I like Beato but saying you need to have certain guitars to be taken seriously idiocy. All the session playing I did was on a Westbury Standard. Any reservations about it being an off brand guitar disappeared when I plugged it in. I had a few people try to buy it off me after playing it. Either a guitar does the business or it doesn’t.
My revstar standard has withstood all other guitars I've owned....I occasionally look at my collection and think "OK, what can I afford to trade." The Revstar ALWAYS stays...it's the only guitar I own that I'll not get rid of. I'd be afraid that whatever I got to replace it wouldn't stack up.
The answer to the title is yes. I have a nothing channel but every thing I post that involves the Revstar immediately becomes my best viewed video. I firmly believe the Revstar Standard is, local currency for local currency, the best guitar you can buy. It's becoming the defacto answer for "What do I get if I want a good P90 guitar?" get a Revstar. I recently said the Revstar II is a top 10 Guitar silhouette (the Revstar II specifically because of the size increase making the proportions right imo), and it's technically a new shape (It's a Super Flighter but nicer) . I agree the quirky electronics are more gimmicky marketing stuff than actually useful. But if it was just 2 pickups/3-way switch...I think it would be less appealing on paper, but more appealing in practice. Which is why I just ignore all the gimmick stuff unless I need something really specific, in which case....I do have it. A new colour way would be welcome, even as a limited thing. But beyond Yamaha not just marketing the crap out of it and getting it in peoples hands, there's nothing in my mind stopping the Revstar from becoming what the PRS has become.
I’m surprised you see the extra pickup positions and focus switch as gimmicks. First time I’ve heard that take anywhere, and as you mentioned, the Revstar has gotten quite a bit of attention and a lot of content/commentary on it….
@@ChidOki From personal experience & just anecdotal evidence the extra stuff has an air of malaise. I've yet to hear anyone rave about the 5 way or the push/pull. But still I'd rather have it & not need it.
@@GitShiddy I guess I’m getting technical with the term “gimmick”, which implies a meaningless trick. I think it is an honest effort on Yamaha’s part to do something that hasn’t been done before, but also create an actual usable sound. A gimmick is different from just not liking it, I have no problem with that. It doesn’t have to be everyone’s cup of tea. And although i have seen videos where people say they don’t care for the extra pickup positions, I have also heard multiple videos where people talk about positions 2 & 4 being their favorite because it’s something different. Also, others say that they love the focus switch for jazz or other genres. (I definitely think whether or not one likes all the Revstar sounds mostly comes down to whether or not you play certain genres/styles). One of the main reasons I got interested in a Revstar in the first place is because of how many people talked about it having so many usable sounds and sound combinations. That’s why I was saying it was the first time I heard anyone say they thought it was just all marketing and gimmicks. I’ve only heard people say they thought it was cool Yamaha tried something new, but they just didn’t personally like it.
@@ChidOki Completely get where your coming from. Please note I'm using gimmick in terms of marketing not functionality. I think all that stuff has to be there because 2 pickup/3-way switch isn't as sexy for marketing purposes. That's the use of gimmick here. Beyond that, fear your reading too much into a word mate.
@@GitShiddy that’s a great clarifier, thanks. Although I was being a bit polite, I wasn’t getting technical, it’s just the simple definition of what a gimmick is. I don’t think the word is being fairly applied here to Yamaha. But either way on this note, Yamaha should ride the momentum of the success of Revstar and offer some alternative trims/electronics. There’s near unanimous consensus on the quality and value but probably the least consensus on the pickup and electronics. That would be cool if they switched it up a bit somehow to mimic some of the mods people have been doing. I mean, that’s how Strats went from 3-way to 5-way in the first place!
I own one. It’s my workhorse, it’s punchy, versatile, and so well balanced and comfortable. Everyone asks about it when I play. Just makes a nice change from Gibson and fender
I'm a huge Yamaha supporter - I have 2 generations of THR amps, and an older Pacifica, and I love them all. The Revstar is on my bucket list for many reasons, the main one being I've never had guitar with P-90's in the many years I've been playing. I'd like it if Yamaha was the brand that made me say "Where have these been all my life!!" With prices being what they are these days, I have to wait until my local dealer gets one in used - and I'm sure it's only a matter of time.....
My main guitar has always been a Musicman Silhouette Special, which now cost like $3000.00. I bought the p90 Revstar after playing it for 20 minutes in the store. For $1000 you get stainless steel frets,an amazing rosewood fretboard, and a chambered body - the value is ridiculous! I don't think you can find those specs under $4000 with other brands. The guitar sounds incredible and plays like a dream.
I changed the focus switch to a coil split and also swapped out the 5 position switch for a 3 position one and it’s now one of my two main gigging guitars. Love it. And people always come up to me afterwards cause they think it’s cool looking. So with a couple of changes it’s been a big win for me.
My Revstar 502T I got in 2021 is one of the original line of Revstars which came with the 3 way switch and coil split as standard. I didn't know when I bought it that they would relaunch the series with new specs a few months later but I'm glad I have one of the originals. The new ones are great too!
I have a Revstart Pro P90s in Sunset. About the electronics (tone nob, 5 way switch, "focus" switch), it *really* helps to dial in your amp to make best use of them. I like playing clean or edge of breakup, Dumble or Carol-Ann Tucana with or without drive (Zendrive or Klon), all in Fractal FM3. Specifically, set your tone knob to "middle" and volume to about 50%, then dial the clean amp to the bright side. With the Focus switch, it is often helpful to turn *down* the volume a little and you will find a whole new range of tones, not just "louder" or "more midrange". Positions 2 and 4 (the "in-between" blend positions) offer some very nice and expressive tonal spaces, and engaging the Focus switch can bring them closer to the 1, 3, and 5 positions, through still "in between". All these tonal choices and possibilities are magnified by the touch sensitivity of the guitar overall with P90s. In sum, to get the full potential out of this guitar, don't just turn up the tone and volume knobs to MAX, and then flip pickup selector. Instead, set your guitar controls in the middle range, then setup the amp to work with that. Then add *and* subtract both tone and volume (and "Focus") to open up the full tonal range.
There are SO many commenters out there who need to read your walkthrough!!! So well explained. These pickups are very versatile and make full use of the ranges of those knobs. People who just turn both knobs wide open out of habit will miss the real tones it’s capable of!
I love my revstar standard with P90's! I got it in the black finish and changed the cream pickup covers to black, looks much better! I play it more than my Gibson.
My main live guitar since 1989 was my USA Vintage '62 Re-issue Rosewood Fiesta Red Strat. Since receiving my Revstar Pro Crisp Gold P90 in November 2022, my Strat is no longer my main guitar. Love my new Revstar.
Ibanez Jem and RG series, it defined superstrat with Floyd and 24 frets and pickup selector that automatically makes strat 2 and 4 position possible with two Humbuckers. and single coil.
Just got a used JEM Jr less than two weeks ago and so far I've been enjoying it since, the neck just feels soooo good, better than my previous used Squier Strat Deluxe that was more expensive. So exciting to play until I broke the high E string. No surprise cause I already thought it's still in standard 009 string from the factory. So excited to get a new set of 010 and set up my first Floyd Rose style guitar. Especially, it's (the lowest) JEM with tree of life!
The Yamaha guitars have some great modern specs on guitars that don't seem offensive. The Revstar is on my list to get. They are budget-ish, with stainless steel frets, and P90s or Humbuckers....I want one
I really hope more people get to try the Revstar Standard II. I have the p90 version in black (RSS02T) and its one of the best guitars i have ever owned. Incredible instrument and im not even considering its price. Its simply a gem, and i hope it brings others as much joy as it gives me.
I love my revstar standard, it's my workhorse and the one I reach for, despite have a few (ahem) higher tier guitars. I recently took it and my strat to a rehearsal, I used the strat for most of it but when I switched to the revstar I was really struck by how much more comfortable I found it. I've fitted a bigsby and now it's perfect.
I’m an sg guy, I have a couple ltd singlecut guitars too, and I have always had my eye on revstars. I feel they are classic at this point, every time I have picked one up I have really connected with it. one of these and a tele, and then I’m done buying guitars(if my wife is asking)
It's original, not exaggerated, sonically interesting and the transformer has it's use and i like it. And after I got it I found out that it's been designed by polish designer Piotr Stolarski so it adds some extra points to the attractivness (he designed also some new bass guitars and pianos during his 6 years work at Yamaha, a really nice guy).
I think it's very difficult for a guitar to become a "classic" these days because there are so many good guitars on the market which hasn't be like that 50 years ago for example. And guitarists are weird sometimes because we follow rules like "you have to own a Les Paul to be a real guitarist". I recently found out that this is not what makes me pick up the guitar and play... So last week I sold my Les Paul (a good guitar I didn't play often) and tomorrow I'm going to buy a Revstar with humbuckers as I already own a P90 version and I'm in love with it!
Completely disagree with your opinion of the focus switch. I love it. And i love the way that it takes away those nasty ice pick sounds. And you didnt use the bridge pick up at all which i thought puzzling as when used with the focus switch sounds amazing to my ear. Cheers, and keep up the good work.
Hey John, great video. Just a few counter points. 1) a classic is something we can only know in time. 2) if a truly generational performer uses a revstar, that could help cement it. 3) despite what you say, I don’t think women being given the right to vote is “the root of all evil”.
Imma say yes. I had a few of the previous generation (all now sold) and they were great but the 2nd gen Revstars are just an amazing package. I have both the P90 version and the humbucker version. They sound great, they play great, the necks feel awesome and the frets are fantastic. I agree they could do better colours and maybe a bit more work with artists but the guitar itself is worthy of its praise but still highly underrated.
Much prefer the look and colours of the first versions.Bought a s/h RS502TFM in Japanese denim after looking for one online for ages - great looking guitar. Check out Robbie Calvo playing one
I would argue the Super Strat is its own distinct and credible category. If you think about it they established themselves particularly in the 80s LA session scene with the likes of Anderson and Valley Arts etc.
I love the revstar ! Frist I had the old version with Humbucker but traded it for a RS502 There are great things about the new one (stainless steel frets, chambering, fretboard inlays) but overall I like the smaller body and the wraparound bridge of the older ones, plus better finishes imo It is a great design and greatly build. So it just needs time and great players who represents this guitar
I'm surprised the Guild M75 never got more attention. It's basically a hollow Les Paul with P90s, still in production, and has a history dating back to the early 1950s.
I’ve played the standard with both P90s and the humbucker version . For me the focus switch makes the humbuckers really muddy but works fine with P90s . I preferred the Revstar against the PRS DGT SE which is quite dark sounding and the finish is poor for a £900 guitar in my book .
Editing to add: I really like how the Revstars look. I would absolutely buy one if they were a bit lighter. My current favorite guitar is a headless Kiesel Delos, with singlecoil pickups and fender scale length. I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to show up at a jam session with it, but I have a bad back and this thing weighs 6.25 lbs with a trem. It's awesome. I just ordered another one, a headless hardtail Zeus with humbuckers which I expect to be even lighter. If I were right-handed I'd just get a Strandberg Boden Essential and be done with it, but those are not available left-handed so Kiesel it is.
I love my RevStar. It is a bit heavy. It it were lighter I’d likely play it more. (I’ve got a horrible back) I think that introducing some different finishes might help their appeal for some.
Lots of really Good Guitars out there today for sure. I have a tele strandberg, it is great light guitar, you can play it all day because of it's comfort.
I had the RSS02T in black and loved it. Brought it back for an RSP02T in CG and now, out of my 19 high end guitars, I have my Desert Island guitar (not kidding). You will not be disappointed!
I have a first gen Revstar with the p90s and the "dry switch" which I find way more useable than the newer models with the focus switch. I do like the improvements on the second gen though such as the chambering and SS frets.
I think the focus switch is a not so useful gimmick. It bakes in one sound that would better be left to personal choice with pedals. I'm not sold on the 2nd and 4th pickup positions, but these can just be ignored or rewired. There could be some more sophisticated color options, and it could be a little lighter. I like everything else about the Revstar.
I felt the same. Searched the internet and found a few other people who’ve mentioned that the nut is sometimes not cut as well as it should be. I filed the nut slots on mine, and it plays much better now.
Great piece John, I have a 1st gen Revstar and theyre making strides in popularity. I think they play and sound great. They will become more popular.. Buck and Mancuso shining a light on them helps. I think Ibanez has to be in the 5 pro guitars.. styles of Vai, Satriani etc almost demand one. I think PRS are fantastic and could be in there (many pros use them) but have to overcome the disparaging “they’re for blues lawyers” crowd..Even got a DGT SE based on your reviews - great guitar
@cbaten2 DGT is a Fantastic guitar. Detracters can poke fun but getting some serious players on board now. Mayer, Mcglaughlin, Ford, Tremonti, Santana, Grissom, Kennedy, McBride etc etc. Love fenders and gibsons (and revstar) but PRS offer me something different and modern.
I've been on the verge of buying one repeatedly (the humbucker model). I believe that Beato was implicitly talking about the recorded voice of each guitar type, haven't seen the video. Does the Revstar have a slightly different voicing than typical 2-humbucker (usually Les Paul) guitars? I've seen and heard reviews that suggest that the guitar's EQ is more evenly distributed, with each string being heard, than typical Les Paul guitars. Curious to hear if people have had this experience.
I tried the Revstar RSS20 and the sound of it was the best I ever played. But because of the only 42mm nut-width I chose to buy a used Revstar 502. The sound is also great, but the newer one sounded better to me (although the RSS20 had humbuckers and the 502 has P90s). And I love the shape of the Revstar even more than my Epiphone Les Paul wich I loved when I got it. So for me the Revstar just is a legendary guitar :) But I want to get one of the strandbergs one day and see how "ergonomic" they really are.
I’ve been Jones’n for for a Revstar for last year after playing one at out local music store. It was the pro version which is definitely out my price range but from what I’ve seen there’s little between the Pro and the Standard models. Also I’ve heard of people taking out the two screws on the tailpiece nearest the bridge to get a trembar effect.
They are fantastic guitars. I think the revstar could be the ulitimate workhorse guitar if they just had a few more options. I would like to see a hb brige p90 neck option (pacifica has it), 2x volume + 2x tone and the old "dry switch" aka high pass filter for coil split-ish tones instead of the cocked wah switch. Other than a little experimentation between the two generations, I think they have totally nailed it.
I really like Yamaha stuff, don’t love the colors, but the gold top one is 🙌🏼🙌🏼 I’m interested in the Strandberg stuff, you should get one on the channel,
I don't know if you watched that Tim Pierce' video about Grammy's. Dean Parks played the Revstar the whole gig. That tell you a lot about these guitars
I bought a Revstar Standard RSS20L Swift Blue 2 years ago and after the honeymoon period I haven't played it much. It feels great but I find it a bit dark sounding to be honest. And the push pull thing makes it a little bit thicker sounding but I can't seem to brighten it up. Being a leftie we don't get the p90 option so I may have to buy some aftermarket ones to replace the humbuckers
Months ago I bought the HH standard and although a great playing guitar it had this weird mid issue I couldn’t get rid of and the focus switch was useless. I had to return it. Last week I picked up the P90 standard and it played just as good but the sounds and focus switch were much more useful. It really came alive when I ditched the exlirs it came with and installed my trusty slinky’s. The top end missing before was there in spades. Got me thinking perhaps the elixrs were the problem with the HH model? Either way really like the standard P90. 10 useful sounds and a joy to play.
Guitars have generally gotten so good across such a wide price range that you can find great players making great music using just about anything. To me, this means that no guitar will ever break through based simply on how it plays or sounds. For example, I love Josh Turner and his playing on the D’Angelico Bedford is dreamy. But it will never be a “classic.” Classic really refers, I think, to the shape and, possibly, pickup configuration (e.g., SS Tele = classic, HH Tele, probably not, unless it’s a Deluxe with wide range humbuckers). In that sense, it’s too late for there to be new classics because the shapes of the true classics (Strat, Tele, LP, 335 or other semi-hollow, and maybe SG) leave no room for something so distinctive that it stands in its own. The Revstar, for all of its goodness, is an SG-style guitar; two pickup, double cut. It’s just not distinctive enough to become its own category of classic. As you note, the Strandberg is the only one you mention that is distinctive enough to break through. The problem there, though, is that aesthetically speaking, the other classics have a certain appeal to a broad group while the Strandbergs are, well, distinctive anyway, but no one conjures the image of one of them if asked what an electric guitar looks like. The Strat is like a Jaguar E-Type - the embodiment of classic - while the Strandberg is like the Tesla Cyber Truck - distinctive, quirky, cool (to some), but unlikely to be classic. But a fun topic and beautiful playing, as always!
I think any guitar can be a "classic" if enough musicians used them and a grass roots momentum begins just like with anything. Of course you need a few heavyweights promoting them (i.e. Slash, Joe B). I tried one because it was at my favorite store and didn't care for the way it felt right off the bat so I didn't even plug it into an amp.
I’ve got to give an additional classic spot to Gretsch, either 6120 or White Falcon if an additional spot exists. Revstar needs a decade or so and a couple of famous players before it could be considered a classic. I really want one but unfortunately my anonymity and lack of talent won’t help advance the Revstar toward classic status.
You seemed to address on the visual aspects, then sound, which makes it "classic"? Washburn, Kramer, Ibanez, Hamer? I am not sure I am clear about this whole discussion.
If you know, you know. I feel like the Revstar has a great cult following but still not hugely popular amongst guitarists. The standards are amazing guitars at any price point.
I think Yamaha have hit the nail on the head with the revstars, and they have done it by offering a unique instrument without reinventing the wheel. I am much more in favor of the 1st generation though, more options and flavors. I own an rsp20cr and used to also own an rs502.
New video of Beato in Chicago Music Exchange where admits he's never owned a Gretsch, so make of that what you will. (That's not an issue of distaste, he's just never got around to buying one. Might influence his perception of what a classic guitar is though.)
The one thing I find odd is that a number of TH-cam channels rave about this guitar but almost none of them have the professional model. It’s as if they are even hesitant to buy into a Yamaha.
I think it's because the Standard is so good. Several channels have stated that they don't see much difference in quality between the Standard and the Professional.
I don't think anyone sees Joe Satriani or Steve Vai with their Ibanez guitars and think "is this guy a pro?". EVH didn't use a standard strat. I love Beato, but some of his takes are not based on anything other than his own personal feelings.
Agree with most of this, and I definitely like Beato, too… but “takes” means _opinions_ (not stated specs, etc..) so that makes them valid. After all, isn’t that why we watch these gear vids? The JNC video here is no different: he offers his opinions, too. Maybe it’s just that Beato is so, um… _emphatic_ about his. lol. IMO. Peace. 🙂
There is often a cultural element that contributes to whether or not something might be eventually considered a Classic, so I'm guessing no on the Revstar, though it is a very nice guitar. Whereas Boss Pedals have many Classic Models, having been early in the game and major innovators.
The revstars are awesome. Beatto’s list of 5 “serious” guitars has some serious “get off my lawn” Boomer energy. The trouble is that unless you start talking about the BC rich stuff, or crazy shapes, it’s all close enough to something else that we just lump it in as “like that.” Double cutaway with long horns? Like a strat. Double cut with short horns? It’s like an LP jr. (or an SG, but that is a less likely comparison. Single cuts are like Les Pauls, unless they’re really square, in which case they’re like a telecaster. Everything hollow or semi hollow is enough like an ES 335 or whatever that other one is that Elvis had that that’s where it gets lumped in.
A world war recently ended... blues, jazz & rock gaining global attention over radio & tv... a pending global cultural shift among the younger generation... and a relatively new instrument to stridently deliver the message. The next guitar that coincides with all that will be a classic.
I mean it depends on what you’re looking for…without context how can anyone really help you? But I will say you will get amazing quality and value on the Revstar
Yamaha Revstar is beautiful but I can't get used to the neck as it's a bit kof a handful, for my taste. A 50's style Les Paul has a more comfortable neck. Is anyone else getting tired of Beato ranting. I'm liking him less lately, anwyay.
The Yamaha acoustics sound better than anything in their price range. Revstar isn’t my sound but you can bet it’s made well and the setup/fretwork is better than fender/Gibson. Chris Buck really lost his sound when he stopped using strats. Many would argue he found it. I’m not in that camp and honestly lost interest when he switched to those other guitars. I don’t love guitar. I love strats and teles to some extent.
There are five acceptable types of guitar to play? really? I am kinda old… my favourite guitar is a les paul… I have had it for a million years… they were big in the sixties… but… surely… surely he means there are five acceptable types of boomer guitar for us older folk right? surely younger guys don't have to stick to that guy's rules or did I miss something?
Strandberg Boden is the only guitar that has come out in a long time that will become a classic. It has it all, features that define an era of progressive music, guitar heros playing them and a very distinctive look that is being emulated but not matched. With that said I love my Revstars.
I think I'm the only person who doesn't like them. I sold it last month. It's far too heavy, sounds thin and had the worst fret job I've ever seen. It was a standard P90.
I like Beato but saying you need to have certain guitars to be taken seriously idiocy.
All the session playing I did was on a Westbury Standard. Any reservations about it being an off brand guitar disappeared when I plugged it in.
I had a few people try to buy it off me after playing it.
Either a guitar does the business or it doesn’t.
My revstar standard has withstood all other guitars I've owned....I occasionally look at my collection and think "OK, what can I afford to trade." The Revstar ALWAYS stays...it's the only guitar I own that I'll not get rid of. I'd be afraid that whatever I got to replace it wouldn't stack up.
The answer to the title is yes. I have a nothing channel but every thing I post that involves the Revstar immediately becomes my best viewed video. I firmly believe the Revstar Standard is, local currency for local currency, the best guitar you can buy. It's becoming the defacto answer for "What do I get if I want a good P90 guitar?" get a Revstar. I recently said the Revstar II is a top 10 Guitar silhouette (the Revstar II specifically because of the size increase making the proportions right imo), and it's technically a new shape (It's a Super Flighter but nicer) . I agree the quirky electronics are more gimmicky marketing stuff than actually useful. But if it was just 2 pickups/3-way switch...I think it would be less appealing on paper, but more appealing in practice. Which is why I just ignore all the gimmick stuff unless I need something really specific, in which case....I do have it. A new colour way would be welcome, even as a limited thing. But beyond Yamaha not just marketing the crap out of it and getting it in peoples hands, there's nothing in my mind stopping the Revstar from becoming what the PRS has become.
I’m surprised you see the extra pickup positions and focus switch as gimmicks. First time I’ve heard that take anywhere, and as you mentioned, the Revstar has gotten quite a bit of attention and a lot of content/commentary on it….
@@ChidOki From personal experience & just anecdotal evidence the extra stuff has an air of malaise. I've yet to hear anyone rave about the 5 way or the push/pull. But still I'd rather have it & not need it.
@@GitShiddy I guess I’m getting technical with the term “gimmick”, which implies a meaningless trick. I think it is an honest effort on Yamaha’s part to do something that hasn’t been done before, but also create an actual usable sound. A gimmick is different from just not liking it, I have no problem with that. It doesn’t have to be everyone’s cup of tea. And although i have seen videos where people say they don’t care for the extra pickup positions, I have also heard multiple videos where people talk about positions 2 & 4 being their favorite because it’s something different. Also, others say that they love the focus switch for jazz or other genres. (I definitely think whether or not one likes all the Revstar sounds mostly comes down to whether or not you play certain genres/styles).
One of the main reasons I got interested in a Revstar in the first place is because of how many people talked about it having so many usable sounds and sound combinations. That’s why I was saying it was the first time I heard anyone say they thought it was just all marketing and gimmicks. I’ve only heard people say they thought it was cool Yamaha tried something new, but they just didn’t personally like it.
@@ChidOki Completely get where your coming from. Please note I'm using gimmick in terms of marketing not functionality. I think all that stuff has to be there because 2 pickup/3-way switch isn't as sexy for marketing purposes. That's the use of gimmick here. Beyond that, fear your reading too much into a word mate.
@@GitShiddy that’s a great clarifier, thanks. Although I was being a bit polite, I wasn’t getting technical, it’s just the simple definition of what a gimmick is. I don’t think the word is being fairly applied here to Yamaha. But either way on this note, Yamaha should ride the momentum of the success of Revstar and offer some alternative trims/electronics. There’s near unanimous consensus on the quality and value but probably the least consensus on the pickup and electronics. That would be cool if they switched it up a bit somehow to mimic some of the mods people have been doing. I mean, that’s how Strats went from 3-way to 5-way in the first place!
Without doubt. The Revstar Standard is incredible all round for the price, and looks both cool and classic.
I own one. It’s my workhorse, it’s punchy, versatile, and so well balanced and comfortable. Everyone asks about it when I play. Just makes a nice change from Gibson and fender
I'm a huge Yamaha supporter - I have 2 generations of THR amps, and an older Pacifica, and I love them all. The Revstar is on my bucket list for many reasons, the main one being I've never had guitar with P-90's in the many years I've been playing. I'd like it if Yamaha was the brand that made me say "Where have these been all my life!!" With prices being what they are these days, I have to wait until my local dealer gets one in used - and I'm sure it's only a matter of time.....
With the stainless steel frets, I’d expect them to hold up well used. I’ve had mine for a while and I’ve been happy with it across the board
My main guitar has always been a Musicman Silhouette Special, which now cost like $3000.00. I bought the p90 Revstar after playing it for 20 minutes in the store. For $1000 you get stainless steel frets,an amazing rosewood fretboard, and a chambered body - the value is ridiculous! I don't think you can find those specs under $4000 with other brands. The guitar sounds incredible and plays like a dream.
I changed the focus switch to a coil split and also swapped out the 5 position switch for a 3 position one and it’s now one of my two main gigging guitars. Love it. And people always come up to me afterwards cause they think it’s cool looking. So with a couple of changes it’s been a big win for me.
My Revstar 502T I got in 2021 is one of the original line of Revstars which came with the 3 way switch and coil split as standard. I didn't know when I bought it that they would relaunch the series with new specs a few months later but I'm glad I have one of the originals. The new ones are great too!
Really thinking of swapping my 5 way with a 3 way switch as well. Anything specific about the changing process?
@@svett_music not really. I had a good tech do it though. Made my life a lot easier to have it as a 3
I have a Revstart Pro P90s in Sunset. About the electronics (tone nob, 5 way switch, "focus" switch), it *really* helps to dial in your amp to make best use of them. I like playing clean or edge of breakup, Dumble or Carol-Ann Tucana with or without drive (Zendrive or Klon), all in Fractal FM3. Specifically, set your tone knob to "middle" and volume to about 50%, then dial the clean amp to the bright side. With the Focus switch, it is often helpful to turn *down* the volume a little and you will find a whole new range of tones, not just "louder" or "more midrange". Positions 2 and 4 (the "in-between" blend positions) offer some very nice and expressive tonal spaces, and engaging the Focus switch can bring them closer to the 1, 3, and 5 positions, through still "in between".
All these tonal choices and possibilities are magnified by the touch sensitivity of the guitar overall with P90s.
In sum, to get the full potential out of this guitar, don't just turn up the tone and volume knobs to MAX, and then flip pickup selector. Instead, set your guitar controls in the middle range, then setup the amp to work with that. Then add *and* subtract both tone and volume (and "Focus") to open up the full tonal range.
There are SO many commenters out there who need to read your walkthrough!!! So well explained. These pickups are very versatile and make full use of the ranges of those knobs. People who just turn both knobs wide open out of habit will miss the real tones it’s capable of!
I love my revstar standard with P90's! I got it in the black finish and changed the cream pickup covers to black, looks much better! I play it more than my Gibson.
Any pictures!?
@@vpovince1001 TH-cam does not support sending images on here
@@cgrant86 figured
My main live guitar since 1989 was my USA Vintage '62 Re-issue Rosewood Fiesta Red Strat. Since receiving my Revstar Pro Crisp Gold P90 in November 2022, my Strat is no longer my main guitar. Love my new Revstar.
Ibanez Jem and RG series, it defined superstrat with Floyd and 24 frets and pickup selector that automatically makes strat 2 and 4 position possible with two Humbuckers. and single coil.
Just got a used JEM Jr less than two weeks ago and so far I've been enjoying it since, the neck just feels soooo good, better than my previous used Squier Strat Deluxe that was more expensive. So exciting to play until I broke the high E string. No surprise cause I already thought it's still in standard 009 string from the factory. So excited to get a new set of 010 and set up my first Floyd Rose style guitar. Especially, it's (the lowest) JEM with tree of life!
Ibanez JEM is 40 years old now. Hardly a recent design.
@@joeltunnah Hardly any classic guitar design is recent design, that is how they became classic.
@@aristocaster you missed the point of the video.
The Yamaha guitars have some great modern specs on guitars that don't seem offensive. The Revstar is on my list to get. They are budget-ish, with stainless steel frets, and P90s or Humbuckers....I want one
I really hope more people get to try the Revstar Standard II. I have the p90 version in black (RSS02T) and its one of the best guitars i have ever owned. Incredible instrument and im not even considering its price. Its simply a gem, and i hope it brings others as much joy as it gives me.
The Yamaha SG2000 was a classic (LP beater) and the Revstars are just a modern iteration of them
But Yamaha SG2000 was neck through body, i know because i had one 😀
I love my revstar standard, it's my workhorse and the one I reach for, despite have a few (ahem) higher tier guitars. I recently took it and my strat to a rehearsal, I used the strat for most of it but when I switched to the revstar I was really struck by how much more comfortable I found it. I've fitted a bigsby and now it's perfect.
I’m an sg guy, I have a couple ltd singlecut guitars too, and I have always had my eye on revstars. I feel they are classic at this point, every time I have picked one up I have really connected with it. one of these and a tele, and then I’m done buying guitars(if my wife is asking)
Jazzmaster (and Jaguar) are absolute classics as well.
It's original, not exaggerated, sonically interesting and the transformer has it's use and i like it. And after I got it I found out that it's been designed by polish designer Piotr Stolarski so it adds some extra points to the attractivness (he designed also some new bass guitars and pianos during his 6 years work at Yamaha, a really nice guy).
I think it's very difficult for a guitar to become a "classic" these days because there are so many good guitars on the market which hasn't be like that 50 years ago for example.
And guitarists are weird sometimes because we follow rules like "you have to own a Les Paul to be a real guitarist".
I recently found out that this is not what makes me pick up the guitar and play...
So last week I sold my Les Paul (a good guitar I didn't play often) and tomorrow I'm going to buy a Revstar with humbuckers as I already own a P90 version and I'm in love with it!
Completely disagree with your opinion of the focus switch. I love it. And i love the way that it takes away those nasty ice pick sounds. And you didnt use the bridge pick up at all which i thought puzzling as when used with the focus switch sounds amazing to my ear. Cheers, and keep up the good work.
JACK THAMMARAT (GUITAR IDOL!) 2009 -He plays REVSTARS" (&AND decent logoff Yamaha other guitars
His playing and sound are amazing. Also Chris Buck and Kenji Suzuki.
Hey John, great video. Just a few counter points. 1) a classic is something we can only know in time. 2) if a truly generational performer uses a revstar, that could help cement it. 3) despite what you say, I don’t think women being given the right to vote is “the root of all evil”.
😂😂😂
So, Chris Buck could potentially catapult this RS in Classic heaven (in gold of course)?
Go Chris!
And what about Jimmy Page:'s Danelectro 59DC(?)?
Proposing Coil split on a P90 guitar? 🤔
@@TeleTonemonkey being served by D' Angelica Bedford model ... Noiseless p90 with coil split to regular p90
P 90's are single coils. I don't think you can split one coil...@@TeleTonemonkey
John, get your hands on an Eastman Juliet p90. I think you will dig it.
If its good enough for Buck and Mancuso, then its good enough for me (and it is, I have a first gen 502)
Me too, first gen 502T in Bowden Green, great guitar!
@@hemmingsguitarsandstuff have the same one, love that color, indeed great color.
Imma say yes. I had a few of the previous generation (all now sold) and they were great but the 2nd gen Revstars are just an amazing package. I have both the P90 version and the humbucker version. They sound great, they play great, the necks feel awesome and the frets are fantastic. I agree they could do better colours and maybe a bit more work with artists but the guitar itself is worthy of its praise but still highly underrated.
Totally agree on this. It's better than I expected, across every aspect. The P90s are the equal of the Lollars in my LP Special, too.
Any shape that has never gone out of production should be considered a classic. They don't make em if no ones buying them.
Much prefer the look and colours of the first versions.Bought a s/h RS502TFM in Japanese denim after looking for one online for ages - great looking guitar. Check out Robbie Calvo playing one
I love my Revstar. I have that same color in HH configuration. I feel like it has its own unique sound and plays easy.
I would argue the Super Strat is its own distinct and credible category. If you think about it they established themselves particularly in the 80s LA session scene with the likes of Anderson and Valley Arts etc.
Agreed. Hopefully, your opinions are being heard and noted at Yamaha
I love the revstar ! Frist I had the old version with Humbucker but traded it for a RS502
There are great things about the new one (stainless steel frets, chambering, fretboard inlays) but overall I like the smaller body and the wraparound bridge of the older ones, plus better finishes imo
It is a great design and greatly build. So it just needs time and great players who represents this guitar
I'm surprised the Guild M75 never got more attention. It's basically a hollow Les Paul with P90s, still in production, and has a history dating back to the early 1950s.
I like the Revstars, first guitar I played that had a HB in the bridge and P90 in the neck. So much to the point I replicated in my PRS CU24.
I’ve played the standard with both P90s and the humbucker version . For me the focus switch makes the humbuckers really muddy but works fine with P90s . I preferred the Revstar against the PRS DGT SE which is quite dark sounding and the finish is poor for a £900 guitar in my book .
Editing to add: I really like how the Revstars look. I would absolutely buy one if they were a bit lighter.
My current favorite guitar is a headless Kiesel Delos, with singlecoil pickups and fender scale length. I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to show up at a jam session with it, but I have a bad back and this thing weighs 6.25 lbs with a trem. It's awesome. I just ordered another one, a headless hardtail Zeus with humbuckers which I expect to be even lighter. If I were right-handed I'd just get a Strandberg Boden Essential and be done with it, but those are not available left-handed so Kiesel it is.
I love my RevStar.
It is a bit heavy. It it were lighter I’d likely play it more. (I’ve got a horrible back)
I think that introducing some different finishes might help their appeal for some.
Lots of really Good Guitars out there today for sure. I have a tele strandberg, it is great light guitar, you can play it all day because of it's comfort.
Ordered a RSP02T in crisp gold. Waiting patiently
I had the RSS02T in black and loved it. Brought it back for an RSP02T in CG and now, out of my 19 high end guitars, I have my Desert Island guitar (not kidding). You will not be disappointed!
@@murraycrawford2741 thanks for sharing your experience. Can’t wait to get mine
Got my P90 Crisp Gold RSP02T in November 2022. I absolutely love it. It is now my main gigging electric.
I’ve got the Crisp Gold. You’ll love it. So beautiful in looks and sound
I have a first gen Revstar with the p90s and the "dry switch" which I find way more useable than the newer models with the focus switch. I do like the improvements on the second gen though such as the chambering and SS frets.
I think the focus switch is a not so useful gimmick. It bakes in one sound that would better be left to personal choice with pedals. I'm not sold on the 2nd and 4th pickup positions, but these can just be ignored or rewired. There could be some more sophisticated color options, and it could be a little lighter. I like everything else about the Revstar.
I have one but I’m having difficulty getting the action low enough for my taste. I need to take it to a luthier to see what he can do.
I felt the same. Searched the internet and found a few other people who’ve mentioned that the nut is sometimes not cut as well as it should be. I filed the nut slots on mine, and it plays much better now.
@@jhholmes5252 thanks! I’ll take a look at that
I think they’re great. I’d love one. Agreed on the colors. Wish they’d have more traditional colors. Maple tops. Gold tops.
It’ll be a classic in due time if Chris Buck keeps playing his
I have wanted one for well over a year now, but I had a couple other guitars to buy first, but this is the next one on my radar
Great piece John, I have a 1st gen Revstar and theyre making strides in popularity. I think they play and sound great. They will become more popular.. Buck and Mancuso shining a light on them helps. I think Ibanez has to be in the 5 pro guitars.. styles of Vai, Satriani etc almost demand one. I think PRS are fantastic and could be in there (many pros use them) but have to overcome the disparaging “they’re for blues lawyers” crowd..Even got a DGT SE based on your reviews - great guitar
DGT could become a classic or MC 394 (if PRS is finally seen as a serious contender),..
@cbaten2 DGT is a Fantastic guitar. Detracters can poke fun but getting some serious players on board now. Mayer, Mcglaughlin, Ford, Tremonti, Santana, Grissom, Kennedy, McBride etc etc. Love fenders and gibsons (and revstar) but PRS offer me something different and modern.
i know a good session guy and he says strats and LPs are the ONLY guitars you can turn up to most sessions with
Or what happens? Lol
Maybe the first session. Once you earn your bones, you can show up with whatever works.
I've been on the verge of buying one repeatedly (the humbucker model). I believe that Beato was implicitly talking about the recorded voice of each guitar type, haven't seen the video. Does the Revstar have a slightly different voicing than typical 2-humbucker (usually Les Paul) guitars? I've seen and heard reviews that suggest that the guitar's EQ is more evenly distributed, with each string being heard, than typical Les Paul guitars. Curious to hear if people have had this experience.
Already is!
I love the Revstar with P90s absolutely need to get one at some point
I tried the Revstar RSS20 and the sound of it was the best I ever played. But because of the only 42mm nut-width I chose to buy a used Revstar 502. The sound is also great, but the newer one sounded better to me (although the RSS20 had humbuckers and the 502 has P90s).
And I love the shape of the Revstar even more than my Epiphone Les Paul wich I loved when I got it. So for me the Revstar just is a legendary guitar :)
But I want to get one of the strandbergs one day and see how "ergonomic" they really are.
I’ve been Jones’n for for a Revstar for last year after playing one at out local music store. It was the pro version which is definitely out my price range but from what I’ve seen there’s little between the Pro and the Standard models. Also I’ve heard of people taking out the two screws on the tailpiece nearest the bridge to get a trembar effect.
They are fantastic guitars. I think the revstar could be the ulitimate workhorse guitar if they just had a few more options. I would like to see a hb brige p90 neck option (pacifica has it), 2x volume + 2x tone and the old "dry switch" aka high pass filter for coil split-ish tones instead of the cocked wah switch.
Other than a little experimentation between the two generations, I think they have totally nailed it.
Mine is already a classic. It's absolutely the best.
I really like Yamaha stuff, don’t love the colors, but the gold top one is 🙌🏼🙌🏼 I’m interested in the Strandberg stuff, you should get one on the channel,
I don't know if you watched that Tim Pierce' video about Grammy's. Dean Parks played the Revstar the whole gig. That tell you a lot about these guitars
I have all those guitars and my Revstar is my favourite
The wine red one with P90s works for me. Headstock is great.
I bought a Revstar Standard RSS20L Swift Blue 2 years ago and after the honeymoon period I haven't played it much. It feels great but I find it a bit dark sounding to be honest. And the push pull thing makes it a little bit thicker sounding but I can't seem to brighten it up. Being a leftie we don't get the p90 option so I may have to buy some aftermarket ones to replace the humbuckers
Fun fact, I lended a US Strat and MIC Revstar 620 (v1) to a blues guitar player for a festival. Strat will be a backup guitar for the gig.
What’s MIC?
@@ChidOki Made in China
Months ago I bought the HH standard and although a great playing guitar it had this weird mid issue I couldn’t get rid of and the focus switch was useless. I had to return it.
Last week I picked up the P90 standard and it played just as good but the sounds and focus switch were much more useful.
It really came alive when I ditched the exlirs it came with and installed my trusty slinky’s. The top end missing before was there in spades. Got me thinking perhaps the elixrs were the problem with the HH model? Either way really like the standard P90. 10 useful sounds and a joy to play.
Guitars have generally gotten so good across such a wide price range that you can find great players making great music using just about anything. To me, this means that no guitar will ever break through based simply on how it plays or sounds. For example, I love Josh Turner and his playing on the D’Angelico Bedford is dreamy. But it will never be a “classic.” Classic really refers, I think, to the shape and, possibly, pickup configuration (e.g., SS Tele = classic, HH Tele, probably not, unless it’s a Deluxe with wide range humbuckers). In that sense, it’s too late for there to be new classics because the shapes of the true classics (Strat, Tele, LP, 335 or other semi-hollow, and maybe SG) leave no room for something so distinctive that it stands in its own. The Revstar, for all of its goodness, is an SG-style guitar; two pickup, double cut. It’s just not distinctive enough to become its own category of classic. As you note, the Strandberg is the only one you mention that is distinctive enough to break through. The problem there, though, is that aesthetically speaking, the other classics have a certain appeal to a broad group while the Strandbergs are, well, distinctive anyway, but no one conjures the image of one of them if asked what an electric guitar looks like. The Strat is like a Jaguar E-Type - the embodiment of classic - while the Strandberg is like the Tesla Cyber Truck - distinctive, quirky, cool (to some), but unlikely to be classic. But a fun topic and beautiful playing, as always!
Yes indeed!
I think any guitar can be a "classic" if enough musicians used them and a grass roots momentum begins just like with anything. Of course you need a few heavyweights promoting them (i.e. Slash, Joe B). I tried one because it was at my favorite store and didn't care for the way it felt right off the bat so I didn't even plug it into an amp.
My Strat said not to take Rick Beato seriously
definitely underrated. mine sounds gr8
I’ve got to give an additional classic spot to Gretsch, either 6120 or White Falcon if an additional spot exists. Revstar needs a decade or so and a couple of famous players before it could be considered a classic. I really want one but unfortunately my anonymity and lack of talent won’t help advance the Revstar toward classic status.
You seemed to address on the visual aspects, then sound, which makes it "classic"? Washburn, Kramer, Ibanez, Hamer? I am not sure I am clear about this whole discussion.
If you know, you know. I feel like the Revstar has a great cult following but still not hugely popular amongst guitarists. The standards are amazing guitars at any price point.
I think Yamaha have hit the nail on the head with the revstars, and they have done it by offering a unique instrument without reinventing the wheel. I am much more in favor of the 1st generation though, more options and flavors. I own an rsp20cr and used to also own an rs502.
No mention of Gretschs as 'Classics' ?
Really ?
New video of Beato in Chicago Music Exchange where admits he's never owned a Gretsch, so make of that what you will. (That's not an issue of distaste, he's just never got around to buying one. Might influence his perception of what a classic guitar is though.)
You could probably add PRS to that.
The Beatles just called and said he left rickenbacker off the list
I wouldn’t add it to the list of turning up for a session, but it is definitely a classic guitar.
Directly proportional to Chris Buck’s success
Matteo Mancuso ☀
PRS surely?
Rickenbacker 12 string is a classic.
For practice I use only this guitar as it has stainless steel fret
The one thing I find odd is that a number of TH-cam channels rave about this guitar but almost none of them have the professional model. It’s as if they are even hesitant to buy into a Yamaha.
I think it's because the Standard is so good. Several channels have stated that they don't see much difference in quality between the Standard and the Professional.
@@KeithMilner That does make sense. I have yet to try a revstar but hope to soon. Maybe I will come to the same conclusion!
I don't think anyone sees Joe Satriani or Steve Vai with their Ibanez guitars and think "is this guy a pro?". EVH didn't use a standard strat. I love Beato, but some of his takes are not based on anything other than his own personal feelings.
Agree with most of this, and I definitely like Beato, too… but “takes” means _opinions_ (not stated specs, etc..) so that makes them valid. After all, isn’t that why we watch these gear vids?
The JNC video here is no different: he offers his opinions, too. Maybe it’s just that Beato is so, um… _emphatic_ about his. lol.
IMO. Peace. 🙂
Not easy to make an original shape guitar that isn’t naff. The designers did well.
It's a great original design in a world of boring Les Paul/SG look alikes.
Exactly. Not easy to make an original shape which is why most don’t bother they just copy.
I actually thought the transformer output added something really usable.
There is often a cultural element that contributes to whether or not something might be eventually considered a Classic, so I'm guessing no on the Revstar, though it is a very nice guitar. Whereas Boss Pedals have many Classic Models, having been early in the game and major innovators.
As long as they don't release the P90 version as a a lefty, I am safe.
The revstars are awesome. Beatto’s list of 5 “serious” guitars has some serious “get off my lawn” Boomer energy.
The trouble is that unless you start talking about the BC rich stuff, or crazy shapes, it’s all close enough to something else that we just lump it in as “like that.”
Double cutaway with long horns? Like a strat. Double cut with short horns? It’s like an LP jr. (or an SG, but that is a less likely comparison. Single cuts are like Les Pauls, unless they’re really square, in which case they’re like a telecaster. Everything hollow or semi hollow is enough like an ES 335 or whatever that other one is that Elvis had that that’s where it gets lumped in.
A world war recently ended... blues, jazz & rock gaining global attention over radio & tv... a pending global cultural shift among the younger generation... and a relatively new instrument to stridently deliver the message. The next guitar that coincides with all that will be a classic.
Torn between Revstar and PRS SE custom 24. Help guys, please! 🙏
Get the made in Japan Revstar. Much better design aesthetic than the PRS. And they really are a very nice guitar in your hands.
I mean it depends on what you’re looking for…without context how can anyone really help you? But I will say you will get amazing quality and value on the Revstar
Jimmy Chamberlin Smashing Pumpkins uses them in his recent gigs
Jimmy Chamberlin plays drums
Maybe the Novo stuff?
Yamaha Revstar is beautiful but I can't get used to the neck as it's a bit kof a handful, for my taste. A 50's style Les Paul has a more comfortable neck. Is anyone else getting tired of Beato ranting. I'm liking him less lately, anwyay.
Juliana Hatfield plays one, so of course it is a classic.
Who is asking these questions?
Just not well known enough
Music Man St Vincent.
The Yamaha acoustics sound better than anything in their price range. Revstar isn’t my sound but you can bet it’s made well and the setup/fretwork is better than fender/Gibson. Chris Buck really lost his sound when he stopped using strats. Many would argue he found it. I’m not in that camp and honestly lost interest when he switched to those other guitars. I don’t love guitar. I love strats and teles to some extent.
There are five acceptable types of guitar to play? really? I am kinda old… my favourite guitar is a les paul… I have had it for a million years… they were big in the sixties… but… surely… surely he means there are five acceptable types of boomer guitar for us older folk right? surely younger guys don't have to stick to that guy's rules or did I miss something?
Strandberg Boden is the only guitar that has come out in a long time that will become a classic. It has it all, features that define an era of progressive music, guitar heros playing them and a very distinctive look that is being emulated but not matched.
With that said I love my Revstars.
Its a phenomenal guitar. Just needed a pickup swap.
Another video referencing Rick "the gatekeeper" Beato. yay.
I think I'm the only person who doesn't like them. I sold it last month. It's far too heavy, sounds thin and had the worst fret job I've ever seen. It was a standard P90.
I think those knobs need to be framed, like a tele. They look a bit homemade to me