John Mayer thinks big guitar makers have “punished” affordable guitars by making them look worse than expensive ones
One of the coolest guitar releases of the year so far – hell, in recent memory – was the spate of limited-edition PRS Silver Skys outfitted in classic Land Rover Defender colourways launched last earlier this month.
It marked the announcement of an unexpected partnership between the guitar maker and Jaguar Land Rover, driven chiefly by the Silver Sky’s namesake John Mayer’s love of the legendary SUV.
The collab consists of eight Silver Sky models boasting Defender finishes: four USA-made ones sporting classic Defender colourways like Arles Blue and Sandglow Yellow, and four SE models wearing some more contemporary finishes, like Petra Copper and Woolstone Green.
Credit: PRS
And a big part of the collaboration for Mayer was ensuring those with more SE-adjacent budgets weren’t being shortchanged in terms of the look of the guitars in comparison to the more expensive USA-made models.
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In a new interview with Guitar World following the launch, the guitar maestro – who has also just announced a huge six-night residency at the Las Vegas Sphere, his second stint at the venue after a lengthy residency with Dead & Company in 2024 and 2025 – explains why it was important to make sure the more budget-friendly Silver Sky Defenders also looked the part.
Notably, the SE models – which despite their limited run are priced at a reasonable £799 apiece – are the first Silver Skys to feature a highly requested black pickguard.
“It’s almost like the first appearance of Wolverine. Everyone’s waiting for it,” Mayer says. “I think it’s interesting that it makes its appearance on the SE line as opposed to just having it trickle down from the Core line.”
“I thought it was nice to give something to the SE,” he continues. “When I was growing up, the more accessible guitar got punished for being more accessible. I learned a lot from the SE.
Credit: PRS
“I originally had the idea like, ‘Oh, you tier it.’ Then guitar lovers of the world spoke to me. I learned that some people are going to have an SE forever. It doesn’t have to be a consolation and someday you’ll work your way up. That’s when I thought, ‘There should be a little bit to separate the lines.’”
It is, indeed, common for guitar companies to separate colourway options for their differently priced guitar lines, and some argue that the more aesthetically pleasing colours tend to be available on more expensive models. But that was the opposite of Mayer’s approach to the Defender collaboration.
“Teaming up with Defender to offer the Silver Sky guitar in their legendary 4×4 colors is a dream come true,” said Mayer, a keen Defender enthusiast, when the collab was announced.
“I’ve always chosen colourways based on objects and materials that inspire me in the world, and as a collector and lover of Defenders, this collaboration is the perfect crossover between two great passions of mine.”
Learn more about the new limited-edition Silver Sky Defender guitars at PRS.
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
