I have the silver sky se in the same color as the video. It is the best dang guitar I have owned. I have flat wound 11 strings for jazz. It sounds amazing, ridiculously comfortable to play and looks pretty decent. I highly recommend it
I have a PRS 245 SE which I bought recently from Andertons for the ridiculous price of £399 as it was an end of line for the 2022 range. It is a superb instrument, in fact unbelievably good for that price, I have no idea how they do it. It came perfectly set up out of the box, I haven't touched the action or the nut and both are perfect. It looks beautiful and plays beautifully.
Great video! Would love to see video of Ben modifying and upgrading his Silver Sky SE! Even some of the relic techniques, etc. Loved the detail in this vid. Thanks!
When you test tone ,im airpods pros in and hear nothing different …maybe more depth of tone in the american 🤷🏼♂️ absolutely not thousands $ difference 👍🏼
I'm not even a guitar player. But I enjoy this content. The craftsmanship that goes into the guitars, the choices made to lower prices on the SE versus the US.
I think an interesting comparison would be the SE vs a Strat at the same price point (MIM). I might have seen one hanging on the rack toward the end of the video. As to the comparison between the SE and the US version, early in the comparison you were talking about a possible tone difference between the rosewood and maple necks, but with two different sets of pickups would that difference be noticeable? The SE was definitely ‘warmer’ to my ears but is because of neck or the pickups? In any case, the brightness of the US version can always be tamed at the amp (or any combination of pedals should one lean that way). More videos like this on the other big names might be fun for everyone, especially as the museum collection grows while all these other guitars pass through GGG. Speaking of which, time to place another order. 😂
I dug the SE and believe it's a really good guitar. Not just bang for the buck, but good period. I would have no problem gigging it and think it would make an excellent workhorse. It was ultimately the gateway to a core model Silver Sky and I don't think they're even close. The chunkier neck (on the 21 or newer rosewood model) is so good. The fit and finish is objectively better, in every regard. The frets, the fret dressing, the rolled fingerboard edges, the nitro finish, the locking keys, the nut, the acoustic resonance of the wood. The pickups are the best strat style pickups i've played, including vintage and Fender custom shop models.
Just seems to me that you can get roasted maple neck, flame maple tops, stainless steel frets, locking tuners, seymour duncan pickups, nice tremolo and controls etc on ~£600-800 guitars from the same factory - why would anyone opt for the deliberately munged PRS SE that's only munged so that PRS can flog a £2k guitar that's probably worth about £50 more than the SE version? It's not even like PRS designed anything here - it's a Fender copy. "Americans have to eat" - well not really they're 350lbs.
Both guitars sounded good but different to each other. I do wonder though if you compared two USA Silver Sky guitars back to back and two SE models in the same way you’d notice a difference in tone, I suspect that you would. In my experience no two guitars ever sound exactly the same. Incidentally I’m not in the market for either as I own far too many Stratocasters.
Something seemingly as minute as the differences in the wood's grain patterns can make the same kind of guitars sound differently, and even if one had been sanded ten seconds longer than the other guitar then that too can also make a big difference in tone. That's why each guitar is different, sounds differently and is truly an individual.
Not sure if PRS uses TCI process on US core silver sky… I know with the McCarty cores that have the TCI pickups, you shouldn’t really notice a difference since they’re all tuned to get that signature sound.
My usa made silver sky was made in 2018. When I play it and my finger touches the pick guard… it can have a static sound coming through pickups. Interested to see the difference here.
The USA sounds brighter, has more clarity, almost pristine tone. The SE has a warmer tone. I think they both have an incredible sound in the neck+mid position! Also on that resistor on the back of the US pickups... I think the goal there was to replicate a humbucker by paralleling a resistance. A coil is simply a resistive load that creates an electromagnet when energized. 2 coils in parallel cancel the hum by inverting the sine waveform to oppose the first coil's wave. While this doesn't replicate a humbucker, it does work to replicate the signal canceling effect of a humbucker.
You guys must have got a good SE then. Mine had fret sprout and the nut wasn't cut properly. Plus, the fingerbord has a sharp edge to it, defintley needs to be rolled. With that said, I will be doing a video showing how I fix mine up.
listening to Paul (PRS) describe (guardedly) the process they have gone through designing the pickups, Both the difference in sound and the resistor across the pickup make a lot of sense from that view point. I would be interested to know if all pickups have the same value of resistor or if they are hand picked for each PU. The pickups are a tuned resonant filter of their own sound (according to PRS). This why some pickups (and pickup makers) have a reputation, I think. The body wood or the nut material (not sure which) makes a difference in the acoustic sound. PRS makes a big deal about how long a string rings. While you may prefer the "warmer" sound of the SE, I suspect the US model gives the guitarist/mixer more to work with (more harmonic content) in the first place and the US model may be easier to place in the mix. I would suggest the difference in price is a mix: labour (both cost per hour and hours per unit) and materials. The machining is likely identical... just 'cause it would cost more to do it different.
Great video, thanks for all the info. I like both guitar sounds, the USA has that chimey sound that allows for more articulation in the higher frequencies, so that is my choice. However, the SE sounds just great as well. I played both at a store, the American version has a more open sound. Differences include standard tuners vs Locking tuners, Synthetic nut vs bone nut, 635JM S pickups 635 JM (2021 and forward - version 2). 2 point tremolo vs 6 point tremolo, Poly finish vs Nitrocellulose, Multi ply neck vs Scarfed neck, frets are larger on the US version, 8.5 radius neck 7.25 radius neck, polar wood vs alder wood. Wood grain on the US version looks better and the SE version poly looks a little plastic in comparison to the US version.
During the tone test it is obvious the audio was not the same clock time as the video clock time as you would pick one guitar and move to the other palm that guitar before you pick it and the ringing tone from the previous guitar would stop.
So the sort of finish that's on the american one will age and "relic" with play and use? I've got nitro on a les paul and I don't see any wood popping out any time soon, but some nitro guitars supposedly look like they've been through war after a couple of years. Which one is this?
Say that again about the new SE surf colours? Where did you guys hear that? Also: I have the original and my frets are not sharp, or noticeable so I think you guys might have a poor example of US fretwork.
RE: the pick ups.... I have a dragonfruit SE. The pick-up windings aren't soldered. They are crimped into the "cardboard" base material. I know this because my neck pickup came apart recently. I squeezed it all back together. Working now.... but yeah... a little walmart-esque
Was watching this with my Strat in hands, not playing and almost got a heart attack when there was a note playing around 25:25 and 25:40, not knowing where it came from^^ Great video though! P.S. As far as i know PRS uses Switchcraft switches and CTS potis modified to their likings (some plastic washer missing inside or so, making them turn almost without resistance)
I´m really happy with my PRS guitars, and it´s kinda nice to see that a 800 usd guitar is not that far behind a 1500-2000 usd guitar nowadays( talking about quality), I mean, you don´t have to give an arm and a leg for an awesome instrument, even with some mods you can improve even better an SE, like loking tuners, better pots and electronics etc.
Love this video! I love the way you brilliant chaps go into the esoterics of guitars that most people never pay attention to, that is, if they ever notice them in the first place.👍
When Ben said he only played it a few minutes before switching to another guitar he’d brought home, I thought it was going to be another YT “let’s bash on the Silver Sky” video, but then he said the other guitar was the Piezo II SE, and I thought, “Oh, fair play.” I have both, and that Piezo II SE is an absolutely astounding guitar, and proof that guitars made in China can be just as good as any build elsewhere in the world, if not better. Great video folks.
@@rovidelarosa I believe most of theirs are now, however the HB II Piezo SE was made in China. Lots of folks had a problem with that when it released... especially as it was (is) an expensive guitar to be coming out of China. However I feel it demonstrates that if you allow a shop the time and the components to make a quality instrument, you'll get one regardless of where it's made (including China). I love mine.
I have a PRS se and also a PRS core model.I have had static issues with the core model ,and after changing the nut in the SE model I much prefer the SE model . Sometimes I wish I had never purchased the core model ,which in my opinion is overrated.
Great vid! Kind of liked the sliver sky pups better more, less boom or “mud”. But would want to eq the amp a bit before giving up on them. Would love to put a humbucker in the se. I will say tho the local shop has the green one (woof on the colour for me :0) but desperately needs a setup and it sounds almost dead strumming unplugged. Strings likely dull but when u strummed the se unplugged it seemed to have similar qualities from this side of the vid. Hoping new colours send existing line up plunging in used prices. Would love to grab a used se to goof with.
The reason for single coil guitars is the bell tone. The USA had that in spades. It was more alive acoustically. I’ll be buying a used one on eBay. Save some £££
Yeah, the SEs are amazing guitars, but at least in the audio of the video here, the US Silver Sky has definitely more of that bite you want from a Strat. The SE sounds nice and all, but it's more "generic" sounding and it doesn't do the Strat-thing all that well. Might be a different story in the room, though. That said and assuming both have the same strings on: If you _could_ buy the US pickups and pop them in the SE Silver Sky, you'd probably be 90% there anyway. Sadly, PRS doesn't sell those separately. Also, it's too bad there's no SE option with a maple fretboard.
Ive noticed the same thing with ltd vs esp. My ltd h-1001 classic is so good, i dont see a reason in buying an esp. The finish with the deep black and full mother of pearl inlays and binding is absolutely beautiful.
I like both, and actually like the slightly warner pickups on the SE. What is noticeably different is that the SE is narrower at the nut.... Some may like it but I find the SE is just way too cramped, If not for the narrow fingerboard, I would buy the SE today.
Bravo Guys《☆》The USA model sounds absolutely Silky more FENDERish👍🏾🇺🇸🤳The bridge pickup actually sounds like a Humbucker. I'd put a WRHB on the SE just for giggles✌🏼😎☯️
I have a moon white 1, as well as dessert burst Yamaha revstar, another PRS SE Paul's guitar , a Gordon Smith hss strat with coil split, boost, and Gilmour switching via push/pull pots, another GS double cut with Seymour Duncan P-rails and switching rings , an Eastman junior with a P90, an a second Eastman SB59V coming soon as well as a Koa Breedlove and a Takamine parlour , and a Cort G290 FAT the only maple board guitar I have! I love them all! if you want to relic my silver sky se, let me know??
my only complaint with the SE is the colors they choose last year. i have a mim strat that is a similar blue. i like that color there but that dragon fruit and green color was not my style at all. ill have to look into getting one when the new colors come out.
I like both sound wise but the US has a Brighter Attack and clarity to it where as the SE is a darker softer attack with a more mellow ring to it what I wonder is if it is either because of the different pickups so maybe swapping the usa Pickups to the se or if it is the whole maple vs rosewood debate also I wonder if the neck pocket dimensions are the same and if so you could essentialy put a USA Silver Sky Neck on a SE Body and maybe that would be the difference also the acual thickness of the finish could be a factor as well 🙂
It looks like the USA Silversky has a CRL 5-way Lever Switch and the pots are CTS Vintage-Style Dish Back. In the SE, it look a Oak Grigsby 5-Way Lever Switch.
I would check the resistance on the pots first. CTS pots can have 15% tolerance, which is more than enough to account for the difference between these two guitars.
got a tremonti se....its like the best LP without all the negative stuff with LP...stays in tune,doesnt weigh like a boat anchor,etc,etc and it was dirt cheap...(its a dot neck)...by far my fav. gig guitar
I like Alpha pots & have kept them in some of my guitars. The SE pickups also come from the factory as the Squier pickups. They have basically the same stickers. Just a fact I’ve noticed neither good or bad. I can’t afford either at the moment unfortunately but I would get the SE if I could.
It appears to be a way to get consistent loading by the vol pot, IMHO a bad idea, it will cut the highs slightly (use the tone control), and a resistor in this position is a noise generator. They should insist on tighter tolerance control from their pot supplier. The wiring diagrams I found on the net have a single 3m3 resistor across the vol pot; the move to the PU is prob. also an attempt to get consistent output from the PUs. Designed by an accountant?
i just bought the exact colour SE so looking forwards to seeing how that goes when it arrives... Im lucky to own a 63 Strat so it will be a thorough comparison..
Is it just me or does he strum next to the neck pickup on the US and strums next to the middle pickup on the SE? Of course that is going to make a difference in tone... except it should be in the opposite direction, sounding brighter when strummed closer to the bridge. The difference should be even more pronounced when strummed in the same position on each guitar.
Such a good video🤘.I would prefer the Indonesian one. I find the sound more pleasant. It's just a shame that the neck isn't clean, even for the price. Thanks for the video🔥
Is there an advantage in the six screwed trem vs the two screw one? It seems odd that Fender tend to use the two screw version for their more expensive US made general guitars (Such as their Professional II and Ultra models), while PRS use the six screw variant on their more expensive version.
PRS also use 6 screws on pretty much every SE except for the SE Sky. It's not just reserved for more expensive versions. The expensive Fiore uses 2 screws. I'd guess the signature models are down to artist personal preference rather than one being better or worse. But it is curious the two Sky models use different systems when other models are usually consistent up and down the range.
Fabulous review would go for the SE carnt see spending £2000 more for any difference is the difference any better ???. Have a great set up can not lose .could buy a used a crimson with the change 😅😅😅😅😅
You guys tricked me at the sound test. The open strum I preferred the one on the right, oh that was the USA one because that's where it was before. Then I realized no, it has the rosewood board. The slightly warmer sound is more musical to my ears. There are a little more shimmers to the USA model that on certain pickup selections sound better and others not so much so.
I get the feeling that major brands don't mind their import guitars cutting into the sales of their US-made lines these days. Import guitars sell in so much higher volumes that that's where most of their profit is. The US made stuff is probably becoming more and more of a prestige/brand thing and less of a money maker.
I'd like to see a US Silver Sky compared to a US high end Strat! You don't have to be a John Mayer fan to appreciate how good he is when it comes to playing guitar. The dude has swagger! Not Ben Swagger but Swagger none the less! The US sounds like a strat, the SE doesn't! Close but not quite. Nice video my brothers. ✌️ & 💕
They have done comparisons of Silver Sky's to Genuine 1963/4 era strats, custom shop Fender Strats, Similarly priced Fender Strats etc etc - there was a LOT of video's around after it released... Tim Pierce compared it to a vintage strat himself if you want to check out what a 'genuine' 60's Fender Strat that costs about 60k these days... A Squire can 'sound' as good, but whether it lasts as long physically - things like more fret wear due to cheaper fret wire quality, more wear/tear on hardware (electronics/pots), jack plate and jack connection, will it be as 'stable' - maybe move more with climate or temperature (Start a cold gig in tune, but as it warms up, the neck moves is not great - but 'good enough if you play at home all the time to keep a more consistent climate) etc. Sound is only one part of what makes a guitar 'worth' the money or not. In a mix, it doesn't matter, as long as you are in tune and in time with the others - a 'squire' can still sound 'very' good through a good pedalboard, amp, cab etc - even if its not the 'best' strat sound you've heard when comparing 'dry'. It's what the whole package offers, sound, aesthetics, quality/reliability, playability, extras (Case/Bag) etc etc and your 'budget' that determines if its 'good' enough for you. If I was 'Elon Musk' or as Rich as he is, a 60k Original 60's Fender might not be 'good' enough when you could buy Gilmores Strat or maybe even a Hendrix played Strat - nothing gets 'better' than the Strats that everyone identifies as 'the' iconic Strat sounds... If you only have upto 1k to spend, an SE maybe 'good enough' and get 'close enough' to their 'core' counterparts that its not worth spending 'more' on a Core. Another may think the 1 piece Mahogany bodies with Solid high quality flamed maple caps, 1 piece Mahogany necks, Rosewood fingerboards with MoP/Abalone Birds, US Pups that do sound better, Better quality fretwire and fret finishing in general - more polished - made by PRS, not made FOR PRS to PRS 'specs' to hit a 'price-point.' using many pieces to shape a guitar and veneers to look pretty and hide multi piece tops.
Surprisingly cause I normally don't use that position, I think the middle pickup on the SE had that perfect balance of chimey top end and round, warm bottom end. It sounded the most balanced of all! I've had my hands over the SE in a famous shop in Germany in the summer and it was SO badly setup, it was almost unplayable! It also had massive gaps around the neck pocket. The sound was flat and liveless. Very strange! I did try an Ibanez AZ2204N right after that and it was MILES ahead in playability, comfort and setup. Sounds were increible too. I was really disappointed with PRS seen their incredible reputation!
The switch on US Silver Sky is an original CRL switch, around 30$. I find hard to believe there a Schaller switch on the SE to be honest, cause it is even more expensive than a CRL. And the CTS pots on US version are a must ;)
It is a bummer when I compare my Custom 24 SE with Silver Sky SE in terms of build quality, I see the Custom 24 SE going slightly ahead in terms of build and finish. I don't know but something didn't feel right with SIlver sky SE.
Awesome video, IV played both, the USA one is awesome but I can't afford one. I'm going down tomorrow to pick up a stone blue se, unless they've got a used USA. I will be happy with the se if that's what I get I know. They are just great guitars. Thanks for the great look at both. Awesome job guys, I learned a lot. IV played for over 50 yrs. What a treat to see what makes up a good guitar. Subscribed. Take care.
Apart from the body thickness another thing I like about the SE is the more "rounded" nature of the body, more sucked "sweet" look. It's also what I like about some of the recent Mexican Strats too. I dislike the squared off look. It's just rounding over thing but it make a big difference to looks. Btw I also like Poplar too, ha, ha. On the pickups I wonder if this is why both Seymour and Fender have produced pickups which are somewhat similar to the old "Big Dippers" ? Best, Pete.
Not having a back plate means that they don't have to spend any time 'finishing' the inside cavity, sanding it smooth enough to have a 'thin' finish put on it to leave it clean and open is another step the SE doesn't need to go through as they can 'hide' the rough cutting out the cavity behind a plastic back-plate which is 'much' cheaper than the 'us man-hours' it took them to sand and finish, including all the finish sanding, wet sanding, buffing stages that 'open' cavity costs....
I think that if you take 10 same models of guitars out of the us Factory, you will find différences in sound for each of them, same with 10 out of SE factory, same wood, same pikc ups
Your vids have kept me sane since we got power back (I'm in Napier, NZ... had a bit of flooding recently). BTW I prefer the SE irrespective of price, though I woul;dn't say no to either 🙂
$849 is not really affordable For a strat copy with a cheap poplar body. If the JM name was not there would it still be considered a great instrument? I’m actually wondering because I’ve never seen one in person.
The artist name wouldn't turn a bad guitar into an almost universally reviewed good one. There's enough people wanting JM+PRS to fail that would've jumped on any shortcomings in the guitar. It's not conceivable that the majority of the internet are engaged in a conspiracy to cover up a mediocre guitar as a pretty damn good one.
The strumming machine just reminded me of a ukulele maker in the US who has built a sound proof box with a get up inside that repeatedly strums his builds . He puts them in the box and has it strum each one a million times and says the vibrations break in the timber to artificially age it and sound more played in mature. Somebody actually did that 🤷🏻♂️ apparently it takes like three days and he can hear it in the background of his workshop all day 🤪
I have 3 PRS SE guitars and I wouldn't sell them for anything. What I want now is the SE McCarty singlecut. Personally I'm not a professional musician so spending 2-3000 dollars on a guitar is hard to justify in my head.
Love Strat’s, love John Mayer, based on the sound demo alone I wouldn’t buy either of these Silver Sky’s. Both have an ‘ice pick like’ treble side and lack some mid-range, although the SE does have a slightly warmer tone. That’s not to say that either of these Silver Sky’s wouldn’t sound good in a studio situation or live when some dynamic tonal separation is needed in the mix.
The PRUS has a much more chimey, silvery sound than the PRSE, almost like a slight chorus a faint reverb/echo. I really like it. It doesn’t sound 2 grand better, but I think it’s more about supporting US built guitars rather than import ones for many.
@@kitmoore9969 May very well be, or just different voicing-I‘m not saying it‘s a sign of higher quality. It‘s just what I noticed about these two examples and what I prefer about the PRUS.
There is only one way you'll prove the difference in sound and that is to change the necks over but to my ears maple fingerboards always have more treble to even the acoustic sound of a guitar.
I have the silver sky se in the same color as the video. It is the best dang guitar I have owned. I have flat wound 11 strings for jazz. It sounds amazing, ridiculously comfortable to play and looks pretty decent. I highly recommend it
I have a PRS 245 SE which I bought recently from Andertons for the ridiculous price of £399 as it was an end of line for the 2022 range. It is a superb instrument, in fact unbelievably good for that price, I have no idea how they do it. It came perfectly set up out of the box, I haven't touched the action or the nut and both are perfect. It looks beautiful and plays beautifully.
Great video! Would love to see video of Ben modifying and upgrading his Silver Sky SE! Even some of the relic techniques, etc. Loved the detail in this vid. Thanks!
What guitar was playing at 25:30’ish mark ? Lol both guitars were apart at the time
When you test tone ,im airpods pros in and hear nothing different …maybe more depth of tone in the american 🤷🏼♂️ absolutely not thousands $ difference 👍🏼
The SE might be a little warmer but my ears hear a a distinct improvement in clarity across the tone range on the American giving it a cleaner sound.
And if you want the American to sound warmer, just roll off the tone a little, doesn't work the other way around though.
I'm not even a guitar player. But I enjoy this content. The craftsmanship that goes into the guitars, the choices made to lower prices on the SE versus the US.
I think an interesting comparison would be the SE vs a Strat at the same price point (MIM). I might have seen one hanging on the rack toward the end of the video. As to the comparison between the SE and the US version, early in the comparison you were talking about a possible tone difference between the rosewood and maple necks, but with two different sets of pickups would that difference be noticeable? The SE was definitely ‘warmer’ to my ears but is because of neck or the pickups? In any case, the brightness of the US version can always be tamed at the amp (or any combination of pedals should one lean that way).
More videos like this on the other big names might be fun for everyone, especially as the museum collection grows while all these other guitars pass through GGG. Speaking of which, time to place another order. 😂
I dug the SE and believe it's a really good guitar. Not just bang for the buck, but good period. I would have no problem gigging it and think it would make an excellent workhorse. It was ultimately the gateway to a core model Silver Sky and I don't think they're even close. The chunkier neck (on the 21 or newer rosewood model) is so good. The fit and finish is objectively better, in every regard. The frets, the fret dressing, the rolled fingerboard edges, the nitro finish, the locking keys, the nut, the acoustic resonance of the wood. The pickups are the best strat style pickups i've played, including vintage and Fender custom shop models.
Just seems to me that you can get roasted maple neck, flame maple tops, stainless steel frets, locking tuners, seymour duncan pickups, nice tremolo and controls etc on ~£600-800 guitars from the same factory - why would anyone opt for the deliberately munged PRS SE that's only munged so that PRS can flog a £2k guitar that's probably worth about £50 more than the SE version? It's not even like PRS designed anything here - it's a Fender copy. "Americans have to eat" - well not really they're 350lbs.
Both guitars sounded good but different to each other. I do wonder though if you compared two USA Silver Sky guitars back to back and two SE models in the same way you’d notice a difference in tone, I suspect that you would. In my experience no two guitars ever sound exactly the same. Incidentally I’m not in the market for either as I own far too many Stratocasters.
Something seemingly as minute as the differences in the wood's grain patterns can make the same kind of guitars sound differently, and even if one had been sanded ten seconds longer than the other guitar then that too can also make a big difference in tone. That's why each guitar is different, sounds differently and is truly an individual.
Not sure if PRS uses TCI process on US core silver sky… I know with the McCarty cores that have the TCI pickups, you shouldn’t really notice a difference since they’re all tuned to get that signature sound.
I've been eyeing up the PRS SE hollowbody Piezo for quite a while and your brief comments on how amazing it is has only cemented that desire.
The best comparison that I have watch!!! Subscribed!!!!!
My usa made silver sky was made in 2018. When I play it and my finger touches the pick guard… it can have a static sound coming through pickups. Interested to see the difference here.
The '63-'64 neck carve are based off of John Meyers personal '63 and '64, from what I've been lead to believe
I think I heard the same. And 635 pickup designation because they're in-between his 63 and 64 sets.
The USA sounds brighter, has more clarity, almost pristine tone. The SE has a warmer tone. I think they both have an incredible sound in the neck+mid position!
Also on that resistor on the back of the US pickups... I think the goal there was to replicate a humbucker by paralleling a resistance. A coil is simply a resistive load that creates an electromagnet when energized. 2 coils in parallel cancel the hum by inverting the sine waveform to oppose the first coil's wave. While this doesn't replicate a humbucker, it does work to replicate the signal canceling effect of a humbucker.
@@allstopblue5717 agreed
You guys must have got a good SE then. Mine had fret sprout and the nut wasn't cut properly. Plus, the fingerbord has a sharp edge to it, defintley needs to be rolled. With that said, I will be doing a video showing how I fix mine up.
The real test would be swapping the necks and then A/B them. You're not going to test the rosewood v maple if you don't eliminate the poplar v alder.
Very good comment - "resistance in the pots" (sic) what else should variable resistors have?
listening to Paul (PRS) describe (guardedly) the process they have gone through designing the pickups, Both the difference in sound and the resistor across the pickup make a lot of sense from that view point. I would be interested to know if all pickups have the same value of resistor or if they are hand picked for each PU. The pickups are a tuned resonant filter of their own sound (according to PRS). This why some pickups (and pickup makers) have a reputation, I think. The body wood or the nut material (not sure which) makes a difference in the acoustic sound. PRS makes a big deal about how long a string rings. While you may prefer the "warmer" sound of the SE, I suspect the US model gives the guitarist/mixer more to work with (more harmonic content) in the first place and the US model may be easier to place in the mix.
I would suggest the difference in price is a mix: labour (both cost per hour and hours per unit) and materials. The machining is likely identical... just 'cause it would cost more to do it different.
Great review and comparison ! Which one did you end purchasing ?
Great video, thanks for all the info. I like both guitar sounds, the USA has that chimey sound that allows for more articulation in the higher frequencies, so that is my choice. However, the SE sounds just great as well. I played both at a store, the American version has a more open sound. Differences include standard tuners vs Locking tuners, Synthetic nut vs bone nut, 635JM S pickups 635 JM (2021 and forward - version 2). 2 point tremolo vs 6 point tremolo, Poly finish vs Nitrocellulose, Multi ply neck vs Scarfed neck, frets are larger on the US version, 8.5 radius neck 7.25 radius neck, polar wood vs alder wood. Wood grain on the US version looks better and the SE version poly looks a little plastic in comparison to the US version.
During the tone test it is obvious the audio was not the same clock time as the video clock time as you would pick one guitar and move to the other palm that guitar before you pick it and the ringing tone from the previous guitar would stop.
did you ever get your donation se to do the cracked and checked finish?
So the sort of finish that's on the american one will age and "relic" with play and use? I've got nitro on a les paul and I don't see any wood popping out any time soon, but some nitro guitars supposedly look like they've been through war after a couple of years. Which one is this?
Say that again about the new SE surf colours? Where did you guys hear that? Also: I have the original and my frets are not sharp, or noticeable so I think you guys might have a poor example of US fretwork.
Thanks
RE: the pick ups.... I have a dragonfruit SE. The pick-up windings aren't soldered. They are crimped into the "cardboard" base material. I know this because my neck pickup came apart recently. I squeezed it all back together. Working now.... but yeah... a little walmart-esque
Was watching this with my Strat in hands, not playing and almost got a heart attack when there was a note playing around 25:25 and 25:40, not knowing where it came from^^ Great video though!
P.S. As far as i know PRS uses Switchcraft switches and CTS potis modified to their likings (some plastic washer missing inside or so, making them turn almost without resistance)
I´m really happy with my PRS guitars, and it´s kinda nice to see that a 800 usd guitar is not that far behind a 1500-2000 usd guitar nowadays( talking about quality), I mean, you don´t have to give an arm and a leg for an awesome instrument, even with some mods you can improve even better an SE, like loking tuners, better pots and electronics etc.
Love this video! I love the way you brilliant chaps go into the esoterics of guitars that most people never pay attention to, that is, if they ever notice them in the first place.👍
The American pups have more chime. Id never buy the USA version but I want an SE
Yes the pickups are different but would the saddles and nut play a big part in the sound difference?
Didn't get anything from the guitar show newsletter yet..
When Ben said he only played it a few minutes before switching to another guitar he’d brought home, I thought it was going to be another YT “let’s bash on the Silver Sky” video, but then he said the other guitar was the Piezo II SE, and I thought, “Oh, fair play.” I have both, and that Piezo II SE is an absolutely astounding guitar, and proof that guitars made in China can be just as good as any build elsewhere in the world, if not better.
Great video folks.
China? Aren't SEs made in Indonesia?
@@rovidelarosa I believe most of theirs are now, however the HB II Piezo SE was made in China. Lots of folks had a problem with that when it released... especially as it was (is) an expensive guitar to be coming out of China. However I feel it demonstrates that if you allow a shop the time and the components to make a quality instrument, you'll get one regardless of where it's made (including China). I love mine.
I have a PRS se and also a PRS core model.I have had static issues with the core model ,and after changing the nut in the SE model I much prefer the SE model . Sometimes I wish I had never purchased the core model ,which in my opinion is overrated.
Is there any difference between those 2 colors? They have different names but not sure if the same?
nice to know your eye-crometer is fairly accurate.
Great vid! Kind of liked the sliver sky pups better more, less boom or “mud”. But would want to eq the amp a bit before giving up on them. Would love to put a humbucker in the se. I will say tho the local shop has the green one (woof on the colour for me :0) but desperately needs a setup and it sounds almost dead strumming unplugged. Strings likely dull but when u strummed the se unplugged it seemed to have similar qualities from this side of the vid. Hoping new colours send existing line up plunging in used prices. Would love to grab a used se to goof with.
Which Canadian guitar company was it that did the routing after finishing? Godin?
Great video. Thanks!
Can you let us know what you do to your SE when you mod it? Thank You! Great video.
The reason for single coil guitars is the bell tone. The USA had that in spades. It was more alive acoustically. I’ll be buying a used one on eBay. Save some £££
No mention of fret size?
No mention of neck carve?
Yeah, the SEs are amazing guitars, but at least in the audio of the video here, the US Silver Sky has definitely more of that bite you want from a Strat. The SE sounds nice and all, but it's more "generic" sounding and it doesn't do the Strat-thing all that well. Might be a different story in the room, though.
That said and assuming both have the same strings on: If you _could_ buy the US pickups and pop them in the SE Silver Sky, you'd probably be 90% there anyway. Sadly, PRS doesn't sell those separately.
Also, it's too bad there's no SE option with a maple fretboard.
what is that pointy headstock in the background attached to?
What’s the Canadian brand you mentioned Josh? I’m Canadian and follow/love the brands we have here.
Ive noticed the same thing with ltd vs esp. My ltd h-1001 classic is so good, i dont see a reason in buying an esp. The finish with the deep black and full mother of pearl inlays and binding is absolutely beautiful.
I like both, and actually like the slightly warner pickups on the SE. What is noticeably different is that the SE is narrower at the nut.... Some may like it but I find the SE is just way too cramped, If not for the narrow fingerboard, I would buy the SE today.
can we see a compare/contrast vid of relic finishing between putting the finished body in a freezer V's using plumbers freeze spray, please?
Does anyone know why the USA silver sky has resistors on the pickups?
Bravo Guys《☆》The USA model sounds absolutely Silky more FENDERish👍🏾🇺🇸🤳The bridge pickup actually sounds like a Humbucker. I'd put a WRHB on the SE just for giggles✌🏼😎☯️
The USA model sounds a bit brighter and the pickups have more clarity and note definition. That said, I'd be very happy with either guitar.
I have a moon white 1, as well as dessert burst Yamaha revstar, another PRS SE Paul's guitar , a Gordon Smith hss strat with coil split, boost, and Gilmour switching via push/pull pots, another GS double cut with Seymour Duncan P-rails and switching rings , an Eastman junior with a P90, an a second Eastman SB59V coming soon as well as a Koa Breedlove and a Takamine parlour , and a Cort G290 FAT the only maple board guitar I have! I love them all! if you want to relic my silver sky se, let me know??
my only complaint with the SE is the colors they choose last year. i have a mim strat that is a similar blue. i like that color there but that dragon fruit and green color was not my style at all. ill have to look into getting one when the new colors come out.
Agree. The blue was/is okay. The other three colors are hideous.
I like both sound wise but the US has a Brighter Attack and clarity to it where as the SE is a darker softer attack with a more mellow ring to it what I wonder is if it is either because of the different pickups so maybe swapping the usa Pickups to the se or if it is the whole maple vs rosewood debate also I wonder if the neck pocket dimensions are the same and if so you could essentialy put a USA Silver Sky Neck on a SE Body and maybe that would be the difference also the acual thickness of the finish could be a factor as well 🙂
It looks like the USA Silversky has a CRL 5-way Lever Switch and the pots are CTS Vintage-Style Dish Back.
In the SE, it look a Oak Grigsby 5-Way Lever Switch.
I can hear the cheap plastic resonate. I don't know if the sound is less organic?
I wonder how much the difference in tone would be if the SE was upgraded to US hardware?
I would check the resistance on the pots first. CTS pots can have 15% tolerance, which is more than enough to account for the difference between these two guitars.
got a tremonti se....its like the best LP without all the negative stuff with LP...stays in tune,doesnt weigh like a boat anchor,etc,etc
and it was dirt cheap...(its a dot neck)...by far my fav. gig guitar
I like Alpha pots & have kept them in some of my guitars.
The SE pickups also come from the factory as the Squier pickups. They have basically the same stickers. Just a fact I’ve noticed neither good or bad.
I can’t afford either at the moment unfortunately but I would get the SE if I could.
Cort make some bloody good PUs, those on my Bullet Mustang are great
Whatever happened to the "distressed" Silver Sky SE?
Ben do you have any firefly guitars 🤘🤙
Did you make a note of the value of the resistor in parallel with the US pickups? It'd be interesting to try them with it disconnected
It appears to be a way to get consistent loading by the vol pot, IMHO a bad idea, it will cut the highs slightly (use the tone control), and a resistor in this position is a noise generator. They should insist on tighter tolerance control from their pot supplier. The wiring diagrams I found on the net have a single 3m3 resistor across the vol pot; the move to the PU is prob. also an attempt to get consistent output from the PUs. Designed by an accountant?
i just bought the exact colour SE so looking forwards to seeing how that goes when it arrives... Im lucky to own a 63 Strat so it will be a thorough comparison..
What were your thoughts?
Is it just me or does he strum next to the neck pickup on the US and strums next to the middle pickup on the SE? Of course that is going to make a difference in tone... except it should be in the opposite direction, sounding brighter when strummed closer to the bridge. The difference should be even more pronounced when strummed in the same position on each guitar.
Such a good video🤘.I would prefer the Indonesian one. I find the sound more pleasant. It's just a shame that the neck isn't clean, even for the price. Thanks for the video🔥
Thanks for watching!
@@CrimsonCustomGuitars Very gladly. I like your videos.
Is there an advantage in the six screwed trem vs the two screw one? It seems odd that Fender tend to use the two screw version for their more expensive US made general guitars (Such as their Professional II and Ultra models), while PRS use the six screw variant on their more expensive version.
The extra screws are just to fool the blues lawyers, no difference
PRS also use 6 screws on pretty much every SE except for the SE Sky. It's not just reserved for more expensive versions. The expensive Fiore uses 2 screws. I'd guess the signature models are down to artist personal preference rather than one being better or worse.
But it is curious the two Sky models use different systems when other models are usually consistent up and down the range.
Please make a video with a different finish to the SE!
Fabulous review would go for the SE carnt see spending £2000 more for any difference is the difference any better ???. Have a great set up can not lose .could buy a used a crimson with the change 😅😅😅😅😅
You guys tricked me at the sound test. The open strum I preferred the one on the right, oh that was the USA one because that's where it was before. Then I realized no, it has the rosewood board. The slightly warmer sound is more musical to my ears. There are a little more shimmers to the USA model that on certain pickup selections sound better and others not so much so.
have to say this think the camera person was falling asleep on this one.. good thing we are here for the guitars and people in front of the camera ;)
I get the feeling that major brands don't mind their import guitars cutting into the sales of their US-made lines these days. Import guitars sell in so much higher volumes that that's where most of their profit is. The US made stuff is probably becoming more and more of a prestige/brand thing and less of a money maker.
I'd like to see a US Silver Sky compared to a US high end Strat! You don't have to be a John Mayer fan to appreciate how good he is when it comes to playing guitar. The dude has swagger! Not Ben Swagger but Swagger none the less! The US sounds like a strat, the SE doesn't! Close but not quite. Nice video my brothers. ✌️ & 💕
They have done comparisons of Silver Sky's to Genuine 1963/4 era strats, custom shop Fender Strats, Similarly priced Fender Strats etc etc - there was a LOT of video's around after it released... Tim Pierce compared it to a vintage strat himself if you want to check out what a 'genuine' 60's Fender Strat that costs about 60k these days...
A Squire can 'sound' as good, but whether it lasts as long physically - things like more fret wear due to cheaper fret wire quality, more wear/tear on hardware (electronics/pots), jack plate and jack connection, will it be as 'stable' - maybe move more with climate or temperature (Start a cold gig in tune, but as it warms up, the neck moves is not great - but 'good enough if you play at home all the time to keep a more consistent climate) etc. Sound is only one part of what makes a guitar 'worth' the money or not. In a mix, it doesn't matter, as long as you are in tune and in time with the others - a 'squire' can still sound 'very' good through a good pedalboard, amp, cab etc - even if its not the 'best' strat sound you've heard when comparing 'dry'.
It's what the whole package offers, sound, aesthetics, quality/reliability, playability, extras (Case/Bag) etc etc and your 'budget' that determines if its 'good' enough for you. If I was 'Elon Musk' or as Rich as he is, a 60k Original 60's Fender might not be 'good' enough when you could buy Gilmores Strat or maybe even a Hendrix played Strat - nothing gets 'better' than the Strats that everyone identifies as 'the' iconic Strat sounds...
If you only have upto 1k to spend, an SE maybe 'good enough' and get 'close enough' to their 'core' counterparts that its not worth spending 'more' on a Core. Another may think the 1 piece Mahogany bodies with Solid high quality flamed maple caps, 1 piece Mahogany necks, Rosewood fingerboards with MoP/Abalone Birds, US Pups that do sound better, Better quality fretwire and fret finishing in general - more polished - made by PRS, not made FOR PRS to PRS 'specs' to hit a 'price-point.' using many pieces to shape a guitar and veneers to look pretty and hide multi piece tops.
Surprisingly cause I normally don't use that position, I think the middle pickup on the SE had that perfect balance of chimey top end and round, warm bottom end. It sounded the most balanced of all! I've had my hands over the SE in a famous shop in Germany in the summer and it was SO badly setup, it was almost unplayable! It also had massive gaps around the neck pocket. The sound was flat and liveless. Very strange! I did try an Ibanez AZ2204N right after that and it was MILES ahead in playability, comfort and setup. Sounds were increible too. I was really disappointed with PRS seen their incredible reputation!
Where can I find details of how to send a guitar for a nitro relic.
Contact them via the Crimson website to get a quote.
The switch on US Silver Sky is an original CRL switch, around 30$. I find hard to believe there a Schaller switch on the SE to be honest, cause it is even more expensive than a CRL.
And the CTS pots on US version are a must ;)
Love to see an SE relic for sure.
These guitars have really grown on me
Wouldn’t the nut material also make a difference to the brightness
I have an SE,nice guitar but i noticed the neck pocket is not flush on mine and others.
mine is flush
My SG has a lite nitro finish and it resonates like an acoustic guitar. What I am saying is it is loud unplugged.
On the big strums, the US sounded like it had more overtones going on...but...phew...it's all pretty close. Nice job here!
It is a bummer when I compare my Custom 24 SE with Silver Sky SE in terms of build quality, I see the Custom 24 SE going slightly ahead in terms of build and finish. I don't know but something didn't feel right with SIlver sky SE.
You mentioned resistors on the US guitar. They look like diodes. Can you explain?
My best guess, it’s a capacitor and a resistor … parallel. I think these are newly designed pickups. Haven’t seen them before in a SS.
Awesome video, IV played both, the USA one is awesome but I can't afford one. I'm going down tomorrow to pick up a stone blue se, unless they've got a used USA. I will be happy with the se if that's what I get I know. They are just great guitars. Thanks for the great look at both. Awesome job guys, I learned a lot. IV played for over 50 yrs. What a treat to see what makes up a good guitar. Subscribed. Take care.
I like the way the SE sounds better and don’t see how they can really justify the price difference.
Something wrong with that tone pot. Not that it's cheaper. It's the same plastic anyway. I've got some direct from prs. They are the same.
Apart from the body thickness another thing I like about the SE is the more "rounded" nature of the body, more sucked "sweet" look. It's also what I like about some of the recent Mexican Strats too. I dislike the squared off look. It's just rounding over thing but it make a big difference to looks. Btw I also like Poplar too, ha, ha. On the pickups I wonder if this is why both Seymour and Fender have produced pickups which are somewhat similar to the old "Big Dippers" ? Best, Pete.
Not having a back plate means that they don't have to spend any time 'finishing' the inside cavity, sanding it smooth enough to have a 'thin' finish put on it to leave it clean and open is another step the SE doesn't need to go through as they can 'hide' the rough cutting out the cavity behind a plastic back-plate which is 'much' cheaper than the 'us man-hours' it took them to sand and finish, including all the finish sanding, wet sanding, buffing stages that 'open' cavity costs....
Great call.
I think that if you take 10 same models of guitars out of the us Factory, you will find différences in sound for each of them, same with 10 out of SE factory, same wood, same pikc ups
Bought an SE, love it, was thinking of buying the USA one, now I won't bother.
Your vids have kept me sane since we got power back (I'm in Napier, NZ... had a bit of flooding recently). BTW I prefer the SE irrespective of price, though I woul;dn't say no to either 🙂
Funny, on the bench I do prefer the SE sound, however when Josh plays it, I find the US version much more consistent and pleasant.
The American definitely sounded more chime like at the end but not sure if it was 2000 dollars better
$849 is not really affordable For a strat copy with a cheap poplar body. If the JM name was not there would it still be considered a great instrument? I’m actually wondering because I’ve never seen one in person.
The artist name wouldn't turn a bad guitar into an almost universally reviewed good one. There's enough people wanting JM+PRS to fail that would've jumped on any shortcomings in the guitar. It's not conceivable that the majority of the internet are engaged in a conspiracy to cover up a mediocre guitar as a pretty damn good one.
To my ears the US model seems brighter and more defined than the cheapest version
The strumming machine just reminded me of a ukulele maker in the US who has built a sound proof box with a get up inside that repeatedly strums his builds . He puts them in the box and has it strum each one a million times and says the vibrations break in the timber to artificially age it and sound more played in mature. Somebody actually did that 🤷🏻♂️ apparently it takes like three days and he can hear it in the background of his workshop all day 🤪
There is a lot of magical thinking in instrument makers ... or rather in their clients that they have to impress. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I have 3 PRS SE guitars and I wouldn't sell them for anything. What I want now is the SE McCarty singlecut. Personally I'm not a professional musician so spending 2-3000 dollars on a guitar is hard to justify in my head.
Love Strat’s, love John Mayer, based on the sound demo alone I wouldn’t buy either of these Silver Sky’s. Both have an ‘ice pick like’ treble side and lack some mid-range, although the SE does have a slightly warmer tone. That’s not to say that either of these Silver Sky’s wouldn’t sound good in a studio situation or live when some dynamic tonal separation is needed in the mix.
The PRUS has a much more chimey, silvery sound than the PRSE, almost like a slight chorus a faint reverb/echo. I really like it. It doesn’t sound 2 grand better, but I think it’s more about supporting US built guitars rather than import ones for many.
(And labour in the US simply _is_ more expensive)
Pots have around 10% tolerance, which is more than enough to account for the difference in tone.
@@kitmoore9969 May very well be, or just different voicing-I‘m not saying it‘s a sign of higher quality. It‘s just what I noticed about these two examples and what I prefer about the PRUS.
The moon white would look very natural if it was aged. That's what I have and I. Very tempted to age it and mod it.
There is only one way you'll prove the difference in sound and that is to change the necks over but to my ears maple fingerboards always have more treble to even the acoustic sound of a guitar.
I think I saw you buying a US silver sky a few weeks ago!