Fender vs PRS and the amazing Silver Sky
So, I’ve been watching the internet ignite over Fenders decision to take on bunch of guitar manufacturers who allegedly stole fenders ”work of art“ being the stratocaster body. As someone who has built a bunch of partscasters and sold them, bought and sold countless guitars, as a guitarist you do know what is fender Strat vs any other Strat. So the idea the a massive corporation (albeit.. the creators of that body shape .. 75 years ago) was now trying to take control of that body shape.. really really bothered me. Ive loved all of my guitars.. some much longer than others and still love the ‘Strat’. I’ve owned 3 American pros, baja Tele, ultra Tele, and an American vintage ii 61 Strat. All of them I’ve sold. i had to get an AVii Strat twice.. truss rod was locked and snapped on the first one, and two of the American pros had issues. I have had some great ones.. same for Gibson.. hit and miss with quality. The best quality guitars I’ve had were Japanese ibanezs, and Japanese revstars. But the best guitar I have owned is a PRS McCarty. Bought one.. never sold it. sounds incredible , plays beautifully, rarely have to tweak anything. So that then got me thinking.. maybe I should look at a silver sky US / core model. I’ve thought about it for two years… then fender decided to pursue something that I genuinely am not happy about, so I thought “F#k you fender.. I’m selling my american pro, my Jackson and I’m going buy a core PRS Silversky.. that’s my contribution to the cause ;-)“
But the rational part of me thought, no, buy the best Strat at you fav music store, let the corporations have their battle, but I’m a musician first so pick the best instrument for you.. So i take my thousands of dollars and I drive 2 hours into Sydney, and I’m going to look at 2 silver sky’s and the new American Ultra luxe vintage 60s Strat. And I’m thinking this is going to be tough, on paper the ultra luxe is what I want, but hey if the silver sky is as good as my McCarty… well.
Fender.. what a disappointment. While the ultra luxe is pretty it felt like a cheap player Strat, set up was way off, but worst of all.. there was lazy spray over from the nitro in the neck pocket. I took a photo in the store as I just couldn’t believe it, see attached.
The Silver skys were immaculate. fricken beautifu! the necks were incredible, the set up.. perfect, the resonance from the guitar incredible. I walked out of the shop with my second PRS and I can honestly say it plays and sounds better than any fender I’ve ever owned, and that includes 2 custom shops that I’ve borrowed from friends.
Sorry Fender don’t focus on shutting down your competitors or (what I suspect) charge licensing fees for their use of the ‘S’ body shape.. do a better job at making instruments instead. I’ve built better parts casters than your factory produces.. Focus on your product, your quality control and take real pride in your legacy. Fender, I’ve happily sold two of your products that were not inspiring me.. and used that money for a Silver Sky. Not because I want a guitar that Has an ‘S’ shape but because I know it’s PRS and I know it is a high quality instrument that inspires me to play and write more