PRS Silver Sky VS Fender American Stratocaster (comparison)
Our pick: The Fender American Stratocaster
The PRS Silver Sky is far more expensive than even the Fender American Professional Stratocaster lines, which are some of the nicest available. In a direct comparison, we actually like the Fender Strat better for the value it brings at a lower cost, the two-point bridge design, and the included hard-shell case in the nicer models. They also get credit for the originality of the design.
Does the difference between these two guitars come down to brand loyalty?
We would say that's definitely part of the answer, at least it was for John Mayer when he broke ranks with Fender. It's hard to tell who was to blame in that split, because we've noticed Fender has gone in some strange directions in recent years that we're not a fan of (Fender Play being the most glaring example).
But it ultimately cost us the John Mayer Signature Stratocaster, which - by all accounts - was an awesome guitar.
The result was a guitar by PRS that looks exactly like a Fender Stratocaster, called the Silver Sky. Aside from the headstock and trademark bird inlays, the Silver Sky is indistinguishable from the Fender Stratocaster design.
In this article, we'll compare the two to see where they differ (if at all).
Before we get into the differences, we need to address the type of Fender Stratocaster we're talking about.
Considering The Type of Fender Stratocaster
While there's really just one Silver Sky line, there are many variations of the Fender Stratocaster. In order to make this comparison, we're focusing on the American Professional series of the Fender Strat, which is the closest in quality comparison to the PRS Silver Sky.
Specifically, we'll compare the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster to the PRS Silver Sky.
Other Fender Strat comparisons could include any of the following:
- Fender American Professional II HSS Strat
- Fender American Ultra Strat (SSS and HSS versions)
- Fender American Performer Strat (SSS and HSS versions)
The price range represented among these guitars falls roughly between $1200 and $2000.
There are a lot of different variations of the Fender American Stratocaster, ranging in price from about $1200 on the low end, to about $2000 on the high end.
Major Differences Highlighted between Fender Strat and PRS Silver Sky
As you might expect, there aren't a ton of differences between these two guitars. But for a quick look at the results of our comparison, here are the biggest ones we were able to identify.
- Bridge: Two-point pivot on most of the new Fender Strats and vintage-style on the PRS
- Case: Hardshell case included with Strat and gig back with Silver Sky
- Price: Silver Sky is more expensive
- Tuning pages: Diecast metal on the Strat and some kind of hard plastic on the Silver Sky
Compare to Similar Guitars
Guitar | DETAILS | RATING | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fender American Stratocaster | n/a | |
 | PRS Silver Sky | n/a | |
 | Fender Player Telecaster | n/a | |
 | PRS Dusty Waring Signature | n/a |
Pricing Data for Fender American Stratocaster
Vendor Price Comparison
Price Alert Tool
Price History
Price History for Fender American Performer Stratocaster MN Satin Lake Placid Blue w/Gig Bag
Statistics
| Current Price | $1,399.99 | September 29, 2023 |
| Highest Price | $1,399.99 | June 14, 2022 |
| Lowest Price | $1,399.99 | June 14, 2022 |
Last price changes
| $1,399.99 | June 14, 2022 |
Pricing Data for PRS Silver Sky
Vendor Price Comparison
Price Alert Tool
Price History
Price History for PRS John Mayer Silver Sky Mapleboard Polar Blue
Statistics
| Current Price | $2,649.00 | September 29, 2023 |
| Highest Price | $2,649.00 | June 14, 2022 |
| Lowest Price | $2,249.00 | October 12, 2022 |
Last price changes
| $2,649.00 | December 21, 2022 |
| $2,249.00 | October 12, 2022 |
| $2,649.00 | June 14, 2022 |
Between the PRS Silver Sky and the Fender American Stratocaster, which one is the better value?
Demo Comparison
The demos below are both good representations of the overall tones and soundscapes of each guitar. On the Stratocaster side you have a much brighter, almost bell-like tone, that has actually gotten more brisk compared to past versions of the American Strat.
With the Silver Sky, you'll notice a much deeper and warmer response, which almost sounds like you mixed the typical percussive response of a PRS guitar with the brighter chime of Fender's single coil setup.
And while the Silver Sky does a good job of capturing the briskness and "quack," particularly with its response to your picking hand, it still feels like the Stratocaster is clearly better at handling this type of sound.
Strat | Sky |
|---|---|
$1500 - $2000 | $2400 |
To put it simply:
- Fender Stratocaster: Brighter
- PRS Silver Sky: Warmer
The price range is also different, as we've already alluded to, with the Silver Sky typically falling around $2400. It's significantly more expensive than the $1500 you'll pay for the American Professional II Strat.
Even if you go with the Ultra or Deluxe version of the Strat, you aren't likely to spend more than $2000.
The Bodies
For most part, these two bodies are exactly the same, with an Alder body carved in the traditional Strat shape. PRS uses a different naming convention - calling it the "Solidbody John Mayer." But it's exactly the same as its Fender counterpart.
| | |
|---|---|---|
Body Type/Shape | Solidbody American Professional II | Solidbody PRS John Mayer (almost identical to Fender Strat) |
Body Tonewood Material | Alder | Alder |
Finish | Gloss polyurethane | Gloss polyurethane |
Carving | Minimal with end slant | Minimal with end slant |
Binding | None (no top piece) | None (no top piece) |
Depending on which Strat you're comparing it to, the Silver Sky might have a slightly more aggressive carving on the top corner. However, it's not going to be enough to make a significant aesthetic difference.
A close look at the body of a gray PRS Silver Sky electric guitar. Flickr Commons image via Alain Asenjo
The front of a Fender Stratocaster with an orange sunburst finish. Flickr Commons image via Myxi 2
Comparing Neck & Fretboard
Again, PRS uses a different naming convention for their neck, calling it the 635JM, built to Mayer's specifications. Both necks feel like a fairly typical C shape, without much to tell them apart. I'd argue the Stratocaster neck is a little thinner and faster, but its hard to tell between the two unless you really get into splitting hairs.
We also noticed that the frets on the Silver Sky feel a bit bigger and thicker, which makes sense since the Stratocaster's neck uses an intentionally thinner fret design.
| | |
|---|---|---|
Material | Maple | Maple |
Profile/Shape | Deep C | 635JM (Mayer's specifications) |
Scale Length | 25.5" | 25.5" |
Radius | 9.5" | 7.25" |
Fingerboard Material | Maple | Rosewood |
Number of Frets | 22 | 22 |
Frets | Narrow tall | Custom-sized |
Nut Material | Bone | Bone |
Nut Width | 1.685" | 1.656" |
Inlays | Black dots | Birds |
The most noticeable difference would have to be the bird inlays on the Silver Sky, a hallmark of PRS guitars.
The iconic bird inlays help give away the PRS Silver Sky.
The frets on the Stratocaster are noticeably more narrow than the PRS.
Hardware/Parts
Over the years, Fender has used two different kinds of bridge systems for their Stratocasters:
- Six screw vintage
- Two-point pivot modern
The current versions of the Stratocaster use the two-point pivot design, while the Silver Sky uses the vintage six-screw setup, per Mayer's specifications. Both bridges are solid and well built.
One thing we dislike about the Silver Sky is the tuning machine heads, which actually feel like plastic.
For the amount you're paying for the Silver Sky, having a plastic-feeling part anywhere - aside from the pickguard - is a tough pill to swallow.
| | |
|---|---|---|
Hardware Finish | Nickel (silver color) | Nickel (silver color) |
Bridge/Tailpiece | 2-Point Synchronized Tremolo with Cold-rolled Steel Block | Steel Tremolo (vintage six-screw style) Flush to the body (not floating) |
Tuning Machines | Fender Standard Diecast | Vintage-style, locking (plastic material) |
Pickguard | Yes | Yes |
Controls | 1 volume, 2 tone, 5-way switch | 1 volume, 2 tone, 5-way switch |
Case included? | Yes, hardshell | Gig bag |
In another big win for the Fender Stratocaster, they include a hardshell case with the purchase, while PRS is just a gig bag.
Pickups
The two single coil sets look identical but, as I mentioned previously, the 635JM set sounds warmer and more mellow. You get less intensity with pick scrapes and right hand movement, but more depth on the lower end notes on the Silver Sky.
Fender's V-Mod II single coil set is a premium Fender pickup, made for their nicer guitar lines and available as a separate purchase for other pickup upgrades.
| | |
|---|---|---|
Bridge Pickup | Fender V-Mod II Single-coil | 635JM Single-coil |
Middle Pickup | Fender V-Mod II Single-coil | 635JM Single-coil |
Neck Pickup | Fender V-Mod II Single-coil | 635JM Single-coil |
Controls | 1 x vol, 2 x tone | 1 x vol, 2 x tone |
Selector Switch | 5-way switch | 5-way switch |
You might also notice the V Mod set on the Stratocaster is a darker color, almost a cream with a more worn look. The Silver Sky set is bright white, matching the pickguard.
The Stratocaster uses Fender V Mod single coil pickups.
The PRS Silver Sky uses a special custom single coil set called the 635JM, developed specifically for Mayer's tone.
Concluding our Comparison
I'm not anti Silver Sky, because PRS has built a great guitar that captures what Mayer liked about Stratocasters, while still keeping PRS characteristics.
But given the price tag, and several areas where the Stratocaster gives you more value than the Silver Sky, I think the Fender American Strat is easily the better option between the two.
Again, that doesn't mean the Silver Sky isn't good.
It's an awesome guitar.
But Fender, being the originator of this design, is the better value because they just give you more for a much lower price.
If you're stuck between the two and you're not loyal to PRS as a brand, go with the Fender Strat.
As always, leave your questions in the comments section.
Resources and Works Cited
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Written by Bobby on Electrics and Roundups
I find it odd you think the Fender’s frets are smaller than on the PRS which has vintage-style wire on them. They’re noticeably smaller than the ones on any of my Strats. Heck, they’re visibly smaller in the pics you used in the review.
I can appreciate that the Fender delivers a very good product at a lower price point but overwhelmingly superior? C’mon, man. The idea that the standard Professional Strat pickups can compete with the JM635’s is laughable. Mayer’s old Big Dippers are some of the most sought-after Fender-made pickups ever. And, you expect the reader to buy that these generic pickups are equal-but-different than his new ones? You need to go up to some Custom Shop Josefinas to get anywhere near that quality tone.
I’m sorry but this just doesn’t seem like an objective review to me. It’s reasonable to prefer the Fender for all sorts of reasons but to declare it unequivocally a better instrument (more for less money) reeks of fanboying.
Again – it’s a value argument. Keep in mind, we’re talking about the American series Strats – not the player Strats, which are much cheaper and use more stock parts.
The American series Strats are significantly nicer, and many of them do – in fact – use Custom Shop Fender pickups.
My apologies if I wasn’t clear that I was talking about the American-made Professional II Strats.
While there are some Professional models that have offered Custom Shop pickups, the Professional II model you referred to comes standard with the V-Mod 2 singles so that’s probably what you should use in any comparison. But, even if you didn’t, the “Custom Shop” pickups that might come in a run of production Strats (like Fat 50s) are “Custom Shop” in name only, really. They can’t compete with the JM635s as far as I’m concerned. To my ear, they’re not even as good as similar offerings from Fralin or Lollar for that matter.
The ones that can compete (or surpass) those JM635s would be something like a set of Josefina wounds that I mentioned. Problem is that those can cost as much as a Pro II guitar by themselves (and probably $5000+ for the guitar) at which point, the idea of getting more for less money kind of goes away.
Look, there’s nothing wrong with preferring the Fender. It probably gives you more bang for the buck because it’s significantly less expensive than the Silver Sky. But, for the extra money, the Silver Sky gives you more: locking tuners, easier neck access, lighter weight, better fretwork and, of course, those crazy vintage tones. Is it worth an extra $800? That’s up to the player. But, whatever they decide is right for them, the fact is, the Silver Sky indisputably offers more top end features than a Pro II.
These are fair points, Riff. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts.
And I appreciate you taking the time to discuss this with me. Talking gear is always fun. Thanks!
Absolutely. Thanks, Riff.
I’m not sure there is a reason to compare these two against each other as they offer certain different materials and tones. Because of these (and others) differences the PRS shouldn’t be considered a Strat replacement nor a Strat upgrade. I think people should look at it as these brands/models offers you another choice in the world of guitars and enjoy them for what they are and their individual sounds.
People search for it. If nothing else, that is the point of a comparison like this, to show the individual strengths and leanings of each instrument.
I agree with you on your assessment. As they say, imitation is the best form of flattery. John major went over to PRS and when they told him they can make anything he likes he said “Na just make me a Fender Strat please. You can stick your headstock and the birds on the neck but otherwise I’m happy with a Strat”. It’s strange to me that they would even agree to do this. For a large manufacturer to copy a fender design is to concede that they can’t do any better.
I disagree. For them to copy so much of the Strat design (at John’s behest) is a pretty bold statement that they believe they can do a better Strat for John Mayer than Fender can. And they did (there’s no reason to disbelieve John Mayer).
But Strats have been copied left and right and renamed all sorts of things for decades. This is no different.
Sorry I disagree completely. What does it mean to do a better job than Fender? Solid body guitars are really easy to make. You and I could make them. (see the crimson guitar build off). I’ve seen Fender signature models that have completely Gibson type controls and even a set neck so Fender would be willing to do pretty much anything John Mayer wanted. The fact that the deal didn’t go through seems to me to be purely financial. Maybe he wanted a bigger cut of the sales and Fender didn’t agree. Either way what I’m saying is that for a Big guitar manufacturer, their brand is not just about the specs but also about the design and for them to just copy Fender is admitting that Fender’s design is better than what they can come up with. This applies to any product. Cars, phones, anything.
no it is saying “john mayer thinks that PRS can do better than Fender at meeting John Mayer’s needs”
anything else beyond that is baseless unfounded speculation
and yes anyone can build a guitar, but not everyone can build a great guitar with consistently high quality
Actually, Mayer is on record saying that Fender wasn’t interested in making a Strat to his specs. He wanted a highly customized model built to his exacting standards that he believed would help move the instrument into the future. Also, he wanted something that was good enough and manufactured consistently enough that he could go to a store, buy one, drive directly to a gig and just start playing. According to Mayer, Fender would not and could not deliver. So, he went to a guy in Paul Reed Smith who is as crazy about gear as he is instead.
Makes no sense. The silver sky isn’t a guitar that just anyone can buy. That just makes me think Fender wanted a guitar that would sell more and John Mayer wanted a guitar that was high quality to have his name attached to it
Have you seen the prices of the John Mayer Fenders? The signatures were pretty much the same as the Silver Skies and the Masterbuilt ones were $20,000+. Fender had no intention of creating a cheap signature guitar. But, they didn’t want to invest any money and time developing a guitar to Mayer’s specs, either. If they had, he’d still be a Fender artist. Damn shame.
I appreciate this comparison. As a Fender Pro II owner, I searched for this exact comparison. Now that the PRS Silver Sky John Mayer SE was just announced, does it hold its own against a Pro II? I am sure the SE will be better value than the Fender Player series.