PRS Silver Sky Electric Guitars: A Comprehensive Review
The world of electric guitars is ever-evolving, with countless models and brands vying for the attention of musicians and enthusiasts alike. One such model that has been making waves in recent years is the PRS Silver Sky. This guitar, a collaboration between Paul Reed Smith and legendary guitarist John Mayer, has quickly become a favorite among players for its unique combination of vintage aesthetics and modern innovation. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the features, sound, and overall performance of the PRS Silver Sky electric guitar.
Design and Aesthetics
The PRS Silver Sky is a visually striking instrument, boasting a sleek and stylish design reminiscent of classic guitars from the 1960s. The body is made of alder, a tonewood known for its balanced and resonant qualities, while the neck is constructed from maple, offering stability and a smooth playing experience. The fingerboard is made of rosewood, adding warmth and richness to the guitar’s tone.
One of the most notable aspects of the Silver Sky’s design is its reverse PRS-style headstock. This not only adds a unique visual touch but also serves a functional purpose by providing straight string pull across the nut, resulting in improved tuning stability.
The Silver Sky comes in a variety of eye-catching finishes, including Frost, Golden Mesa, Moc Sand, and Orion Green, among others. The guitar also features the iconic PRS bird inlays on the fingerboard, adding another layer of visual appeal to this already stunning instrument.
Hardware and Electronics
When it comes to hardware, the PRS Silver Sky does not disappoint. The guitar features PRS-designed vintage-style locking tuners, which ensure accurate tuning and make string changes quick and easy. The bridge is a steel PRS Gen III Tremolo, offering excellent sustain and pitch control while maintaining a comfortable feel.
The electronics in the Silver Sky are where this guitar truly shines. John Mayer and Paul Reed Smith worked closely together to develop the 635JM single-coil pickups, which are specifically designed for this model. These pickups are low-output and exceptionally clear, providing a vintage sound that is both warm and articulate.
The Silver Sky also features a master volume control, two tone controls, and a 5-way pickup selector switch, offering a wide range of tonal options to suit any playing style or genre. The guitar’s electronics are housed in a mint green pickguard, adding to its vintage-inspired aesthetic.
Playability
The PRS Silver Sky was designed with playability in mind, and it delivers on that promise. The guitar features a 25.5-inch scale length, which is a departure from the typical PRS 25-inch scale. This longer scale length provides increased string tension, resulting in a snappier and more defined feel.
The neck of the Silver Sky has a unique “635JM” profile, which is a hybrid between a C and D shape. This profile offers a comfortable and natural feel, allowing for effortless playability up and down the neck. The fingerboard has a 7.25-inch radius, which is more rounded than many modern guitars, making it perfect for chord work and vintage-style bends.
Furthermore, the Silver Sky has a lower fret height than most PRS models, which contributes to its vintage feel and allows for a smooth and comfortable playing experience.
Sound and Performance
The PRS Silver Sky truly excels when it comes to its sound and performance capabilities. The 635JM pickups provide a versatile and dynamic range of tones, making this guitar suitable for a variety of genres and styles.
In the neck position, players can achieve a warm, round tone that is perfect for jazz and blues. The middle position offers a balanced, bell-like sound that works well for clean rhythm playing, while the bridge position delivers a bright and cutting tone that is ideal for lead work and country-style picking.
When driven with distortion or overdrive, the Silver Sky maintains its clarity and definition, ensuring that each note remains distinct and articulate. This makes it an excellent choice for rock and fusion players who require precision and nuance in their sound.
Conclusion
The PRS Silver Sky electric guitar is a remarkable instrument that successfully combines vintage aesthetics with modern innovation. Its unique design, exceptional playability, and versatile sound make it a worthy addition to any guitarist’s collection.
While some purists may argue that there are more authentic vintage-style guitars on the market, the Silver Sky offers a fresh take on a classic design, with the added benefits of PRS craftsmanship and quality. For those seeking a guitar that can deliver a wide range of tones while maintaining a comfortable and inspiring playing experience, the PRS Silver Sky is an excellent choice.
