Our John Mayer Challenge: 2022 Edition! | PRS SE Silver Sky vs Fender Vintera Strat
Hello folks! By far and away our most popular video here on the channel, the original ‘John Mayer challenge’ we posted almost three years ago saw us compare the (at the time) brand new USA Silver Sky with the iconic, rare & short-lived Fender John Mayer Strat. If you haven’t seen it, you can check it out HERE: bit.ly/3nWl5NH
This year, with the awesome SE model breathing new life in to the model lineup, we thought it about time to revive the challenge: comparing the SE to its Fender sibling, the Vintera 60s Strat. Two instruments with similar vintage-voicing, classy & understated looks and incredible comfort and player-friendly feel, this is the challenge you’ve been waiting to see!
Which guitar swings it for you? Let us know your favourite in the comments below!
Thanks as always for watching, be sure to leave a like, hit SUBSCRIBE & ring the bell to be notified whenever we post content in the future!
Find out more info about the PRS SE Silver Sky range here: bit.ly/3nTQ4Ko
Find out more info about the Fender Vintera Strat range here: bit.ly/3G0ubiv
0:00 - Introduction
2:13 - Silver Sky
9:12 - Strat
14:01 - Conclusion
You can hear extended playing clips of all our new arrivals over on the Peach Boutique channel, here: bit.ly/3liZRZa
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Пікірлер: 267
Is it just me, or does it seem as if Jack has a bottomless box of rhythm and solo riffs to draw from? I have watched dozens of videos, and it seems as if he’s always playing something different. Great as always, Jack!
@Stboser
2 жыл бұрын
I just end up slowing the videos down and tabbing out his riffs
@WolverineBeast86
2 жыл бұрын
@@Stboser great idea!
@johnnyrockous
2 жыл бұрын
No doubt, great playing, always refreshing, and the best man on KZread showcasing the tones of every single guitar!
@pramesh.gurung
2 жыл бұрын
Jack has always have something new to offer. Most of the time i watch peach guitar just to see him play 😅😅. Has great sense of rhythm and great choice of notes.
@mralgebro
2 жыл бұрын
Bottomless is a great way to describe his playing. He always plays something different!
Fender winner tonewise by a distance!
@mpc4000king
2 жыл бұрын
I’ve purchased two new Fender Players Series Guitars. I like PRS, but I don’t like none of the colors they have to offer for the Silver Sky. For the money, I have what I need with FENDER! PRS’s colors are fruity. (I mean that in a bad way.)
I'm leaning more towards the Fender Strat, I just prefer the sound and overall tone, maybe the bridge pick up on the SE is really good but overall I'd go for the Fender.
@vincenzodemarco7983
2 жыл бұрын
I'm with you on this. No doubt PRS 'geets r great', but Somehow I believe 'if it ain't broken, don't fix it'. Meaning, prs and everyone making & Trying to make a Better Strat, are Only making a Copy of what is Still the Original and The Best. (now, that doesn't mean I would bawk at owning a prs se, or the silver sky, I just wouldn't pay that amount of $money$ for Anything Other than the Real Meal)(and I Still think the headstock looks Dorky) I'm Not trying to be Rude. And, lucky me, Fender Japan has built an 80's reissue in very limited quantities and are in transit to the US, And I was super lucky to get one On-Hold before they are sold out Completely in advance. I Can't Wait. (Japanese Craftsmanship is Top Notch)👊 🤗 😎👏👏👏👏👏
@AndrewMooreLearningLicks
2 жыл бұрын
@@vincenzodemarco7983 that's great man, enjoy your new guitar 🎸 (when it gets there 😉)
@itsalwayssomething7490
2 жыл бұрын
Sounds like you are listening with your eyes, which is what most people do when they watch these comparison videos. Most guitar players that have made these comparisons blind folded, couldn't point out consistently which guitar is which. The PRS isn't meant to replace a Fender, just sit side by side with one. Also, all Fender's are different. Meaning, you can literally pick up the same model and have it feel different. John Mayer even says this. Its very inconsistent across the board. Whereas he can pick up any PRS and have it feel like his personal guitar. So, it's a matter of preference. If you like the more chimey sound of the Fender, then that's your thing. If you want to not work as hard to play, have have a more consistent experience, the PRS is your jam. I own both and love both. I find myself picking up the PRS more, because like he says in the video, it's just easier to play. It's a more enjoyable experience to not work as hard. And the 5th position is not ice picky like the Fender, so its useable. But, I don't fault anyone for preferring the Fender. Its literally the sound of some of the most classic records, so I can see why it's more desirable.
@AndrewMooreLearningLicks
2 жыл бұрын
@@itsalwayssomething7490 so after 12 days I had another listen with my headphones and through my studio speakers... I stand by my statement 💯. I dig the PRS but like you said its not really my bag the Fender tone is. I've had 3 PRS guitars and all were very good guitars but I didn't gel with them for whatever reason. I can't wait to try one of these SS SE models out.
@musenw8834
2 жыл бұрын
I think that's partially cos PRS tends to be warmer overall, even in bridge position. So it's more balanced but not as bright as the strat
I have both. I have a very high end Stratocaster and the sound ( not looks or playability) of the Prs is just amazing! The 2nd position and 3&4 are so musically harmonic, way more than the fender. Basically two different guitars with same layout. Even the neck is a completely different animal. Love them both and are keepers.
I forgot to compare them because I was so lost in jacks playing!! You’re so incredible man!🤘🤌
I prefer the Fender because of its classier, more characterful sound. I concur with your assertion that a Fender guitar rewards the bit of extra effort that is undoubtedly need to wring out notes. Great playing as ever.
Jack is simply one of the best conventional guitarists I've ever heard.
Killer playing especially on the fender, wish we could have heard extensive lead licks like that on the Prs
Silver Sky SE for me! It’s sounds amazing… And if it’s easier to play, all the better… Mine is on pre-order in the U.S. Great video! 🎶
@talkychris
2 жыл бұрын
A 9.5" radius neck on a Strat would be arguably easier than 8.5" on the SE SS. Then again the compound radius 10-14" on the Fender Ultra would be better still, but, that guitar is in a different league altogether to either here.
@Rockandrollgeerage
2 жыл бұрын
@@talkychris you would think the radius would make it easier to play, but there are other variables that lead to easier playability such as the shape of the neck, the finish, the fret size, width of neck etc...once you play the SE you will see how easy it is to play.
@cMaslow
9 ай бұрын
@@Rockandrollgeerageexactly. I have both a Stratocaster and the SE, I prefer the SE in ease of playing.
Both sound good but the Fender seems to be sweeter. Great playing by the way!
Always a pleasure to sit and listen to your playing, Jack. I want an SE Silver Sky in a real bad way, but I'm going to hold off for a while to see if they release a maple board version in the future. Say, you guys at Peach wouldn't happen to know whether or not they plan to do an SE Silver Sky with a maple board....do you? 😁
I’d take the PRS just for the proper rosewood. Is it just me? I can’t get behind how red, or light, the Pau Ferro boards are. The PRS sounds fantastic too.
It’s tough, because Jack would make a spade sound like John Mayer. Your playing is amazing and inspiring, thank you!!! 👏
Jack’s play is amazing here! Dude was on fire, even more than usual!
That playing on the strat is absolutely mesmerising. You can hear the bite from the strat which as Jack mentioned is probably from digging in a bit more
just a small mistake/slip of tongue there: 7.25 inch radius is not "flatter" but rounder
I'm not a strat guy, and the less glassy sound of the PRS seems great to me. The almost compressed sound of the bridge pickup makes also a huge difference. I want that SE ! Great demo and great play by the way.
Wow..Your playing on this video is outstanding! You’ve definitely pulled out all the stratiness out of both instruments. Makes it really hard to declare a winner. Great video.
Thanks guys for not comparing the prs se to a fender player which is several hundreds of euros less… I Think the comparison to a vintera is a much better comparison. I think the choice really depends if you want a more “vintage” or a more modern experience at a similar price point!
So glad I went for Dragon Fruit, and it goes with my eyes on a Sunday morning
You are an amazing, creative player. I never mis one of your videos.
If John Mayer's your thing, Radioshop Pickups do a set called the Black One, that have been made from measurements supplied by someone with access.
I bought a squire strat coz that meets the budget tone :)
Two things PRS should’ve done in the SE for a home run: Locking tuners Heel Wheel truss rod adjustment This is a lovely counterpart to my 50’s era Strat tones. Solid axe.
I don’t know if it’s just me, but I think he totally killed on fender’s riffs… and that affected my perception! If I wanted to buy a PRS and saw just this one comparison of both, I would go for a fender, eyes closed. Good rock, congrats!
Very nice playing! I think appriciate the PRS more ... less bright. Thank you for taking the time for making this video. Peace.
Fender Win
comparison I was looking for thank you!
Phenomenal playing jack!
Was on the fence to buy a prs SE. But actually walked into a a very nice conditioned 2010 Fender American Special stratocaster. It was instant bond when playing, looking at it. It was only 2 days in the store, and i feel like a hit a home run with this one. It resonates so beautifully, the look of the Woods and the sustain. I left the PRS SE behind in the store, for someone else. And dont regret it one bit.
Hearing SRV tones on the Vintera, wasn't getting that vibe on the SE. Love the SE neck tint, hoping PRS will go with aged plastic but I still want Silversky in my collection. Great comp PG
hmm for me i like the neck pickup of the prs , but overall the tone of the fender is better.
Fender
Totally agree with this comparison. John's Strats were always pre-CBS '60s models, or at least based on them.
Awesome playing Jack
You make both of them sound incredible
Hey dude you killed it in those demo riffs. Y’all British people bro… y’all are making those old delta blues players proud. Remember… to be the best you gotta leave your $3000 acoustic guitar outside in the summer like they did
I really love Fender Strat, but Silver Sky - amazing
Fender by far here. Sounds balanced. SS is crazy bright, I almost couldn't believe my ears. Now if you readjust the amp just for the SS it might have a chance.
The SE is one sexy, beautiful guitar. I love the PuPs. Maybe by the time I've saved enough to purchase one, they'll be in stock!
Vintera for me; love that Fender tone.
Excellent comparison
The bridge in the SE separates itself from the the traditional fender strat and strat copies. You can swap out pickups and get that strat sound from any s-type guitar, but to get the tone of the bridge of a prs ss, you almost have to get a tele. I’d get both, but I’d get the prs first
@iagobroxado
2 жыл бұрын
Doesn't sound like a tele at all to me, just an overly bright strat tone.
I'd love to see those amp settings, I've just got the Maz 18 from you guys and the duellist. I'd love to Dail in the same tone.
I have that Prs on preorder, Impatiently waiting for it. I have a 2017 Fender American Special Strat. I suspect they will sound totally different.🎸
@stacylenihan206
2 жыл бұрын
Well the Stone Blue Silversky se arrived and it plays so nice and sounds great too. Love that it is not as heavy as the fender Strat too. Love it so much more than the Fender. So much that I sold the Fender. Giving new PRS to my niece and will be getting A moon white for myself that will be arriving tomorrow. PRS neck just feels better in all aspects.
@chibiabos
2 жыл бұрын
@@stacylenihan206 Thanks for the feedback mate. I have no Fender Stratocaster guitar and I want one. I have already a PRS SE Custom and I can only tell good about the brand and the guitar, that is why when I saw the Silversky SE coming out, I decided to wait. I think that I will order one (Stone Blue or Dragon fruit maybe).
I own a John Mayer Fender Strat and now the Silver Sky SE. Bottom line, two different manufactures and you get two different tones. Even though the sonic specs on each guitar are for Mayer. Moving on..... same thing with Vintera vs SS SE. It's all about personal preference because you have two different manufactures. A Fender will sound like a Fender because that is what they do. Conversely, a PRS will sound like PRS. It's what you like and that is most important! Playability and feel will be unique to each because your hands are the tools used to create sounds you like. Like many things in life this is personal.
The first ting I could hear on the Vintera as those bent steel bridge saddles - they’re a huge part of the vintage Strat sound
The good thing about the fender strats is that you can upgrade them very easily and there's plenty of after market options for that, however, the price point of the Vintera is a little too high for people to consider it just a good mods platform, that fretboard looks awful and swapping the neck is a bit pricey...Squiers might just be a better options in that prospects. You buy the Silver sky because you like how it feels, pickups are easily replaceable but the PRS playability is not. Personally I think the PRS is a better buck for the money.
@larryshields2302
2 жыл бұрын
Ditto.... the fret board on the Fender looks anemic.
@jacobbrown1690
2 жыл бұрын
Just buy the fender player lol
Two guitars that look similar , but are definitely different. Personally , I do not think one is better, (or better sounding), than the other. If you want a "Strat" buy one ,(or a CV Squier Strat). The PRS is it's own thing. Good opportunity to get both. Personally, I prefer the Fender Stratocaster sound. However I would be perfectly happy owning the PRS, especially since I already own 3 Fender Stratocasters (all with different sets of pup's). Want a big shock, in the single coil domain ?, check out a Telecaster. Great musicianship. Cheers.
Man, next to a strat the Silversky just looks goofy in my opinion. On it's own it's not as noticeable but right next to it. The Strat has it all.
@YetiOnGuitar
2 жыл бұрын
Silver Sky is a very different guitar aesthetically in person. I wasn't very fond in photos or videos, but oh man when I finally got my hands on one, a whole different thing. One of the prettiest guitars, seriously. All the design choices just work in real life.
@nikverschuren4291
2 жыл бұрын
@@YetiOnGuitar I totally think the opposite. Loved the PRS looks on video/Photos. But real life i didnt like it at all. Fender looks so much better .
@twenty3electronics
2 жыл бұрын
Full agreement. The PRS is the Strat’s ugly friend with a nice personality. The Strat looks like timeless perfection
@RJ_HTx
2 жыл бұрын
@@YetiOnGuitar For looks I would go for the Classic Series 60’s Strat, especially for the rosewood fretboard that the Vinteras don’t have.
@GraniteSoundtrack
2 жыл бұрын
@@RJ_HTx agree, but I prefer maple fretboards anyway.
The Fender just has that soul that a PRS can't duplicate. Like when you wear a cowboy hat some cowboy comes out. Maybe it's more work but it's because the Fender draws it out. The PRS sounds thin. Just watch yourself. Lol. It's clear which one your soul likes best
My number one guitar is a 60s vintera strat and is prob the best strat ive ever played. Ive been eyeing these PRS Silver Skys and ive been torn between the moon white color or the dragonfruit but i think im gonna go with the dragonfruit after seeing this video. Both guitars sound amazing and JACK, you kill it!! Sweet tone for days coming out of those fingers!
Both sound great.
Strat appears to be more Clapton like, if that's a thing. Softer yet smooth as butter!
You guys should do some lessons on how to play like this. I think it would be much appreciated by players who watch your videos! :)
Can't wait for the retro mod universe to open up on the Silversky world. When will the road worn finish and aged parts become available? Green guard would look cool and perhaps tortoise shell with aged white pickup covers? Or a Schecter dream machine mash up with mirrored plate, fat pole pickups and micro switches.......the possibilities are endless!
The Silver Sky SE is more punchy and more present. Love the Silver Sky SE sound / tone.
I still prefer a Strat over the Silver Sky any day.
When he kicked in the neck of the SE pink one I literally dropped my phone. Holy 💩
Fender Stratocaster was, is and always will be the guitar when you need single coil straty tone. Why would you take something else? Comparison like this will always prove that Fender Strat is more of a Strat than other brands. And, if you wanna play and sound like Gilmour, Hendrix, Clapton, Beck, Knopfler, SRV, Frusciante, Johnson and many, many more, you want that logo on the headstock to inspire you😎 When you need humbucker tone, PRS is fine, it doesnt have to be Gibson.
Not pertinent, but I couldn't help noticing Jack is rockin' some pretty cool foot ware
I just got the Silver Sky SE, mainly as it was on offer. It’s not a Strat but it’s great. It has something that my Strats don’t have, just as my Strats have something that the Silver Sky doesn’t. It’s just a really good sounding, well built guitar and the fretboard is so much better looking than the Vintera.
@bruceman9581
Жыл бұрын
How is the neck? Don't you prefer a 7.25 neck?
They both sound fine, they're not weapons (that would be Telecasters in some bars😅) and nothing 'wrong' with either in sound and playability. Pick the one YOU like, or even both if you can...and you're good.
Jack is absolutely a Top 1% player!!!!!!!!
@FrankFurther
Жыл бұрын
10% maybe. He's a fine player but he's nothing special yet. Still he's young if he keeps learning he could perhaps get there
The fender sounds more like a fender, it sounds glassier. What if you roll the tone knob a bit? The PRS really sounds like mayer with not much effort, but a signature guitar might not be for everybody.
Can you guys please try Fraser guitars from UK? They make such cool relic strats!
Both sound very good with a small margin by the PRS . It would be easyer to compare if he would play identical stuff on both guitars. What I don`t like on the Vintera is the Pao Ferro fretboard, I prefer the rosewood of the Silver Sky.
Hey man, what amp did you play through? Thanks! Awesome vid
Is it just me or does the PRS sound kinda thin on bridge and middle pickup? I was wanting to like the PRS and even tried a couple in the shop, they do feel more refined but I dunno, there’s this connection that’s different. PRS is like power an air conditioned car with power steering soft suspension and digital sound system, Fender is like an old car with huge V8, steering has more road, rear wheel drive can let you get into trouble, burnouts, feel and raw excitement.
The Fender sounds like a big boy’s guitar, where the PRS sounds a little tinny…much fuller sound from the Vintera.
I’ve got one of these SE things. I never play it. Fender for me all day.
The truss rod adjustment location is what would keep me from ever buying a Vintera or Vintage Fender. Taking off the neck and hoping you went far enough but not too far when adjusting is just too much hassle and guess work for me.
@GraniteSoundtrack
2 жыл бұрын
Your supposed to only go a quarter turn at a time no matter what. So it's not guess work, it's just tedious.
@antoineaquino3055
2 жыл бұрын
i like prs ss se more but i think fender looks off when the truss rod is in the side of the tuners. because to me fenders are real fenders, when the headstock goes flat and smooth
@twenty3electronics
2 жыл бұрын
@@GraniteSoundtrack you develop a sense for it. The quarter turn thing is just something we tell beginners
@terrycurtin1008
2 жыл бұрын
I have played 58 years and adjusted a truss 3 times. Session player. Major label etc. That would keep you from a guitar? To each their own.
The Vintera sounds fantastic. Thought the conclusion was pretty much spot on to be fair.
I would vote for the. Vintera the Rosewood board on the SE certainly though looks better
Hey "Jack-never-running-out-of-licks-and-tricks-and-extremely-good-sounds", are you using the Dr. Z Maz 18 amp again in this clip? O btw, preferring the Fender; the sound near the end of the clip was magical.
Nice Tudor Black Bay GMT!
Great comparison. But what a about build fit and finish?
For me the fender has the best sound, but seems to me like PRS has the best specs and stability, maybe even playability, who knows. Guess I would personally take the PRS and just change to fender pickups
Jack sounds ace on both, but the difference in tone is pretty simple in my mind. PRS uses 300k “ish” pots with different resistors and Fender uses 250k. I think that’s why the Silver Sky really sounds different. Just my 2 cents…
@fastphil0072
2 жыл бұрын
Sorry you are wrong Fender use 250k ohm pots on Strats.
@jbbourbon178
2 жыл бұрын
@@fastphil0072 yeah I mistyped. Fixed it. PRS used different resistors as well.
@twenty3electronics
2 жыл бұрын
I think it’s because Fender actually tries to deliver the goods on the Vintera pups. The PRS pups are nothing special. They don’t want it to sound as good as the core
What overdrive do you turn on around 2:50? Great playing and tones!
Thank you ! Silver sky has more of a glassy and clearer sound and it feels little bir more balanced . But Fender feels home to me so I would go with Fender i guess:)
@musikus7092
2 жыл бұрын
The Fender definately sounds glassier!
In the states the Vintera is about $200-$250 more than a PRS SE. So it depends on what your budget is whether the two really are comparable. That said another comparison with a Players Series Strat would not have been useful and since PRS doesn't have an $1,100 Silver Sky it is instructive to hear what that extra money would buy. But they aren't close enough in price to make a straight comparison, at least not in the colonies.
Solution: get both! Now I just need a Tele someday
Execelent video but the right comparison should be a player strat vs a SS SE , isn't ?
The Vintera sound a little thin, a new block wiil do wonders, I belive.I like the SE much better, than the first one.But you have to live with the headstock,but then again, you get the PRS de-luxe, craftmanship, and the PRS de-luxe ,playabillity, all at a fair price, i"m afraid I heve to get one. I have a 24 and,and---But one of them gotta go into the deal of an SE-So good. Poul"S all over the place, but he"s still doing good, always going for high quality,and that"s something we like.
I have a vintera and its super easy playing
nice watch Jack
Fender kills it here
Great playing. Not much in it, but at least on KZread I preferred the tones from the Silver Sky. Bigger and warmer, basically.
The vintera where i live in canada is $1800 with tax vs $1230 for the prs se silver sky.
@codythedoggo7671
8 ай бұрын
That's insane
It sounds like the mic setup for this video was a little off.
Damn Jack can play! Love that piece starting on the PRS at 2:46
What pedal did you turn on at 2:50? And what amp are you playing through
No hesitation , vintera all the way for me.
Fender all the way!!
I may have missed it but what amp is the fabulous playing going though?
Who loves John Mayer playing Fender like me??!!!!
Fender. No question.
The pau ferro fretboard really annoys me, can fender give us rosewood like the prs se?
I own a Vintera 60´s strat in Burgundy Mist, and I just love its sound; and fortunately the pau ferro on it is darker than the one in this video (I agree with most that it´s not too pretty)