Nice. Same for me. Had a few strats, all selled. One silver sky, what a keeper. You have to love the passion mayer and smith put on this guitar. Its the better strat, new century, no old errors, pure. Great. Just look how they designd every part on this guitar nuee and just for that.
I’m in the same boat with you. Everyone thinks I’m crazy. I own a 63 custom shop that’s been my number one for maybe 12 years. I bought the silver sky SE because they were on sale. It quickly turned into my number one.
Yup, coming from years of Acoustic guitar, I felt like the SE Silver Sky was the electric guitar I was waiting for, I reckon PRS has created a modern classic here. In my very humble opinion, they've changed what is expected from a Single coil instrument.
Pretty much the same story as me, had a JM sig strat as my main guitar for 8 years and just bonded with it, kept telling myself i dont like the silver sky, dont like prs etc. Back in july bought a roxy pink silver sky and just cant put it down its so playable, jm strat is now in second place and a load of other guitars just gathering dust.
Cool video dude! I really liked the point about bonding with the guitar. I guess it’s something unspoken that we all guitarists go through at some point but never want to admit (for me was with a CAR MIJ Mustang.. so i got another in surf green 😂). Would also love to be able to try a PRS but hard to find interesting leftys 😢
I also owned a john mayer signature strat for years and then replaced it with a us silver sky. Then I tried a 500€ tokai from the 80's and the silver sky got covered in dust. I now have 0 American guitars and a collection of Japanese guitars from the 70-80's and pre-cbs neck. ps: could you please suggest where you refinished your jm fender in nitro? I’m looking for a refinish master in Germany/EU.
That's exactly the problem 😃 Will we ever know, what OUR best guitar is when we have not tried them all? I am glad that you found your luck with those Tokai´s and I will look them up for sure. The Strat was re-finished and aged by the good guys @munichguitarcompany th-cam.com/channels/OLWLFbnSXG7mSlrh2zZAfQ.html
I've got the rosewood and at first the lacquer annoyed me with it feeling a bit sticky. I ended up sanding it down and now it feels even more amazing. If you prefer that sanded down feel then go for it, you won't regret it.
Wow, this review is just amazing. I am also a strato guy and I can really relate to what you're saying. I have multiple strats because they are absolutely beautiful, gorgeous. Only limited or special editions. I ordered a PRS CE 1 month ago and the quality is superb. Ebony fretboard, satin body and neck, nice body top, humbuker spliting, etc. But you know what? I am returning it back. The guitar is perfect, but I just don't feel bond to it at all. I prefer both Squiers 40th aniv I have, much much cheaper. Anyway, I've been around the Silver Sky for some time because everyone talks really good things about it, and I am also looking for "how would that be to have a perfect 8.5 or 7.25 radius neck" that I know I won't have in a fender (for instance, a Vintange II 61, which a number of people is blaming about QC). So, I finally give the Silver Sky a try today. Ordered the SE and let's see what happens. But, I am pretty much convinced that it won't bind to me, maily because that horrible headstock ahahah (and colors to me are pretty basic). But you video is really interesting, it is like watching myself somehow. As for today, and love fender as 1st without any doubt. I have a Gibson LP because "i have to have a Gibson LP, it is mandatory" and it looks really nice, will never sell it. But being a fender guy, I will never buy a custom o masterpiece just because what you say, you spend a lot of money and it will have QC issues. So I prefer to buy rare o limited fenders and squiers. Btw, Squiers have improved a lot. You can find really beautiful guitars with nice playing. Only tunners need to be changed 90% sure. Try a 40th aniversary, either modern or vintage, I have both and they are really nice. I am surprised because my first guitar was a Squier and was pretty bad in both looking and playing. Give it a try.
Thanks a lot for your comment! I will for sure give them a try. Let's see how you like the Silver Sky. I play my SE and the USA Model every day and am very happy with it so far. All the best!
@@iambrufio yeah, after your video I am really curious about the silver sky since you are a fender guy like me. I like the 7'25 radius of the USA version but the glossy finish is a real drawback. But it has better colors and the radius I really want to try.
@@iambrufio I have finally got one SS SE in piano black yesterday...and I am returning it back. Is it a bad guitar for the money? No, it is not a bad guitar at all. However, for this price range, I don't think this SS SE is superior to any other guitar. The guitar is pretty basic, the body feels like a very cheap guitar. You can find a similar body finish/color in a 150€ guitar. Nothing special here. The neck is well made tecnically, in terms of QC, no fret buzz even with bendings. That is something remarkable given the 8,5 radius. Almost any Fender would have QC issues with 9,5 radius which is "easier to adjust". However, those things are easy to fix, just take it to the luthier and make a good adjustment. The point is, I send all my guitars to the luthier after purchasing for a professional adjustment, no matter the guitar price. So in this sense, that is not an issue for me becasue I would still take this SS SE to the luthier anyway (for revision and adjusting other not "ok" things like the bridge). And beyond the good point in QC of the neck in this PRS SS SE, the neck still looks "normal" for this price range. It is nothing special or that I would consider premium. For instace, a Sire S7 is much premium in all aspects to this PRS SS SE, and it is notably cheaper!! The neck of the Sire I had was really something that I would consider "outstanding" for that price. Roasted maple neck which usually comes in much expensive guitars, well rolled edges like any premium guitar, lovely satin behind and a premium wood grain, like the one you can find in a Fender Custom Shop ("a good grain is perpendicular to the neck, not parallel, you can notice it in two ways, looking from above you should see ||||| in the headstock, or looking behind the whole neck, the "special line traversing maple necks should be placed as centered as possible). So, I don't see anything really remarkable in this PRS for the money. The wood is not special either. The same wood you can find in any very cheap guitar. Don't make me wrong, it is a good guitar, but I don't see how it excels others in any sense. Tunners are very good, yeah, that is a point. I think this was what surprised me the most xD. The look horrible, but they perform really really great. But you know? You change change tunners in any guitar. Bad tunners? Change them. In conclusion, I think pretty much no matter what guitar you choose, they are all pretty good in this price range and even below. So, nowadays, I would simply say: "just buy the guitar you like the most, it will be fine", no matter if it cost 300€, 600€ or 1500€. Do you love a Squier? Just buy it. Do you need to change tunners? Just change them. Don't buy a guitar you don't like because it has good tunners/bridge/pickups/etc. If I were you I would stick with the Fender CS and fix the issues it has in a good luthier. But, it seems you loved the PRS SS so, that is really nice too!! The most important thing is to have a guitar that encourages you to play it and that, when you play it, inspires you. And each person reaches that in a different way. It seems the PRS SS is that guitar for you. Anyway I loved you video and all what you say and shared.
I kept them both and am very happy, but today I played my CS Strat and after leaving it in the case for a while, I really enjoyed it. My standpoint was especially on fender and the Strat having bad experiences in the past and for live I need a guitar that I can trust which I can with the silver sky. But of course the search for the perfect fit is never finished 😉
Thanks for sharing. A really interesting and enjoyable video. I feel similarly to you…I’m a Strat fan but the Silver Sky just feels more comfortable and intuitive to play. I have to say that I much prefer my Core (Dodgem Blue / Maple board) to my old SE (Rosewood) which I sold. Would be interested to try a Core with Rosewood board again, but think the maple feels more comfortable/ natural. Maybe it’s because of the satin neck on the maple version? Such great guitars. Thanks again
@@iambrufio this is turning into my favourite TH-cam video…have just watched it for the fourth time, it’s so good. I think that a couple of the standout points for me of the SS over a Strat is that the low E string is not ‘boomy’ and overpowering like Strats I have and the SS bridge pick-up is so nice…not at all harsh like Strats can be. I also really like that they are generally much lighter than Strats. The Core SS models also have a more reliable, consistent and quality feeling out of the box. So tempted to buy another one now after watching your video! I tend to prefer maple boards feel-wise but think that Rosewood can look nicer. After watching your video I am tempted to try another SE (Rosewood). What is interesting is that your black SE has a sanded ‘unfinished’ feeling neck which is very appealing, but many of the ones I have seen seem to have a glossy / stained type neck? I wonder if you have found a special one or if it varies between models? I’ll have to do some more research on this. Thanks again for sharing such a great video 👍
That was a fantastic video! Didn't expect to see the Maple and then rosewood usa SS in the same video lol. I understand perfectly when you say you want a guitar to just play and don't have to fight it. And with fender strats that has been my experience. The vintage style strat sounds amazing, and will be my favorite strat tone, BUT, the Silver sky as ay PRS the playability and reliability is outstanding. And of course they sound very good too, just have their more unique thing going on, that more high fi tone, that is great for live and studio scenarios and sounds very good as well. I think you made the right choice, cos the USA SS has lacquered neck, the maple not and the SE's are satin, which I also prefer myself. And also the pickups of the SE and USA are not the same, the SE being hotter, and you said it perfectly, more throaty, cos has that extra push, the USA is more clear and perfect sounding. Also the necks are not the same, being the SE version less wide and 8.5 radius, and a bit less chunky. But both necks are great though, although myself prefer the 8.5 radius more cos feel more at home. The 7.25 could notice the difference I remember, being rounder. Thats why also I dont have fender strats at this moment, I have an SE SS maple, which plays fantastic, but since I have a Tele now and a Schecter USA Nick Johnston, the SS felt like I wouldn't need it so much. But your video is again making me question hehehe. Cos the Schecter is a more modern guitar , more superstrat feel s the neck is flatter, but the single coils sound great in that one too, plays amazing as well and is my number guitar. The Tele there s just something on the tone of a tele that is so awesome, but is the guitar that I fight the most to play for sure (although it stays in tune very well). The silver sky SE plays like butter, and being a rounder neck the chords feel nicer than on the Schecter for sure, but the Tele also works well for chords. Will think about it hehe. Maybe at some point you can try a PRS Fiore. Being an HSS, ultra versatile, but not sure if thats kind of your thing, like Superstrat vibe. I wanted one at some point, but since I got the Schecter I really found the perfec guitar for me.
I know what you mean! really appreciate the comment 🙏🏼 and I would keep the SE. Put it in its case and just put it out when you play it. This makes me feel excited about a guitar every time. Glad you liked the video 🤙🏼
i own the SE silversky in Stone blue, i really like it, did you notice there is lacquer around the neck at fret 10,11,12? or is mine just built differently. thanks
Nice. Same for me. Had a few strats, all selled. One silver sky, what a keeper. You have to love the passion mayer and smith put on this guitar. Its the better strat, new century, no old errors, pure. Great. Just look how they designd every part on this guitar nuee and just for that.
even the strap locks...you don´t have to change them after you bought the guitar 😃
I’m in the same boat with you. Everyone thinks I’m crazy. I own a 63 custom shop that’s been my number one for maybe 12 years. I bought the silver sky SE because they were on sale. It quickly turned into my number one.
Soooo crazy! Even the strap locks are already usable…die not notice till today 🤩
Yup, coming from years of Acoustic guitar, I felt like the SE Silver Sky was the electric guitar I was waiting for, I reckon PRS has created a modern classic here. In my very humble opinion, they've changed what is expected from a Single coil instrument.
True!
Pretty much the same story as me, had a JM sig strat as my main guitar for 8 years and just bonded with it, kept telling myself i dont like the silver sky, dont like prs etc. Back in july bought a roxy pink silver sky and just cant put it down its so playable, jm strat is now in second place and a load of other guitars just gathering dust.
Roxy Pink is 🫶🏼
Amazing video.
Cool video dude! I really liked the point about bonding with the guitar. I guess it’s something unspoken that we all guitarists go through at some point but never want to admit (for me was with a CAR MIJ Mustang.. so i got another in surf green 😂). Would also love to be able to try a PRS but hard to find interesting leftys 😢
I feel you 🥲 I thought the Silver Sky has some lefties? I saw them on Thomann with 1-2 weeks of waiting only
I also owned a john mayer signature strat for years and then replaced it with a us silver sky. Then I tried a 500€ tokai from the 80's and the silver sky got covered in dust. I now have 0 American guitars and a collection of Japanese guitars from the 70-80's and pre-cbs neck.
ps: could you please suggest where you refinished your jm fender in nitro? I’m looking for a refinish master in Germany/EU.
That's exactly the problem 😃 Will we ever know, what OUR best guitar is when we have not tried them all? I am glad that you found your luck with those Tokai´s and I will look them up for sure.
The Strat was re-finished and aged by the good guys @munichguitarcompany th-cam.com/channels/OLWLFbnSXG7mSlrh2zZAfQ.html
From experience the Core rosewood sounds like the SE maple.
interesting, the SE Maple is now the only one I did not try
I've got the rosewood and at first the lacquer annoyed me with it feeling a bit sticky. I ended up sanding it down and now it feels even more amazing. If you prefer that sanded down feel then go for it, you won't regret it.
yes! kept the SE and the Maple 🍁🙏🏼
Little hack, don't sand down a neck, use 000 steel wool. Works great, but is easier to buff back out to glass if needed.
Wow, this review is just amazing. I am also a strato guy and I can really relate to what you're saying. I have multiple strats because they are absolutely beautiful, gorgeous. Only limited or special editions. I ordered a PRS CE 1 month ago and the quality is superb. Ebony fretboard, satin body and neck, nice body top, humbuker spliting, etc. But you know what? I am returning it back. The guitar is perfect, but I just don't feel bond to it at all. I prefer both Squiers 40th aniv I have, much much cheaper. Anyway, I've been around the Silver Sky for some time because everyone talks really good things about it, and I am also looking for "how would that be to have a perfect 8.5 or 7.25 radius neck" that I know I won't have in a fender (for instance, a Vintange II 61, which a number of people is blaming about QC). So, I finally give the Silver Sky a try today. Ordered the SE and let's see what happens. But, I am pretty much convinced that it won't bind to me, maily because that horrible headstock ahahah (and colors to me are pretty basic). But you video is really interesting, it is like watching myself somehow. As for today, and love fender as 1st without any doubt. I have a Gibson LP because "i have to have a Gibson LP, it is mandatory" and it looks really nice, will never sell it. But being a fender guy, I will never buy a custom o masterpiece just because what you say, you spend a lot of money and it will have QC issues. So I prefer to buy rare o limited fenders and squiers. Btw, Squiers have improved a lot. You can find really beautiful guitars with nice playing. Only tunners need to be changed 90% sure. Try a 40th aniversary, either modern or vintage, I have both and they are really nice. I am surprised because my first guitar was a Squier and was pretty bad in both looking and playing. Give it a try.
Thanks a lot for your comment! I will for sure give them a try. Let's see how you like the Silver Sky. I play my SE and the USA Model every day and am very happy with it so far. All the best!
@@iambrufio yeah, after your video I am really curious about the silver sky since you are a fender guy like me. I like the 7'25 radius of the USA version but the glossy finish is a real drawback. But it has better colors and the radius I really want to try.
the maple usa is not glossy on the neck
@@iambrufio I have finally got one SS SE in piano black yesterday...and I am returning it back. Is it a bad guitar for the money? No, it is not a bad guitar at all. However, for this price range, I don't think this SS SE is superior to any other guitar. The guitar is pretty basic, the body feels like a very cheap guitar. You can find a similar body finish/color in a 150€ guitar. Nothing special here. The neck is well made tecnically, in terms of QC, no fret buzz even with bendings. That is something remarkable given the 8,5 radius. Almost any Fender would have QC issues with 9,5 radius which is "easier to adjust". However, those things are easy to fix, just take it to the luthier and make a good adjustment. The point is, I send all my guitars to the luthier after purchasing for a professional adjustment, no matter the guitar price. So in this sense, that is not an issue for me becasue I would still take this SS SE to the luthier anyway (for revision and adjusting other not "ok" things like the bridge). And beyond the good point in QC of the neck in this PRS SS SE, the neck still looks "normal" for this price range. It is nothing special or that I would consider premium. For instace, a Sire S7 is much premium in all aspects to this PRS SS SE, and it is notably cheaper!! The neck of the Sire I had was really something that I would consider "outstanding" for that price. Roasted maple neck which usually comes in much expensive guitars, well rolled edges like any premium guitar, lovely satin behind and a premium wood grain, like the one you can find in a Fender Custom Shop ("a good grain is perpendicular to the neck, not parallel, you can notice it in two ways, looking from above you should see ||||| in the headstock, or looking behind the whole neck, the "special line traversing maple necks should be placed as centered as possible). So, I don't see anything really remarkable in this PRS for the money. The wood is not special either. The same wood you can find in any very cheap guitar. Don't make me wrong, it is a good guitar, but I don't see how it excels others in any sense. Tunners are very good, yeah, that is a point. I think this was what surprised me the most xD. The look horrible, but they perform really really great. But you know? You change change tunners in any guitar. Bad tunners? Change them. In conclusion, I think pretty much no matter what guitar you choose, they are all pretty good in this price range and even below. So, nowadays, I would simply say: "just buy the guitar you like the most, it will be fine", no matter if it cost 300€, 600€ or 1500€. Do you love a Squier? Just buy it. Do you need to change tunners? Just change them. Don't buy a guitar you don't like because it has good tunners/bridge/pickups/etc. If I were you I would stick with the Fender CS and fix the issues it has in a good luthier. But, it seems you loved the PRS SS so, that is really nice too!! The most important thing is to have a guitar that encourages you to play it and that, when you play it, inspires you. And each person reaches that in a different way. It seems the PRS SS is that guitar for you. Anyway I loved you video and all what you say and shared.
I kept them both and am very happy, but today I played my CS Strat and after leaving it in the case for a while, I really enjoyed it. My standpoint was especially on fender and the Strat having bad experiences in the past and for live I need a guitar that I can trust which I can with the silver sky. But of course the search for the perfect fit is never finished 😉
Thanks for sharing. A really interesting and enjoyable video. I feel similarly to you…I’m a Strat fan but the Silver Sky just feels more comfortable and intuitive to play. I have to say that I much prefer my Core (Dodgem Blue / Maple board) to my old SE (Rosewood) which I sold. Would be interested to try a Core with Rosewood board again, but think the maple feels more comfortable/ natural. Maybe it’s because of the satin neck on the maple version? Such great guitars. Thanks again
Thanks so much! That was exactly what my experience was. The maple neck feels insane 🎸🙌 I dont know why JM likes the laquered neck more 😅
@@iambrufio this is turning into my favourite TH-cam video…have just watched it for the fourth time, it’s so good. I think that a couple of the standout points for me of the SS over a Strat is that the low E string is not ‘boomy’ and overpowering like Strats I have and the SS bridge pick-up is so nice…not at all harsh like Strats can be. I also really like that they are generally much lighter than Strats. The Core SS models also have a more reliable, consistent and quality feeling out of the box. So tempted to buy another one now after watching your video! I tend to prefer maple boards feel-wise but think that Rosewood can look nicer. After watching your video I am tempted to try another SE (Rosewood). What is interesting is that your black SE has a sanded ‘unfinished’ feeling neck which is very appealing, but many of the ones I have seen seem to have a glossy / stained type neck? I wonder if you have found a special one or if it varies between models? I’ll have to do some more research on this. Thanks again for sharing such a great video 👍
That was a fantastic video! Didn't expect to see the Maple and then rosewood usa SS in the same video lol.
I understand perfectly when you say you want a guitar to just play and don't have to fight it. And with fender strats that has been my experience. The vintage style strat sounds amazing, and will be my favorite strat tone, BUT, the Silver sky as ay PRS the playability and reliability is outstanding. And of course they sound very good too, just have their more unique thing going on, that more high fi tone, that is great for live and studio scenarios and sounds very good as well.
I think you made the right choice, cos the USA SS has lacquered neck, the maple not and the SE's are satin, which I also prefer myself.
And also the pickups of the SE and USA are not the same, the SE being hotter, and you said it perfectly, more throaty, cos has that extra push, the USA is more clear and perfect sounding. Also the necks are not the same, being the SE version less wide and 8.5 radius, and a bit less chunky. But both necks are great though, although myself prefer the 8.5 radius more cos feel more at home. The 7.25 could notice the difference I remember, being rounder.
Thats why also I dont have fender strats at this moment, I have an SE SS maple, which plays fantastic, but since I have a Tele now and a Schecter USA Nick Johnston, the SS felt like I wouldn't need it so much. But your video is again making me question hehehe.
Cos the Schecter is a more modern guitar , more superstrat feel s the neck is flatter, but the single coils sound great in that one too, plays amazing as well and is my number guitar. The Tele there s just something on the tone of a tele that is so awesome, but is the guitar that I fight the most to play for sure (although it stays in tune very well).
The silver sky SE plays like butter, and being a rounder neck the chords feel nicer than on the Schecter for sure, but the Tele also works well for chords. Will think about it hehe.
Maybe at some point you can try a PRS Fiore. Being an HSS, ultra versatile, but not sure if thats kind of your thing, like Superstrat vibe. I wanted one at some point, but since I got the Schecter I really found the perfec guitar for me.
I know what you mean! really appreciate the comment 🙏🏼 and I would keep the SE. Put it in its case and just put it out when you play it. This makes me feel excited about a guitar every time. Glad you liked the video 🤙🏼
I got it with the PRS Silver Sky looking tuners! Try it! They are not expensive and works amazing
Allright, will do! Thanks 🎸
great video，cheers man
Thanks so much
Paid $640 US For mine( Dragon Fruit) 2-years ago and still can’t put it down.
Beautiful guitar ! Did you try that very guitar or order on line ?
Thanks! I just pulled the trigger when Andertons had that sale some weeks ago 🤩
Just got an SE Silver Sky. Great guitar!
Congrats! 🙌 which color?
@@iambrufio moon white
i own the SE silversky in Stone blue, i really like it, did you notice there is lacquer around the neck at fret 10,11,12? or is mine just built differently. thanks
Sry to hear! I checked it, but there is nothing. You should definitely ask your guitar store about it and get it changed.
@@iambrufio its ok, i accept its flaw. I can feel it when my thumb slides to 12th fret, it acts like a stopper😄
maybe its helpfull if you´re giggin and its dark...Then you always know where you are when soloing 😁
@@iambrufio exactly! Its neat in that sense.
G&L my friend.
Not my cup of tea, but great if you found them for your needs