I played 50 SILVER SKY SE's and bought my favorite | PRS guitar REVIEW
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- Опубликовано: 11 фев 2025
- #prsguitars #silversky #guitardemo
Here's an depth review of the PRS Silver SKY SE maple fingerboard guitar. I picked my favorite after comparing 50 of them at Brian's Guitars. In this video I share sound samples, explain why I chose the one I did, and my top 5 reflections after playing so examples of this guitar. If you are in the market for an S-type guitar under $1,000, then I hope this video helps showcase what the PRS Silver SKY SE has to offer.
Happy to answer any of your questions in the comments below!
Rock on!
-Johnny Z
This is honestly the best guitar review I’ve ever seen. Amazing job.
Wow - thanks, Paul - it means a lot!
Fully agree!! Wow 💥🚀
Agreed!!!!
is that so
Great hair will do that to ya. Don’t be tricked.
That entire section of playing starting at 12:19… dude, WHAT. That’s insanely good stuff! Came to the channel for the 594 vs. DGT video, stayed for everything else. Keep up the good work!
Thank you and will do! So glad to know you enjoyed that section. That’s my favorite way to play.
Your breakdown of the experience, what the guitar can do and the cinematic coverage you provide are amazing!
Theres no way you can play any guitar and make it sound bad, your sound is your and that’s amazing in its self, the way you put it all together with any guitar is pure talent, love listening to you play make me want to play better and play more, thanks for your inspiration, looking forward to my sound
Wow - thank you for the kind words, Fred! That is what I love to hear because at the end of that day the most important thing to me is feeling inspired and playing! Also, totally agree that technique, style, etc. holds the most weight on whether something sounds good at the end of the day.
A comprehensive and thorough review….. stunning playing and production. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Mark! I appreciate the kind words!
Best review I've seen on this guitar. Very sweet melodic playing !
Thank you!
I have to admit that this was the first time I have ever liked the bridge and in between sounds on a Strat with 3 single coils. You really brought some beautiful tones out of that guitar and your songs and solos were interesting and engaging. Great job!
Thanks for the kind words! Same here - I love all 5 positions!
Beautiful playing! PRS has done an amazing job with the Silver sky Core and SE. I personally own the Core model.
Thank you, Trevorr! I totally agree. I'd love to find a black core model someday.
I’d like to have that color shifting special edition they did. Nova or something like that.
@@TeensierPythonnebula - hope you got the guitar you wanted! The Nebula is beautiful. I have a moon white se silver sky and love it.
@@ICee712 ended up with a beautiful blue burst McCarty S2. No regrets. Great sounding and really pretty.
this is exactly what Ive been looking for. exploring tones for real plays with effects, instead of john mayer's songs. thanks man
Glad to know, Jason! Thanks for the comment!
Most important thing is that you love it, then that translates to all us listeners. Certainly sounded and looks like you love that combination of gear together. Got my subscribe when you introduced me to your stereo amp set up. You obviously have a good palate. Winning!!!
Thanks, Josh! Well said! Loving this combo for sure. Glad it translated!
Jonny not only is your playing amazing but the content and production of your videos are always spell bounding. I've got a PRS Silver Sky se and love it. Your videos inspire me. Keep them coming, loads of respect from 🇬🇧🎸🤘🏻
Thank you as always - much appreciated! Do you have the RW or Maple SE? I’d like to find a RW in black. Such a satisfying guitar and really didn’t expect to connect with it as strongly as I have. Cheers!
@@RatherBeRiffing You're welcome, I have a RW in Moon White (Yellow to you and me 🤣) . . . I bought it a year ago before the new maple one's came out.
I'd love a Grey and Maple or Black and maple. I'm hoping PRS do an SE range in the new Myles Kennedy T style NF 53. The White Doghair one is beautiful! 🙌🏻
@@ghostierockstar Nice! That Myles model in dog hair looks great - an SE version would be hard to resist! 🙌
Great review! Your playing dynamic with the commentary really made the "whole package" of what the guitar can offer really made the value tangible. I had already made up my mind on the SE Silver Sky and excited for when it arrives sometime later tomorrow, but this was an additional confirmation that I made the right choice.
Thank you! That’s exciting. Let me know what you think when it arrives!
Best Siver Sky review on RUclips. Great playing and what a beautiful sound.
Thank you, David!
I always enjoy your videos. Keep them coming. You have the gift. The sounds you produce are a pleasure to listen to. Thank you.
My pleasure and glad to know, David - much appreciated!
One of the best reviews I’ve seen, especially on this guitar - very helpful to hear how versatile it is!
Thank you! Glad it was helpful!
@@RatherBeRiffing toward the end of the video, around the 10 min. mark - what were you playing through to get that tone? Sounds great!!
@@lisahardt2812 Thank you! Berkos Fx Third Stone Fuzz.
Stunning tone. Great channel
Thanks so much - it means a lot!
At last - an honest, genuine and buyer friendly channel !
New subscriber ! Thank you !
My pleasure! Thanks for the feedback and sub!
Very interesting, at 15:47 you mention the potential "Keeper" sounded a little more compressed. I've an old 2001 Fender Designer Edition that has a full 3/4" Quilt Maple cap on a Alder body, I've kept that guitar because it also has an identifiable compressed quality, something a bit different from my Ash Strat.
Really enjoyed you explaining your process as well as the playing and great Editing, Thank You.
LOL, playing 50 different guitars that are mostly the same is real dedication. (for yourself AND Rose)
You can't really go wrong with a PRS, even an SE.
Sounds great and Thank You for this content.
My pleasure and thanks for the kind words and comments! Interesting that you’ve noticed and that compressed characteristic as well. Some don’t like that, but I play with a very light touch so it works for me. Great point about dedication! I like that positive framing! 😄. Take care!
Great video as always, Johnny! I noticed you didn't have a beer at the beginning, so I'll have to have one for both of us. 😁 Going with the Voodoo Ranger Fruit Force IPA. 🍻
Haha! I appreciate that - cheers! 😀. Sound like a good one. I did my most of my filming in the a.m. so next time!
What a great review. You demonstrated in multiple styles with multiple tones, clear and concise breakdowns, and with a great tone. I’ll have to play a silver sky soon to see how it hangs with my partcaster.
Thanks for the kind words as always! Let me know what you thin! I really like the SS recipe.
Sounds so fantastic my Dear Friend!! Beautiful performance of yours!! Awesome reviews as well!!
Love and respect Kyle!! 😊🥁🇵🇭
Thanks as always! Much appreciated! 🙏 😄
I’ve been playing squiers and epiphones for years. Just got this guitar in the mail today and I’m absolutely blown away. Crazy how big of a difference a couple of hindered bucks can make when it comes to quality
Glad to hear your happy with it!
Was searching for information about the silver sky s, and fell into this video...
Perfect playing, brother! Very inspiring... thank you!
Thank you!
Great video. Thank you for your review. I was able to pick up one in perfect condition for $600 used. I upgraded to the PRS locking tuners from the core model for $100. $700 total and the guitar plays great and stays in tune really well with much easier string changes
Congrats - great find! Enjoy!
I discovered this jumping here and there. Great playing and great sounds.
Thanks for the kind words!
Hands down the best guitar review I've ever seen....and I've been watching gear reviews for years and years. Subbed, Liked and can't wait for more. Great job man!
Wow, thanks!
Thanks Johnathan, I think your playing is exemplary and I liked your comments about the pickups and their distinctive quality 1 through 5 of the selectors. I bought my PRS Silver Sky SE rosewood, dragon fruit colour yesterday here in Perth WA Australia and it’s truly a knockout guitar. You confirmed I made the right choice and wish I could make it sing like you did yours.
Cheers from ‘Downunder’!
Thank you I for the kind words, Kevin! Glad to know you enjoyed the video and your new SS SE. I hope you play the heck out it! Cheers!
Content presents extremely well! Great playing, as always😉
Thank you as always!
Beautiful playing, amazing tone! Love your videos Jonathan!
Thank you, Steven! Much appreciated!
Great playing, great review. I have the evergreen/rosewood silver sky se and couldnt agree more about the overall quality and playability of the guitar love the guitar. I pick it up more than any of my $1000+ guitars The maple wasnt an option yet when i purchased this one. I have thing for maple fret boards Excellent job with the pickup selector finding those tones that we all know so well. David Gilmour and Eric Johnson were two that really stood out to me in regards to tone and phrasing. thank you so much for your time and effort
Thank you and my pleasure! I appreciate the kind works and share your experience - the model is such a joy to play! (andI love DG and EJ)
I’ve been on the fence for a prs strat…I’ve three now, all different makes, from the original which I love, but Fender is not as finely finished as PRS sadly…but the one you picked, sounds so full and rich, not to mention your technique is beautiful. Flawless playing, and your style of play, i can listen to endlessly..very well done, going to have to spend some time with a few of these, thank you so much for opening me up to these…look forward to more of your content..
My pleasure and thanks so much for the kind words - I appreciate knowing that my playing resonates! The SS is definitely worth checking out - let me know what you think!
Amazing playing, the tone sounds incredible. I have a few Prs Se models with trems and notice the string ball getting stuck is a common thing.
Thank you! Good to know. I wonder if it’s by design for some reason?
@@RatherBeRiffing it’s possible, that way when you restring you won’t have to worry about the string falling out the trem block while you are looping it threw the tuning peg.
I’m a Tele guy, but have played about 5-6 of these through different amps and just impressed.
I’ve played the Core and my Tele is $2k, so it’s not just based on price. It’s the feel and the sound. It’s effortless in a good way.
I’ll likely go with the Rosewood, but that’s personal preference.
Agree! I didn’t expect to like it as much I did or justify keeping it. But it’s still here!
Thanks for the details. Helps knowing what to look for when "bonding" with a new to you guitar.
My pleasure - glad it was helpful!
@@RatherBeRiffing I do have a suggestion, a review of the PRS NF53 model. I am very intrigued by that design.
I agree today's affordable guitars are made very well and enhance the desire to play. But most of all it's in the hands and one's touch which you have demonstrated can be obtained through a guitar that anyone can purchase. This is an excellent video, and your example of this guitar is excellent. Thank you
Thanks for the kind words and thoughtful reflections, Bill - much appreciated!
Beautiful playing. You are a great person.
Fantastic video! I’ve had a Core Silver Sky for a little over a year and a half. I refer to that guitar as “The Bliss Machine” because it’s incredibly magnificent. I just received my SE Maple Silver Sky earlier this week. Curious as to how it’ll compare to my Core. Great guitars actually can be found at many different price points; you are quite right!
Thank you! Let me know your thoughts between the core vs se!
@@RatherBeRiffingWell Jon, I spent some quality time with the new SE. Very good guitar. Mine is the Nylon Blue variant. As far as comparing it to my Core version, the Core version is most certainly noticeably better. It feels more solid. The neck at 7 1/4” radius definitely feels different and overall, just a little bit thicker (which I prefer). The fretwork is obviously much finer and this is one of the biggest differences. Also, while I definitely like the pickups on the SE version, the Core ones have better detail clarity in the sound and just a little more output. Interestingly, though, in spite of the Core being better, I still plan on keeping the SE as it’s certainly an enjoyable guitar on it’s own merits. For me, the difference in neck radius gives me a fairly different playing experience (in a good way).
I loved the video and would definitely keep the PRS guitar. In fact, I was playing the same PRS guitars yesterday up at Tone Tailors at the Rock in Lititz, PA. The pickups sound absolutely amazing whether played clean or with overdrive. Thanks for the great video and playing. I'm thinking about buying one too and adding it to my stable of guitars.
My pleasure and thank you! I agree - the pickups are so good clean or driven! I’ll think I’ll keep it and hope you find one worth adding to your stable!
I have two of these i bought early last year, and both have unsurpased tuning stability, better than any other guitar I have ever owned.They both seem as good as each other in this respect
You are a great player, I enjoyed it!
Thank you!
Awesome review and outstanding playing.
Thank you - I appreciate it!
Wow….great video and insight. I have a Tungsten core and will be buying a maple gray very soon. Your playing is very inspiring and very “David Gilmour like” in my opinion, especially the bending. For me that is an extreme compliment as David is my favorite player. I love the fact that you played 50 of these guitars and so happy you decided to make this video. You have added a new subscriber. Can’t wait to check out your previous videos. Thanks again……
Thank you Jeffrey and my pleasure! DG is a huge influence, especially his ethereal tone and impeccably expressive bending so your compliment is very well received. Thanks for the sub and welcome!
That overland grey stands out in a subtle way under the lights. I really like the contrast of the gray and blonde maple neck with gray birds in that light. I demoed the dragon fruit with rosewood finger board against a $1200 Fender Player Ultra, Squier and Yamaha Pacifica and I kept going back to the Silver Sky Se and eventually bought it. I really love it and hope to learn more songs on it. I like how it can sound country, 80’s, bluesy, rock and hi fi. Very versatile.
Thanks - quite a compelling review, really thoughtful run throughs (rare these days on YT!). I own a PRS SE Custom 24-08 which stands up really well beside my Sadowsky & Gibson main guitars. Currently looking at the Fender American Pro II Strat with Rosewood board . . . but will see if there's a Silver Sky in the store (they carry both brands).
Love your style! Very original! Thank you for the review also. I have been looking at this model for a couple years now just already had mim strat so didnt need it. Now I gave my strat away in the market again!
Thank you for the kind words! It’s worth considering!
I own and play two of these Silver Sky SE's. One with natural maple neck and one with rosewood. Both have very different feel and sound but both are equally amazing guitars. They both basically cause different feel and creativity due to the subtle differences. Only things I modified was the factory tuning machines for locking (and only complaint I have is the grey plastic tuner buttons) and a few cosmetic changes such as custom speed knobs, pickguard and pickup/rear covers). Love these guitars! Yes the guitar strings du get stuck on both, a small allen wrench pokes them right out. Just be certain the strings are set properly before tuning, as they may pull through during playing if not....then you are wayyyyy outta tune!
wonderful sound.
The melodies of your guitar make me want a PRS guitar.😊
Thank you!
Your lighting setup makes it looks so shiny and premium. Makes me want to buy mine sooner than I should..
Your playing is great, so tasty.. very nice tones. Thanks for the video.
My pleasure and thank you for the kind words!
This was incredible. Thank you for you hard work. Just subbed
Thank you, Jesse! Appreciate the kind words and sub!
Amazing tone and killer playing
Thank you for the kind words - much appreciated!!
Dear Johnny, Thank you for sharing your incredible Silver Sky experience. I really want to see one & play one, they seem amazing... WOW you're such a great player, very inspirational - liked and subscribed❗Your new fan, Pete (Australia) 🎸
Thanks for the kind words and sub, Peter! I hope you get to play one!
What a great review, and demonstration of different sounds to use on a Strat.
Thank you kindly!
I love your taste in amps and pedals. One day i will own a Two Rock. Thats my dream amp. I think the Silver Sky sounded great. As someone who prefers single coils and loves S-Style guitars i would give the Silver Sky a try. I completely agree with u that the middle position is a very underrated position. I love using it for arpeggiated chords in the lower register where the neck pickup can be too muddy in those types of scenarios.
Thank you! The SS is worth a try. I honestly didn’t expect it to work so well for me. Using the middle when the neck may otherwise be too muddy makes sense to me!
That guitar sounded great but i have learned over the years that its all down to the player.
Not sure what this guitar would give you over a Strat, which you already own.
Great video.
Enjoyed it!
Thank you!
Amazing review, man. Thank you. Also, mesmerizing tone.
My pleasure - glad you enjoyed it. Thank you!
@@RatherBeRiffing
Bro, how do you get that tone?
It's mesmerizing. Do you have a tutorial?
Your sounds is the best for my ear regardless any guitars you play, among guitar reviewers.
Wow - thank you!
Thanks for share. great video, betiful job. Love your clips because have nice music are infomative, precise and relaxed...please we need a comparation with your strat with texas special, not only the sound also the feel your sensations.... perhaps is interesting... ahhh do you forget the beer?
Thanks so much for the kind words and feedback. I appreciate hearing what people like about the videos so thanks for letting me know! Great suggestion - those two guitars feel very different! And yes, forgot the beer - next time! Cheers!
Hey Jon….I’d really like to see you review the CE24 and hear your take on that!
Just bought one this week. Over 30 years as primarily a Strat player, and while I didn’t play 50 different ones, I did play several and they can vary some from the factory. I actually opted for the one I liked the looks of and set it up myself after checking that it had no defects. In my opinion, these sound as good, play better, and feel better than any production guitar coming from fender, including USA models. Also, the 8” radius has been a superb compromise.
Congrats, Don! I share your experience.
Here's a man who truly does his research! Cool video cheers
Thank you!
Aloha Braddah! I’m in the market for one….seen several videos of this guitar modell The best one so far is yours brah….Da best! Amazing playing, plenty of MOJO in da fingahs, articulation and embellishments….Skillful! Mahalo nui Braddah for sharing your time and helping me on my journey to find Da One! Aloha….
Thanks for the kind words and my pleasure! I hope you find the one soon!
Man that intro was sooooo good.
Thank you!
AWESOME TONES and PLAYING!!
Thank you - much appreciated!
I Never saw such passionated guitar videos.
Please we need more 😂
The quality is so much better then some of the 1mio follower Channel
Thank you for the kind words! Working on some more!
Fantastic review, and the best I've watched yet on the SE Silver Sky. I'm actually focused on getting either a Silver Sky or the Swamp Ash Special. The problem I'm having is finding a Swamp Ash I can test out.
Thank you, Edward! I’d like to try one as well.
Beautiful playing and sound as always. I had a core SS - golden mesa - which I sold to get a Novo Serus J. Love my Novo but wish I'd kept the SS and sold another guitar instead.
Thanks as always, Lorenzo! Funny, the SS and Novo Serus J were my most recent acquisitions. What pickup configuration is on your Novo and how do you like it? (I have two P-90’s)
@@RatherBeRiffing Hey man! I have two Lollar gold foils. Clear, articulate and no muddiness whatsoever. I absolutely love this guitar. It's like a piece of art I happen to make music with. I have three Fano's, all of which sound and play fantastic, so I knew the Novo would be something special but it's beyond what I had imagined. This one will stay with me :)
@@lorenzo-agnes Man I need to try some gold foils based on your description! I’m impressed with Novo as well. As soon as I felt the neck I was sold.
I like the sound of single coils and your samples sounded great across the board. One thing that has been a bit of a bother to me with fenders is having all six tuners on one side of the headstock. I think the 3 and 3 arrangement will be more user friendly. Great video!
Thank you! I like the 3/3 arrangement as well!
Best middle pickup tone ever! ❤
Right!? Totally agree, Hector!
@@RatherBeRiffing definitely usable and I’ve been guilty to never consider it.
Great video, demo and explanation. Just a bit weird with the hesitation to say it is John Mayer’s model with PRS. Aside from that, the video is really helpful. Cheers
Thank you! I appreciate the feedback.
I think a guitar its like a glove, if you feel fits nice on your hand and feels comfortably with it, this is the one for U.
This silver sky guitars are awesome, both core and SE models with their small differences of course.
If I need Strat sounds on my regular music field, I would definitely keep my Silver Sky
I bought Silver sky SE in December 2023 and at least on my guitar the action was over 2 mm. the frets had to be sanded before the action could be set right, and since I live in Finland, the first winter and summer are a tough challenge for the instruments due to the changing weather, dry in winter and humid in spring, summer and autumn
(the temperature varies from -30 degrees to +36 degrees) . The frets lived in first year and they had to be sanded once more. But a really good sounding guitar and comfortable to play even though the radius is 8.5 My Silver sky se is first generation model with laurel fretboard.
I love mine! you're right about strings getting stuck in the slots. I used a string as well to pry them out. Also! I absolutely had to change the saddles. Saddles were terribly cheap. But otherwise, guitar plays and feels awesome!
Thanks for sharing! What saddles did you upgrade to?
@@RatherBeRiffing I bought the Kaish upgraded solid stainless steel 10.5 mm
I love my PRS McCarty SE, Korean made. Yours Silver Sky is beautiful.
Thank you and nice guitar you have there - I love Korina!
The most gorgeous playing!!!
Thank you, Ben!
Beautiful sounds and great playing.
Thank you!
I like the subtle Mayer licks throughout the whole video
Thanks!
damn..!! are we just gonna ignore the sweet delicious intro piece? Dayum..!!
Just got this the other day, love it so far
Awesome!
DI purchased 2 models. 1st Hollowbody ll and second was a silver sky. Both SE models and both are better than anything that fender or Gibson puts out on that price point. They are both awesome. I got 2 guitars for the price of one American made models. By the way they sound and play fantastic rite out of the box.
Loved the opening jam! For sure you made every note count
Thank you!
Great playing dude. I took pot luck with a 2nd hand evergreen model & couldn’t be happier. 😎😎
Thanks, James! Congrats on to ur score - such a fun guitar!
Great playing !! - Nice guitar !
Thank you!
Awesome sounds. Nothing beats that strat style single coil tone for me, my strat will always be my first choice when I want to have a play. Have you tried out any EBMM stuff Johnny? I’d love to hear you put a Sabre or a Luke model through its paces and compare to your PRS favourites.
Thanks! I don’t have any experience with EBMM. Those would be some fun comparisons to make!
Love what you do!🤩🤩🤩
Thank you!!!
Keep it and see what music it inspires
Will do - thanks for the input!
Terrific job
Thank you!
Great playing and good tones. Cheers
Thank you! Cheers!
Would love to see this type of review on a DGT SE or McCarty 594 SE. fantastic playing and content.
Thank you! I may be able to borrow a 594 SE - stay tuned!
Just found you, incidentally shopping. Silver Sky SE vs Player at GC today. Silver Sky hands down. Mgr said price match one only but going to the mom and pop theater has 10 on sale 21, 22 and 23 models for 679. Mint vintage hehe. Pau Ferro but now intrigued with maple, they got gray grey. I'm just a poor wayfaring stranger. Mahalo.
I can’t believe you played 50 of these! Ha
Great and helpful video.
I have all high end $3,000 or more guitars and I’m actually thinking of getting one of these myself. I have seen a ton of sales for these in the $500 to $600 range and I figure, what is the worst scenario, I am sure I can always sell for close to break even.
It was a wild experience. It wasn’t my intention, but they had a large initial shipment of inventory that was accessible so I dove in head first!
I decided to keep it despite having plenty of high end guitars including S-types. It sounds great and it’s a joy to play.
@@stoneglad guaranteed you will not sell it. It’s a Strat on steroids.
That video cames just at the right time. I cant decide if i buy an "old" SE or one of the new maple neck ones.
Glad to know! They are both nice. Honestly I’d like one of each. Good luck deciding!
GREAT job! Brill review 👍🤙👍
Thank you!
Sold! Ty
I’m very curious about how similar these pickups are to the real deal. I played one in 2018 and it blew me away. I didn’t expect to like vintage style instruments, but it was remarkably comfortable and beautiful sounding.
I’m curious too, but I can say these sound great - I’m really impressed!
You earned a new subscriber. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
My pleasure and welcome!
Great playing and great tone. I traded in my rosewood for the maple today, lost some money but maple tops rosewood on s type guitars. I will get my rosewood if DGT Se s ever make it to Canada.
Thank you! Enjoy that maple board!
Guitar shops are vital to our musical societu.
Agreed!
Great review and video!
I too love high end guitars, however I can’t afford them, and prefer to have a bunch of decent guitars than one or two premium models that I’d be scared to take out of the house. I won’t pay over a grand for a guitar and normally try and pick up used bargains. Some colours of Silver Sky can be had for £500 here in the Uk. Really tempting!
Thank you! That makes complete sense to me. The amount of quality options at any price point is astounding today!
Imagine working at Brian’s guitars when this guy walks in and asks to play 50 SE Silver Sky’s…😂
I’d love to see this place. 50 PRS Silver Sky SE’s just waiting to be demoed…
Hey great video! This is an unrelated question but what happened to your Eric Johnson tone video? I was trying to find it but it seems to have disappeared.