If you've got a PRS SE Silver Sky and have the itch to customize and/or upgrade, it's a great guitar for modding. And the SE Silver Sky is pretty solid as-is, relatively small changes can get a more specific tone you might be chasing. In this article, we'll explore some pickup and hardware mod ideas that can kick your PRS SE Silver Sky up a couple notches.
Read more: Best pickups for guitar
1. Pickup Swaps
One of the most common and impactful mods for any electric guitar is changing the pickups. The PRS SE Silver Sky already comes with excellent single-coil pickups, but if you're looking to add your unique flavor, consider experimenting with different options. These are some of the Strat pickup sets we'd recommend for the SE Silver Sky:
The PRS SE Silver Sky is a great candidate for pickup and hardware mods. Image via Moore Guitars
2. Hardware Upgrades
The hardware on your PRS SE Silver Sky can also be customized to improve performance and aesthetics. Some popular hardware mods include:
- MannMade USA Brass Block
- Custom pickguards and truss rod cover
- Bridge hardware swap
- Neck tining
Since these are a little more nuanced, I'll talk a little bit about each one.
MannMade USA Brass Block
Swapping out your guitar's tremolo block for a brass one can add sustain, resonance, and a touch of warmth to your tone. It's an easy upgrade that can make a noticeable difference.
Custom Pickguard and Truss Rod Cover
Personalizing your Silver Sky with a custom pickguard and truss rod cover allows you to give it a unique look. You have classic, avant-garde designs, and others, which are all easy to install. It's an aesthetic change, but it can definitely give your guitar a unique spin.
Bridge Hardware Swap
If you upgrade the bridge hardware on your SE Silver Sky, we'd recommend the American Deluxe bridge assembly, because you'll need the two-point pivot bridge (modern design) as opposed to the vintage six-screw bridge.
3. Aging and Relic Work
Aging and relic work can give your PRS SE Silver Sky that classic, worn-in appearance. Whether it's worn lacquer or just dings/scratches, the severity of the job is up to you. There are several DIY methods for this, but nothing totally set in stone. Personally, I don't like doing to my guitars because after awhile they wear naturally. But, for those of you that decide to try it, this mod gives you a lot of creative liberty.
Conclusion
The SE Silver Sky gives you a solid base instrument to work with. From there, modding is all about making it your own and making the guitar more effective at handling your playing style.
So it's a tone quality issue, of course, but it's also about personality and aesthetics.
If you have questions, or perhaps a story to share about your own PRS SE Silver Sky modding experience, let us here about it in the comments section below.
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Written by GC Editorial on Acoustics and Info
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