly ;-)
My first guitar teacher told me in 2005 that it's not a real guitar unless it's made in the USA. Thank God I haven't seen him since. I really like the fact that guitar players nowadays, especially younger ones, do not really care where their guitar was made. I mean if it is a great guitar, it sounds amazing and it plays amazing, why would you care? And why would you pay a huge difference in price to get that (maybe) 5% extra?
Really enjoy when you go off on some extended demoing in your long form videos. Your playing,as does Chris Buck, has a certain energy and or vibe. I own Godin Session (strat style) and while I really like it, with the SE version available,I see a PRS in my (hopefully near) future.
I've played both the SE and the USA versions - they're both good guitars, but I absolutley cannot get over the 7.25 radius. On both of them, the bends fretted out with anything over a full tone bend. It could be a set up issue, but I've played 3 and all had the same issue.
I've played several silver sky's but I never had any kind of connection or enjoyment while playing one. I went into it with an open mind every time and genuinely wanted to like it but it just wasn't there with the feel, and the tone just didn't produce sounds that inspire me no matter what pickup position or tone knob adjustments I made, I felt like I was fighting to play the guitar. I typically play a '59AVRI strat and it's the cat's meow for me, but on the same hand I've played bad strats. I'm sure there's probably a silver sky out there that I'd connect with though.
It won’t be a true competitor until PRS decides to make it in left handed. Fender has no trouble offering lefty versions of basically all of their instruments. It’s also frankly strange that Paul Reed Smith loves Hendrix so much that he made an amp trying to capture his sound, and yet says stuff like “they don’t make left handed pianos!” at the same time.
He’s looking at it from the standpoint that Hendrix played right handed guitars, but we live in an era that we can easily make left handed instruments.
@@UnremarkableMarx and he played them beautifully! It’s true.. but a lot of quality of life stuff is lost playing a right handed guitar upside down. Position of the tremolo arm, the cut-outs, electronics etc. An inconvenience, granted, if all you care about is playing and you’re not too fussed about that stuff. But, all the same. It’s nice to have an instrument made with you in mind.
FWIW, Jimi did purchase 2 lefty strats that he never received because he died before he got them, so who knows where that would of went. Steve Miller ended up purchasing them and strung them righty. Go figure.
I have a strat and a SS. I love both. They’re different enough that couldn’t part with either one. If you’re a John Mayer fan, getting a silver sky is a no brainer.
Well - i don't know if there are some people that don't like the sound of the silver sky? Maybe they are shy to write something? I heard it, I played it - those pickups for me are lifeless. That's not the bad thing. That is just the preference of what do you like. I do like fat60s, texas specials, vintera mod 60s and v-mod series pickups. Everyone of them got much more middle tones. Silver sky sounds like pure 54 or 57/62 - something like that, nothing like for example custom 69. If you like it - thats probably a great choice. If not - take the player from Fender - they have more mids. For me - they sound better.
Neck feels confortable, fret job is amazing for a "cheap" guitar, neck heel joint feels really comfortable and accessing high frets is a breeze, something I would only expect on some high end super strats. again, can't stress enough the quality of the fret job. I never bought a guitar with that quality of fret leveling and dressing. they even went on to shape the endings of the frets in a kind of hemispherical way similar to those ibanez prestige made in japan. price of a mexican fender but a much better instrument.
I’ve had two of these and the pickups remind me of 90s MIM Strat pickups, the ceramic ones. Not a dig it’s a full p90 light tone. I wish they’d use a little more shielding tape on the pick guard and that they added the extra ground that lets the shielding paint do it’s job but all easy fixes.
I haven't tried a Silver Sky. I did try another PRS. It was the most expensive model in the store at the time. I knew it wasn't for me in under a minute. It just felt wrong in my hands.
I just bought a core moc sand maple neck for $2600 and I’m sending it back. It’s not a strat and doesn’t feel like one. The neck doesn’t feel good in my hands and the pickups are muddy imo. For that price if the guitar doesn’t give you a hard on it has to go. Maybe the SE would be worth a shot.
My experience with strats is that each one I have played is different, they not consistent. For people who tell me they don't like strats, I would tell to play a few until you find one you like.
This is a great video, thhank you so much! Every guitar you play is you. 200 or 2000 it will reflect your style, passion, heart and experience. I 1000% respect all of us who cannot buy the dream silver sky or the super ultra strat or the vintage custom shop etc. I would have been nice have one though!!!! I took a 20year old high way one just as yours and put within 4 years every super thing I could and it is supreme but I still want that silver sky for some reason!!
Bolt-on, three single coil, contoured body, floating bridge, 25.5" scale length design. It's a Strat. Highly refined Strat but, a Strat nonetheless. Best production Strat on the market.
I went to buy the SE after it came out because I was like “I can’t spend that much on a guitar”, then I played it, and loved it. Then.. I played the Core model and fucking bought it… And I’ll never look back.
Insightful review. Thank you. I feel however if you want the best Stratocaster, buy a G&L Legacy. Improved neck design, better pickups and whammy bar. If you eat a warmer strat with some different features, get the PRS Silver Sky
The thing I love about your channel is how approachable you are and honest about how little you knew. It’s refreshing
My "Strat" is a Silver Sky SE, and I really dig it. I was never going to buy the US one (although I really wanted to) and the SE came along at just the right time.
YES. love the silver sky ✌️😌🎸
The Silver Sky sounds similar to a warmer Stratocaster but the ergonomics are quite different because of the lighter weight, lower horn cutout, the smaller waist and streamlined topline. Value-wise, it's better than the Player and Player Plus offerings (unless you really want locking tuners or noiseless pickups) from Fender.
One thing I would add - the neck carve (for me personally) is much better on the Silver Sky SE than a Player. Its hard to find chunkier necks in the player range. Also I think Rosewood looks much better than any of the substitutes .
Agree wholeheartedly
PRS are beautiful guitars, big full sound. Having said that, sounds nothing like a Strat
Loved the Hosanna riff at 6:59 😉
YES I knew I wasn’t the only one who recognized it!! Haha man that was awesome, I didn’t expect that from his!
I am totally blown away by the fact that I like that bridge. And I loathe the strat bridge. You really made that thing sound good man
Its because the bridge is completely pinned to the body!
Its got 4 springs holding it down and the block is huge. You have to have some muscle to use the trem
The bridge has body that balances the treble
It’s really good, I think John said all 3 pickups are the same pick up just in different spots. Fender probably makes the bridge pickup to hot.
@@betzky2012 Good to know, that would explain it, seems like it has a similar explanation on why the telecaster bridge (to me) sounds good only a totally different construction.
it's the tone pot connected to the bridge that tames it....
I’ve been a longtime fender guy - strat and tele owner - but I picked up this exact guitar (down to the color!) last week. After some setup it plays better than anything I’ve ever owned.
Beyond feeling, for me its really the small things with this guitar. The tone knob gives you so much precise control. Straight into the amp you can get so many tones too.
But lets be real. I just got it because it says “John Mayer Signature” and has his sig laser etched on the headstock 🥹🥹
hearing the lick for Hosanna caught me off guard - but damn great vid Mike!
Best S guitar made today. I had a rosewood and maple core version, but the se won. It was really something special. Great video brother !
What’s crazy is that I actually prefer the SE version of the Silver Sky over the USA version. Not because it’s made better, but because I prefer the fretboard radius on the SE more. It’s one of my favorite strats, I just don’t care for any of the colors. I wish they would make a natural or burst version.
Same man I don’t want to have to remove the paint and do it myself
well they just made a black one that looks pretty good
I’ve played a couple core silver sky’s, and Ive played the SE. My personal favorite thing about the core model is the maple neck option. I’m not usually a maple neck guy, but the silver sky maple fretboards are heavenly to play
I just won a PRS Silver Sky in tungsten. The signature model. I bought 2 raffle tickets for $12, 😳.Had to pay $109 for import fees.
$121.00 all-in and it arrives tomorrow. Can’t wait!!!
after I put a bone nut and had the frets professionally done over on my MIM it played better than my American strat. Now my MIM is the only strat I own.
I got a Tungsten Silver Sky Core a few weeks ago and LOVE it. Literally one of my favorite guitars I’ve ever put my hands on; it has a certain magic to it. I can see why they aren’t for everyone, but I couldn’t be happier with mine! 🎸🤤
Thanks for this, I’ve been shopping for a player series strat, now I have more to think about 😮
I have many Strats and a Silver Sky. Of all of my Strats, my 2020 Silver Sky is closest to the my 2019 American Original Strat. The fretboard on the AO is 9.5" vs the SS 7.25" radius, but the neck feels very similar in the hand and the PUP's also sound pretty similar. It's hard to say if I have a preference between one or the other, though I personally find a 7.25" radius more comfortable most of the time.
Edit: my AO might be an 2018- I am struggling to remember anything pre-Covid.
First of all, continued prayers for getting back to a healthy life, since having Covid-19.
Secondly, I could purchase a custom shop, but the American original 50’s seems to be my dream sound. I love the neck, the pups, and it’s overall bite. I’m just looking for one that’s not heavy. Most of them are over eight pounds plus. Otherwise, they are, in my opinion, the best bang for your money.
How would you say the PRS Silver sky SE, and the American Original really stack up, in the end?
I have both the mim strat and the silver sky se. The se fit and finish , neck work edges and frets and all around quality are noticeably better. They have done a great job with the pickups. I was very impressed. The difference to me is if you want a 850. Dollar strat that you don’t have to work on or modify the se silver sky is it. But if you want a strat to do mods on and make it your own you can’t beat the mim fender. 👍✌️
Dude! Nice “Hosannah” lick :)
I’ve owned a lot of fender an non fender strats, American, Mexican, warmoth, etc. I bought a Silver Sky core on my local store after I played it and couldn’t stop playing, sold 2 guitars to buy it. After the SE was released I was able to play several on the store and they sound and play as good as the my core, honestly if I didn’t have a core already I would not mind getting an SE. So no, the core is not worth $1700 more.
mike, im a new subscriber and initially saw your short vids, but i have to say these story form videos are exceptional, really captivating throughout keep them coming bro
I have yet to try one. maybe someday
I had an American strat as well, and once I got my hands on the Dragonfruit Silver Sky SE, I haven’t touched it since. I LOVE the SE, and def feels like an expensive guitar but yet I can’t comprehend how I got my hands on A JOHN FREAKING MAYER signature… I’m blown away
Shoutout to the Hosanna sample 😎
Played an American SilverSky and was kind of disappointed in how it felt. Was one of those don’t meet your hero moments. Got my hands on an SE and I’m absolutely in love with it. Neck feels so much better
Sounds great. Nice playing.
I loved the belief live intro, awesome job man! I love Mayer!
I enjoy your videos because you offer a perspective of someone who isn’t Tim Pierce or Rhett Shull. Thanks for what you do. It’s tough right now. I’m interested in a true single coil but I want to hold it in my hands and play it before I make the jump and they just aren’t around to do that with. I know how consistent PRS is, I have a S2 custom, but finding a shop with both the PRS SE and a Mexican Strat in stock just hasn’t happened. So I wait.
Hosanna at 7:00 was on point
Dude I was sooooo HAPPPY he played that
Sounds great-- love the neck pickup!!!!!!
I totally love my Silver Sky it's really an amazing instrument. It really doesn't matter how it compares to more expensive guitars or Fenders. If you pick it up and play it, you will probably feel you don't want to put it down and that really is all that matters and what makes it so amazing.
Since around 2012, my screen name for basically every platform (including this channel, before I became known as Fishe) was Silversky. Thought of it AGES before the Silver Sky guitar was made. Imagine my surprise when the guitar was released lmao
Oh hey guess what it's my name too
Nice guitar, but as a Fender player I can't really get excited about yet another strat copy. While I've tried them out, they aren't a step up from my Strat, just another option.
@Jktuck156 sorry, I have to disagree. Maybe you just haven't met the right Strat.
@Miles Watkinson gotta day that's the issue with the strat. With there new models they're insanely inconsistent. From the players to the ultras. Each guitar will play different, I've tried numerous American professional 2s and some I hated but loved others.
I love my Fenders, but these SE silver skys are amazing. They are now my go-to guitar. I never thought it possible that I wouldnt reach straight for my Strats.
Dude what amazing timing on this!!!!
My Silver Sky is coming in tomorrow and I'm SO excited! And the day before it arrives my favorite Guitar UA-camr uploads a video on the same instrument!? Did you make this video specifically for me? 🤔😅
I love the sound through the neck pickup
It's hard to hear that this guitar has "changed" things. It comes down to a couple preferences of a big name player. Neck Radius, Neck Shape, and Pickups. I buy and sell guitars so I have had the chance to play several Core Silver Sky and Its a GREAT guitar. Personally I didn't like the neck shape. I also owned the Fender JM Strat which had a very similar in neck shape but the pickups in the Fender were had a little more HIGH tones vs the PRS. I personally liked the Core Silver Sky was a bit better as there were a bit deeper/darker tones. Neck Shape and Pickups are everything to me as a player. Give me a slim 60's C shape and some Lollar Dirty Blonde Pickups and I'm set : )
I love taking guitars as its subjective so hearing everyone's take is so much fun. Great videos, Mike! Keep it up!
PS the truss rod cover placement was killing me during this entire video.. LOL.
Just got mine a few days ago. Greatest thing ive ever played.
My favorite super strat is a kramer jersey star in Alpine White because it was Richie Sambora's signature guitar from the Bon Jovi Slippery When Wet Album tour.
I like the silver sky se pickups very much... including the bridge and middle. The neck is pretty fantastic, too. It's mentally hard to do, since I have always played and identified with Fenders -- but there is something precisely right and correct about this design.
I own a pink Silver sky American with maple fretboard. I think i prefer the color and slipperiness of maple, but i really just need to buy more american guitars with rosewood boards 😉
It brings out something in me. Not just confidence to riff. It hits different in the way only prs guitars have to me, so far.
That crooked truss rod cover makes no difference, but is the kind of thing that would bug me after a while.
BRO I hear that Hillsong Hosanna (Live) riff hahah
I have a PRS SE "eg" which is a Korean strat-like axe.
If you read the "eg" upside down it reveals a "53" which is the first year of the Stratocaster. It's a nice PRS strat.!
I think the SE version is worth the money since Fender keeps raising its prices. Personally, if I was going to spend $3k on a guitar, I would buy a Suhr.
played the se silver sky and it was flawless. played great, sounded great. much better value than any strats honestly
there are cheaper squires that are higher quality you're just a fanboy sucked in by hype
@@RN-fx3zl i’ve never played a squier that had that quality, where the neck was rounded over and didn’t have any issue with the frets. i have a mim that i fixed up and plays amazing now, probably better than the prs, but that guitar is really good for the price.
Yes brother keep that playing going! This guitar seems so smooth and right.
I love the Silver Sky SE. No issues with it whatsoever. I prefer the SE to the American because I like the neck a lot more on the SE. Sound wise, they are so close that I’d call it indistinguishable, realistically. That said, I don’t own one. The Nick Johnston Schecter is my alt-strat. Roasted Maple neck, locking tuners, great trem system, bridge humbucker and no annoying third knob under the pickups.
I changed the crappy Plastic tuning keys out for the metal locking tuners.
I tried one recently, I’ve had many strats throughout the years, played the se silver sky and immediately fell in love with it and had to buy it
I've owned both the core and the SE and the differences to me are very subtle. All I can say is if you can afford the core then go for it but if all you can afford is the SE then you aren't missing out on too much. The SE is punching way above its weight in terms of quality.
Current have an American Strat.. huge Mayer fan and was looking at getting the original Silver Sky but i just couldnt bring myself past the plastic tuning knobs for that price of a guitar. But now with the cheaper SE its time to go back and test one out.
I’m not opposed to a Silver Sky but one of the perks to a Fender is it’s so modular and you can customize it very easily. It’s the GM motors of guitars. Me personally I’ve had dozens of Stratocasters over the last 25 years and I’ve got 2 really good ones for me. I don’t have the urge to buy a silver sky se or American. That said I’ve had the same issues as you they are always out of stock at my local guitar center.
Definitely sounds like a nice strat
I haven't played one yet but buying one would come down to quality
The PRS would have to be significantly better in terms of hardware electronics and neck/fret board to get my $ over a Mexican Fender
I owned one for a short time and wasn't super fond, but I've come to realize it may have just not been setup right. Been building partscasters the last few years, but damn... Making me reconsider getting one again.
The sound clarity is amazing amazing
The PRS SE EG which is their first go at strats is awesome. If only it had a fixed bridge. I have one that I slapped in some Fender 57/62's and it's unique in that it has a set neck and wide fat neck. Perfect for big handed players. Don't know why it never took off.
I have a blue one. I'll never let it go.
@@sentforth5 antique white for me. I was going to get rid of it and my daughter said there is no way I am. I was overruled.
@@Levelity Smart daughter! My daughter is surrounded with stringed instruments, and she could not care less LOL
The silver sky is a great guitar and I love mine, but I still pick up my 62 RI Strat and my Clapton Strat. I honestly play my silver sky more tho for what that’s worth.
I just wanna say, you're awesome brother. Love how you video. I appreciate your take. Keep it up bud.
I’ve only played the USA SS and it’s truly a remarkable instrument. At the time it was $1,800.
I chose a Tele Ultra, but both were magical to my ears. It came down to what felt better in the hands.
Edit- Same GC just got an SE in…testing both out today.
I found your videos yesterday on my recommended feed due to my recent rediscovery of John Mayer and was wondering if you had played the Silver Sky. After life getting in the way, I am finally getting back to music and the silver sky se will be my first electric guitar in 10 years. Try them at my local shop a few times and automatically fell in love with the feel and tone it. Been loving your videos, keep it up!
Love your content bradda. Beautiful playing
This was awesome to watch! Thank you for this Mike 🔥
I have that guitar and it's the best Strat type guitar I have ever played. It is one of the electric guitars I have ever owned! PU' neck tone and volume controls wow!!!! and light.
Owned a Fender John Mayer strat as my #1 for years. Would turn heads at gigs, literally "barked". Never believed the Silver Sky hype. Found a roxy pink to try, and have never traded a guitar faster. Literally like going from 1080P to 4k. Not to mention that "buttery" fretboard.
There were a couple single coil prs before this (dc3 and 305). But that silver sky is a different beast entirely. Ever the SE has it’s own charm (perfect for those that want to mod into an hss).
sounded great - it's on my radar for sure at the right time in the future. Sounded like a little Hillsong in there with the clean progressions :). Great to hear it really singing on the bridge too - it seems to retain a little sweetness and cream even there which I find my Strats lacking. Thanks for the video!
I played a Silver Sky SE a few times. I like it as a guitar, but don’t love the neck to be honest. But that’s just a personal thing. I played it back to back against a player plus and hugely preferred that. Different strokes I guess.
I played an American Silver Sky. It was boring and uninspired. I played a Silver Sky SE same way you did, my friend had one and let me play it. Within a minute of playing it I decided I wanted the Fender Players Series Cherry Strat. I have not regretted that decision. There is just something sterile to me about the Silver Skys that I cannot quite describe.
Dont get me wrong, I am a John Mayer fan, but its hard to get past the fact he started his career playing a Fender. His Black 1 is all over Continuum. For the money I just feel like the Players Strat blew the SE away and I have little doubts that the Fender AVII 61 Strat will blow the Silver Sky American Made away as well. That "Extra Cash" Because 1)Its a Signature and 2)Its a a PRS. If they LOWER the price of the American SS to what it would cost for the American Vintage then sure, there may be a dogfight.
All I can say is, I wanted an SE, I am so happy I passed on it. I want an American Vintage and will never find myself saying "I should have got a Silver Sky. If Sweetwater ever offers to send you a American Vintage 61 and a Silver Sky to compare....please do it. If I am wrong I am wrong, but I really think the SS will always BE a "Copy" of a Fender Strat.
I’ve had my SE for a couple of months now. I got it because I didn’t have a rosewood Strat, and they were on offer in the uk. In terms of feel and quality goes, it is indeed seriously good. However, I find that it just lacks character, and I find it very compressed sounding. Ultimately, it spends most of its time on the guitar stand. I still reach for my American original strats pretty much every time . I know these are more expensive guitars but ultimately they have life, something which I cannot say about the SE.
If you want a PRS with single coils get a Fiore. Even if you don’t listen to his music, this is a true PRS design with single coils instead of a PRS version of a Fender. Try finding a used Black Iris Fiore. Cheaper than the US silver sky and in my opinion better looking. 🤙
Got a Silver Sky SE from Andertons on sale for £600. Hands down an excellent guitar and best I’ve ever played.
Actually I found a few years ago the silver wasn’t PRS’ first strat guitar, they had the model called the EG. people seemed to really dig them and they had an SE model too. I currently own a silver sky, and have owned a silver sky SE. For the value, you can’t really go wrong with an SE, but there’s definitely great feel that comes with the core model. Go with rosewood, I didn’t care for the maple
Everything but the colors ......
Well Done !
I played a silver sky se next to a fender and without getting into the specifics, the silver sky just does it for me.
I’m a fender guy love strats and teles I’ve been keen to try one of these they’re not that common in the uk yet but all the reviews I’ve seen have been positive about this guitar the one thing that sticks out is the neck is a bit chunkier that your modern standard strat I have small hands so I prefer the modern size profiles aren’t so much important to me than the size itself but like I said I’ve not played on and the reviews often say they’re a good guitar for the money
I have a Dragonfruit SE, and I love it. I have Fender Strats, and it feels different from the strats imho, but aren't better, just different
Hey Mike , I got exactly the same PRS SE as your friend Joe and yes it is based on the Stratocaster , but it is still a Guitar on its own , very well built nice Guitars , typical PRS Quality even in the SE line , I got three Stratocaster and one Telecaster but the PRS SE SIlver Sky fits in perfectly ;-)
My first guitar teacher told me in 2005 that it's not a real guitar unless it's made in the USA.
Thank God I haven't seen him since.
I really like the fact that guitar players nowadays, especially younger ones, do not really care where their guitar was made. I mean if it is a great guitar, it sounds amazing and it plays amazing, why would you care? And why would you pay a huge difference in price to get that (maybe) 5% extra?
love mine. can't stop looking at your truss rod cover though.
Really enjoy when you go off on some extended demoing in your long form videos. Your playing,as does Chris Buck, has a certain energy and or vibe. I own Godin Session (strat style) and while I really like it, with the SE version available,I see a PRS in my (hopefully near) future.
I got it and I love it !
I've played both the SE and the USA versions - they're both good guitars, but I absolutley cannot get over the 7.25 radius. On both of them, the bends fretted out with anything over a full tone bend. It could be a set up issue, but I've played 3 and all had the same issue.
Great playing, great tone. I don’t want to want a Silver Sky, but this definitely made me think I need to consider one.
I've played several silver sky's but I never had any kind of connection or enjoyment while playing one. I went into it with an open mind every time and genuinely wanted to like it but it just wasn't there with the feel, and the tone just didn't produce sounds that inspire me no matter what pickup position or tone knob adjustments I made, I felt like I was fighting to play the guitar. I typically play a '59AVRI strat and it's the cat's meow for me, but on the same hand I've played bad strats. I'm sure there's probably a silver sky out there that I'd connect with though.
It won’t be a true competitor until PRS decides to make it in left handed. Fender has no trouble offering lefty versions of basically all of their instruments. It’s also frankly strange that Paul Reed Smith loves Hendrix so much that he made an amp trying to capture his sound, and yet says stuff like “they don’t make left handed pianos!” at the same time.
He’s looking at it from the standpoint that Hendrix played right handed guitars, but we live in an era that we can easily make left handed instruments.
Jimi plays a righty git tho !!
@@UnremarkableMarx and he played them beautifully! It’s true.. but a lot of quality of life stuff is lost playing a right handed guitar upside down. Position of the tremolo arm, the cut-outs, electronics etc. An inconvenience, granted, if all you care about is playing and you’re not too fussed about that stuff. But, all the same. It’s nice to have an instrument made with you in mind.
FWIW, Jimi did purchase 2 lefty strats that he never received because he died before he got them, so who knows where that would of went. Steve Miller ended up purchasing them and strung them righty. Go figure.
Just flip a PRS and become the new Hendrix, but with an upside down whatever the hell shape the headstock is
Bro your face change after the guitar got into your hands made my day
I have a strat and a SS. I love both. They’re different enough that couldn’t part with either one. If you’re a John Mayer fan, getting a silver sky is a no brainer.
Well - i don't know if there are some people that don't like the sound of the silver sky? Maybe they are shy to write something?
I heard it, I played it - those pickups for me are lifeless. That's not the bad thing. That is just the preference of what do you like. I do like fat60s, texas specials, vintera mod 60s and v-mod series pickups. Everyone of them got much more middle tones.
Silver sky sounds like pure 54 or 57/62 - something like that, nothing like for example custom 69.
If you like it - thats probably a great choice. If not - take the player from Fender - they have more mids. For me - they sound better.
Neck feels confortable, fret job is amazing for a "cheap" guitar, neck heel joint feels really comfortable and accessing high frets is a breeze, something I would only expect on some high end super strats.
again, can't stress enough the quality of the fret job. I never bought a guitar with that quality of fret leveling and dressing. they even went on to shape the endings of the frets in a kind of hemispherical way similar to those ibanez prestige made in japan.
price of a mexican fender but a much better instrument.
I love how they sound but can't quite get with the neck feel. However, it's otherwise a great guitar!
love the channel man! keep up! try to tame a bit some of that natural room reverb during your speaking.
I’ve had two of these and the pickups remind me of 90s MIM Strat pickups, the ceramic ones. Not a dig it’s a full p90 light tone. I wish they’d use a little more shielding tape on the pick guard and that they added the extra ground that lets the shielding paint do it’s job but all easy fixes.
7:13 best song of the video fasho 😉
Anyone else noticed the truss rod cover is wonky
I haven't tried a Silver Sky. I did try another PRS. It was the most expensive model in the store at the time. I knew it wasn't for me in under a minute. It just felt wrong in my hands.
Mike, as always another great video! I want a Silver Sky SE too my friend. :)
I just bought a core moc sand maple neck for $2600 and I’m sending it back. It’s not a strat and doesn’t feel like one. The neck doesn’t feel good in my hands and the pickups are muddy imo. For that price if the guitar doesn’t give you a hard on it has to go. Maybe the SE would be worth a shot.
My experience with strats is that each one I have played is different, they not consistent. For people who tell me they don't like strats, I would tell to play a few until you find one you like.
It’s no joke. Those SEs are wonderful
This is a great video, thhank you so much! Every guitar you play is you. 200 or 2000 it will reflect your style, passion, heart and experience. I 1000% respect all of us who cannot buy the dream silver sky or the super ultra strat or the vintage custom shop etc. I would have been nice have one though!!!! I took a 20year old high way one just as yours and put within 4 years every super thing I could and it is supreme but I still want that silver sky for some reason!!
Bolt-on, three single coil, contoured body, floating bridge, 25.5" scale length design. It's a Strat. Highly refined Strat but, a Strat nonetheless. Best production Strat on the market.
I went to buy the SE after it came out because I was like “I can’t spend that much on a guitar”, then I played it, and loved it. Then.. I played the Core model and fucking bought it…
And I’ll never look back.
Insightful review. Thank you. I feel however if you want the best Stratocaster, buy a G&L Legacy. Improved neck design, better pickups and whammy bar. If you eat a warmer strat with some different features, get the PRS Silver Sky