The string tree on a 'regular' tele breaks the string tension at that specific point, which isn't so different to a 3x3 headstock, and so does away with the argument that there's 'extra' string going to the machine head post. The 'snap' we think of when teles are in mind is due far more to the pickups (scientifically speaking). They're the only guitars to utilise their specific pups, combined with the (ever so slightly) longer scale length than some other guitars, and it's how the pickups TRANSLATE the vibration of the string under tension between the NUT and BRIDGE. Any factor outside of those boundaries becomes irrelevant. If the bridgeplate is firmly secured to the body, then the two items effectively become one. If you've screamed about how tele bridgeplates are always slipping about while you're playing, string-through or not, then their exclusion should be welcome for you. But they don't, as you well know. I've put tele pups in 'non-teles', and lo and behold, even without a tele bridgeplate, those darn things made my knock-off strat sound JUST LIKE A TELE! Shock-horror. A LARGE part of what you think a tele is capable of is probably because you only play specific styles on a tele, because you've seen and heard other tele users and wanted to emulate their what they did on what you've got. When you're not free to play every guitar under the sun, you get forced to modify how you play thanks to the breadth of tools available for the job. You should try it some time.
I know it’s perhaps superficial, but I just cannot accept that headstock-- especially on a somewhat more traditional shape of a Tele. It’s just hideous.
It’s funny because when the silver sky came out, most of the complaints went something like “it’s just a strat copy, they should’ve done their own take on it.” Now they’ve done their own take on the tele, and the things people are complaining about are all the things that aren’t exactly the same as a tele. They can’t win
Guitar boomers don’t like PRS cause they aren’t Fender or Gibson. Younger players on their budget Ibanez, Schecter, or Harley Benton don’t like them cause they can’t afford the American ones (although you should definitely check out S2 line guitars from PRS as you can usually get them for under $1,000 secondhand). You either become a PRS fan or find some sort of reason to hate them
@@joshbittner I consider PRS guitars to be well made and some look fantastic, but I don’t bond with them, they don’t work for what I do. Maybe it’s the scale length or the radius or something else, but they don’t speak to me. I don’t hate them and I don’t like them. If you like them cool.
That was me for a long time, then I picked up an SE Custom 24 2 years ago. Just couldn’t put it down, had to buy it. Also wound up getting their little parlor sized acoustic too because it’s small, but doesn’t sound small. The SE line has really evolved to be on par with other brands made overseas, if not better than some. (had a Fender Mexico Tele that just was not good.)
Better quality. Better quality control. Better attention to detail. Outstanding pickups that are quiet. But we're not happy it's not an old Chevy Nova.
Well RB, I've debated things on both sides of the fence when talking about PRS. For the N(ot) F(ender) (19)53, I never heard anyone from PRS say it was supposed to look/sound/feel like a Telecaster. I never saw anything in print from them saying anything at all about anything Telecaster. Most bigger brands offer a flat top single cut, that is all they said this is. Pups, pots, switches, caps, wiring, neck shape, tuners, body shape/materials, all PRS. It's just people think it looks like a Tele. I agree with that to a point. Myles wanted a single cut flat top electric, and that is what they built, the rest to his spec's also. Then they made a more generic one. IMHO, they did a great job, it looks and sounds great! If you want a Tele, go buy a Tele. I'm quite sure that if Paul Smith wanted it to look and sound just like a Tele, he could do that for sure. Just MHO, Peace --gary
If PRS wanted to make an exact copy of a tele. They would. And it would sound just like a great tele. They clearly didn't want to do that. So they made something similar, but very much it's own thing. I'm interested in trying it.
I want one more than any other guitar in recent memory. I’ve been on the hunt for “not exactly a tele” for a couple years, and I think this may be it. Narrowfields have long been my favorite pickups.
Your points about the differences (ashtray bridge, in line tuners) are spot on how they affect tone and make the true T-style tone. I think if PRS wanted to make a Telecaster, they would have. Those NF pickups are lovely. Consider this as a great guitar for a 2 guitar band and they need to both cut through the mix. Think of it as a NF single cut guitar; a la '70s Les Paul with the mini-humbs; this one is brighter, but has the same affect when paired with hot humbuckers on a solid body electric.
Both of the new PRS Teles look/sound great to me. However, for that kind of dough, I'd buy one of their other models ;) BTW, thanks for the honest review-- so many others are just wetting themselves over these, and that's just annoying -- at best-- LOL!
Being a PRS owner, I would get the Myles version as an "addition", as you say. I don't need another Tele; not a single coil fan, I'm a humbucker guy, but this would be fun in the Myles version. It IS interesting how folks criticize PRS regardless. But they make amazing guitars and I have a few, but I still prefer my LP's (mostly!)!
You mean just like the silver sky before the SE..... and almost every other prs model when it debuts. Crazy man who saw them doing the same thing they always fo woth new models .
@@patrickmcpartland1398 just because it's what they always do, doesn't mean I have to like it. The Silver sky was 2300 when it debuted, and now they're 2650. I know everything has gone up in price, but theres a reason so many Fender guitars have been on sale so often lately. The Silver Sky SE is 849$ because they were competing with the fender player, but the player guitars are on sale at Guitar Center and other sites so much you can easily get a new one for around 700. The price is still unreasonable at 2899 when I can get an S2 guitar for under 2k. Yeah, they always do this, and I think it's ridiculous.
I like the Myles one for the reasons mentioned in the video. I bought one the day it was announced. BTW this video is a honey pot for people who never owned a PRS but have a lot to say about them.
I've had the Myles Kennedy Sig model now for 2 days, natural finish. I was concerned I would end up with another Tele (although four is not enough) but to me it's so much more. Is the twangy there? Yep, if you dial it up. Is it versatile as it was designed to be? Yep, I'm still discovering all the voices I can coax out of it. Do I feel like I'm playing a Tele? Nope, not at all, feels like a PRS. Does it get better every time I pick it up? I'm a happy man.
Glad to hear the move went well for y'all. I would like to hear a more in-depth review of the PRS tele when you get your hands on one. Also, I would like to hear your thoughts about the G&L tele vs the Fenders. Other channels have done something similar, but I would value your opinion as well.
I put a 5-way switch on my Telecaster, but I don't have humbuckers in it, just standard Tele pickups. So the switch is there to get some series/parallel/parallel-out-of-phase action between the pickups. I'm not certain, but I'm guessing the switch in the Miles has more to do with coil splitting/tapping.
@@StupidGuitar Thanks. That's kind of what I figured. Probably a good thing since a Tele style guitar should have some single coil option. I don't know if you saw Rhett Shull's video on the NF 53, but it was pretty much the opposite of Robert's review. Kind of funny, but I guess different players have different priorities.
@@DDWyss yeah was shocked Rhett liked a PRS lol but it does show there’s a reason to get both versions. I’ve been waffling back and forth on which one is most interesting but it doesn’t matter anyway as no one locally has them avail to try side by side
It’s not a Tele copy/clone/competitor. It’s a PRS that has borrowed two stylistic elements of a Tele. Judge it for what it is. If it had Tele style pickups, it’d be a fair compare/contrast; then I’d join in the roasting. The new Ford Bronco is not a Jeep, it just has some similar styling elements. There are enough differences that you’d not get confused nor say that Ford was making a Jeep.
For what it's worth, I believe that Jimmy Page's Telecaster was a top loader. I don't have personal experience testing them side by side but supposedly there isn't much difference between sustain on top loader versus through body. I love the color of that Tele you were playing Robert, rock on!
Chris Buck had a video about just this. I think he was playing the Jimmy Page Tele that allowed for both. I can’t for the life of me remember if there was any noticeable difference. Which means there probably wasn’t.
American pro 2 has top and through. I do feel like I notice difference in string tension, but not sustain or tone. I’ve been experimenting with them. It’s at least kind of fun in that regard. At the moment I have heavies top loaded and light strings through. It’s only noticeable when I focus on it, but I feel it’s also possible that it might be in my head. Not sure I would be able to tell if blindfolded.
They reused the s2 vela's bridge on them. the cost is high for what you're getting imo. Wonder if its to try recoup developing the mass market tooling for the narrow field bobbins.
Totally agree. I’m not sure prs was trying to replace a Tele. I hope so because I believe the Tele is near perfect and certainly can’t justify the price point. I have to say that I’m not a fan of maple necks. That is a deal breaker in itself.
I'm a Gibson guy and I own and love my Esquire. I might be the get off my lawn guy but I'll stick to the classics!! I hope your loving Nashville. Keep up the great work and keep em coming🎸🎸👍
From Leo: Interesting guitar. Part of the "Filtertron" sound is due to the narrower magnetic field. When not EQ'ed for rock, do they have the Filtertron sounds? I am interested, but will probably wait for the SE version, or at least the S2 version.
Don't think prs wanted make something to replace a telecaster with so many others out there, it looks like a telecaster but different from any other telecaster like guitar out there.
To be honest I'm still drawn to the vela. I kinda wish they put more into that model, pick up configurations and such. I think it could do "tele" too, if equipped right, without looking like a tele but hey, i guess this gets more attention. Anyways good video!
It's weird that I don't associate the guitar with a usual Tele tone because I've been seeing Myles Kennedy play hard rock/metal with his for a couple of years.
I've always been a fan of the Telecaster Deluxe (H-H) and I'm almost dying to test these beauties lol I guess this is more comparable to the Deluxe than to the regular one (which is what I've seen most people compare it to).
If you're gonna get the Myles Kennedy PRS for testing, it would be amazing if you would also get hotrail pickups for telecaster and compare. From the videos i've seen, the MK pickups sound super close, and if they're really that similar, it doesn't seem like it would be worth getting a PRS tele, especially for that price, and especially when you would be stuck with NF pickups
I think they are interesting guitars, but WAY outta my price range!! Maybe if they come out with a SE version I'll give them another look. I really love my PRS SE Zach Myers model, which I found surprising since I really don't like Les Paul style guitars. I own 5 Teles and another 3 Tele style setup guitars so it was a bit shocking when I picked up the PRS and instantly loved it! I've always thought a guitar has to first catch your eye, that makes you pick it up, then it has feel right in your hands, to keep you wanting to play it. After that everything else can be tinkered with, like swapping pickups, tuners, bridge to make more yours.
The Zach Myers is special. It probably has my favorite neck other than my core '07 tremonti. The Myers, Holcomb, and Hollowbody II SE's really are the creme of the crop when it comes to the PRS imports and really shows the companies commitment to bringing excellence to the entirety of their lineup. I own 2 American PRS and 2 older SE's and I can say the newer SE artist models really closed the gaps between the lines. The improvements PRS has made to their import lineup is beyond impressive.
Interesting stuff - I've seen others say they'd prefer the NF53 over the MylesK for the exact contrasting reasons to you - well done PRS for having two complementary options! I've afraid I'm struggling to get past the price, though. An SE version would maybe make me think twice about a Mexican Tele. I like that they're "not Teles", in contrast to the Silver Sky being "just a strat".
The thing I dislike most about PRS is the Headstock looks so pointy and kinda Metal...and does not look well with any Fender Body Shape.... wish they have an alternative Headstock as their Guitars are pretty good
If a company wants me to give them 3K for a guitar but doesn't think enough of me or my hard-earned money to give me a proper hard case to protect my investment,.. I consider that a direct and personal insult. Period.
Anything beyond the saddles and the nut isn’t going to effect the way the guitar sounds. Top loading vs string through is purely a feel thing, and the headstock is pretty much just cosmetic. I’m surprised that you talked about the lack of an ash tray and didn’t talk about the lack of an angled pickup. If anything would change how the guitar sounds it’s where and how the pickups are placed. I think it’s fundamentally un-tele to have a bridge pickup with no angle to it.
They must have done something right because everyone seems to love either the Myles Kennedy or the NF53 (Robert, your thumbnail pic is of the MK and your note says not a fan when you actually like that one).
Appreciate the honesty... I can't wait to try them out for myself (just to form my own opinion), but I absolutely respect a direct conversation about things that's more than a series of reductive "ALL GOOD" or "ALL BAD" statements.
I think they look awesome, and I trust the brand, but it'll be awhile before I get another guitar. I've realized I got too many guitars, an opinion I'll likely change by the turn of the year as usual. If I do get a tele in my collection though, it'll be competing with Reverend and LTD.
I'm a PRS fan, and own a US Silver Sky. I also am a huge Tele fan, and own 5 including a Custom Shop Broadcaster. The NF53 just doesn't hit for me at all. I'm sure it's a very high quality build, but it isn't a Tele and if I want that sound I grab a Tele. With the Silver Sky it was based on JM's Strat with slight changes. The Silver Sky felt like a custom shop strat for less money with PRS build quality. It took me a while to get there but when I actually tried it I loved it. With the NF53 I don't expect to ever own one. It's not hard to find a very good Tele, even custom shops around this price. I wish PRS would have spent time updating the CE line then trying to revamp a guitar that has been perfect since it's original incarnation as the Broadcaster in 1950. Right now I'm a hard pass.
I guess the other thing is that Leo was just throwing ideas at the wall when he invented one of the most famous guitars of all time. As Jimi with the Strat, players made the guitar. Fender just built them. PRS are making these for players. What happens next will be up to them.
That couldn't be further from the truth. Leo extensively field tested his designs with working musicians and changed them based on their input. I suggest reading The Sound Heard Around the World, which gives a detailed history of the development of Fender instruments. Leo threw nothing at a wall.
Paul wanted to create a T-style guitar with his own twists. I like the NF pickups. Maybe you should ask Paul to send you an NF 53 so you can play it for a while, it is a nice guitar, not a replacement for a Tele, but its own style. The idea was to make a non-standard T-style, too many others make as close to Tele as possible.
Im sure PRS could make you a tele that you couldn't tell apart from your Fenders, BUT WHO THE HELL WANTS THAT? The cool thing about cool guitars is that they're different from other cool guitars! If all cool guitars were the same, there would only be one cool guitar. But luckily, they're all SUPPOSED to be different, that way you can have a bunch of cool guitars. People need to stop projecting what they think these guitars should be and just decide weather they like em or not. Why should it be more like a Tele if we already have a Tele?
I have posted on other videos that the PRS is not a replacement for a traditional Tele which I still believe. But I'm more rock than country and when I heard you play the PRS I really liked the sound you were getting.
I think the price is going to hurt them on this, you can get a lot of Tele for $3 grand, and there’s nothing that screams it should cost more than an S2 guitar, it’s bolt on neck with no fancy carves, so there’s nothing there to boost the value that high
I think the price is coming in a little too high. Somewhere around $2000 feels better. Especially for the more simplified nature of a tele. Working man's guitar really needs to come in at a working man's price.
i'm sure they are awesome but i dont think its for me. something LOOKS weird about it to me. i'm not sure maybe its the pickguard?? i also don't LOVE the colors available. i don't like the signature PRS cutaway scoop. but im SURE they rule.
Really want one, but just bought a PRS a month and a half ago (never selling this one, love it!!) Gonna have to save up for one. Kinda annoyed that a guitar at a $3,000 price point says "here's a soft gig bag" and no locking tuners. Not really hot on that 2 saddle bridge, but maybe won't be a problem. Every video playing these makes it sound great! It's more like a PRS sounding tele that's still missing the full bridge PUP twang a real tele has. But it gets close enough with more spank than other PRS models. I still have two good kidneys. Maybe sell one? Lol
I think they did a fantastic job on the NF53. It's the only PRS I could see myself buying(After I get a CS Custom Tele). The pickups are very Barden-esq. Great cleans and they howl with overdrive.
I picked up a used Tele years ago. It was in ROUGH shape, the lipstick had split among other things. Come to find out the guitar was made in 58. I took it to Maple Street and let them work it over. Its a keeper.
To add another opinion I would say I think I agree with you. First off let’s take the price out of the conversation because either you can afford it or you can’t. If you can’t then everything else is irrelevant. If you want the Tele sound then it is simple, buy a Tele. Otherwise, does either of the new guitars offer a sound that “you” like. If so, they are probably great guitars. I have seen two videos that make the new guitars sound fantastic but most of the others do not make me desire the guitars to replace the sound of a SG, LP, or Strat. What I like about PRS guitars is that they have a different shape and the graphics are absolutely stunning. I get that they made the Silver Sky because of John Mayer and it needed to copy a Strat. But if you are going to mimic a Tele then it actually needs to sound like one for a musician to replace their Tele. Without the classic Tele sound then I wouldn’t choose it over other PRS guitars. Just an opinion. I love the sound that Myles Kennedy and Mark Tremonti get with their other PRS guitars.
For me, Telecasters are very polarizing, you either love them or you hate them, very few guitarists in between. It's a very country sound no matter what you do with it and you either like it or not. PRS will obviously make their version of every iconic guitar as that's what companies do and there will always be people hating on that. I own a tele copy as well as a couple of 335 models and a strat. My PRS custom 24 is a step above all of them, the build quality on Fenders in the last 15 has dropped thru the floor, and you will struggle to find a guitar in the £1000-£2000 price range that beats PRS build quality and customer service. I am in the second camp most of the time when it comes to Teles so I wont be getting the PRS version, but I am very happy to see a genuine Tele fan open to playing the PRS without just loyally trashing it, great job dude!!🤘
other than the shape, why the F does everyone keep doing a true side-by-side comparison since PRS is NOT trying to make a Tele! It is it's own thing with it's own feel and own sound. There are tons of T-style guitars out there that play and sound different from Teles, why not one more? Give Paul some credit. duh! The guy's actually pretty bright.
I like that they made something different from a standard tele as there are so many traditional t-styles already. BUT, the Myles Kennedy being a signature model which usually holds value better, having the cool switching options, and better colors is the way better option being the same price point. Anyone wanting a traditional tele won’t get either PRS model, and someone wanting something more modern and different will probably get the Myles Kennedy…so not sure who the NF model is marketed towards.
First off… I am a HUGE PRS fan! I own pretty much one of every style that they’ve put out-until now! That being said, you liked the PRS, but you didn’t feel like it would “Replace” a tele in your arsenal. How do you feel about the Silver Sky? Could that replace a Strat in your arsenal? Just curious. I was fortunate enough to snag one of the first 500 Silver Skies, so I got the custom case with it. (Just an added bonus!). To me, it plays better than any Strat that I’ve ever played, without weighing nearly as much.
I rejoice the birth of another new voice into this world, this old world we travel through so quickly. All the tones old and new, all the colours, talents, challenges and shortcomings of each one as their creations take wing and perhaps raise our sight, perhaps here that one note with a certain sound to guide a life from sad to glad. Welcome to another new voice. Sing long with all your soul.
I love PRS guitars! The 2 Tele style guitars are not for me though. I've got a Telecasters MIM thin line. I prefer the way mine sounds, it's got a bigger neck with at the nut ( 42mm or more for me), it sounds like actual single coil pickups & it's signed by one of my favourite guitar players, Ian Thornley of Big Wreck. I love "Alter Bridge" & Myles Kennedy but if I could afford it, I'd go for the Tremonti signature PRS.
I tried the NF 53. Bigger neck but comfortable to be play. To me it's a fuller sounding tele. I agree if your a tele player it won't replace your tele but woukd be a 2nd type of tele instrument. But if you feel the tele is too ice picky, thin, and or you don't care for their front pickup, but this guitar could be for you.
It’s nice to see a new player in the tele game. I wouldn’t pay 2800 for one but maybe a used S2 or SE if it ever gets that far. But for 2800 I’d get an actual vintage fender.
I guess it's all a matter of preference. I don't think any Fender would do what this does and not that Fenders are poorly made but I tend to trust the craftsmanship of PRS more lately.
Yeah I agree definitely more interested in trying the Myles Kennedy model. More unique and for me if I’m going for PRS, it’s because I want something a bit different.
I have a PRS S2 Vela and a CE-24 which are both excellent guitars. I expected the NF53 to be in the Vela price range and it is nearly double the price. I just bought a Vola Vasti V3 MC that I feel is perfect ! Made in Japan T-style with superb craftsmanship & GoToh hardware for less than $1k. It is the clear winner IMHO.
Funny how there are 1000 videos/threads about how PRS is copying Strats and Teles. There are hundred other boutiquey builders out there that make almost exact copies. I don’t hear all the pissing and moaning about those. PRS does a guitar in the “style” of one of the vintage instruments and internet boards and comments blow up. Tele’s, which I dig, (own a couple) are the most basic electric guitar you can make. Well, close. I guess if it had one pickup and no cutaway, that would be the most basic. But, that is it. Rectangle slab. Round off corners. Cut out a place to access higher frets (only on one side) and a slap a neck on it. Thinking about it…what would a double cut Tele look like?
Thanks for being honest about this. I would say that your opinion about this guitar and alternatively Rhett's opinion about it are the two I really look to. Rhett doesn't like PRS guitars in general and he likes the NF3 a lot. You seem to like traditional PRS guitars but you are not a fan of the NF3. What does that tell me? If someone loves PRS guitars, this guitar (and maybe the silver sky) feel inauthentic to them. But if someone DOESN'T like traditional PRS design, this appeals to them a great deal. All in all, PRS has done well to bring some people over to their brand with the NF and SS guitars, but hopefully not at the expense of lovers of their standard model. I personally am not concerned with PRS in general. They are good and beautiful instruments, but I tend to like other stuff more. Great video, bro!
Points I agree with: - too expensive, the working musicians will have to wait for the se version, not to mentions that other PRS in the S series have similar specs and same overall quality for a grand less - It's cool that they stepped away significally from teles in order to do something tele-ish but with PRS stamp on it. - These PRS tele style bridge are better for intonations, I would argue that they could have gone even futher by having individual saddles for each strings so there would be no compromises in intonation due to shared saddles. Point I disagree with: - those factors you listed that are "crucial" for the tele sounds aren't that crucial actually in my opinion, there's no evidence that the strings going through the body adds more sustain or that the ashtray has any significant impact. The traditional tele pickups are just different from strats and other single coils, that's what really set the tele apart along side with the fact that it's hardtail so it's good double-stop bending country licks.
I just don't know what effect the bridge plate, the inline six, and the string-thru have. I do know that PRS tried variations of each thing and went with whatever they liked best, because they always do the research. I guess bottom line would be go to a store that has both, or bring your tele to the PRS store, and see what works for you.
Welcome back, hope things in Nashville and in general just keep getting better and better for you guys. I enjoyed this video and expect you’re probably bang on with your take on the PRS Tele.
It's a nice looking/sounding guitar. However, I just do not like the PRS headstock. It's the same for the Silver Sky to me. I just think this is a different guitar that happens to have a similar shape to a Telecaster, and I wouldn't compare the two. I'd still rather get a Squier thinline with the block inlay neck and swap out actual CuNiFe pickups in it (making it about a $950 guitar, still cheaper than the $2500 Fender version and whatever abomination that PRS is).
The guitar is ugly and looks like a bunch of random stuff thrown together. I wish people werent so worried about just saying they dont like a piece of gear. Not every piece of gear is going to appeal to everyone. This new PRS looks even worse than the Silver Sky.
Groovy take. Thanks. A few months ago I pared down my guitar collection to essentials, particularly a fairly worn 2008 PRS Mira I immediately took to, and a CiJ '62RI Tele. (Also an acoustic and Strat). As much as I love the Mira and Tele, I'm not too interested in the NF 53 but may change my mind after trying one, as I did after playing the Mira. Also, the price on the NF 53 is tough given how many boutique Teles and variations are out there (I'd really like to try a Larrivee Baker-T). Now if PRS does a close take on the ES-335 for a non-stratospheric price, my finances may take a hit.
Thanks for the honesty Robert. I still have not seen a video of these new PRS teles that have impressed me. I firmly believe the Eart TL-380 blows these PRS teles out of the water
Robert with peace and love your video is showing the Myles version as you talk about the NF 53…reason I know is the pickups are definitely different than the Myles model…I have a Myles model on order and have memorized the specs…ha ha…LOVE your channel and your kind and positive approach…not trying to be critical trying to help.
My take on it''' I think it looks like a Parts Guitar with a PRS neck & some sort of import type body. I see nothing to compare it to. However prepare to go limp when you see the sticker shock price they want for this thing. Hell you could buy 2 American Tele,s & have $$$ left over. Anyway, keep it coming Robert, your channel & content is allways first class. Cheers.
I don't dig the price, especially for the specs. To me the Vela feels more like a take on a tele, albeit a different shape. The vela though, has an s2 version for under 2k... I'm sorry I'm not interested in most any guitar that costs essentially 3k
Dude legit I was all excited but then they kinda sound weird and not so tele ish plus the connected saddles I kinda don't like but its a start for prs maybe they mess with it and add some other options maybe some cheaper se options I dont hate the look but maybe some different pickups like some p rails or something
Yeah when i first saw this I was just blown away with all the specs and construction, as I’ve been waiting so long for the PRS “T” style, however, in the end, I’ve decided not to order one, as it still doesn’t add up to the “perfect” guitar to me.
just from the videos ive seen i like the NF53 a lot more because it sounds less like a harsh single coily guitar, but it still looks like it plays and sounds tele-ish would love to try it but doubt i ever will get to lol
Alright gang .... what do you think?
The new space looks great. So happy for you guys. Now get comfy and start bangin' out that sweet sweet content.
Another copy by Paul … no thanks
The string tree on a 'regular' tele breaks the string tension at that specific point, which isn't so different to a 3x3 headstock, and so does away with the argument that there's 'extra' string going to the machine head post.
The 'snap' we think of when teles are in mind is due far more to the pickups (scientifically speaking).
They're the only guitars to utilise their specific pups, combined with the (ever so slightly) longer scale length than some other guitars, and it's how the pickups TRANSLATE the vibration of the string under tension between the NUT and BRIDGE.
Any factor outside of those boundaries becomes irrelevant.
If the bridgeplate is firmly secured to the body, then the two items effectively become one.
If you've screamed about how tele bridgeplates are always slipping about while you're playing, string-through or not, then their exclusion should be welcome for you.
But they don't, as you well know.
I've put tele pups in 'non-teles', and lo and behold, even without a tele bridgeplate, those darn things made my knock-off strat sound JUST LIKE A TELE!
Shock-horror.
A LARGE part of what you think a tele is capable of is probably because you only play specific styles on a tele, because you've seen and heard other tele users and wanted to emulate their what they did on what you've got.
When you're not free to play every guitar under the sun, you get forced to modify how you play thanks to the breadth of tools available for the job.
You should try it some time.
Did you get a chance to talk to Rhett Shull about those two? He has the inverse opinion of yours, would love to hear you guys discuss :)
I know it’s perhaps superficial, but I just cannot accept that headstock-- especially on a somewhat more traditional shape of a Tele. It’s just hideous.
It’s funny because when the silver sky came out, most of the complaints went something like “it’s just a strat copy, they should’ve done their own take on it.” Now they’ve done their own take on the tele, and the things people are complaining about are all the things that aren’t exactly the same as a tele. They can’t win
Guitar boomers don’t like PRS cause they aren’t Fender or Gibson. Younger players on their budget Ibanez, Schecter, or Harley Benton don’t like them cause they can’t afford the American ones (although you should definitely check out S2 line guitars from PRS as you can usually get them for under $1,000 secondhand). You either become a PRS fan or find some sort of reason to hate them
They can win by sticking to their own thing. Not that the silver sky, or this bothers me.
That’s most people 😅 myself included. Pleasing everyone is impossible
@@joshbittner I consider PRS guitars to be well made and some look fantastic, but I don’t bond with them, they don’t work for what I do.
Maybe it’s the scale length or the radius or something else, but they don’t speak to me.
I don’t hate them and I don’t like them. If you like them cool.
PRS should do their own thing... Not copy others....
I've never bonded with a PRS. A few friends have them and they aren't for me. They sound good but I've never felt it if you know what I mean..
That was me for a long time, then I picked up an SE Custom 24 2 years ago. Just couldn’t put it down, had to buy it. Also wound up getting their little parlor sized acoustic too because it’s small, but doesn’t sound small. The SE line has really evolved to be on par with other brands made overseas, if not better than some. (had a Fender Mexico Tele that just was not good.)
I've played a lot of PRS. Only bonded with the silver sky.
Better quality. Better quality control. Better attention to detail. Outstanding pickups that are quiet. But we're not happy it's not an old Chevy Nova.
I’d hold off for the SE version because, well $2899 is out of most people’s budget, and I’m hoping they’ll do a 6 saddle bridge, not a 2 saddle one!)
Well RB, I've debated things on both sides of the fence when talking about PRS. For the N(ot) F(ender) (19)53, I never heard anyone from PRS say it was supposed to look/sound/feel like a Telecaster. I never saw anything in print from them saying anything at all about anything Telecaster. Most bigger brands offer a flat top single cut, that is all they said this is. Pups, pots, switches, caps, wiring, neck shape, tuners, body shape/materials, all PRS. It's just people think it looks like a Tele. I agree with that to a point. Myles wanted a single cut flat top electric, and that is what they built, the rest to his spec's also. Then they made a more generic one. IMHO, they did a great job, it looks and sounds great! If you want a Tele, go buy a Tele. I'm quite sure that if Paul Smith wanted it to look and sound just like a Tele, he could do that for sure. Just MHO, Peace --gary
If PRS wanted to make an exact copy of a tele. They would. And it would sound just like a great tele. They clearly didn't want to do that. So they made something similar, but very much it's own thing. I'm interested in trying it.
It’s shocking so many don’t get this
I want one more than any other guitar in recent memory. I’ve been on the hunt for “not exactly a tele” for a couple years, and I think this may be it. Narrowfields have long been my favorite pickups.
Your points about the differences (ashtray bridge, in line tuners) are spot on how they affect tone and make the true T-style tone. I think if PRS wanted to make a Telecaster, they would have. Those NF pickups are lovely. Consider this as a great guitar for a 2 guitar band and they need to both cut through the mix. Think of it as a NF single cut guitar; a la '70s Les Paul with the mini-humbs; this one is brighter, but has the same affect when paired with hot humbuckers on a solid body electric.
Both of the new PRS Teles look/sound great to me. However, for that kind of dough, I'd buy one of their other models ;) BTW, thanks for the honest review-- so many others are just wetting themselves over these, and that's just annoying -- at best-- LOL!
Being a PRS owner, I would get the Myles version as an "addition", as you say. I don't need another Tele; not a single coil fan, I'm a humbucker guy, but this would be fun in the Myles version. It IS interesting how folks criticize PRS regardless. But they make amazing guitars and I have a few, but I still prefer my LP's (mostly!)!
Thanks for pointing out that they're surprisingly expensive. 2899 is really out of many players budget.
You mean just like the silver sky before the SE..... and almost every other prs model when it debuts. Crazy man who saw them doing the same thing they always fo woth new models .
@@patrickmcpartland1398 just because it's what they always do, doesn't mean I have to like it. The Silver sky was 2300 when it debuted, and now they're 2650. I know everything has gone up in price, but theres a reason so many Fender guitars have been on sale so often lately. The Silver Sky SE is 849$ because they were competing with the fender player, but the player guitars are on sale at Guitar Center and other sites so much you can easily get a new one for around 700. The price is still unreasonable at 2899 when I can get an S2 guitar for under 2k. Yeah, they always do this, and I think it's ridiculous.
I like the Myles one for the reasons mentioned in the video. I bought one the day it was announced. BTW this video is a honey pot for people who never owned a PRS but have a lot to say about them.
🗣️ ⚡🔥‼️
I've had the Myles Kennedy Sig model now for 2 days, natural finish. I was concerned I would end up with another Tele (although four is not enough) but to me it's so much more. Is the twangy there? Yep, if you dial it up. Is it versatile as it was designed to be? Yep, I'm still discovering all the voices I can coax out of it. Do I feel like I'm playing a Tele? Nope, not at all, feels like a PRS. Does it get better every time I pick it up? I'm a happy man.
They are both Great guitars The Myles for sure has that extra something special in it.
@@RobertBakerGuitar to you
Glad to hear the move went well for y'all. I would like to hear a more in-depth review of the PRS tele when you get your hands on one. Also, I would like to hear your thoughts about the G&L tele vs the Fenders. Other channels have done something similar, but I would value your opinion as well.
I put a 5-way switch on my Telecaster, but I don't have humbuckers in it, just standard Tele pickups. So the switch is there to get some series/parallel/parallel-out-of-phase action between the pickups. I'm not certain, but I'm guessing the switch in the Miles has more to do with coil splitting/tapping.
It splits to singles in some of the positions
@@StupidGuitar Thanks. That's kind of what I figured. Probably a good thing since a Tele style guitar should have some single coil option. I don't know if you saw Rhett Shull's video on the NF 53, but it was pretty much the opposite of Robert's review. Kind of funny, but I guess different players have different priorities.
@@DDWyss yeah was shocked Rhett liked a PRS lol but it does show there’s a reason to get both versions. I’ve been waffling back and forth on which one is most interesting but it doesn’t matter anyway as no one locally has them avail to try side by side
It’s not a Tele copy/clone/competitor.
It’s a PRS that has borrowed two stylistic elements of a Tele. Judge it for what it is. If it had Tele style pickups, it’d be a fair compare/contrast; then I’d join in the roasting.
The new Ford Bronco is not a Jeep, it just has some similar styling elements. There are enough differences that you’d not get confused nor say that Ford was making a Jeep.
For what it's worth, I believe that Jimmy Page's Telecaster was a top loader. I don't have personal experience testing them side by side but supposedly there isn't much difference between sustain on top loader versus through body.
I love the color of that Tele you were playing Robert, rock on!
Chris Buck had a video about just this. I think he was playing the Jimmy Page Tele that allowed for both. I can’t for the life of me remember if there was any noticeable difference. Which means there probably wasn’t.
Especially regarding sustain. The guitar notorious for sustain is the LP…. Which is a top loader….
American pro 2 has top and through. I do feel like I notice difference in string tension, but not sustain or tone.
I’ve been experimenting with them. It’s at least kind of fun in that regard.
At the moment I have heavies top loaded and light strings through.
It’s only noticeable when I focus on it, but I feel it’s also possible that it might be in my head.
Not sure I would be able to tell if blindfolded.
@@LiamShannon88 Cool, it can be hard to know sometimes when we are in our head or if we are actually feeling/hearing a difference.
Jim Campilongo also plays a top loader tele and he’s got incredible sound. I dont think that’s what’s stopping anyone from being a great player
Weirdly it’s the first PRS that Rhett Shull likes, precisely because it isn’t a Tele clone!
They reused the s2 vela's bridge on them.
the cost is high for what you're getting imo. Wonder if its to try recoup developing the mass market tooling for the narrow field bobbins.
Totally agree. I’m not sure prs was trying to replace a Tele. I hope so because I believe the Tele is near perfect and certainly can’t justify the price point. I have to say that I’m not a fan of maple necks. That is a deal breaker in itself.
I never will understand why PRS is trying to make fender guitars. Like, they have their own unique thing and they do it well.
$$$
That's a classic marketing strategy. If you want to earn some market share, attack the market leader.
Well when some of their biggest artist want them to…hard to argue with. Lol
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
The silver sky core model is the single best strat I've ever played. So I love them tbh
I'm a Gibson guy and I own and love my Esquire. I might be the get off my lawn guy but I'll stick to the classics!!
I hope your loving Nashville. Keep up the great work and keep em coming🎸🎸👍
Howdy there🤠🤠🤠
Howdy there partner and thank you very much
From Leo: Interesting guitar. Part of the "Filtertron" sound is due to the narrower magnetic field. When not EQ'ed for rock, do they have the Filtertron sounds? I am interested, but will probably wait for the SE version, or at least the S2 version.
Don't think prs wanted make something to replace a telecaster with so many others out there, it looks like a telecaster but different from any other telecaster like guitar out there.
To be honest I'm still drawn to the vela. I kinda wish they put more into that model, pick up configurations and such. I think it could do "tele" too, if equipped right, without looking like a tele but hey, i guess this gets more attention. Anyways good video!
Nah, the Vela doesn't do a Tele at all. The only thing it has in common with a Tele is brass barrel saddles.
It's weird that I don't associate the guitar with a usual Tele tone because I've been seeing Myles Kennedy play hard rock/metal with his for a couple of years.
Joe Strummer (RIP) from the Clash played a (really beat up) Tele.
I've always been a fan of the Telecaster Deluxe (H-H) and I'm almost dying to test these beauties lol I guess this is more comparable to the Deluxe than to the regular one (which is what I've seen most people compare it to).
If you're gonna get the Myles Kennedy PRS for testing, it would be amazing if you would also get hotrail pickups for telecaster and compare. From the videos i've seen, the MK pickups sound super close, and if they're really that similar, it doesn't seem like it would be worth getting a PRS tele, especially for that price, and especially when you would be stuck with NF pickups
Have you tried the Nele? Nuno's signature Washburn Tele-like guitar. I'm curious to see how that thing sounds and plays. I love my Tele.
I think they are interesting guitars, but WAY outta my price range!! Maybe if they come out with a SE version I'll give them another look. I really love my PRS SE Zach Myers model, which I found surprising since I really don't like Les Paul style guitars. I own 5 Teles and another 3 Tele style setup guitars so it was a bit shocking when I picked up the PRS and instantly loved it! I've always thought a guitar has to first catch your eye, that makes you pick it up, then it has feel right in your hands, to keep you wanting to play it. After that everything else can be tinkered with, like swapping pickups, tuners, bridge to make more yours.
The Zach Myers is special. It probably has my favorite neck other than my core '07 tremonti. The Myers, Holcomb, and Hollowbody II SE's really are the creme of the crop when it comes to the PRS imports and really shows the companies commitment to bringing excellence to the entirety of their lineup. I own 2 American PRS and 2 older SE's and I can say the newer SE artist models really closed the gaps between the lines. The improvements PRS has made to their import lineup is beyond impressive.
Same with me, I prefer string through body and the ashtray bridge. But I like that it's more hum friendly
Interesting stuff - I've seen others say they'd prefer the NF53 over the MylesK for the exact contrasting reasons to you - well done PRS for having two complementary options! I've afraid I'm struggling to get past the price, though. An SE version would maybe make me think twice about a Mexican Tele. I like that they're "not Teles", in contrast to the Silver Sky being "just a strat".
The thing I dislike most about PRS is the Headstock looks so pointy and kinda Metal...and does not look well with any Fender Body Shape.... wish they have an alternative Headstock as their Guitars are pretty good
If a company wants me to give them 3K for a guitar but doesn't think enough of me or my hard-earned money to give me a proper hard case to protect my investment,.. I consider that a direct and personal insult. Period.
Anything beyond the saddles and the nut isn’t going to effect the way the guitar sounds. Top loading vs string through is purely a feel thing, and the headstock is pretty much just cosmetic. I’m surprised that you talked about the lack of an ash tray and didn’t talk about the lack of an angled pickup. If anything would change how the guitar sounds it’s where and how the pickups are placed. I think it’s fundamentally un-tele to have a bridge pickup with no angle to it.
They must have done something right because everyone seems to love either the Myles Kennedy or the NF53 (Robert, your thumbnail pic is of the MK and your note says not a fan when you actually like that one).
Hey Robert, hope the move has gone well. If you couldn't play a Fender, what T-style guitar would you play?
Howdy
You da best
Starting with a tele made me think “bro really said no” 😂😂
Appreciate the honesty... I can't wait to try them out for myself (just to form my own opinion), but I absolutely respect a direct conversation about things that's more than a series of reductive "ALL GOOD" or "ALL BAD" statements.
I wish someone would compare the NF 53 to the Godin Stadium HT. The Stadium is $1098 at Sweetwater. Made in Canada.
I love the pups but it's way too expensive for what you get.
I think they look awesome, and I trust the brand, but it'll be awhile before I get another guitar. I've realized I got too many guitars, an opinion I'll likely change by the turn of the year as usual. If I do get a tele in my collection though, it'll be competing with Reverend and LTD.
Don't ever say that out loud...
I'm a PRS fan, and own a US Silver Sky. I also am a huge Tele fan, and own 5 including a Custom Shop Broadcaster. The NF53 just doesn't hit for me at all. I'm sure it's a very high quality build, but it isn't a Tele and if I want that sound I grab a Tele. With the Silver Sky it was based on JM's Strat with slight changes. The Silver Sky felt like a custom shop strat for less money with PRS build quality. It took me a while to get there but when I actually tried it I loved it. With the NF53 I don't expect to ever own one. It's not hard to find a very good Tele, even custom shops around this price. I wish PRS would have spent time updating the CE line then trying to revamp a guitar that has been perfect since it's original incarnation as the Broadcaster in 1950. Right now I'm a hard pass.
I guess the other thing is that Leo was just throwing ideas at the wall when he invented one of the most famous guitars of all time.
As Jimi with the Strat, players made the guitar. Fender just built them.
PRS are making these for players. What happens next will be up to them.
That couldn't be further from the truth. Leo extensively field tested his designs with working musicians and changed them based on their input. I suggest reading The Sound Heard Around the World, which gives a detailed history of the development of Fender instruments. Leo threw nothing at a wall.
Would you say that the PRS is missing some telements?
Paul wanted to create a T-style guitar with his own twists. I like the NF pickups. Maybe you should ask Paul to send you an NF 53 so you can play it for a while, it is a nice guitar, not a replacement for a Tele, but its own style. The idea was to make a non-standard T-style, too many others make as close to Tele as possible.
Im sure PRS could make you a tele that you couldn't tell apart from your Fenders, BUT WHO THE HELL WANTS THAT? The cool thing about cool guitars is that they're different from other cool guitars! If all cool guitars were the same, there would only be one cool guitar. But luckily, they're all SUPPOSED to be different, that way you can have a bunch of cool guitars. People need to stop projecting what they think these guitars should be and just decide weather they like em or not. Why should it be more like a Tele if we already have a Tele?
its a tele shaped guitar, it doesnt sound like tele its got humbuckers, its a nice guitar if you take it as it is, if you want a tele, get a tele
I have posted on other videos that the PRS is not a replacement for a traditional Tele which I still believe. But I'm more rock than country and when I heard you play the PRS I really liked the sound you were getting.
I think the price is going to hurt them on this, you can get a lot of Tele for $3 grand, and there’s nothing that screams it should cost more than an S2 guitar, it’s bolt on neck with no fancy carves, so there’s nothing there to boost the value that high
Thanks for the input. I've been thinking about buying either a Tele or the NF35. How is the family adjusting to the new place? Keep up the great work.
It has 2 pickups. What does the 5-way do?!
Which one is the NF3?
idk, I like the prs headstock on my custom 24, but not on a tele or a strat.
thanks!
I think the price is coming in a little too high. Somewhere around $2000 feels better. Especially for the more simplified nature of a tele. Working man's guitar really needs to come in at a working man's price.
i'm sure they are awesome but i dont think its for me. something LOOKS weird about it to me. i'm not sure maybe its the pickguard?? i also don't LOVE the colors available. i don't like the signature PRS cutaway scoop. but im SURE they rule.
Kudos for the Mercury Blues solo played by Brent Mason on Alan Jacksons’ version of the tune and I hope you are enjoying your new digs in Nashville.
Really want one, but just bought a PRS a month and a half ago (never selling this one, love it!!) Gonna have to save up for one.
Kinda annoyed that a guitar at a $3,000 price point says "here's a soft gig bag" and no locking tuners. Not really hot on that 2 saddle bridge, but maybe won't be a problem. Every video playing these makes it sound great! It's more like a PRS sounding tele that's still missing the full bridge PUP twang a real tele has. But it gets close enough with more spank than other PRS models.
I still have two good kidneys. Maybe sell one? Lol
I think they did a fantastic job on the NF53. It's the only PRS I could see myself buying(After I get a CS Custom Tele). The pickups are very Barden-esq. Great cleans and they howl with overdrive.
You're robbing yourself of some incredible guitars if that is the only PRS you'd buy... Just saying.
@@Lovell93 I just don’t connect with them. I’ve tried ~100 of them through the years and never felt it.
I picked up a used Tele years ago. It was in ROUGH shape, the lipstick had split among other things.
Come to find out the guitar was made in 58.
I took it to Maple Street and let them work it over.
Its a keeper.
To add another opinion I would say I think I agree with you. First off let’s take the price out of the conversation because either you can afford it or you can’t. If you can’t then everything else is irrelevant. If you want the Tele sound then it is simple, buy a Tele. Otherwise, does either of the new guitars offer a sound that “you” like. If so, they are probably great guitars. I have seen two videos that make the new guitars sound fantastic but most of the others do not make me desire the guitars to replace the sound of a SG, LP, or Strat. What I like about PRS guitars is that they have a different shape and the graphics are absolutely stunning. I get that they made the Silver Sky because of John Mayer and it needed to copy a Strat. But if you are going to mimic a Tele then it actually needs to sound like one for a musician to replace their Tele. Without the classic Tele sound then I wouldn’t choose it over other PRS guitars. Just an opinion. I love the sound that Myles Kennedy and Mark Tremonti get with their other PRS guitars.
I think the idea was to be an alternative rather than a copy.
For me, Telecasters are very polarizing, you either love them or you hate them, very few guitarists in between. It's a very country sound no matter what you do with it and you either like it or not. PRS will obviously make their version of every iconic guitar as that's what companies do and there will always be people hating on that. I own a tele copy as well as a couple of 335 models and a strat. My PRS custom 24 is a step above all of them, the build quality on Fenders in the last 15 has dropped thru the floor, and you will struggle to find a guitar in the £1000-£2000 price range that beats PRS build quality and customer service. I am in the second camp most of the time when it comes to Teles so I wont be getting the PRS version, but I am very happy to see a genuine Tele fan open to playing the PRS without just loyally trashing it, great job dude!!🤘
i ilke the ash tray also. i use a fender ashtry on my g&l.. i also like the 6 bars on the the asat.
other than the shape, why the F does everyone keep doing a true side-by-side comparison since PRS is NOT trying to make a Tele! It is it's own thing with it's own feel and own sound. There are tons of T-style guitars out there that play and sound different from Teles, why not one more? Give Paul some credit. duh! The guy's actually pretty bright.
I like that they made something different from a standard tele as there are so many traditional t-styles already. BUT, the Myles Kennedy being a signature model which usually holds value better, having the cool switching options, and better colors is the way better option being the same price point. Anyone wanting a traditional tele won’t get either PRS model, and someone wanting something more modern and different will probably get the Myles Kennedy…so not sure who the NF model is marketed towards.
First off… I am a HUGE PRS fan! I own pretty much one of every style that they’ve put out-until now! That being said, you liked the PRS, but you didn’t feel like it would “Replace” a tele in your arsenal. How do you feel about the Silver Sky? Could that replace a Strat in your arsenal? Just curious.
I was fortunate enough to snag one of the first 500 Silver Skies, so I got the custom case with it. (Just an added bonus!). To me, it plays better than any Strat that I’ve ever played, without weighing nearly as much.
I rejoice the birth of another new voice into this world, this old world we travel through so quickly.
All the tones old and new, all the colours, talents, challenges and shortcomings of each one as their creations take wing and perhaps raise our sight, perhaps here that one note with a certain sound to guide a life from sad to glad.
Welcome to another new voice. Sing long with all your soul.
The metal plate that you say gives it snap is a " baseplate " on the bottom of the pickup itself...not the bridge plate.
I love PRS guitars! The 2 Tele style guitars are not for me though. I've got a Telecasters MIM thin line. I prefer the way mine sounds, it's got a bigger neck with at the nut ( 42mm or more for me), it sounds like actual single coil pickups & it's signed by one of my favourite guitar players, Ian Thornley of Big Wreck. I love "Alter Bridge" & Myles Kennedy but if I could afford it, I'd go for the Tremonti signature PRS.
I've been Toploader Telecaster for years and I would say there is no difference in the sound
I tried the NF 53. Bigger neck but comfortable to be play. To me it's a fuller sounding tele. I agree if your a tele player it won't replace your tele but woukd be a 2nd type of tele instrument. But if you feel the tele is too ice picky, thin, and or you don't care for their front pickup, but this guitar could be for you.
It’s nice to see a new player in the tele game. I wouldn’t pay 2800 for one but maybe a used S2 or SE if it ever gets that far. But for 2800 I’d get an actual vintage fender.
I guess it's all a matter of preference. I don't think any Fender would do what this does and not that Fenders are poorly made but I tend to trust the craftsmanship of PRS more lately.
What's the scale length?
25.5
Yeah I agree definitely more interested in trying the Myles Kennedy model. More unique and for me if I’m going for PRS, it’s because I want something a bit different.
I have a PRS S2 Vela and a CE-24 which are both excellent guitars. I expected the NF53 to be in the Vela price range and it is nearly double the price. I just bought a Vola Vasti V3 MC that I feel is perfect ! Made in Japan T-style with superb craftsmanship & GoToh hardware for less than $1k. It is the clear winner IMHO.
Is it too soon to wish for an affordable SE version? 😊
Les Pauls are top loaders and sustain pretty good.
Funny how there are 1000 videos/threads about how PRS is copying Strats and Teles. There are hundred other boutiquey builders out there that make almost exact copies. I don’t hear all the pissing and moaning about those. PRS does a guitar in the “style” of one of the vintage instruments and internet boards and comments blow up. Tele’s, which I dig, (own a couple) are the most basic electric guitar you can make. Well, close. I guess if it had one pickup and no cutaway, that would be the most basic. But, that is it. Rectangle slab. Round off corners. Cut out a place to access higher frets (only on one side) and a slap a neck on it. Thinking about it…what would a double cut Tele look like?
Thanks for being honest about this. I would say that your opinion about this guitar and alternatively Rhett's opinion about it are the two I really look to. Rhett doesn't like PRS guitars in general and he likes the NF3 a lot. You seem to like traditional PRS guitars but you are not a fan of the NF3. What does that tell me? If someone loves PRS guitars, this guitar (and maybe the silver sky) feel inauthentic to them. But if someone DOESN'T like traditional PRS design, this appeals to them a great deal. All in all, PRS has done well to bring some people over to their brand with the NF and SS guitars, but hopefully not at the expense of lovers of their standard model. I personally am not concerned with PRS in general. They are good and beautiful instruments, but I tend to like other stuff more. Great video, bro!
I’d watch other reviews. That’s the problem with taking extremes. Others feel like these very much feel like PRS guitars.
Points I agree with:
- too expensive, the working musicians will have to wait for the se version, not to mentions that other PRS in the S series have similar specs and same overall quality for a grand less
- It's cool that they stepped away significally from teles in order to do something tele-ish but with PRS stamp on it.
- These PRS tele style bridge are better for intonations, I would argue that they could have gone even futher by having individual saddles for each strings so there would be no compromises in intonation due to shared saddles.
Point I disagree with:
- those factors you listed that are "crucial" for the tele sounds aren't that crucial actually in my opinion, there's no evidence that the strings going through the body adds more sustain or that the ashtray has any significant impact. The traditional tele pickups are just different from strats and other single coils, that's what really set the tele apart along side with the fact that it's hardtail so it's good double-stop bending country licks.
PRS make some beautiful guitars. The NF 53 isn't one of them, though. Really ugly.
I just don't know what effect the bridge plate, the inline six, and the string-thru have.
I do know that PRS tried variations of each thing and went with whatever they liked best, because they always do the research.
I guess bottom line would be go to a store that has both, or bring your tele to the PRS store, and see what works for you.
I'm going to pass. I will take a telecaster
Welcome back, hope things in Nashville and in general just keep getting better and better for you guys. I enjoyed this video and expect you’re probably bang on with your take on the PRS Tele.
It's a nice looking/sounding guitar. However, I just do not like the PRS headstock. It's the same for the Silver Sky to me. I just think this is a different guitar that happens to have a similar shape to a Telecaster, and I wouldn't compare the two. I'd still rather get a Squier thinline with the block inlay neck and swap out actual CuNiFe pickups in it (making it about a $950 guitar, still cheaper than the $2500 Fender version and whatever abomination that PRS is).
The guitar is ugly and looks like a bunch of random stuff thrown together. I wish people werent so worried about just saying they dont like a piece of gear. Not every piece of gear is going to appeal to everyone. This new PRS looks even worse than the Silver Sky.
Groovy take. Thanks. A few months ago I pared down my guitar collection to essentials, particularly a fairly worn 2008 PRS Mira I immediately took to, and a CiJ '62RI Tele. (Also an acoustic and Strat). As much as I love the Mira and Tele, I'm not too interested in the NF 53 but may change my mind after trying one, as I did after playing the Mira. Also, the price on the NF 53 is tough given how many boutique Teles and variations are out there (I'd really like to try a Larrivee Baker-T). Now if PRS does a close take on the ES-335 for a non-stratospheric price, my finances may take a hit.
Thanks for the honesty Robert. I still have not seen a video of these new PRS teles that have impressed me. I firmly believe the Eart TL-380 blows these PRS teles out of the water
Robert with peace and love your video is showing the Myles version as you talk about the NF 53…reason I know is the pickups are definitely different than the Myles model…I have a Myles model on order and have memorized the specs…ha ha…LOVE your channel and your kind and positive approach…not trying to be critical trying to help.
The reason it’s different is because it’s different. I think that’s the point?
My take on it''' I think it looks like a Parts Guitar with a PRS neck & some sort of import type body. I see nothing to compare it to. However prepare to go limp when you see the sticker shock price they want for this thing. Hell you could buy 2 American Tele,s & have $$$ left over. Anyway, keep it coming Robert, your channel & content is allways first class. Cheers.
I don't dig the price, especially for the specs. To me the Vela feels more like a take on a tele, albeit a different shape. The vela though, has an s2 version for under 2k... I'm sorry I'm not interested in most any guitar that costs essentially 3k
Dude legit I was all excited but then they kinda sound weird and not so tele ish plus the connected saddles I kinda don't like but its a start for prs maybe they mess with it and add some other options maybe some cheaper se options I dont hate the look but maybe some different pickups like some p rails or something
Yeah when i first saw this I was just blown away with all the specs and construction, as I’ve been waiting so long for the PRS “T” style, however, in the end, I’ve decided not to order one, as it still doesn’t add up to the “perfect” guitar to me.
just from the videos ive seen i like the NF53 a lot more because it sounds less like a harsh single coily guitar, but it still looks like it plays and sounds tele-ish
would love to try it but doubt i ever will get to lol
Me either. I would like to play the other one though!!!!!!