They both sound great. I feel the Strat is always going to have that classic rock sound.

Both sound incredible. Can't go wrong with either. But the PRS esthetic is so awesome IMHO. Their headstock and bird inlays really do it for me.

Far and away *the best* Silver Sky vs Strat comparison vid I have seen. That split-screen, color/B&W effect was awesome! Great job, Sophie! :-)

I absolutely love what you’ve done with the almost identical play through side-by-side. Such a good idea. There’s so much more life in the SS… that middle position for example: I never really use that position much unless I press my fancy phase button. I guess I just feel like John and Paul working together made sure there’s unique voicing and purpose for each pick up. Ultimately: useable musical sounds.

The middle pickup on the Strat sounded amazing. That classic strat chime, to the max.

The Strat is crystal clear and not muffled as I'm hearing the PRS. I own a strat and prs and love them both. Thanks Sophie. 👍💯

The split screen comparison was so creative and effective, nice video!

I have 1 American strat and 3 MIM strats. I mostly play the 2006 MIM, though I did play the 93 USA strat for many yrs. Strats just do it all! I also love teles. Thanks for all you do!

The sound of the Strat pick ups just made my mind up for me. The Strat all the way!!!!

This may be unpopular, but I closed my eyes during the Another Brick in the Wall solo, and I genuinely couldn’t tell where the changes were. I could hear some slight differences later on, but not on the first one.

Totally agree. I have an American Professional I and just got the Silver Sky SE. they truly are similar but different and I love both. My Fender is setup how I like it. Yet the silver sky not quite but it plays so well I’ve grown use to it and it feels fantastic.

Good comparison video… i preordered a silver sky se on Jan 11… looking forward to it

Great video and very helpful! Thanks Sophie… For me, it’s the Silver Sky SE. And I’ve just ordered one. 🎶

Fender for me. In my opinion the PRs just sounds a bit sterile and muffled compared to the fender, the fender has a clearer sound and i can hear the notes clearly.

@Hawaii567

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah the silver sky seemed to have a bit more fuzz to it, the fender was a little cleaner

@Steve-qn8gn

Жыл бұрын

I bet if she didn’t show which one she was playing you wouldn’t know the difference.

@mikkywhalan

Жыл бұрын

funnily enough i did have my eyes closed originally when i started watching. they're close but as mentioned the fender had a slightly clearer sound.

@Steve-qn8gn

Жыл бұрын

@@mikkywhalan I’m not going to argue with you, but the “sterile and muffled” comments about PRS started with one KZreadr ‘review’ and has been parroted all over the place since.

@mikkywhalan

Жыл бұрын

@@Steve-qn8gn Yeah i started to notice that a little while ago lol. I'm not trying to argue it was just simply what i heard and just my opinion.😁

The PRS is a superior guitar over the fender. I own a fender made in USA also a fender MIM and a PRS CE american made. And with no doubt the PRS is far better. The comparison done here isn't really a far comparison. For the PRS SE is the same price as the Fender made MIM. which is a much better and reasonable comparison. And The PRS comes on top. So either do a proper comparison in the way over seas to overseas made or do both USA made. Gibson and fender have been around a long time and seems that they rely on Name. The PRs was made with the best of gibson and the bast of Fender in mind. So In my opinion and 42 years of playing guitar, the PRS definitely comes out on top.

I have 3 Fender strats. The best one by far is the American Ultra HSS. The hot noiseless pickups along with the compound radius neck put it on the next level for me. It’s just amazing how easy it is to play, and the tones 😓. Never got my hands on a Silver Sky, but it’s on the list.

All but comparison of sound is 'on the level' with much practical information for many. It IS a comparison but of how they'd compare after changing Strat pickups to 19 Parkhurst custom handwounds. I like the stock pickups, others may prefer these...and I think both are great. Yet this is not a stock vs stock comparison. That said, your honesty in stating the replacement is wonderful. Thank you for EVERY upload!

02:46, The way the note decays and the harmonic content in those custom pickups in the Stratocaster during Gravity are just brilliant! While the Silver Sky sounds more like John's tone, I personally like the extra dynamics that come from slightly higher output single coils. Great comparison by the way...

I love fender guitars but the silver sky its looking like a really good bet for the money, thanks for your video Sophie!

The capacitor on the silversky is .1, as for the stratocaster is. 022 (big difference) the sky will sound more muffle because of that, even though the volume pot in the silversky is 275 aprox, thus the strat will sound brighter. Then other factors will come in play like the pickups, rosewood neck, etc.

The editing is really great !!

A great comparison, Sophie. I have a 2001 American Strat, which I love. I think the newer professional series that replaced the American standard are even better. However the prices are nearly double what we paid. After watching your videos using your Core PRS Custom 24, I purchased one & that is now my go-to guitar. I even prefer it to my Les Paul.

For me, the difference in tone is so minimal that the deciding factor would be how it feels to play. Wish I could try out both to decide

@miketabor7214

2 жыл бұрын

I think they both sound good 👍, but I think the RS sounds better than the strat . The other guitar looks better.M.D.T

I prefer the Fender Stratocaster because of its more electric sound and its clean distortion.

I know the Strat didn’t have stock pickups, but it has more bite and will cut through he PA better than the PRS.

I have a 1994 MIM Strat with a bridge humbucker that I rescued, it's now my best guitar, just beautiful and being almost 30 years old has that authentic vintage look now.

Didn't I just see the poll for this video a couple days ago? Quick video turnaround. Solid comparison.

Nothing can beat the timeless, throaty sound of a real Fender Strat imo. The PRS is a cool alternative, but doesn't compare to a good ole American Strat.

@benallmark9671

2 жыл бұрын

I agree.

silver sky SE is my fav one

Surely it's the pickups that give the strat its signature sound? Not sure there's much point comparing the SE to the Strat when it doesn't have stock Fender Strat pickups

@SophieBurrell

2 жыл бұрын

Not entirely, feel and appearance are pretty important here too! I’d argue the feel is most important to be honest, because I could smash the same pickups in both if I wanted to. I thought people would like to hear the difference nonetheless :)

@timbates799

2 жыл бұрын

@@SophieBurrell Sure but essentially it's a "compare the sound" video and most people are probably going to have to stock pickups. Don't get me wrong though, I still liked the video and love your content!

Oh my gosh this is some sick content!!!!!!! I honestly wasn't expecting a guitar comparison video on your channel, Sophie, but this so awesome!

Love the PRS, but simply can't deny that classic Fender sound!

Cool you did this, but maple and rosewood fretboards might make quite a difference with just that. Rosewood/rosewood compare mo bettah! Cheers.

I think when the tones are that close to each other it comes down to a more "feel" thing" you know like the weight or how it fits your hand.

Until you played clean in the middle position they both sounded identical. The Strat middle was duller missing some high end where the SE was more jangly. That became more evident in the bridge/middle position. The SE was fuller with more clarity and the Strat was very weak sounding in comparison. Surprisingly enough the SE holds it's own against a legend. Impressive.

Love your freckles Sophie. The American Strat sounds crisper but I think that is due to the neck difference. But the Silver Sky sounds fuller at the Middle/Bridge position. What ga. strings do you use in your Strat? Good video.

Ahh, Sophie is rocking the Mary Spender Style Side by side :)

Great comparison, very well done. That being said, two different guitars on many factors. There is no one better than the other, they are just different. Maple neck, rosewood neck, different pickups, different bodies, etc. You can't go wrong with either one or just get them both if you can. 2 different guitars in the shed for a different job you're looking to accomplish. Out of all the guitars I play and own, I still don't have a favorite. I pick up one on just the feeling I have at the time and just play it. How can I choose a guitar for you? you have two different hands, set-up, and personal preferences. Play and be happy, that's all that matters.

The split screen demo between the two guitars was brilliant. I am 100% going to steal this for my videos haha

I felt that the sound of the neck & middle pickups on both guitars were quite similar but quite different on the bridge pickup. Sound wise, I really like the SE Silver Sky. The neck radius between the two, I think I would have to try the Silver Sky to try it out before deciding. I do like the 8.5 radius of the Fender though and there may not be a lot of difference. I would possibly edge toward the Silver Sky myself, but everyone will have there own preferences. Nice comparison though, thanks

Fender my favorite for sound excelent video 👏🇺🇾

Awesome comparison. Excellent playing as well. Wish they were both the same fret material... also if you don't know the lower rear pick guard was made to mirror the body on the upper neck end. Listened to John speak on that particularly in a demo video. Though it was cool because it does compliment itself well that way. Well done Sophie! Keep up the good work!

Both sound great, the SE sounds alittle clearer with less “noise”, which I assume is because of the more modern pickups and PRS’s strides with their TCI tech. This was apparent especially higher on the neck.

Great review. I have both and love them both for different reasons. They are S style guitars though with different vibes. I have VMODs on my American Pro (awesome), and the JM s model pickups on the SSSE (warmer and perhaps hotter than the VMODs?); both are great. Strat is old school cool, SSSE has some classic vibe with modern and classic features in a fun recipe. One does not replace the other for me. This was my first foray into owning a PRS.

I like the way your Strat sounds a bit more than the PRS. Especially when playing on the middle/bridge pickups.

i think the SE could make a good Dave Murray substitute. I'm a big Iron Maiden fan but never really liked Fender. Putting some Seymour Duncan Hot Rails into this might be a cool thing to do. Plus, you get 22 frets instead of the 21.

@ericandrews1661

2 жыл бұрын

Nothing against the prs but Dave Murray and a fender strat is a thing of beauty. Most modern ones have 22 frets and some even come with real Floyd's.

Can we just take a moment to appreciate the fact Paul Reed Smith is in this world?

I'd pick the Fender anytime. Hell, I'd pick my Squire Affinity FMT SSS over the PRS

It sounds like the silver sky has a warmer tone than the fender strat.

@chrisking6695

2 жыл бұрын

I hear zero difference

@andrewbendahan1379

2 жыл бұрын

Its subtle. You can mainly hear it in the cleaner tones.

I like PRS... Good handling to play and good sound

FANTASTIC demo. The SE just has more body and clarity, IMO.

Omg the corona factory had me in stitches

I think that Fender has a slightly brighter sound because of the maple fingerboard (PRS is a rosewood). But, maybe the choice of magnets influences the sound more significantly? Who would know...

@vyvynylification

Жыл бұрын

Alot of people know. The pick ups are just voiced different. The PRS has less chimey highs. A darker tone or more muffled vibe. Mellow is also used alot to describe it.

Wow, the neck on your SE is very very nice, interesting flame pattern.

Great Sophie, very good sound quality in your videos. Well, which would be favorite to me?.........probably the strat because of the neck ...... (.......actually because of the fingerboard and the possible fact that it LACKS having one.......) I know that on some of the more pricey strats and superstrats they use a true "one piece neck" so NO fingerboard is glued on........ (somehow that appeals to me,) ..........Having said that stuff above, a true "one piece neck" is not great for stability if the axe is say in transit between Saudi Arabia then Iceland.)........etc ......i believe glued--on fingerboards offer lots of stability to a guitar neck and are on 95 percent of all guitars but i prefer the tonal quality of a true "one piece neck".......... thx V

thnxs for the review . . .BTW dylan ( talks tone ) pickups is making SS SE pickups & loaded pickguards

Nice video Sophie. Hard task. I've been playing 45 years. I own about 40 guitars from prs, strats, charvels, esp, Ibanez...lots of guitars. I've found each guitar has its own personality. But my question would be, which would you record with? Those tusk saddles on the strat are one advantage over the prs vintage. Playability of course is an individual preference, but recorded sound with headphones on, you can hear every little nuance. Like string vibrations off the bridge, pickup drop off, and things of this sort. So that would be my question. Which sounds the best when recording a composition where you cannot use auto tune or clean up. Love your playing by the way and your approach on this comparison. Thanks for sharing. GT

They both sound great, I like the way you did the comparison nice playing

Great comparison!

Just got a 2021 fender strat ultra. It has better contouring than previous strats. And the compound neck with the satin finish is really nice.

The softness is maybe the roasted maple neck on the Silver Sky? I have an EVH Wolfgang Standard with a roasted maple neck and was thinking the same thing. Then I came across info that the roasted maple is lighter (which is obvious) and perhaps feels softer?

It's probably a sin but I definitely preferred the PRS over the Strat in the Pink Floyd solo! I also really like the Bridge PU. It doesn't sound too "harsh" to my ears other than the Fender.

Personally I think the silver sky sounds better I can tell that the strat has more high end like more sharp where as the silver sky has a bit more mellow tone like it cuts out all that high end stuff which is really awesome

Love this. I hope you can do a comparison between an Epiphone Les Paul Modern vs a PRS SE Silver Sky

They both Sounds Great. The silver sky alittle rounder and fatter very Nice. The fender has That genuine strat sound That we all love. Nice video 👍🐑

This is a really well-done comparison. Both are great guitars. FWIW, the newer Fender American Pro strats have the vintage-style saddles like the PRS has.

Great comparison, Sophie!

Great assessment and comparison. I plan to purchase a vintage sunburst SE CE 24 and a moon white SE Silver Sky. Thank you for your input. --- *Side note: Have you checked out the new BOSS RC 500? If not, you may want to look into it.

I have had several Strats over the years and nothing really is quite like a real one. American Strats just seem to have more charm and Fender designed it in the first place. I'm a purist at heart!

how can we tell the difference when both are playing?

This was a great example of how two different guitars stand up to one another. The Silver Sky is very impressive and sounds beautiful. The Strat is always going to make a good showing when played properly the way you do. BTW, your smile and hair always turn out to be the real star of your videos. Keep them coming. :)

I really like the prs silver sky especially the looks is great but nothing can beat a fender strat for me

To me, the particular pickups you put in your Strat sound somewhat tinnier. I prefer the sound of the PRS pickups in this case. That said, I am a massive Fender and Stratocaster fan ;)

My question here is: - if you want to buy a Fender strat, would it make sense to set aside some more money and buy an American Professional II? ($845 / $1700, that's twice the price) - you can't do the same with the PRS, the American made is way too much expensive! ($850 / $2500, that's 3 times the price)

Nice PRS but I love Fender

Can't believe that PRS manage to score with this model. it sounds so good, there is no reason to go and buy American Silver Sky with price tag of 2,500$ when the differences is so minor.. and the sound ! god the sound is so similar, great job Paul & John !

Drastic difference on the 2 position (bridge & middle pickup) where the Fender almost sounded like 90% bridge with just a little middle pickup blended in. Positions 1,3,4 & 5 I preferred the Fender though.

Just bought a new Strat AM Pro 2 (Dark Night) and I can't imagine a Silver Sky getting the tones… I am a PRS person firstly but this Pro 2 is incredible.

First I love the way you did the comparison. In my opinion the major difference between the two necks and frett boards is the scale and materials. 1. You just got to love strat with the maple neck and frett board but from my experience is that the Fender maple neck and frett board is a little wider and thicker than most similar models but has a tremendous feel. I personally like guitars with double coil Humbucker style pickups especially at the bridge and finding a strat with that pickup configuration and the maple neck and frett board is impossible. Does PRS offer their Strat with a Humbucker at the bridge position and single coils at the other two positions

My favorite its black and red color is beauty.

Both nice.. but fender is fender.. prs is good gear for sure though have had a standard and a se in past, but fender including squier has been a solid go to every single time.. nothing bad to say about prs at all though..

Personally, I think the PRS has a sharper attack in the neck position which I like in your demo, but for the 2-4 settings which include the middle pickup, it's hard to beat the Fender Strat. (I'm a Telecaster guy personally, so I actually added a Nashville Tele to my collection just so I could get that classic sound of the Fender Strat Middle Single Coil pickup) The Fender just sounds a lot dirtier with the bridge pickup, and I like that too. My first Tele was a 2005 American Highway One Fender Telecaster, modified with a Fender Noiseless lipstick pickup in the neck position, and a Seymour Duncan Lil' 59 humbucker in the bridge. It's great for Van Halen songs... But I have to say that whole period between 2004-2011, Fender made some great guitars. What pickups did your Strat originally have? Texas Specials originally probably in the higher end American Strats of that era? Also, speaking of T-style guitars which are my personal preference, I don't know if you did a review of the Myles Kennedy Signature PRS?

The biggest sound difference was on the inbetween positions, 2 and 4, the others sounded basically identical. The most difference I hears was in the overtones on that 4th position on the strat.

Very thorough review!! Nice job!!! Say which do you think does rock/metal better?

I feel an SE silver sky should be compared to a player series strat, price points have more similarity

I find both have great Sound .But The Fender Strat is the Sound better .

Great video as always Sophie

Prs all the way... 3 a side headstock and the bird inlays. Dont get me wrong the ode fender sounds awesome and will always be what I think of as the Deep Purple sound but the familiar feel of the headstock of the prs would win my money.

I still like the Fender but mixed with a few ideas from the Silver Star. So like... *Head stock from the SS* *As for custom fret board markings make it cheetahs, jaguars, lions, tigers etc. for the Fender* *I like the neck and body of the Fender* *Old style saddle for the Fender* *Pickguards from both should be customized instead of standard white--for both guitars* *Love the two-tone body of the Fender over solids* *Replace the blade switch cap on the Fender* *Keep the knobs on the Fender--seems better for practicality over pure aesthetics.* I'm led to believe (but can't verify) that originally the strats had about 8 screws for the pickguards until around 1959-1962 when material changes were made. One change is that the pickguards were now being made of a nitrate material that could warp so they added to the distribution of the screws to help prevent that. I am supposing that all kinds of materials can be used for the pickguard so it was an individual company decision of that time period and they kept it in place as other materials may also warp over time so why take the chance. Anyway, I thought it was interesting as well and suspected something to that effect from having worked with different composites. Ultimately, it is how you feel as you are the musician and that is that. ;)

1:23 2:46 3:51 4:36 8:01

Awesome comparison and playing.

Sophie..you seem to be up on and in the mix w your guitar playing ,ability, and skill, and finally sharing great info you've o trained. My opinion is the Strat is still hard to beat all things taken into consideration, yet the Silver Skyline is definitely hard to compare t in it's own right. Enjoy and keep up your musical journey. You are appreciated. Keep up the Great job.

They both sound incredible

I am in the camp of whichever one feels right, never have been a fan of Fender with the narrow necks. The SE Silver Sky feels better to me. I can now get the strat tones without the fight. Great review with the side by side video.

The Strat is the best guitar ever made imo. That being said I haven't owned a Fender that didn't need a fret leveling. Every single one I've owned or played had fret issues which is ridiculous. Fender has mastered the art of giving you less and charging you more for it over the years and PRS has done the opposite it seems.

Neck pickup tie, bridge pup Strat, Middle pup SE Bridge with middle Strat, Neck with middle tie

Thx for this video Sophie. Dominique

I feel as much money they want for the stretch you should not have to do any work to it so I do not my strength I did look at the silver sky what is in my cup of tea. I did buy a vintage icon series it’s got a fly to radius just need a new pick upsI got the seafoam green edge I love it

Beautiful, the guitars are nice too. I don't think anything beats a humbucker super strat rock legend.

Great comparison video Sophie Really liked the way you presented the pickup comparison 👍💯 The No 19s at the bridge had some great attack. Otherwise so so similar Couldn't choose between the two guitars in truth. Would have to be one of each 😁💯😎