Why Did I Buy a Revstar?
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- Опубліковано 6 бер 2024
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I've long been fascinated by the success of the Yamaha Revstar guitars but I'd never had a chance to play them. Ironically perhaps, in the wake of buying a few "luxury" guitars (cough: Collings) I have renewed interest in how far we can go with the amazing "professional" level guitars that are available now.
I've had it for about a week so I'll give my impressions and where I'm leaning toward video ideas with it. And I want to hear what you want to know from Yamaha as I know some folks there that might answer your questions.
Bring your questions. See you there.
Keith
Ok, just picked up an RSE20 today. I played it side by side by side with an SG, fender mustang, and a Gretsch - and the Yamaha felt better, held tuning better than all them. Your video convinced me to try one - and now it’s sitting beside my Memphis shop 339.
I modded my RevStar Gen 1 a bit. Tuners and P90s were good, not great. I swapped for Lollar gold foils and Hipshot locking tuners. Also, sanded the gloss off the neck for the first time! Turned this into my go-to guitar. Quality is there.
If it works for Chris Buck, it works for me.
I bought an Indonesian p90 revstar a month ago. It's one of the least expensive guitars I own and among the best.
One year into my ownership of the same standard p90 model and I have zero buyer’s remorse.
Me too, 6 months!🎉
Me too
Same story for me - love my Revstar. It plays better than my Les Pauls.
Is the upper fret access as good as strat?
Teles and Les Pauls aren't as comfy for those last frets
I have a Japanese Mike Stern Yamaha, which I got second hand on Reverb, for a good price, and it's just amazing...
So I decided to get a Revstar, and OMG...
Yamaha REAAAALLY knows how to build high-quality instruments for very decent prices.
A Mike Stern huh? I always wanted to try one!
I agree that Yamahas are quality and well made guitars even for the inexpensive Pacifica models. I have a Mike Stern model but haven't really gelled with it. Not sure if the Seymour Duncan pickups fit the Tele style. Maybe it could do with a set up and a different finish applied to the back of the neck. I know it sounds picky but I found that the front hole for the control plate was drilled too close to the cavity and has splintered/collapsed. Repairable but a bit disappointed.
@@paulketchupwitheverything767 I don't think you are being picky, you just know what guitar and specs fit you better. I think it doesn't really sound like a traditional tele because of the pickups, as you are suggesting. It has a hot rail or something like that in the bridge right? Maybe with some changes it might suit you better. Sorry if I made mistakes English isn't my mother language.
I've heard for years that the Stern is a great guitar. I'll have to keep my eyes 👀 out for one .
I am always surprised to ear that from people, I know that since 2000 when I started playing.
Love my Revstar. P90 standard it’s become my number 1 over 2 Gibsons an American Strat and a few others. Can’t get enough of it.
Totally! There is no place for Gibson's in my lineup any more, the Revstar is better in every aspect
You video helped me reconsider buying a Revstar RSS20. In my seemingly endless tone search I am super impressed with the quality of the electronics and specifically the pickups. Thanks for all your content.
I have a Revstar (Japan) and it ROCKS!
I pulled the PU's replaced with SD 59's, it's my go to guitar!
Shout out - big fan of Lyle at Psionic Audio! His videos have steered me away from some awful amps I was considering, and validated me in a great amp I already bought. Top notch knowledge from Lyle!
😎👍
Have learned SO much from Lyle.
EVERY video posted has useful information...
And the sounds of the amps, from before and after repairs, makes it obvious as to the why and how.
Having never personally heard some of the amazing amps Lyle has had the pleasure to get his hands on, has informed of how that particular amp should sound.
Lyles sharing of that knowledge helps me when sorting out amps that are up for sale, or even just trying to dial one in.😎👍
What Lyle shares freely...?
PRICELESS 😎👍👍
I got a Revstar last summer with p90s. Simply amazing. The sound, the design, the ergonomics, it always stays in tune... It won't replace my Custom24 but it's the perfect counterpoint to it. I wanted something with p90 for a while and didn't expect much because of the price. I was so surprised by the quality. I can 100% recommend it.
I bought a white Revstar Element and its superb. Fit, finish and quality is exceptional. Sounds are amazing.
Just bought the exact same black Revstar 2 and am astounded at how good it is. Find the focus switch really good for thickening overdrive sounds and satin neck makes it a joy to play. Astounding value
@fivewattworld Thank you for the knowledge and insight. I've been curious about the Revstar since I saw Chris Buck playing them. I figure they must be good if he uses them, but he could make just about anything sound amazing. It's 90% the fool, 10% the tool.
RSS02T owner: gigging it fulltime and couldn't be much happier. Love the Gibsonbacker aesthetic, the versatility and quality.
I was gonna say something akin to Gibsonbacker, but you beat me to it. I definitely appreciate the melting of their aesthetics and the overall classic vibe, but then I'm a classic myself.
Crazy timing on your video. 3 weeks ago i finally got my hands on the Revstar RSS02T (P90 Standard) and im in LOVE with that guitar. Its phenomenal and i really want to check out more Yamaha instruments. Never really paid attention to them in the past. I really want to sell most of my instruments and get a couple higher quality instruments. Highly considering replacing my G&L Tribute S-500 with the new Pacifica Standard Plus.
My favorite part is the feel of the neck, the fit and finish, body shape, headstock shape, stainless steel frets, and the build quality is amazing. The only criticism i have for it is the "focus boost". I find that feature too muddy for my own personal tastes, but i bet others will find it useful and inspiring.
I've had my RS820cr for a few years and I love it to death. It's kept me away from other twin humbucker guitars. Thanks for the video!
I started playing in the 80s and every guitar player in my town had a Yamaha acoustic. Mine was an FG-420 and my oldest son now has and plays it. Still a great instrument
that was my first guitar as well, I loved it but sold it when I hit hard times, miss that guitar so much!
Good show Keith. I have an Indonesian built G&L bass (JB-2) and I do love it. A little fret sprout but that is easily correctable.
I had the first version, the 420, and it was fantastic. nice to play, sounded good too. It was a candy red, good looking guitar.
I have been interested in these.
Thanks for your vid!
Revstar Gen 1. I bought it used (Craigslist and in a Target parking lot) and I love it. Very well made and without any issues. Only guitar I spend time on since I bought 2 years ago.
I finally played a Revstar with the 2 P-90s. It was WAY better than I thought it would be! The 2nd and 4th switch positions sounded amazing. I also played a Fender Vintera Jazzmaster, and an Ultra Jazzmaster that day. The Revstar was my favorite, and significantly cheaper! I didn't even know about the push pull knob. I'll definitely be on the lookout for a used one.
I have that same model! Love it. Swapped out the tuners for locking tuners. Tried to change the bridge to a GraphTec Resomax but it didn't quite fit. Still plays awesome!
I bought a new standard HH last year. Swift Blue. This guitar chose me. I’m very impressed with it. Had great sustain and feel. For the price, it’s hard to beat.
Revstar P90 Standard purchased on line one year ago. Fretwork needed some work, but once set up, the tuning stability through the seasons is next level good. Beautiful linear taper on the volume pot. Physically easy to play. Best £700 I’ve spent.
Another interesting video with some perspective on guitars that make you want to play them. I agree that the Revstars box above their weight, (no pun intended) and I have the same color and model unit you are talking about. I also have the P90 version of the same guitar which I just modded following PsionicAudio's video on how to do it. I never used the transformer so was looking for an excuse to remove it. His EZ mod work great on the P90 version and would probably also work on the humbucker units we have?
Maybe modding a Revstar could be an interesting thing for those of us with them. There is plenty of space in the Revstar to modify the electronics and I've found simple mods made a nice improvement in tone. Keep your interesting and informative videos coming as you have a unique perspective that appeals to me and I'm sure thousands of others!
I own a dark red (almost wine colored) P90 model Revstar and its unreal. The 5 way switch with the mid boost is incredible. More 2 pickup P90 guitars need to have a 5 way switch. Sooooo many tones :-)
I was with a friend & he suggested checking out the local Long & McQuade Store.I noticed a blue Yamaha Revstar Standard with Humbuckling pickups.I bought it after a short play.A lot of guitars in this $1,099 plus tax range need a part or two.Tuners,bridges etc.I love this one as is.Yamaha got it right.The 5 way switch has 5 completely positions sound wise plus the transformer boost thing.
Great video. Enjoy your new guitar! I love my p90 revstar2. Pickups are super high-fi. The best sounding p90s I’ve owned.
My RS502T is my #1, and it's an effortless player. What a great guitar!
Luthier here. I have always been impressed with Yamaha guitars from the inexpensive acoustics to their electrics.
Nice video. Good explanations about the guitar and revelations. Kind thanks
Standard fits me like a glove (lh jazz player). Added my old p90 and couldn't be happier. Ergonomically 10/10.
I have the first series rs502 with p 90 s wraparound - one of my favourite guitars - I love the p90 s on this one - no negatives... I tried a new one with chambering and expected it to be lighter in weight -but I don t think it was- they are all good -enjoy the guitar and thsnks for your interesting videos -very informative
What I like about the look of these Rev Stars is their quiet elegance. Can't stand the look of those 'student' looking Pacifica guitars though.
Welcome to the Revstar Club. Got mine last year - a used 820CR in mint condition. Steel rust with a copper pick guard, humbuckers. I generally don't go for modern models (Revstar would be my 1 and only) but the Revstar has such a retro vibe - even tulip shaped tuners.
The high end Revtars look very interesting! I have a Japanese-made Vox Virage. It is such a unique and great guitar - sounds like nothing else and is exquisitely made
Just bought a e2 series in the yellow. Saw that yellow walking in the shop, and was set on it as long as it was a nice guitar. It’s a phenomenal guitar. An absolute beauty to play and listen to.
I never intended to collect guitars but over the years it seems I’ve acquired a small collection. I have a few vintage guitars, some higher priced stuff and a few medium priced. Last year I bought a P90 Revstar which I love; it stays in tune, plays and sounds great. This year I acquired a Jason Isbell MIM Telecaster. Of all my guitars, these are two of my favorites. Keep up the good work…..
Thanks for the video. I've been considereing a Revstar for some time now. I may be sold now.
Always enjoy your videos! Never tried a Revstar, but they look like they are fun to play. I own a 76 Les Paul Deluxe that weighs about 12 lbs. Fantastic tone but a backbreaker for gigging. Typically use my strat for gigs, but recently picked up a PRS SE which is much easier on my back (in my 60s now ) and since it's a split coil, it covers everything I need for a show. I still prefer my Les Paul and the strat, but the PRS is so versatile and really plays great.
This channel is so good. He hits everything guitar wise that I love. So good!
Great show Keith. I got the same guitar as yours but a lefty. It's a great guitar plus they put lefty pots in so the taper is correct. I've been considering a les trem and roller bridge. I've just got a fender weightless strap instant cure for any weight concerns.
Just discovered your channel and really dig it. You mentioned the SG as a neck diver. I bought a 2015 (yes, my younger self really wanted one) with the Gibson auto tuning system and was a total neck diver. I took the auto tuning system off and put on hipshot locking tuners and it is completely balanced now. Something to consider.
I bought a used neon Yellow Element on Saturdat for £260. It's mint with zero fretwear. The low cut or "dry switch" is great for palm muting with heavier tones. Really cuts through a mix. Amazing guitars!
Such a tasteful playing! Sweet, not over playing, just in the flow!
I have a 502 and 502 T that’s the Gen 1 style buck first showed up on scene playing except his first had a bigsby … and then I got a rss20 all 3 Indonesian and they are fabulous guitars at a shocking price … love em
The perfect 2 guitar concept for me would be a dual p90 guitar and a HSS S-Style. Im a single coil guy, but i do love a humbucker in the bridge. I really wouldnt need anything more than that.
Also an RSS02T owner: Love it! Had it for a year-ish now and gig it 3-4x/week. It holds up great and covers every sound you'd ever want when paired with a Helix. About the push/pull and positions 2 & 4: Not for everyone on their own, but if you use the push/pull as a lead boost, the offer mentioned positions, unmuddy the tone and pair well. This seems to be the thing that everyone misses. As far as mods, have only replaced the bridge with graphtech saddles (the stock saddles kept breaking strings every gig and a half), the saddle with bone, and the tunes with lockers because they make string changes WAAAAY easier with the tailpiece design. Pickups are great, neck is comfy, hangs well on a strap, super playable guitar ESPECIALLY for the money!
Black RSS20 here... I pulled out that transformer I used the push/pull for splitting the pickups. They split very nicely. They're not ice-picky at all. The split neck is VERY Fender-ish.
10 distinct sounds in the guitar now.
I reshaped the neck though. Could not deal with the shoulders. It's now a mix of PRS Pattern Thin and the American Vintage II Strat neck.
I love my p90 fade burst that I picked up from Sweetwater last year. One little nick in the coat on the back got me under 750. So yes it’s one of my favorites definitely, i like it so much I’ll probably end up with the HB version eventually.
Yamaha has an artists services shop (YASLA) in Los Angeles that does builds mostly for artists and promotion, like Ibanez LACS.
There are some really cool builds - and we've come full circle, Ibanez, ESP, Yamaha, and many other offshore companies do build instruments in the USA, albeit somewhat limited to non-extant public access (used market and auction opportunities exist though) it's none the less a real thing.
i was endorsed by yamaha in the 90s and i really miss having that deal as the instruments saved me many a time on recording sessions.amazing instruments and super underated...i had pacificas,acoustics and also these rgx super strats that blew my charvels out of the water..great work five watt you guys are a cool channel.oh btw all my 90s yamahas had stainless frets that are perfect on the ones ive kept to this day.but they are brite
Those D'adarrio celluloid thumbpicks are great. They're perfectly molded, to hold on, imo. And, you could take two pliers, say needle nose, speed-pick it, twist the tip back, make it like one of those speed picks. ~20 degrees is nice. It's really easy with the celluloid. Gives easy and sets right in. More clay than plastic-like maybe. Makes a pick feel right to me(ergo); especially if you don't hold a guitar up real high. Always felt like a cat, or dog with shoes on with a flat plectrum.
I have had several Yamaha guitars(have one now) I love them and always am amazed when others dis them. Every one I've had came setup with low action, great inotation and great tone.
I have the original RS 720 B with filtertron pups, RS 502 T with p90 style pups, and the 420 . The guitars are tight strong tension but the 420 I really liked They are like the original Yamaha SG 700-1000. But the pickups on the filtertron sound really great . they are a very solid guitar for the price . I have not tried the new line.
I bought an original Japanese made Silver RevStar at Sweetwater during a recording session with Robbin Ford and a few sessions players. It's a great guitar! Plays great & sounds great as well. Playability is there, necks are great.
Yamaha quality is great and continually gets better with time. I own a Troy Van Leeuwen SA-503 TVL that I bought while shopping for a semihollow back in 2010. The 3 P-90 setup with series/parallel switching rips and I’d argue it’s better built than the Henry J-era Epiphones by far. It’s unfortunate people look down on these. Playing one is a real treat!
Just got a revstar to replace my old squier Starcaster. I wanted something exciting and found most of the stuff in the price range too familiar but this was cool
I bought a RSS02T on accident. It is amazing.
My lefty RS in black, it is my Gibson alternative but it stands well on it’s own,stainless, the contours , my neck seems to fit me perfectly. Overall I couldn’t be happier.
I have a P90 model and it is a brilliant guitar. Its clarity and range of tone is wonderful and with the unusual burst it looks terrific.
I'm interested in Revstar. I like the inlays and X2 cut as well. I love my Yamaha acoustic that I bought for $80 in 89'. Had no idea how much they started appreciating!
I have Revstar standard RSS20 sunburst with humbuckers, i love the guitar. I plan to buy P90 version as well.
I was seriously thinking of getting one of the new Yamaha Revstars. I've owned 2 Yamaha guitars in the late '70s and really liked then. I recently read all the specs and details about all the different models and was very impressed. I saw and listened to several videos of them by some very good players. They all looked and sounded great, but even with all of the weight relief they were still over 8 1/2 pounds and more. If they were just a little smaller and lighter I'd of gotten one.
I have have 5 different Revstars from the First Gen😊
Aghh!! Missed the live, looking forward to watching this nonetheless
Maybe they are not even in your radar, Keith, but I suggest you to try out the Harmony Jupiter and new Jupiter Thinline (chambered) guitars. They were designed by the late Edwin Wilson (Gibson Custom Shop), its pickups are glorious.
I was looking for a guitar with a stop tailpiece and P-90's; as all of my guitars are superstrats ( Fenders, Charvels). I was looking at t-styles, LP's, and LP double cutaways and others. I found a Revstar 2 with P-90's at Atlanta Discount Music, used, but with no signs of wear or even a scratch, for $499. I played it there for a couple of weeks and watched a few video reviews of the guitar as well. I really liked the neck, the shape, the weight, the stainless frets like I have on my Charvel GG model and it was a bargain. I got it right before Christmas '23 and I love it.
Yamaha Revstars in the '90s in Hong Kong were widely considered a real great Les Paul alternative. Especially since Epiphones at the time weren't too solid until about 2010.
That two-guitar collection video or discussion would be fantastic. Surprised with what I ended up with (two Jazzmasters and a St Vincent Music Man). They cover everything. I think an HSS would cover most things, can see an HH guitar doing it all for a lot of people too.
My Revstar RSS02T (Black) is my #1 non-vibrato equipt guitar...
And... it is EXTREMELY versatile...
(NOT an all controls maxed type of guitfiddle. The Boost/Focus function has a secret weapon in the volume control😉👍)
So much so, that it has retired two other guitars in the stable😎👍👍
I have the exact same guitar and I love it.
@@lewisbeeman
😎👍
Tell me if you will...
Have you found where the serial # is located on the guitar...?
It's a mystery to me😉👍
Hi ...I have a Rev 1 620 Indo ....I bought it to replace my Gibson Les Paul Trad which I just didn't get on with ....was great as factory ....but I did drastically modify mine in the end .....I "satined" the neck ....bone nut ...new 50's wire harness....tonepros wraparound bridge ...locking tuners.....and finally a set of OX4 PAF's ....now its amazing...can compete with any Les Paul ....( other guitars 79 Gibson 335 Heritage H535 )
I have played Yamaha Drums for the past 18 years. LUV em'.
Always loved the old SG models, they were great playing and great looking. Not cheap nowadays either...
I have the latest P90 Revstar Pro: of my 12 guitars this one has the widest variety of tones. All five toggle positions have distinctly different tones. I’m very happy with it. I have the Les Paul and Strat bases covered and this is my new “third base.”
I bought a used 2016 RS502T a few months ago and love it
Thanks again for all the info. These guitars have been haunting me for a lot of the same reasons you got one.
Revstar is fantastic. Seems to be a progression from the Yamaha Superflighter 500/700 1000 from the 1970's. I have had the SF 1000 alder/maple since 1976. Incredibly versatile instrument. Worth checking then out if you can get your hands on one.
Hi Keith! I completely agree with your points as to why Revstar is a have to have guitar. I haven't weighed my rss20 (just like yours), but was told by the merchant that it was 8 lbs. I'm hoping it's less. The Mira is one I've been thinking about due to its light weight. My lightest is my LTD NS 200 and around 7 lbs, unlike my LP (Agile P90 goldtop) which is 9+ lbs. Enjoyed this episode like all your other very thoughtful presentations! 🤟
I bought the standard p90 in black last yr, absolutely adore it
I appreciate your intellectual honesty. It is a quality nowadays that is sorely lacking. It is not about the truth, but the way we get there. Peace
Hey Keith - another great show! re: SG neck dive, I am aware of that reputation, but thankfully only experienced it with a borrowed EB-3 bass. I have an Epiphone G-400 6-string ('62 SG standard copy - I put on a Bigsby and locking tuners), a Gibson EB-3 bass '62 re-issue, and a recently acquired 'Epi '63 SG 3-pickup Custom (Joe Bonamassa replica ltd. edition re-issue) and NONE of mine do the neck dive. just sayin'.
Thanks for this.
My 502T is a lifer, had it signed by Chris Buck at the Glasgow Guitar show, it’s all stock and it is brilliant.
Scored the RS720BX last year in mint condition with the soft case for 100 bones………it rules
Got the RSSo2T with the P90s last year. Smooth and clean or stappy and knarly.
My favorite of about 10 electrics, many *much* more expensive.
It is just that good.
I should sell a few others......
I have a mint to very excellent (I call it mint) 1997 Strat Plus with an LSR roller nut, Lace Sensor gold pickups, Schaller locking tuners, and a TBX circuit. Changed the Fender Nickel-steel screws for stainless steel and put on a Moto backplate to match the front pickguard (kept the originals). Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck models from that year are very similar. Have a Jeff Beck setup for the trem. Just under 8 lbs. and I'm very happy.
Love my RSS02T (Sunset) and RSS20 (Black). They are well balanced and super comfortable to play. The pickups sound great to my ears, so I wouldn't change them either. I am removing the 5-way switch, pots, and transformer from the RSS20 this weekend and replacing them with a Telecaster 3-way switch, 500k pots with a coil split. The 5-way switch on my RSS20 is a bit unreliable.
What a fantastic video have a good weekend Keith ❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊
Easy question: because they are excellent guitars! Out of the 15-20 Revstars I've played, both gen 1 and gen 2 in all price classes, not a single one has had any noticeable issues. Even the budget ones are rock solid!
I have gen 1 RS620 and a gen 2 RSS02T. Both are incredible. I generally prefer the looks of the gen 1 guitars, but the gen 2 guitars are a bit lighter in weight and are incredibly resonant for being solid-bodied guitars. I also much prefer the stock VP5 P-90s than the VH5 humbuckers, although the V5s are not bad in any way. I also get more use out of the "Focus" boost on the RSS02T than I get from the "Dry" switch on the RS620. I've been pondering getting a professional series one, but I feel that the standard series are so damn good that it wouldn't really make sense for my personal use.
Owned several yammy basses. my first guitar was an FG345II. Currently own a sgv800, but not sure they're popular. Also own a yammy bass amp bbt500h.
A few months ago I took an Epiphone LP Classic and Seymour Duncan '59/Custom 5 pickup set to a local tech, who also replaced stock wiring. It worked out, and he's now putting Gibson 490/498 into an Epiphone LP Standard 50s, which has a fantastic neck that I'll never be able to afford if it comes with a Gibson headstock. Necessity, mother of etc.
The answer = Chris buck
I picked up an RS420 new when they first came out, for that money, it is an excellent guitar. With a re-wire it was better and while I tried a bunch of different pickups in that guitar, I put the originals back in (with the upgraded wiring) and that was it, the sound was there to match the feel.
Myself I like a 12 pound guitar and bass guitar because I want to feel the weight so it feels solid and strong 💪
Until a few decades later and your left trap is twice the size of your right one and it's pulling your spine out of alignment causing your discs to bulge. One of those things nobody tells you about playing guitar.
@@deanmlshredder I'm a truck driver so most of my playing is sitting down I don't feel the weight I like a solid guitar
I bought the Standard as soon the lefties came out. Yep, needed a humbucking LPish guitar without it being an LP. I put a Deucemburg Les Trem on it. I love this guitar! Every time I play it I think, "I cant believe I own a guitar this good!"
I’ve actually been thinking about a Revstar the past year because I played a Yamaha Acoustic and was VERY impressed. Besides, I already have the Usual Classic guitars 🤷♂️🙂
I waited about 8 months for my made in Japan humbuckers version, it’s quite impressive, it is my les Paul alternative as I’ve never really got on with them, it compares favorably with my friend groups high end guitars, prs and les Paul’s but they won’t admit to it.
Revcently I went to look at and play some PRS SE guitars as I had seen all the rave reviews, none of them really persuaded me to go with one and on the way out I spotted the Indonesian mid range revstar with P90's - I played it and it blew me away. Forget the price, it's just superb. I'm going to buy one.
I bought one of the RSE models last week. I'm blown away at the quality and sound. I have a bunch of other nice Indonesian guitars but this one is on another level. I think it probably rivals some US made guitars at less than half the price. The dry filter or whatever it's called doesn't really make it sound like a single coil guitar, but almost like brighter sounding woods. I'm honestly blown away, so glad I picked it up and tried it out.
I lived in Tustin from 1983 to 1990. Great time to be in SoCal.