That's what I perceived, more volume in guitar 2. Chris Buck seems to think the 502T has slightly more sustain and resonance, which is the opposite of this video. Thinking the difference here might be the pickups mostly.
This is the perfect comparison I was looking for. There was a greater difference than I expected. The wraparound bridge definitely has more attack with greater volume and consistent sustain. The tailpiece version had a more mellow attack and a more varied and wavy, moving sustain, almost like a reverb being slowly changed. This was the most interesting to me because it was a different sound than I am accustomed to hearing. This would be my choice. I also like the fact the tailpiece has a spring and can be pushed to shift the strings sharp in a very subtle way. Thank you for posting!
Got me completely on this. I own the 502T and thought #2 was it. Not concerned though as I preferred #2 on the cleans and man those distorted #1 tones made me melt. Either way I love these guitars. Still have to be mindful that although the tone from the guitar and effects gives it flavour, the player creates the mood. You do the Yamaha justice and as a side compliment I hear Chris Buck in your playing or you in Chris Bucks Playing. Yamaha in both..👍🇦🇺
I have the 502 now. I’ve found it is extremely sensitive to the touch. These guitars are not for the meek. Everything about their beautiful tones comes from your hands. Additionally a good set up is required when you pick it up from the store. I’m really looking forward to where this workhorse takes me. The only guitar sounds that this cannot make is the “in between” position of a Strat. Do you want a Tele, you got one, do you want a Les Paul or SG, you got one. When I test drove it in the music store nobody asked me to turn it down. When I left the music store the employees were telling me that this is the most underrated guitar in the world. For 650 bucks you can’t beat it, but you will need a gate if you’re a rocker playing loud. As for the comparison the 502 video seems to have a little bit more chime and a better harmonic ring. They are both very close and I’m sure the T model can be adjusted to equal the 502. Having said this thank you for that wonderful demonstration and I’m proud to be part of the Revstar community. I’ll get another Revstar model someday. Cheers everyone. 🎶🎶
I've never played either and didn't really have an idea about which was which. I thought guitar #2 was a little warmer, prettier sounding, but I didn't know if that was the more solid connection of the wraparound bridge or if it was the springiness of the sem-trapeze style tailpiece. I liked #2 far more for most sounds - the more distortion, the less it mattered. I guess it was the sustain - sounded almost like it had a little built in reverb compared to #1. Sort of bums me out, because I LOVE the look of the 502T, but I think if I buy one of these, based on this test, I'd go for the 502...
Get both, as they will still cost one third of a Gibson Les Paul. I make that comparison as a direct comparison with my Revstar and my Less Paul. If you bought the 502T you would very quickly forget about any tonal difference especially not playing back to back. Buy the one you like the look of and have no regrets.. 👍🇦🇺
Only when played clean and only owners, will notice a very small difference. But these guitars are built to last, Yamaha have done a very fine job here,at a price,were we all have a chance.
Great comment. Yea I can’t find any major flaws with them. Plus its nice to pick up a quality guitar and not have to choose between buying it or making rent haha. Side note, I’d love if they did a semi-hollow version. It would probably be awesome.
Nice job Joey! I had a shop black RS502 for a few years. I loved it but after losing my job I had to choose between the 502 and paying rent. Couldn't part with any of my other guitars (all "vintage" 70's/early 80's Yamaha models) so the RS502 went :-( Fast forward 5 months and I just started a new job yesterday. What did I do? Of course, I hit the internet (Reverb, eBay, Craigslist, store sites ...) to find another shop black RS502 (love the look and simple tail-less design) only to find that the prices have gone through the roof ! I finally found a Sam Ash (Tampa) with a gloss black RS502T that I was able to negotiate a reasonable price for today. I can barely wait until it arrives -- great guitars for any price!
With single notes, I prefer the warm big round tone of the 502t with the natural roll off of the highs and the dampened attack. With strumming, I like the clarity, attack and more audible highs of the 502. The biggest difference was audible with the Clean Lead Bridge example. I thought the bridge pickups sounded quite different in this example. Thank you so much for this brilliant comparison, Joey. I stumbled upon your videos very recently and subscribed right away. I love the blind tests a lot. Especially with the immediate reveal, instead of promising another video that never comes (: But your reviews in general are great and the videos are beautifully structured, great content, charismatic presentation and lovely guitar playing. Thank you.
Thanks for the excellent comparison of these two Yamaha Revstar guitars! I guessed that guitar #2 was the wrap around stop because I thought I heard more sustain especially on the open chords. I have been considering buying one of the 502's for a while now, however, I would like to demo these guitars first as I am reluctant to purchase a guitar I have never tried. By the way, I have listen to other of your youtube videos and really enjoy your playing.
Thank you Mitchell! I agree, my number rule is always "don't buy a guitar online... always try in store and buy that exact one you like". Yet I always seem to break that rule haha. Thanks again and I hope you get to try one soon.
A rule like that kind of presumes that you live somewhere where there are stores with guitars and that they have anything you want in stock and have multiple ones to compare. Most people probably don't.
Thanks for the comparison. I was leaning towards #2. I've owned a 502T and currently have a 502. Both great but the 502T when unamplified just sounded too tinny for me due to the tailpiece. Being that I play mostly wandering around the house, that was an issue so I went for the 502. Easily as good as any USA Les Paul I've owned. Construction is faultless, pickups are professional quality and the rosewood fingerboard puts my US AVRI Strat 65's to shame. I've also owned a 70s Yamaha SG 1000 and the 502 is as good.
Yes the 502 had hotter pickups Nothing to do with the bridges it was the hotter pups I liked.. Before anybody jumps on me and says they are the same pickups!! I know this I own 3 revstars with the same vh5 pups and 1 of them is a lot hotter than the other 2 ,, I checked the dc and its 9.1 on the bridge ,, the other 2 were around 8.2 . The sustain is better on the wraparound, and the bright zing is better on the 502t ,, All in all these are some of the best guitars money can buy
I have a 502T and picked that it was guitar #1. I think it has a brighter, more jangling, tone than the 502. The 502 certainly sounded darker to my ears, especially on the neck pick up. Many thanks for the comparison video. Well worth viewing!
The 502 has more snap which one would expect with a wraptail. I just pulled the trigger on a 502. I was tempted by the 502T and like that I could use the tailpiece as a kind of pitch shifting vibrato, but ultimately I went for the more traditional set up.
Thanks to the brilliant work by Mr. Chris Buck, I've been jonesing for one of these guitars for a while. I was surprised at how much brighter the 502 was vs the 502T. Having said that, I do prefer a darker tone, and to me, the 502T sounded better with the overdriven tone, but the 502 sounded better with the clean tone. If money wasn't an issue, I'd buy one of each. My logical brain says 502, because you can use the tone nob to darken it if necessary. But the 502T is the one that speaks to me. Decisions decisions.
Either way you'll enjoy for sure Nigel! I say (if you can) catch both at a shop, play both, and walk home with whichever one really speaks to you :) It's a close race.
@@joeytheguitarplayer Hi Joey, I'm closer to making a decision. Now that we can go back into the stores, I played a 502, but they didn't have a 502T in stock. I have a 502T on order, but it won't arrive until next week some time. So the jury is still out. I have a question for you. Did it take you long to adjust to the flatter neck radius? The flattest radius I have is 12" and the roundest 9.75", vs 13.75" on the Revstar. Thanks again for this comparison video. It has gone a long way to helping me to know what to listen for.
Awesome to hear Nigel! Let me know how it goes when she comes in. And as far as the flat radius goes, nah I didn't have any issues. My strats 7.25 the cab is a 9.5 and I have a few 12s.. I'm kinda used to bouncing around haha. The Revstar is a hair flatter than like a Gibson 12 but not really much. Real comfy I think.
@@joeytheguitarplayer Thanks for the quick response Joey! That's good to hear. I was hoping that after sitting with it for a while, I would get comfortable. Needless to say, I'm pretty excited! :) Anyway, back to practicing.
Wow. they sure are almost identical. I think I like the attack more on guitar #1. But really only if I A/B them in the same 2 or 3 seconds. Otherwise I could never tell. Thanks for this, and for being so consistent in your playing. That really helps. Cheers
Correct. The standard has better definition and consistent clarity. However ... the T looks stunning and is quite unique. I have the T and the best thing for me, which I never hear mentioned, is the frets - super smooth compared to a Fender.
@@xBergade Probably, but still not to totally overlook how the contact between the strings and the body contribute to any sound signature or not that as now they do acknowledged that a string through Tele and a saddle through Tele sounded differently.
This video is misleading. The difference in sound is not because of the different bridge types on both models, but the pickups. Both have different pickups in it, 502T slightly lower output and the 502 slightly higher output ones. Can be checked in the specs at their homepage. You can also clearly hear, that the 502 has more output in these samples.
Truth. Almost every video I’ve seen fails to note that the pickups are slightly hotter in the 502. 9.3k vs 8.3k, I believe. I have the 502 in black and prefer the sound of the pickups in it.
Great stuff mate! I've spent A LOT of time looking for the one and I couldn't believe I was preferring the sound of the unknown (to me at least) 502 over so many well-known and more expensive guitars... Great looking, well built, and sings so well!
I had: sample 1) Equal #2 a bit richer Sample 2) #2 Guitar richer/better Sample 3) #2 guitar better Sample 4) equal with #2 guitar a bit deeper Sample 5) #1 much better Sample 6) #2 guitar much better Sample 7 #1 KILLER tone Sample 8) equal with #1 guitar a bit better Sample 9) equal, (exactly) Sample 10 ) equal but good in complete different ways. BOTH sounded amazing. You're playing was SWEET! Hell of a comparison, best on the Yamaha's I've seen and I've been looking at the 502T for a month. You just killed it. Subscribed , you've HOOKED ME. Soooo what would you have picked to keep and why, Thank you!
Thanks so much! Super kind of you to say. You can’t go wrong with either one honestly! For me I kept the 502 and sold the T. The matte black was just so sick looking, and just cuz some guitars have that “life” to them, this particular 502 had just a hair more mojo in it for me.
Wow preferred guitar one and was convinced it was the 502 (more organic in the body resonance, less metallic)..i have a 502T, so pretty good outcome. Great job
Just listened! ☺️☺️☺️ Excellent! Amazing! Fantastic...! 👍👍👍 Never before saw such an objective, brief and to the point, no nonsense, no emotional/ sentimental bias or conservatism comparison video! ☺️☺️ Even you tried to capture the subtle nuances of tone, its attack, sustain, decay!☺️😊☺️ Exactly how a scientific experiment should be performed!☺️😊☺️ And... Yes, the tonal difference was obvious.. as I expected... and so my guess too came to be right! 😊😊😊 Keep up the same spirit dear friend...!👍👍👍 ❤️ from India ( - Su Selim)
Thanks for the great comparison! I guessed from the sustain that #2 must be the one with the wraparound bridge. I bought a 502 shop black as a Christmas gift to myself. Great guitar, maybe the nut is a little high since the open chords sound out of tune and need special attention.
Thanks for the compliments! Haha yea I hear you. That's why these blind tests are fun tho. But, don't feel bad, on a few of the samples (especially certain pickup settings) it was pretty tricky to even tell that they were two separate guitars.
Me to. I have the 502T and now wish I've bought the 502 instead as the 502T tail piece really introduces that vibrating metalic sound to the higher strings even when playing clean.
@@Cheguebuddha Hi Che, have you found a way to stop that metalic sound yet?. I have the 502T, and apart from the metalic ring, it is a superb instrument.
Just my opinion, The 502T seems to have just super tiny bit more cleaner tone n more sustain. The neck pickup is indentical but the sound closer to bridge with different bridges, there is tiny bit difference, with sustain n clarity. Does these both have plastic pickup covers? Anyway , The 502 is amazingly priced. Sounds pretty much the same, and about 100-200euro(depends the color finish/music store) difference with the 502, so comes down to the looks, and for some people who really strive for that perfect sound to their ears. Thanks for this. Was exactly what I was looking for!
Great ear and great thoughts! You know, I did forget to mention that, thanks for the reminder. You're right, the pickup covers are definitely plastic on the 502T whereas I believe they are metal covers on the 502.
@@joeytheguitarplayer If the price increase from a one piece bridge to a bridge and tailpiece were reasonable I would always choose to have a tailpiece. It is my limited understanding that one piece bridges are less stable than a bridge and tailpiece. Please correct me if I'm wrong. ua-cam.com/video/a8kMSJClicI/v-deo.html
Now people sound test with Guitar Rig? I am interested in this guitar lineup and check several UA-cam videos, I was very surprised that most demo guys play and compare with Line6 or software for demo purpose. I am sorry to say this for your work but I want to hear the genuine sound through air. Am I too old fashioned?
If you want to hear the sound through air you won’t get it off you tube. You know what to do. btw, there is no recorded sound, anywhere on the planet, that comes close to a stereo chorus through air.
I've been wanting this guitar for 10 years and now I'm ready to buy and the rs502 is no where to be found except on used markets with prices over $1k. All the major music starts say it's on back order, but given Yamaha is coming out with a completely new line of Revstars, I highly doubt the will actually get more RS502s. If anyone has one for sale, let me know
I already have too many guitars why are you doing this to me :< I'll forgive you for making me poor, as that was a very well put together comparison video.
Thanks Martin! Also, sorry to do this to you but... another Revstar just came in from Reverb this morning and... she has a bigsby 😎 We'll be seeing what she can do soon
Well, I guessed that guitar #2 was the wraparound because it seemed to have a bit more sustain. Seems like a lot of people heard that. I definitely want to buy one of these but right now the T is easier to find new. Maybe I’ll check out Reverb for the 502. How do you like the matte finish?
Nice! I love the matte. Fingerprints up like crazy, but it is worth it haha. I wish it was matte on the back too, man that’d be sick. I got mine on Reverb too. They come up every now and again.
Great video , hmmm am i crazy or guitar number2 has something like a little volume oscilation when chords rings (like a tremolo ) ? ,should i go to a doctor ? :O
Haha no tremolo on either guitar but I do know what youre talking about. Perhaps a by-product of the wrapover bridge? I wonder. And no dont go to the doctor, haha if anything its a good sign you hear that well.
Maybe combination of p90 and wraparound bridge I have a prs Soapbar and it produces this kind of swirling sound when you let the note ring I don't recall noticing that on my other p90 guitars (but less quality pickups in those so...) As far as I'm concerned, I really like this 'effect'
Weird question but can you install a wraparound bridge on the tailpiece guitar? Are the screw holes the same and distanced the same? I've tried looking it up but can't find any info anywhere
It looks like the distance between the posts is different beetween a tuneho-matic (~73mm) and a wrap-around (~82mm). The rear part of the tune-o-matic seems to be equal or close, but obviously you can't put a wrap-around there. Also, I guess that the studs wouldn't be strong enough to support the tension. So, I guess not, unless you drill new holes to install the studs. Edit: if you're talking about the Revstars specifically, in this video I had the impression that the distance between posts is different too.
For me I’ll be keeping the black 502. Not because of the blind test tho. There’s just something about this particular 502, it’s got just a little more mojo in it than my 502T. Always crazy how that happens sometimes.
@@joeytheguitarplayer Thank you so much for your answer, been watching these guitars for a years time and have trouble choosing between these two. Both look stunning. Great video too
Well I was wrong I though 2 was Tailpiece with a little more sustain. So that settles it I prefer the wraparound anyway and it sustains nicely. Thanks!
It’s not just the bridge making the sound difference. The 502 pickups are 9.3k, and 502T are 8.3k. The spec is buried in the Yamaha site.
That's what I perceived, more volume in guitar 2. Chris Buck seems to think the 502T has slightly more sustain and resonance, which is the opposite of this video. Thinking the difference here might be the pickups mostly.
This is the perfect comparison I was looking for. There was a greater difference than I expected. The wraparound bridge definitely has more attack with greater volume and consistent sustain. The tailpiece version had a more mellow attack and a more varied and wavy, moving sustain, almost like a reverb being slowly changed. This was the most interesting to me because it was a different sound than I am accustomed to hearing. This would be my choice. I also like the fact the tailpiece has a spring and can be pushed to shift the strings sharp in a very subtle way. Thank you for posting!
Got me completely on this. I own the 502T and thought #2 was it. Not concerned though as I preferred #2 on the cleans and man those distorted #1 tones made me melt. Either way I love these guitars. Still have to be mindful that although the tone from the guitar and effects gives it flavour, the player creates the mood. You do the Yamaha justice and as a side compliment I hear Chris Buck in your playing or you in Chris Bucks Playing. Yamaha in both..👍🇦🇺
We are who we are by being poor imitations of all our heroes haha, and Chris is def in my list I'd say. Thanks for the compliments Jimmy
I have the 502 now. I’ve found it is extremely sensitive to the touch. These guitars are not for the meek. Everything about their beautiful tones comes from your hands. Additionally a good set up is required when you pick it up from the store. I’m really looking forward to where this workhorse takes me. The only guitar sounds that this cannot make is the “in between” position of a Strat. Do you want a Tele, you got one, do you want a Les Paul or SG, you got one.
When I test drove it in the music store nobody asked me to turn it down. When I left the music store the employees were telling me that this is the most underrated guitar in the world. For 650 bucks you can’t beat it, but you will need a gate if you’re a rocker playing loud. As for the comparison the 502 video seems to have a little bit more chime and a better harmonic ring. They are both very close and I’m sure the T model can be adjusted to equal the 502.
Having said this thank you for that wonderful demonstration and I’m proud to be part of the Revstar community. I’ll get another Revstar model someday. Cheers everyone. 🎶🎶
The 1st guitar is the rs502t, I preferred the 502, warmer sound but it was hard as both are amazing looking guitars with superb sound quality! 🙏🤟
I've never played either and didn't really have an idea about which was which. I thought guitar #2 was a little warmer, prettier sounding, but I didn't know if that was the more solid connection of the wraparound bridge or if it was the springiness of the sem-trapeze style tailpiece. I liked #2 far more for most sounds - the more distortion, the less it mattered. I guess it was the sustain - sounded almost like it had a little built in reverb compared to #1. Sort of bums me out, because I LOVE the look of the 502T, but I think if I buy one of these, based on this test, I'd go for the 502...
Get both, as they will still cost one third of a Gibson Les Paul. I make that comparison as a direct comparison with my Revstar and my Less Paul. If you bought the 502T you would very quickly forget about any tonal difference especially not playing back to back. Buy the one you like the look of and have no regrets.. 👍🇦🇺
Thank you. There is a big difference in the attack of the notes. I prefer the softer attack of the 502T.
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed!
Only when played clean and only owners, will notice a very small difference. But these guitars are built to last, Yamaha have done a very fine job here,at a price,were we all have a chance.
Great comment. Yea I can’t find any major flaws with them. Plus its nice to pick up a quality guitar and not have to choose between buying it or making rent haha.
Side note, I’d love if they did a semi-hollow version. It would probably be awesome.
Nice job Joey! I had a shop black RS502 for a few years. I loved it but after losing my job I had to choose between the 502 and paying rent. Couldn't part with any of my other guitars (all "vintage" 70's/early 80's Yamaha models) so the RS502 went :-( Fast forward 5 months and I just started a new job yesterday. What did I do? Of course, I hit the internet (Reverb, eBay, Craigslist, store sites ...) to find another shop black RS502 (love the look and simple tail-less design) only to find that the prices have gone through the roof ! I finally found a Sam Ash (Tampa) with a gloss black RS502T that I was able to negotiate a reasonable price for today. I can barely wait until it arrives -- great guitars for any price!
With single notes, I prefer the warm big round tone of the 502t with the natural roll off of the highs and the dampened attack.
With strumming, I like the clarity, attack and more audible highs of the 502.
The biggest difference was audible with the Clean Lead Bridge example. I thought the bridge pickups sounded quite different in this example.
Thank you so much for this brilliant comparison, Joey. I stumbled upon your videos very recently and subscribed right away. I love the blind tests a lot. Especially with the immediate reveal, instead of promising another video that never comes (:
But your reviews in general are great and the videos are beautifully structured, great content, charismatic presentation and lovely guitar playing. Thank you.
Hey thanks so much Felix :) its been an enjoyable trip. Always looking to improve and keep things fresh. I appreciate your support
A very good comparison. I liked both, but if to settle on on e it would be the 502T
*EPISODE BREAKDOWN*
0:00 - Start
1:08 - Guitar #1 Open Chord CLEAN Neck Pickup
1:37 - Guitar #2 Open Chord CLEAN Neck Pickup
2:07 - Guitar #1 Open Chord CLEAN Both Pickups
2:35 - Guitar #2 Open Chord CLEAN Both Pickups
3:04 - Guitar #1 Open Chord CLEAN Bridge Pickup
3:31 - Guitar #2 Open Chord CLEAN Bridge Pickup
3:59 - Guitar #1 Barre Chord CLEAN Both Pickups
4:21 - Guitar #2 Barre Chord CLEAN Both Pickups
4:44 - Guitar #1 Lead CLEAN Neck Pickup
5:03 - Guitar #2 Lead CLEAN Neck Pickup
5:25 - Guitar #1 Lead CLEAN (no pick) Both Pickups
5:40 - Guitar #2 Lead CLEAN (no pick) Both Pickups
5:58 - Guitar #1 Lead CLEAN Bridge Pickup
6:12 - Guitar #2 Lead CLEAN Bridge Pickup
6:28 - Guitar #1 Lead GAIN Neck Pickup
6:43 - Guitar #2 Lead GAIN Neck Pickup
6:59 - Guitar #1 Lead GAIN Both Pickups
7:12 - Guitar #2 Lead GAIN Both Pickups
7:23 - Guitar #1 Lead FUZZ Bridge Pickup
7:41 - Guitar #2 Lead FUZZ Bridge Pickup
8:00 - Final Reveal
Thanks for the excellent comparison of these two Yamaha Revstar guitars! I guessed that guitar #2 was the wrap around stop because I thought I heard more sustain especially on the open chords. I have been considering buying one of the 502's for a while now, however, I would like to demo these guitars first as I am reluctant to purchase a guitar I have never tried. By the way, I have listen to other of your youtube videos and really enjoy your playing.
Thank you Mitchell! I agree, my number rule is always "don't buy a guitar online... always try in store and buy that exact one you like". Yet I always seem to break that rule haha. Thanks again and I hope you get to try one soon.
A rule like that kind of presumes that you live somewhere where there are stores with guitars and that they have anything you want in stock and have multiple ones to compare. Most people probably don't.
Instablaster.
About half of them I didn't hear and distinguishable differences but when I did i preferred the guitar 2, the 502.
Thanks for the comparison. I was leaning towards #2. I've owned a 502T and currently have a 502. Both great but the 502T when unamplified just sounded too tinny for me due to the tailpiece. Being that I play mostly wandering around the house, that was an issue so I went for the 502. Easily as good as any USA Les Paul I've owned. Construction is faultless, pickups are professional quality and the rosewood fingerboard puts my US AVRI Strat 65's to shame. I've also owned a 70s Yamaha SG 1000 and the 502 is as good.
...buy an acoustic or hollow?
Yes the 502 had hotter pickups
Nothing to do with the bridges it was the hotter pups I liked..
Before anybody jumps on me and says they are the same pickups!! I know this I own 3 revstars with the same vh5 pups and 1 of them is a lot hotter than the other 2 ,, I checked the dc and its 9.1 on the bridge ,, the other 2 were around 8.2 .
The sustain is better on the wraparound, and the bright zing is better on the 502t ,,
All in all these are some of the best guitars money can buy
Yup the p90s on the 502 are quite hot, it's even specified on yamaha's website that the 502t are vintage output
That's right, the 502T has V5 pickups, but the 502 has the V5+ so a bit more output. Got both guitars, that's also what I hear.
I have a 502T and picked that it was guitar #1. I think it has a brighter, more jangling, tone than the 502. The 502 certainly sounded darker to my ears, especially on the neck pick up.
Many thanks for the comparison video. Well worth viewing!
You’re welcome and thank you! Great job picking out the right guitars!
I also have both, and I find the reverse! I also hear that in this demo - #2 (the 502) is brighter than #1 (502T).
Only noticed subtle resonances in the tone from (the first clip) great video btw - thanks!
The 502 has more snap which one would expect with a wraptail. I just pulled the trigger on a 502. I was tempted by the 502T and like that I could use the tailpiece as a kind of pitch shifting vibrato, but ultimately I went for the more traditional set up.
The second one sounds like it has more harmonics on the clean. The fuzz tone was better with the T.
Thanks to the brilliant work by Mr. Chris Buck, I've been jonesing for one of these guitars for a while. I was surprised at how much brighter the 502 was vs the 502T. Having said that, I do prefer a darker tone, and to me, the 502T sounded better with the overdriven tone, but the 502 sounded better with the clean tone. If money wasn't an issue, I'd buy one of each. My logical brain says 502, because you can use the tone nob to darken it if necessary. But the 502T is the one that speaks to me. Decisions decisions.
Either way you'll enjoy for sure Nigel! I say (if you can) catch both at a shop, play both, and walk home with whichever one really speaks to you :) It's a close race.
@@joeytheguitarplayer Hi Joey, I'm closer to making a decision. Now that we can go back into the stores, I played a 502, but they didn't have a 502T in stock. I have a 502T on order, but it won't arrive until next week some time. So the jury is still out. I have a question for you. Did it take you long to adjust to the flatter neck radius? The flattest radius I have is 12" and the roundest 9.75", vs 13.75" on the Revstar. Thanks again for this comparison video. It has gone a long way to helping me to know what to listen for.
Awesome to hear Nigel! Let me know how it goes when she comes in.
And as far as the flat radius goes, nah I didn't have any issues. My strats 7.25 the cab is a 9.5 and I have a few 12s.. I'm kinda used to bouncing around haha. The Revstar is a hair flatter than like a Gibson 12 but not really much. Real comfy I think.
@@joeytheguitarplayer Thanks for the quick response Joey! That's good to hear. I was hoping that after sitting with it for a while, I would get comfortable. Needless to say, I'm pretty excited! :) Anyway, back to practicing.
Wow. they sure are almost identical. I think I like the attack more on guitar #1. But really only if I A/B them in the same 2 or 3 seconds. Otherwise I could never tell. Thanks for this, and for being so consistent in your playing. That really helps. Cheers
Guitar #2 the 502 sounds richer, warmer and richer harmonics to me, I am listening through a flat response Superlux 668B headphone.
Yeah same here but i was expecting the 502T would sound like that more than the 502, very interesting...
Correct. The standard has better definition and consistent clarity.
However ... the T looks stunning and is quite unique.
I have the T and the best thing for me, which I never hear mentioned, is the frets - super smooth compared to a Fender.
@@skunkymuggles I think nothing beats strings to body contact.
I also prefer the sound of the 502, bute I assumed it was because the pickups have more beef - not because of the bridge?
@@xBergade Probably, but still not to totally overlook how the contact between the strings and the body contribute to any sound signature or not that as now they do acknowledged that a string through Tele and a saddle through Tele sounded differently.
This video is misleading. The difference in sound is not because of the different bridge types on both models, but the pickups. Both have different pickups in it, 502T slightly lower output and the 502 slightly higher output ones. Can be checked in the specs at their homepage. You can also clearly hear, that the 502 has more output in these samples.
Truth. Almost every video I’ve seen fails to note that the pickups are slightly hotter in the 502. 9.3k vs 8.3k, I believe. I have the 502 in black and prefer the sound of the pickups in it.
Great stuff mate! I've spent A LOT of time looking for the one and I couldn't believe I was preferring the sound of the unknown (to me at least) 502 over so many well-known and more expensive guitars... Great looking, well built, and sings so well!
I had:
sample 1) Equal #2 a bit richer
Sample 2) #2 Guitar richer/better
Sample 3) #2 guitar better
Sample 4) equal with #2 guitar a bit deeper
Sample 5) #1 much better
Sample 6) #2 guitar much better
Sample 7 #1 KILLER tone
Sample 8) equal with #1 guitar a bit better
Sample 9) equal, (exactly)
Sample 10 ) equal but good in complete different ways.
BOTH sounded amazing.
You're playing was SWEET!
Hell of a comparison, best on the Yamaha's I've seen and I've been looking at the 502T for a month. You just killed it.
Subscribed , you've HOOKED ME.
Soooo what would you have picked to keep and why, Thank you!
Thanks so much! Super kind of you to say.
You can’t go wrong with either one honestly! For me I kept the 502 and sold the T.
The matte black was just so sick looking, and just cuz some guitars have that “life” to them, this particular 502 had just a hair more mojo in it for me.
@@joeytheguitarplayer thanks so much for the response......
Nice work on this one bro! Thanks for the comparison. Keep it up!
Thanks my man! You too.
Wow preferred guitar one and was convinced it was the 502 (more organic in the body resonance, less metallic)..i have a 502T, so pretty good outcome. Great job
I liked the chords on number 2 guitar and the lead lines one the number 1 guitar.
Just listened! ☺️☺️☺️
Excellent!
Amazing!
Fantastic...! 👍👍👍
Never before saw such an objective, brief and to the point, no nonsense, no emotional/ sentimental bias or conservatism comparison video! ☺️☺️
Even you tried to capture the subtle nuances of tone, its attack, sustain, decay!☺️😊☺️
Exactly how a scientific experiment should be performed!☺️😊☺️
And... Yes, the tonal difference was obvious.. as I expected... and so my guess too came to be right! 😊😊😊
Keep up the same spirit dear friend...!👍👍👍
❤️ from India
( - Su Selim)
For me #1 is warmer so my choice is 1:) But 2 is also great!
I love the 502. The 502T sounded great, but not as rich.
No concernalble difference, I'd go with the the one that fits my eye, which would be the T. EXCELLENT Video! AGAIN!
Is the difference down to the tailpiece, or the slightly hotter pickups in the 502 vs the 502T?
Guitar 1 - gain; Guitar 2 - clean
Thanks for the great comparison! I guessed from the sustain that #2 must be the one with the wraparound bridge. I bought a 502 shop black as a Christmas gift to myself. Great guitar, maybe the nut is a little high since the open chords sound out of tune and need special attention.
You put a lot of work into this video.
Great review. I've learned wrap around bridge a or telecaster type through body add sustain. But both sound great
The plan was to get the 502, but a couple of LTD's got in the way lol. The anticipation is well worth it I'm sure, it shall be Soon. Love this guitar!
502 to my ears just seemed to have that bit more
That’s the one I kept ;)
Nice video. I have the 502T, meanwhile I was wrong on the sound test. 🎧😂
Thanks for the compliments! Haha yea I hear you. That's why these blind tests are fun tho.
But, don't feel bad, on a few of the samples (especially certain pickup settings) it was pretty tricky to even tell that they were two separate guitars.
Me to. I have the 502T and now wish I've bought the 502 instead as the 502T tail piece really introduces that vibrating metalic sound to the higher strings even when playing clean.
@@Cheguebuddha Hi Che, have you found a way to stop that metalic sound yet?. I have the 502T, and apart from the metalic ring, it is a superb instrument.
Just my opinion, The 502T seems to have just super tiny bit more cleaner tone n more sustain. The neck pickup is indentical but the sound closer to bridge with different bridges, there is tiny bit difference, with sustain n clarity. Does these both have plastic pickup covers? Anyway , The 502 is amazingly priced. Sounds pretty much the same, and about 100-200euro(depends the color finish/music store) difference with the 502, so comes down to the looks, and for some people who really strive for that perfect sound to their ears. Thanks for this. Was exactly what I was looking for!
Great ear and great thoughts! You know, I did forget to mention that, thanks for the reminder. You're right, the pickup covers are definitely plastic on the 502T whereas I believe they are metal covers on the 502.
@@joeytheguitarplayer If the price increase from a one piece bridge to a bridge and tailpiece were reasonable I would always choose to have a tailpiece. It is my limited understanding that one piece bridges are less stable than a bridge and tailpiece. Please correct me if I'm wrong. ua-cam.com/video/a8kMSJClicI/v-deo.html
I guessed wrong. At 1:37, it sounds like a chorus effect and thought it was resonance from the tailpiece. Oh well...
I guessed wrong too, and was surprised.
@@Incandescentiron I own a 502T and I guessed wrong for the same reason!
Too much time in between audio clips !!!!!
Now people sound test with Guitar Rig? I am interested in this guitar lineup and check several UA-cam videos, I was very surprised that most demo guys play and compare with Line6 or software for demo purpose. I am sorry to say this for your work but I want to hear the genuine sound through air. Am I too old fashioned?
If you want to hear the sound through air you won’t get it off you tube.
You know what to do.
btw, there is no recorded sound, anywhere on the planet, that comes close to a stereo chorus through air.
It was so close but I thought that the 502T was the first one. They're both great. I'm waiting until April to get my 502T :)
Me too.
I've been wanting this guitar for 10 years and now I'm ready to buy and the rs502 is no where to be found except on used markets with prices over $1k. All the major music starts say it's on back order, but given Yamaha is coming out with a completely new line of Revstars, I highly doubt the will actually get more RS502s. If anyone has one for sale, let me know
I already have too many guitars why are you doing this to me :<
I'll forgive you for making me poor, as that was a very well put together comparison video.
Thanks Martin! Also, sorry to do this to you but... another Revstar just came in from Reverb this morning and... she has a bigsby 😎 We'll be seeing what she can do soon
Well, I guessed that guitar #2 was the wraparound because it seemed to have a bit more sustain. Seems like a lot of people heard that. I definitely want to buy one of these but right now the T is easier to find new. Maybe I’ll check out Reverb for the 502. How do you like the matte finish?
Nice! I love the matte. Fingerprints up like crazy, but it is worth it haha. I wish it was matte on the back too, man that’d be sick.
I got mine on Reverb too. They come up every now and again.
Guitar #2 sounded like harmonics were off-tune, could it be possible the bridge needed addjustment?
I noticed that too. At the tail end of sustained single notes you could almost hear it bend.
Great video , hmmm am i crazy or guitar number2 has something like a little volume oscilation when chords rings (like a tremolo ) ? ,should i go to a doctor ? :O
Haha no tremolo on either guitar but I do know what youre talking about. Perhaps a by-product of the wrapover bridge? I wonder.
And no dont go to the doctor, haha if anything its a good sign you hear that well.
Maybe combination of p90 and wraparound bridge
I have a prs Soapbar and it produces this kind of swirling sound when you let the note ring
I don't recall noticing that on my other p90 guitars (but less quality pickups in those so...)
As far as I'm concerned, I really like this 'effect'
Weird question but can you install a wraparound bridge on the tailpiece guitar? Are the screw holes the same and distanced the same? I've tried looking it up but can't find any info anywhere
It looks like the distance between the posts is different beetween a tuneho-matic (~73mm) and a wrap-around (~82mm). The rear part of the tune-o-matic seems to be equal or close, but obviously you can't put a wrap-around there. Also, I guess that the studs wouldn't be strong enough to support the tension. So, I guess not, unless you drill new holes to install the studs.
Edit: if you're talking about the Revstars specifically, in this video I had the impression that the distance between posts is different too.
@@PastelComGini Thanks. Yeah I was specifically talking about the revstars. Appreciate the info
Wich one was your favorite, and who would you choose?
For me I’ll be keeping the black 502. Not because of the blind test tho.
There’s just something about this particular 502, it’s got just a little more mojo in it than my 502T. Always crazy how that happens sometimes.
@@joeytheguitarplayer Thank you so much for your answer, been watching these guitars for a years time and have trouble choosing between these two. Both look stunning. Great video too
Have you had any problem with the wraparound flexing forward towards the headstock? It seem to be a pretty common problem with wraparound bridges
Not really. If I push hard with my palm I can create a small amount of vibrato. But no “unintentional” movement.
@@joeytheguitarplayer good to hear
What's the best way to a trem on the 502t?
Well I was wrong I though 2 was Tailpiece with a little more sustain. So that settles it I prefer the wraparound anyway and it sustains nicely. Thanks!
502 seemed to be more resonant.
The challenge now is finding a 502 in shop black in the United States. The guitar has gone extinct
502 sound better...
clearly #2 (502), just sings
502T FOR ME.THX