PRS Guitars, in collaboration with guitarist John Mayer, has launched a special edition of the Silver Sky guitar, incorporating colors from the Land Rover Defender vehicle. This collection, named the Silver Sky Defender Color Collection, was developed in partnership with the automaker and uses original paint codes from the British utility vehicle in eight different finishes.
The finishes are distributed between the version produced in the United States and the entry-level SE line. The inspiration for this line came directly from the musician's garage, as Mayer owns a 1997 Defender 90 painted in Arles Blue, which serves as the starting point for the American series.
In a launch announcement, the guitarist expressed his satisfaction, stating that 'Joining forces with Defender to offer the Silver Sky guitar in its legendary 4x4 colors is a dream come true.'
The US-made line features four historical colors of the Defender model: Arles Blue, Willow Green, Portofino Red, and Sandglow Yellow. Production of this version is limited to 500 units per color, totaling 2,000 guitars globally.
These instruments have white pickguards and knobs, referencing Defender models with white roofs, and the headstock is painted the same color as the body. They come with a hard case featuring the Defender emblem and a personalized plate on the joint between the neck and body. According to the specialized website GuitarBomb, the estimated cost in the US is approximately R$ 16.6k (US$ 3,200).
The SE line incorporates four contemporary shades of the utility vehicle: Petra Copper, Sedona Red, Carpathian Grey, and Woolstone Green. Unlike the American version, the SE models feature black pickguards and knobs for the first time in Silver Sky history, echoing the Defender's black roof.
Production of the SE line is not numbered, but PRS will end orders in mid-2027. Buyers of this line receive a quilted cover with both brands' logos and a plaque with the Defender emblem. The price in the US for the SE line is about R$ 5.2k (US$ 999).
Although the use of automotive colors on musical instruments is not new—with Fender and Gibson using car paints in the 1950s and 1960s, such as Lake Placid Blue and Candy Apple Red—the application of official Defender paints on a guitar is a pioneering feat, according to Guitar World magazine.
The official presentation took place during the Destination Defender event, held between September 11th and 13th in Temecula, California. In addition to the models available for sale, PRS produced a small batch in the classic British Racing Green color, which will not be commercialized. These examples will be used for fundraising campaigns for the Defender Service Awards and for The Heart and Armor Foundation, an organization founded by John Mayer focused on the health of war veterans.
