John Mayer’s Switch to PRS Guitars

John Mayer has been known to use Fender guitars throughout his career, but he also started using Paul Reed Smith (PRS) guitars in the mid-2000s. There are a few reasons why he may have made the switch:

1. Sound: PRS guitars have a different sound than Fender guitars, and John Mayer may have preferred the tone of the PRS for certain songs or styles of music.

2. Playability: PRS guitars are known for their high-quality craftsmanship and comfortable playability. Mayer may have found the PRS guitars to be more comfortable to play than his Fender guitars.

3. Artist endorsement: John Mayer has had a signature model PRS guitar since 2010, which could have played a role in his switch to PRS. Artist endorsement deals often come with perks like custom-designed guitars, financial compensation, and exposure for the artist.

4. Variety: As a musician, it’s always good to have a variety of instruments in your arsenal, and Mayer is no exception. By using both Fender and PRS guitars, he can achieve different sounds and playability that suit his music.

5. Evolution of sound: As Mayer’s music evolved over the years, he may have found that PRS guitars were better suited to his current style of music. Artists often experiment with different instruments and equipment to find the perfect sound for their music.

6. Collaborations: John Mayer has collaborated with PRS Guitars to design his signature models, the John Mayer Silver Sky, which was released in 2018. The guitar was designed to incorporate elements of classic Fender Stratocaster and PRS guitars, resulting in a unique instrument with a sound and feel that Mayer was looking for.

7. Customization: PRS guitars are known for their customizability, which allows musicians to tailor their instruments to their specific needs and preferences. This could have been a factor in Mayer’s decision to switch to PRS, as he may have found that he could get a more personalized instrument with a PRS guitar.

It’s worth noting that Mayer has not completely abandoned Fender guitars – he still plays them frequently in his live performances and recordings. In fact, he has been known to switch between Fender and PRS guitars during the same show. Ultimately, the choice of guitar brand comes down to personal preference and what works best for the musician in terms of sound and playability.

Ultimately, the decision to switch guitar brands likely came down to a combination of personal preference and practical considerations.

It’s also important to note that guitarists often switch between brands and models throughout their careers. For example, Eric Clapton, one of the most influential guitarists of all time, has used a wide range of guitars, including Fender, Gibson, and Martin, among others.

Similarly, John Mayer’s switch to PRS guitars does not mean that he no longer values Fender guitars. In fact, he has spoken about his admiration for Fender guitars and the influence they have had on his music. He has also used Fender guitars extensively throughout his career and continues to do so.

In the end, the choice of guitar is a personal one, and the most important thing is to find an instrument that inspires and enables you to make great music. Whether you prefer Fender, PRS, or any other brand of guitar, what matters most is how you play it and what you create with it.

In conclusion, John Mayer’s switch from Fender to Paul Reed Smith guitars was likely influenced by a combination of factors, including sound, playability, artist endorsement, variety, evolution of sound, collaborations, and customization. Ultimately, the choice of guitar brand is a personal one, and it’s up to each musician to decide which instruments work best for their music.