if you need less turn of the know to tune the string it's a lower ratio. 1:14 = 14 turn of the knob for 1 turn of the post, 1:18 = 18 turn of the knob for one turn of the post. Higher ratio is better for a fine tuning but it's slower
Thanks for having a look at this one. Almost 2 yrs ago, I bought the RSP20 (Moonlight Blue!)--the model made in their Japanese factory, which goes for $2199 now. It's the best all-around guitar that I have in my collection, which includes Fender, Gibson, PRS, and others. I use it at every gig--not always for the full set, but on a majority of the songs. It's one of those guitars that I'll never sell.
Yours is gorgeous. I own the standard hot merlot with P90s but i didn't mind to buy another with humbuckers. What i never understood is that, on paper, 1K gap between standard and pro versions doesn't make much sense to me. It's a couple of things really, isn't it, i think carbon fiber on the body and something else i cant remember and it's made in japan as you said, but now in thomann my model cost 768 vs 1929 euros. what do you think about that? I've never tried pros really so i can't speak with knowledge
An EVH Guitars experiment would be amazing! I'd love to see a comprehensive review/comparison of some of those models, especially the different tiers of Wolfgang models.
I have the black one with humbuckers like you're reviewing here and the blue one with P90s and these guitars are just perfect for me. They cover everything I need sound and feel wise.
Same here, but my Revstar with humbuckers is a 1st gen RS620. The one with P90s is an identical to the one you have. Best guitars I own, even though a have two other guitars that are much more expensive.
The chambering .. I’m sure is tuned, but it also counters neck dive, and the stabilizer rods in the neck to help maintain stiffness. As with most Yamaha produces, it was well thought out!
One more thing, I love your chordal melodies, I believe good playing is in the touch, those subtle articulations, and of course phrasing! Very well played!
I've had a yellow RSE2O for about six months. In 28 years of playing, I've always been a Strat guy, but I haven't been able to put the Yamaha down. I've owned a lot of guitars in my life. I can honestly say this sub-$600 guitar is in my top 5 favorite that I've ever owned.
I totally agree! I am a bass player but I picked up a RSE20 to dabble a bit more into guitar. I played that guitar every moment I could when I first got it. I still love to play it because I find it the easiest guitar to just pick up and get great tone without fussing with all the controls. I have a 734BB as well and that bass has a similar story. Yamaha just makes great instruments across so many price points.
I'm having the opposite reaction with my Element. I have it in "Swift Blue", and I'm finding myself less willing to open the case and see Papa Smurf staring back at me. I might sticker bomb it or get a checkerboard wrap, but I would really prefer one in a translucent red. The closest thing they have is the red copper, which isn't sold in the US.
I thought you would mention Matteo Mancuso. The Revstar is his main instrument. I tried it too but had not time to investigate it longer and I did not fall in love with it during that 10 minutes. But I would like to play with it again when there will be a chance. I am not keen on set in/neck through things, they have more disadvantages than advantages (if there is any) and the Les Paul rendition shape does not help me.
Obviously I haven't tried everything Yamaha makes, but it's honestly impressive how consistently good quality their products are. I personally prefer pointier guitars, but there's something about Revstar's shape I kinda like.
Would love some experiment with 'lesser known (amongst the public)' guitar brands like FGN, Cort, etc., Basically brands that most people overlook because the name on the headstock but are putting out stuff that often times has considerable more value than the larger brands for the price. I would almost argue that Yamaha is like that (I said almost don't kill me)
Can you review a performer stand? I don't know what it is exactly called, but it's a stand that holds your guitar while you play standing up. Like what Fearless Flyers use. Might be good for ergonomics.
I own a Yamaha Revstar RSS02t, and I love the sound of the P90; the clean tone is super nice and clean, like an acoustic guitar sound. With the overdrive or distortion engaged, you can still hear the clarity, which is not muddy. The focus switch, which makes the P90 sound fatter and darker, cannot say it sounds like a humbucker, but it is close enough. Love my RSS02t!
Another top notch video - you could try an 'experiment' series about one pickup solid body guitars and see which ones have the most interesting pickup/scale length combination...it's probably too obscure a subject and it's not like models with one pickup are numerous, but it'd be interesting. Or maybe an experiment series about guitars with chambered bodies compared to ones with no chambering? I'm not sure precisely how you'd measure the differences in order to draw any practical conclusions from it, but...well, I'm no expert. I'm sure you'll come up with an idea that's worth making some videos about.
I'm learning guitar for the first time on that exact model. I think those acoustic chambers help you feel the vibrations on your cheat. It's pretty cool
I have the base model, the Elements, and was so surprised at the high quality that it bettered guitars I have 3x the price. It’s a truly fantastic guitar. Not enough people realise how good it is compared to other big named brands.
Yamaha Revstar has to be one of the most underappreciated guitars ever. People often dislike it just because of the brand. It plays brilliantly and the neck-feel is phenomenal. Also the sound isn't something to be ashamed of. Of course the budget line guitars always have some minor flaws, but other than the finish on the fretboard it really is a great instrument. Great video dude!
I'd like to see an experiment series with the Ceccarini guitar. I've been following them for a while and REALLY considering in ordering one in a near future. Really like how the truss wheel rod is on the backside of the "headstock". Wish the website showed more details of the options regarding builds and whatnot.
I bought a Revstar 720B in wall fade off a fella for a great price in mint condition. Easily one of the best guitars I've ever played and I'll never get rid of it. That and the Yamaha Pacifica Standard Plus are my top 2 guitars right now. Yamaha is definitely one of the top brands right now, imo
I bought a element one because I prefered the dry switch more than the focus switch,but I didn't have issues with scrachy frets,at all. For what I can say,I'm playing it everyday and put aside my fender strat from the 90's('needs new frets)..... I just love it! Revstar iit's someting to try,at least.
A higher ratio tuner will require more turns per revolution meaning much finer tuning and less effort per turn. Also with the Guitar unstrung look through the eyelet count the turns it takes until you can see through the eyelet again and then double it and that is your tuning ratio.
Awesome guitar, and the neck is still comfortable for the people with smaller hands. Feels better for me comparing to Fender Player style necks. P90 version is very interesting too.
I played a Revstar at Randee's in Rockford. The powder blue "retro 6o's" model with the stripes. RSS20. It was excellent. Very much like my Aerodyne Strat (Fender Japan). You just got to have one after playing it for a while just because it is so good.
I tried a Standard Revstar the other day. Heavier than I expected. Neck played pretty nice. Wish it was the P90 version though as the Humbucker's weren't anything special. I can see why many like these Yamaha Revstar's. Me personally, I'm sticking with PRS
Yamaha makes great guitars at all price points. I have an AEX 500 thinline with an acoustic pickup and a mini humbucker in the neck with a blend knob ..a 5 string bass and a 2003 electric Pacifica 12 string as well as an 80s acoustic 12 string...all really great guitars by Yamaha...the Revstar logo is the same as their classical guitar headstocks.
I agree with you on comparing to. Toyota truck. For me and my childhood, it was Ford Rangers and F series trucks. My family and friends owned Rangers from 80’s and 90’s that had 200,000+ miles and was easy to fix if needed. Usually just oil change and ball bearings replaced. Same with F series but now all new vehicles including Toyota have so many digital components, plastic parts and special parts that when they break down (which they do and design to break down around 100,000 to 150,000 miles or less) it is costly and complicated to fix. I miss those old vehicles. And we had same problem with people wanting a Cadillac suv. Everyone wanted one in Ohio too to be like Jersey, New York and Chicago.
Very excited for this one. Ive also been curious about Yamaha Pacifica. Apparently the specs are somewhat odd, as is my preferred specs It has narrow nut with a 14" radius Good stuff. Also i see a lot of people talk about the Godin Radium and I myself have looked at them time and time again. Plus you seem to like Tstyle guitars. & Because very few comprehensive reviews are available. At the price point its at, i think it would attract a lot of interest. Also if you coukd get your hands on one of those new Cream guitars.... oh man.... Okay now im just naming guitar brands. Sorry.
I really like how it splits the middle of being modern and classic. I've a great playing instrument, and I actually prefer it to the Revstar because of the smaller neck and more ergonomic body.
@thesmellycatjazz It's not often you get that perfect blend of modern and vintage. How's the thickness of the neck you would say? I think I recognize you from KYG btw
That's the reason why I bought a Revstar (and the cheaper version, the RSE20) I always play sorrounded by rugrats, and a fancy guitar wasn't the best option. When I went to the shop I said to the owner "I want a guitar that cost around 400 (I wasn’t going to spend more) and could survive a third floor drop" The guy let me try this Yahama and after feeling the neck I new it was coming home. Until this day (and after finding the setup sweet spot) I've had zero issues many hours of play and perfect tune stability.
Higher ratio should be easier to turn in theory with the downside of having to turn more (which can be good for fine tuning). That being said, how well lubricated the gears probably matters more than the gear ratio. Also have you looked at Vola guitar's Vasti model?
The Experiment: can you get the P-90 version to compare the bridges and tailpieces? I’m trying to understand why Yamaha went with Jazz/Art Deco inspired hardware vs the humbucker version that has a racing vibe with a tune-o-matic and hardtail. Is there a tonal reason for that choice or purely aesthetic? I keep hoping they’ll make a hardtail and racing vibe for the P-90 version, as many people don’t like floating tails for palm muting and such. So far, no dice. As the experiment, I’d love to know what would happen if you swap the tail pieces and bridges with each other. I want to know if the P-90 tones will remain the same or end up sounding different (for better or worse). I am also wondering if it’s difficult to convert either version to the other’s hardware. It would also be fun to then add a vibrato on either one or both models. I’ve never seen anyone do that. Would be cool to have a Revstar with a wiggle stick!
Also, check out Ratio Tuners! I have them on my 2018 full sized KLOS Hybrid Deluxe acoustic dread. They have a different ratio for each tuning peg. They are still smooth as butter and require very few turns. Look at their site to read the ratios they make for each tuning peg. Every guitar should have Ratio tuners! They have all sorts of configs and solutions!
I bought one of the first incarnations of The Revstar when they were first released about 2016 it’s a 720b in a kind of grey flame very striking I wanted a Revstar with a whammy bar so bought this with The Bigsby. I bought it new on EBay for a ridiculous 300 quid. It’s a real first class guitar. I own a few Yamaha guitars they build top notch instruments
I have two of those Revstars and I totally agree with your conclusion. When I bought the first one I ordered it online and I wasn't expecting to be blown away by it or anything like that, I just wanted to P90 guitar and it seemed like an interesting first step into that world. But I was very pleasantly surprised, so much show that I went out and bought the humbucker version. They are extremly well built, they look great, very easy to play, and sound great and, it might be the carbon reinforced neck, but they can take a lot of abuse :). I gravitate more towards the P90 guitar. It has a lot of character and growl. I also have some vintage guitars and two superstrats that I would never sell, but most of the time I reach for a Revstar.
I've had a Revstar Element for a while now, and I have to say that it's a solid guitar. It's easy to play. The neck is phenomenal. It's extremely versatile. The "dry filter" switch doesn't do a whole lot, maybe I'm not playing loud enough. It's probably one of the best one I've ever owned. A jack of all trades of sorts. However... and you'd knew there be a "however", there is one glaring problem; the color is ATROCIOUS. I have it in the "swift blue", and I'm getting to the point where I don't even want to open the case and see that big, Papa Smurf staring back at me. Apart from the Piano Black (nice phrase you coined there), and the maybe the vintage white, the color selection across the entire range is pretty abysmal. Hot merlot? Flash green? Neon yellow? The best color they offer is the red copper, which they don't sell in the US. I get why they give these guitars these unusual colors, so they can copyright them, but I really would love to see a color refresh across the entire range. Or even just add 1 or 2. A translucent red would be absolutely KILLER in these.
I think the one area of aesthetics is where the Revstar fails. The Gumby headstock, Batman cutaways, chopped off pickguard, and house paint colors, are all turnoffs for me. The quality of the workmanship and sound are first rate, but not the style category.
Yamaha makes awesome guitars. They don’t care about putting out new models every year, they really take their time and when they put it out, like the new Pacifica, its pretty much perfect. Their old 90s pacificas are amazing. The SG 1802 is better than a les paul, ask Phil X and many others about it. Their thr desk amps were game changing when they came out. They still make the mike stern pacifica telecaster, i think its been over 30yrs on that one. Their amps are great too, remember the soldano built Yamaha t100c? Anyone?
dude, you gotta try the Kaizen Sterling model when its available! No infinity radius or multiscale, but its all the ergonomics without any of the weird stuff you didnt like, and looks like its gonna be 850ish! would love to see your thoughts on it!
Sometimes less is more and this no-frills workhorse is a perfect example of that. Yamaha makes a great instrument and you know the quality is going to be there. Fender take note.
at the risk of sounding GASsy, you should check out the cheaper Revstar Element. Instead of the "Presence" switch on the Standard, they went with a "Dry" Switch hi pass filter that I think is a lot more useful and more interesting sounding. I think the pickups are voiced a bit differently too. Rather than just being a cheaper, less impressively appointed guitar it ends up coming across as a rather different instrument. It also comes in an outrageous electric yellow finish that isn't available on the pricier models.
I have been going back and forth about these for quite a while... The ones I played were all extremely heavy despite the chambering, how was yours? I am not a fan of SS frets, but on a humbucker guitar I would eventually tolerate them. The part about the frets not being polished properly worries me, as polishing SS frets is a PITA. The boost is completely useless to me (I would much prefer the bass-cut from the cheaper Essential model) and I would definitely put in a 3-way switch as I have enough guitars that do the in-between positions much better. I do like the looks and the price, but the first generation did look better and had nicer colors sand pickguards. Maybe I look for a first gen used.
Regarding the "fret-noise", I wonder if the problem resides with the strings rather than the frets... though it's always good to polish the frets on a new guitar anyway ;) Great video! If I had the extra funds, I'd be seriously looking at the P-90 Revstar version(!) Yamaha always makes great products-- even their motorcycles :D BTW, excellent analogy with the 4-Runner~
Bought and sold a Revstar a year ago. Couldn’t adapt to the super jumbo frets. It had all the great tonal qualities people rave about, but if you have a tight fretting hand like me, my 2-cents is avoid fat frets.
I think they're fantastic looking inatruments. One thing to criticise about Yamaha is that they seem to come with unpolished frets. I know the acoustic I bought had suoer scratchy frets so I pruposefully did a lot of bending and it's better now. I forgot to ploish them when I did a string change 😂
Very nice been waiting for you review the Revstar. I’m selling a tele and looking to either get a Revstar w\ p90s or PRS se McCarty 594. Which would you go with? I’ve played both they’re great guitars
RE: Experiment - I would be interested to see/hear your thoughts on some of the EBMM models (or Sterling). I'm guessing the JP models will hit closest to home for you in terms of preferences, but seeing you try something more unusual like the St. Vincent, Mariposa or the new Stingray II would be great.
I'm a big fan of the Revstar aesthetically (ESPECIALLY the green sparkle one) but I've never got the chance to try one and don't have the money to get one sight unseen :P
That’s not the fret I believe … the strings are elixer which is great but if the fret wasn’t perfect and scarred the coating it makes that nasty confusing sand paper noise … almost polished off my frets trying to fix it only to realise it was the strings
Played it once in a shop, didn't feel any "click" so it's just probably not for me. I would like to see a review for something innovative like Powers Electric
It ain't new. That's been the Yamaha logo forever. Also, I think you meant to say Yamaha & Toyota are both Japanese "brands." You said they were both Japanese "countries."
I have a brand new P90 Revstar and sadly it came it super poor conditions and took a luthier just to make it halfway playable. What really disappointed was the non-existing Yamaha customer service. They refuse to pay for the repairs (the dealer had to eat it) and they refused to do anything even though I am left with factory tool marks on the fret boards and fisheyes in the paint. I think it’s important to tell both sides. Everyone can have a dud but how you show up when you do shows the true face of a company because this is clearly their policy.
I wonder perhaps Matteo Mancuso being in the limelight lately and him using a Revstar mostly has something to do with it...But i've heard nothing but good things about revstars.🤙
I have a Revstar II standard with humbuckers and while it is super high quality in every respect I actually prefer my Yamaha Pacifica 611 with the P90 neck pickup and the split able humbucker for the bridge pickup. Lots of tones available with the 611 and it has a more comfortable body when seated like a strat but you know its a Yamaha so it is shamefully not a real deal guitar like a Fender or a Gibson. Yamaha might make great quality guitars especially for the money but their marketing department is um... not so great IMHO. I owned the P90 Revstar standard and maybe I just didn't have the right amp setup or know how to get the most out of P90s but I like the humbucker version better.
I clicked on this video solely for the title, because it struck me odd. The Revstar is one of the most overlooked guitars out there, and up to date there hasn't been much talk about it compared to what you get from other big name brand instruments. Then again, Yamaha is better known for their drums, keyboards, classic instruments and MOTORCYCLES.
As far as I know that has been the Yamaha logo for the brand's entire lifespan
Yea, I guess I’m just not used to seeing the logo without the name Yamaha 😂. I think it looks good with JUST the logo
the tuningforkes are also on the motorbikes
@@heikoschwammle4650 I've also seen it on golf carts and it's on my Yamaha stereo equipment.
yes, the logo is old, we have it in Vietnam on the Yamaha scooters too
Even though they make all sorts of things they have never forgotten their musical heritage
0:41 "Toyota and Yamaha are both japanese countries" 🤣
Companies 😂
To be fair, the economic impact of each are probably bigger than some countries.
@@AJHillis and Japanese, on top of that.
Ey yo FiLepsy wanna try the local cuisine of Mercedes? Or would you rather visit rainy Jaguar?
@@andrefludd we know. We all make mistakes. It happens.
if you need less turn of the know to tune the string it's a lower ratio. 1:14 = 14 turn of the knob for 1 turn of the post, 1:18 = 18 turn of the knob for one turn of the post. Higher ratio is better for a fine tuning but it's slower
I have the Revstar standard with P90s. Amazing guitar and completely changed my mind on P90 pups.
Thanks for having a look at this one. Almost 2 yrs ago, I bought the RSP20 (Moonlight Blue!)--the model made in their Japanese factory, which goes for $2199 now. It's the best all-around guitar that I have in my collection, which includes Fender, Gibson, PRS, and others. I use it at every gig--not always for the full set, but on a majority of the songs. It's one of those guitars that I'll never sell.
Yours is gorgeous. I own the standard hot merlot with P90s but i didn't mind to buy another with humbuckers. What i never understood is that, on paper, 1K gap between standard and pro versions doesn't make much sense to me. It's a couple of things really, isn't it, i think carbon fiber on the body and something else i cant remember and it's made in japan as you said, but now in thomann my model cost 768 vs 1929 euros. what do you think about that? I've never tried pros really so i can't speak with knowledge
An EVH Guitars experiment would be amazing! I'd love to see a comprehensive review/comparison of some of those models, especially the different tiers of Wolfgang models.
I have the black one with humbuckers like you're reviewing here and the blue one with P90s and these guitars are just perfect for me. They cover everything I need sound and feel wise.
Same here, but my Revstar with humbuckers is a 1st gen RS620. The one with P90s is an identical to the one you have. Best guitars I own, even though a have two other guitars that are much more expensive.
The chambering .. I’m sure is tuned, but it also counters neck dive, and the stabilizer rods in the neck to help maintain stiffness. As with most Yamaha produces, it was well thought out!
One more thing, I love your chordal melodies, I believe good playing is in the touch, those subtle articulations, and of course phrasing! Very well played!
I have the humbucker standard in white. It is a true workhorse and very well built. I’m glad they’re getting a bit of love now, they deserve it
Dude your enunciation is really good. You speak very clearly.
That sounds sweet! May have to check this one out for my new music!
I've had a yellow RSE2O for about six months. In 28 years of playing, I've always been a Strat guy, but I haven't been able to put the Yamaha down. I've owned a lot of guitars in my life. I can honestly say this sub-$600 guitar is in my top 5 favorite that I've ever owned.
I totally agree! I am a bass player but I picked up a RSE20 to dabble a bit more into guitar. I played that guitar every moment I could when I first got it. I still love to play it because I find it the easiest guitar to just pick up and get great tone without fussing with all the controls. I have a 734BB as well and that bass has a similar story. Yamaha just makes great instruments across so many price points.
I'm having the opposite reaction with my Element. I have it in "Swift Blue", and I'm finding myself less willing to open the case and see Papa Smurf staring back at me. I might sticker bomb it or get a checkerboard wrap, but I would really prefer one in a translucent red. The closest thing they have is the red copper, which isn't sold in the US.
guys andre posted lets go
I have the standard version with p90s. I love it. Great video!
high ratio means more turns for 1 rev of the string post, thus easier to turn. 18:1 is the ticket...
I looooove the finish on the back and neck. Wish they sold a model with that finish all around.
I thought you would mention Matteo Mancuso. The Revstar is his main instrument. I tried it too but had not time to investigate it longer and I did not fall in love with it during that 10 minutes. But I would like to play with it again when there will be a chance. I am not keen on set in/neck through things, they have more disadvantages than advantages (if there is any) and the Les Paul rendition shape does not help me.
Nice review, Andre! Like you, I never jelled with my SG. More of a strat guy. Your video makes me think I need to give this Yamaha a try. Thank you!
These just scream kickass moshy metalcore riffs with panic chords for me, lovely guitars. Put that bastard in drop C and spazz out.
I love my RSS02T I now want another Revstar with the humbuckers
I love my RSS20 (HB) and want to get a p90 as well 😂😂
Obviously I haven't tried everything Yamaha makes, but it's honestly impressive how consistently good quality their products are. I personally prefer pointier guitars, but there's something about Revstar's shape I kinda like.
Cool review. Love this guitar....
Man I'm way far from being a guitarist to be quoted, but the Revstar Standard has come to make me happy.
Would love some experiment with 'lesser known (amongst the public)' guitar brands like FGN, Cort, etc., Basically brands that most people overlook because the name on the headstock but are putting out stuff that often times has considerable more value than the larger brands for the price. I would almost argue that Yamaha is like that (I said almost don't kill me)
Can you review a performer stand? I don't know what it is exactly called, but it's a stand that holds your guitar while you play standing up. Like what Fearless Flyers use. Might be good for ergonomics.
I own a Yamaha Revstar RSS02t, and I love the sound of the P90; the clean tone is super nice and clean, like an acoustic guitar sound. With the overdrive or distortion engaged, you can still hear the clarity, which is not muddy. The focus switch, which makes the P90 sound fatter and darker, cannot say it sounds like a humbucker, but it is close enough. Love my RSS02t!
Another top notch video - you could try an 'experiment' series about one pickup solid body guitars and see which ones have the most interesting pickup/scale length combination...it's probably too obscure a subject and it's not like models with one pickup are numerous, but it'd be interesting. Or maybe an experiment series about guitars with chambered bodies compared to ones with no chambering? I'm not sure precisely how you'd measure the differences in order to draw any practical conclusions from it, but...well, I'm no expert. I'm sure you'll come up with an idea that's worth making some videos about.
Believer it or not, this has been on my list for over a year.
Believer it or not, this has been on my list for over a year.
I'm learning guitar for the first time on that exact model. I think those acoustic chambers help you feel the vibrations on your cheat. It's pretty cool
I have the base model, the Elements, and was so surprised at the high quality that it bettered guitars I have 3x the price. It’s a truly fantastic guitar. Not enough people realise how good it is compared to other big named brands.
Yamaha Revstar has to be one of the most underappreciated guitars ever. People often dislike it just because of the brand. It plays brilliantly and the neck-feel is phenomenal. Also the sound isn't something to be ashamed of. Of course the budget line guitars always have some minor flaws, but other than the finish on the fretboard it really is a great instrument. Great video dude!
I'd like to see an experiment series with the Ceccarini guitar. I've been following them for a while and REALLY considering in ordering one in a near future. Really like how the truss wheel rod is on the backside of the "headstock". Wish the website showed more details of the options regarding builds and whatnot.
I bought a Revstar 720B in wall fade off a fella for a great price in mint condition. Easily one of the best guitars I've ever played and I'll never get rid of it. That and the Yamaha Pacifica Standard Plus are my top 2 guitars right now. Yamaha is definitely one of the top brands right now, imo
I have the Standard with P90s in a black finish. I absolutely love it!
The nearness of you 😊
I bought a element one because I prefered the dry switch more than the focus switch,but I didn't have issues with scrachy frets,at all.
For what I can say,I'm playing it everyday and put aside my fender strat from the 90's('needs new frets).....
I just love it! Revstar iit's someting to try,at least.
If you can get your hands on a Yamaha SG1802, please do a review.
A higher ratio tuner will require more turns per revolution meaning much finer tuning and less effort per turn. Also with the Guitar unstrung look through the eyelet count the turns it takes until you can see through the eyelet again and then double it and that is your tuning ratio.
I’m curious about the model with the p90s! Great review.
Awesome guitar, and the neck is still comfortable for the people with smaller hands. Feels better for me comparing to Fender Player style necks. P90 version is very interesting too.
I played a Revstar at Randee's in Rockford. The powder blue "retro 6o's" model with the stripes. RSS20. It was excellent. Very much like my Aerodyne Strat (Fender Japan). You just got to have one after playing it for a while just because it is so good.
I tried a Standard Revstar the other day. Heavier than I expected. Neck played pretty nice. Wish it was the P90 version though as the Humbucker's weren't anything special. I can see why many like these Yamaha Revstar's. Me personally, I'm sticking with PRS
I have the P90 version, and I absolutely love it!
Yamaha makes great guitars at all price points. I have an AEX 500 thinline with an acoustic pickup and a mini humbucker in the neck with a blend knob ..a 5 string bass and a 2003 electric Pacifica 12 string as well as an 80s acoustic 12 string...all really great guitars by Yamaha...the Revstar logo is the same as their classical guitar headstocks.
Ah yes Toyota and Yamaha. Such beautiful countries.
wow! those licks when demoing electronics (and sound!)!
I agree with you on comparing to. Toyota truck. For me and my childhood, it was Ford Rangers and F series trucks. My family and friends owned Rangers from 80’s and 90’s that had 200,000+ miles and was easy to fix if needed. Usually just oil change and ball bearings replaced. Same with F series but now all new vehicles including Toyota have so many digital components, plastic parts and special parts that when they break down (which they do and design to break down around 100,000 to 150,000 miles or less) it is costly and complicated to fix. I miss those old vehicles. And we had same problem with people wanting a Cadillac suv. Everyone wanted one in Ohio too to be like Jersey, New York and Chicago.
I’ve also wanted a Yamaha Revstar and the new Pacifica. I just haven’t saved up yet and learn enough guitar to justify another purchase.
Very excited for this one. Ive also been curious about Yamaha Pacifica.
Apparently the specs are somewhat odd, as is my preferred specs
It has narrow nut with a 14" radius
Good stuff. Also i see a lot of people talk about the Godin Radium and I myself have looked at them time and time again. Plus you seem to like Tstyle guitars.
& Because very few comprehensive reviews are available. At the price point its at, i think it would attract a lot of interest.
Also if you coukd get your hands on one of those new Cream guitars.... oh man....
Okay now im just naming guitar brands. Sorry.
I really like how it splits the middle of being modern and classic. I've a great playing instrument, and I actually prefer it to the Revstar because of the smaller neck and more ergonomic body.
@thesmellycatjazz It's not often you get that perfect blend of modern and vintage.
How's the thickness of the neck you would say?
I think I recognize you from KYG btw
That's the reason why I bought a Revstar (and the cheaper version, the RSE20) I always play sorrounded by rugrats, and a fancy guitar wasn't the best option.
When I went to the shop I said to the owner "I want a guitar that cost around 400 (I wasn’t going to spend more) and could survive a third floor drop" The guy let me try this Yahama and after feeling the neck I new it was coming home.
Until this day (and after finding the setup sweet spot) I've had zero issues many hours of play and perfect tune stability.
The Nearness of You? Beautiful rendition btw
Higher ratio should be easier to turn in theory with the downside of having to turn more (which can be good for fine tuning). That being said, how well lubricated the gears probably matters more than the gear ratio. Also have you looked at Vola guitar's Vasti model?
The Experiment: can you get the P-90 version to compare the bridges and tailpieces? I’m trying to understand why Yamaha went with Jazz/Art Deco inspired hardware vs the humbucker version that has a racing vibe with a tune-o-matic and hardtail. Is there a tonal reason for that choice or purely aesthetic? I keep hoping they’ll make a hardtail and racing vibe for the P-90 version, as many people don’t like floating tails for palm muting and such. So far, no dice.
As the experiment, I’d love to know what would happen if you swap the tail pieces and bridges with each other. I want to know if the P-90 tones will remain the same or end up sounding different (for better or worse). I am also wondering if it’s difficult to convert either version to the other’s hardware.
It would also be fun to then add a vibrato on either one or both models. I’ve never seen anyone do that. Would be cool to have a Revstar with a wiggle stick!
Also, check out Ratio Tuners! I have them on my 2018 full sized KLOS Hybrid Deluxe acoustic dread. They have a different ratio for each tuning peg. They are still smooth as butter and require very few turns. Look at their site to read the ratios they make for each tuning peg. Every guitar should have Ratio tuners! They have all sorts of configs and solutions!
A Duesenberg Les Trem would fit on the stopbar models easily enough. Though you may be proposing a more... radical conversion.
these are lovely guitars, I find the fretboard so flat coming from fenders! I think it's 14" radius but feels even flatter for some reason!
I bought one of the first incarnations of The Revstar when they were first released about 2016 it’s a 720b in a kind of grey flame very striking I wanted a Revstar with a whammy bar so bought this with The Bigsby. I bought it new on EBay for a ridiculous 300 quid. It’s a real first class guitar. I own a few Yamaha guitars they build top notch instruments
@4:21 the archtop experiment. Go broke baby
Go broke and get 15 views per video 😂. But it would be super fun
@@andrefludd all those views would just be me rewatching too
I second this. Would really love to see some Godin and Ibanez prestige models
I have two of those Revstars and I totally agree with your conclusion. When I bought the first one I ordered it online and I wasn't expecting to be blown away by it or anything like that, I just wanted to P90 guitar and it seemed like an interesting first step into that world. But I was very pleasantly surprised, so much show that I went out and bought the humbucker version.
They are extremly well built, they look great, very easy to play, and sound great and, it might be the carbon reinforced neck, but they can take a lot of abuse :). I gravitate more towards the P90 guitar. It has a lot of character and growl.
I also have some vintage guitars and two superstrats that I would never sell, but most of the time I reach for a Revstar.
I've had a Revstar Element for a while now, and I have to say that it's a solid guitar. It's easy to play. The neck is phenomenal. It's extremely versatile. The "dry filter" switch doesn't do a whole lot, maybe I'm not playing loud enough. It's probably one of the best one I've ever owned. A jack of all trades of sorts.
However... and you'd knew there be a "however", there is one glaring problem; the color is ATROCIOUS. I have it in the "swift blue", and I'm getting to the point where I don't even want to open the case and see that big, Papa Smurf staring back at me. Apart from the Piano Black (nice phrase you coined there), and the maybe the vintage white, the color selection across the entire range is pretty abysmal. Hot merlot? Flash green? Neon yellow? The best color they offer is the red copper, which they don't sell in the US.
I get why they give these guitars these unusual colors, so they can copyright them, but I really would love to see a color refresh across the entire range. Or even just add 1 or 2. A translucent red would be absolutely KILLER in these.
I think the one area of aesthetics is where the Revstar fails. The Gumby headstock, Batman cutaways, chopped off pickguard, and house paint colors, are all turnoffs for me. The quality of the workmanship and sound are first rate, but not the style category.
I love the Revstar, but they are too damned heavy for me. The cheapest version is much lighter. One day I will get one.
Yamaha makes awesome guitars. They don’t care about putting out new models every year, they really take their time and when they put it out, like the new Pacifica, its pretty much perfect. Their old 90s pacificas are amazing. The SG 1802 is better than a les paul, ask Phil X and many others about it. Their thr desk amps were game changing when they came out. They still make the mike stern pacifica telecaster, i think its been over 30yrs on that one. Their amps are great too, remember the soldano built Yamaha t100c? Anyone?
What's the weight???
@1:16 The nearness of you by hoagy carmichael. Martin Taylor and Tommy Emmanuel have the best arrangement of that tune
I actually haven’t heard that version, I’ll check it out!
i didn't know it either, i have to check out that version cause the tune is an old time favorite of mine, thank you
dude, you gotta try the Kaizen Sterling model when its available! No infinity radius or multiscale, but its all the ergonomics without any of the weird stuff you didnt like, and looks like its gonna be 850ish! would love to see your thoughts on it!
Sometimes less is more and this no-frills workhorse is a perfect example of that. Yamaha makes a great instrument and you know the quality is going to be there. Fender take note.
Yess finallyy
Hey doc! Any thoughts on the new Sterling version of the Music Man Kaizen?
“The nearness of you” … I don’t have any budget for guitars on 2025 but a P90 Revstar V2 is on top of my list
Thanks For Sharing 🧠🎸🎶🎶✌️
at the risk of sounding GASsy, you should check out the cheaper Revstar Element. Instead of the "Presence" switch on the Standard, they went with a "Dry" Switch hi pass filter that I think is a lot more useful and more interesting sounding. I think the pickups are voiced a bit differently too. Rather than just being a cheaper, less impressively appointed guitar it ends up coming across as a rather different instrument. It also comes in an outrageous electric yellow finish that isn't available on the pricier models.
I have been going back and forth about these for quite a while... The ones I played were all extremely heavy despite the chambering, how was yours? I am not a fan of SS frets, but on a humbucker guitar I would eventually tolerate them. The part about the frets not being polished properly worries me, as polishing SS frets is a PITA. The boost is completely useless to me (I would much prefer the bass-cut from the cheaper Essential model) and I would definitely put in a 3-way switch as I have enough guitars that do the in-between positions much better. I do like the looks and the price, but the first generation did look better and had nicer colors sand pickguards. Maybe I look for a first gen used.
Love my 1 gen RSP20. Had it for 8 years. Fantastic tool that gets the job done. Use it to practice and record. The other guitars are for fun
Owned Revstars from day one. Now I have 4 different Gen 1 models. Very difficult to top regardless of the cos..👍🇦🇺
Yamaha started out as a manufacturer of Tuning forks hence the logo.
Regarding the "fret-noise", I wonder if the problem resides with the strings rather than the frets... though it's always good to polish the frets on a new guitar anyway ;) Great video! If I had the extra funds, I'd be seriously looking at the P-90 Revstar version(!) Yamaha always makes great products-- even their motorcycles :D BTW, excellent analogy with the 4-Runner~
The frets on my revstar were a bit scratchy too. Didn’t take long to polish them up, though, and now they’re like glass
Bought and sold a Revstar a year ago. Couldn’t adapt to the super jumbo frets. It had all the great tonal qualities people rave about, but if you have a tight fretting hand like me, my 2-cents is avoid fat frets.
I think they're fantastic looking inatruments. One thing to criticise about Yamaha is that they seem to come with unpolished frets. I know the acoustic I bought had suoer scratchy frets so I pruposefully did a lot of bending and it's better now. I forgot to ploish them when I did a string change 😂
Hear me out! I recommend doing an "experiment" video season on Steinberger!
Very nice been waiting for you review the Revstar. I’m selling a tele and looking to either get a Revstar w\ p90s or PRS se McCarty 594. Which would you go with? I’ve played both they’re great guitars
Yamaha
The revstar all the way
Bro is the revstar back? I haven't heard anyone talk about the revstar in at least a year or two. Great video though!
Maybe a more accurate title would be “why WAS everyone talking about the Revstar” in late to the party
RE: Experiment - I would be interested to see/hear your thoughts on some of the EBMM models (or Sterling). I'm guessing the JP models will hit closest to home for you in terms of preferences, but seeing you try something more unusual like the St. Vincent, Mariposa or the new Stingray II would be great.
The Yamaha logo goes back to the start of the company.
Check out the new pacifica if you can. The pickups are glorious!
I'm a big fan of the Revstar aesthetically (ESPECIALLY the green sparkle one) but I've never got the chance to try one and don't have the money to get one sight unseen :P
Yamaha Experiment!! Or Semi-Hollow Experiment would be super cool!
That’s not the fret I believe … the strings are elixer which is great but if the fret wasn’t perfect and scarred the coating it makes that nasty confusing sand paper noise … almost polished off my frets trying to fix it only to realise it was the strings
Played it once in a shop, didn't feel any "click" so it's just probably not for me. I would like to see a review for something innovative like Powers Electric
How would you compare it to PRS DGT SE?
Tokai jazzmaster (ajm) series next pleaseeee???
I have owned and played a Revstar for a long time. They are great and are not a copy of something, they are their own thing.
id like to see "the experiment" with any music man guitar. maybe the st vincent one. i really wantit. im sure the ergos will be trash tho.
It ain't new. That's been the Yamaha logo forever. Also, I think you meant to say Yamaha & Toyota are both Japanese "brands." You said they were both Japanese "countries."
I have a brand new P90 Revstar and sadly it came it super poor conditions and took a luthier just to make it halfway playable. What really disappointed was the non-existing Yamaha customer service. They refuse to pay for the repairs (the dealer had to eat it) and they refused to do anything even though I am left with factory tool marks on the fret boards and fisheyes in the paint. I think it’s important to tell both sides. Everyone can have a dud but how you show up when you do shows the true face of a company because this is clearly their policy.
Sad to hear.
I wonder perhaps Matteo Mancuso being in the limelight lately and him using a Revstar mostly has something to do with it...But i've heard nothing but good things about revstars.🤙
The nearness of you!
You are the first to get it
So this begs the question, is the Lexus LFA the greatest car of all time? (Lexus is a Toyota subsidiary, sound was engineered by Yamaha)
I have a Revstar II standard with humbuckers and while it is super high quality in every respect I actually prefer my Yamaha Pacifica 611 with the P90 neck pickup and the split able humbucker for the bridge pickup. Lots of tones available with the 611 and it has a more comfortable body when seated like a strat but you know its a Yamaha so it is shamefully not a real deal guitar like a Fender or a Gibson. Yamaha might make great quality guitars especially for the money but their marketing department is um... not so great IMHO. I owned the P90 Revstar standard and maybe I just didn't have the right amp setup or know how to get the most out of P90s but I like the humbucker version better.
Yamaha's aren't breathtaking but they offer a lot of quality for the money. Great video!
no one is talking about this guitar outside of youtube! i demand you reply to my opinion
I clicked on this video solely for the title, because it struck me odd. The Revstar is one of the most overlooked guitars out there, and up to date there hasn't been much talk about it compared to what you get from other big name brand instruments. Then again, Yamaha is better known for their drums, keyboards, classic instruments and MOTORCYCLES.
Nice lookin guitar 👌👌👍👍👍👍
The gear ratio will be less than 1 so a bigger reduction is a gear ratio needing less torque / effort to turn.