Is the Yamaha Revstar a Gibson SG Killer?!

[@austinbridge]

I really hate how much people disrespect Yamaha on all fronts even though they have made some of the highest quality instruments for decades. Guitars, basses, drums, and pianos all are staples in professional recording studios. I'm not sure of another company that can say the same. Yet, someone sees a Martin or a Gibson in a room and won't even look at the Yamaha. Thank you so much for this supportive video.

[@allanshort8264]

Took my 14yr old to shop here in England. He could choose between MiM Telecaster and P90 Revstar. He picked Revstar in black and saved me £150. Hasn't stopped playing it in 6 months. So cool. And check out their xsr900 motorbikes. Tickety-boo!

[@randalljwarren151]

I agree, Yamaha as a company makes everything to a high level. They are comparing a relative “new comer” to a heritage classic. Tough crowd to sway. Keeping an open mind (and ear!) helps to cut through the clutter.

[@nekot9274]

I feel the same to the extreme point where I only buy Yamaha just to make a point.

[@philipnalls]

@@allanshort8264good parent.

[@bend1499]

Couldn't agree more. What drove me to be a Yamaha fan was actually the poor quality of Martins coming out lately. I returned FOUR D-18s due to quality issues (sharp frets, glue, etc) before pulling the trigger on a Yamaha FG9r, and I haven't looked back. Quality means something in Japan while the US only cares about revenue.

[@carlosfernandez3565]

I bought a Revstar standard this week, I got the p90s version. I haven't owned a lot of guitars, but I feel this is my first guitar that feels top tier. I couldn't recommend it more.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

I have one as well, and agree with you, it's a great guitar.

[@seanriley2534]

You chose correctly, fantastic guitar!

[@thisisfrankie]

Same here, incredible instrument

[@bradfowler6464]

Ditto. Amazing instrument.

[@joeking433]

Did you level the frets yet?

[@clouds5]

The design of the revstar... I have one. I could just look at it. And study the lines and angles. How things are symmetrical but not at the same time.. It's such a beautiful and well balanced instrument.

[@joeking433]

LOL! "The lines and angles"! Guitar porn! Hahaha!

[@donly8408]

I discovered the first version a few years ago and loved them. I love these new Revstars so much that I bought both standard and p90. Amazing!!!!

[@joeking433]

I bet!

[@LeviBMW]

What would you call diference between P90 and Humbuckers?

[@makx6972]

Which one do you like the most?

[@gregweber3387]

You can always count on a quality instrument from Yamaha regardless of price. It would have been nice to include an Epiphone SG in this mix too.

[@joeking433]

I think that would have been a better comparison, for sure! Or a Squier Classic Vibe, which might even be a better guitar, IMO, for half the price.

[@benallmark9671]

No i wouldn't. They're made in

[@olivierdumais6463]

apples and oranges. the revstar standard absolutely blows the epiphone SG out of the water. You could compare the revstar element to the epiphone maybe but I think the yamaha would win out in that case as well.

[@didamnesia3575]

​@joeking433 Squires are not better guitars. You must work with concrete everyday and have the touch sensitivity of a hippopotamus.

[@rickiej88]

I got the Revstar Standard in Swift Blue. What a guitar! Absolutely love it.

[@A_Noid]

Even though my SG kinda sits weird when playing, I got used to it and really enjoy the feel now, plus it sounds and looks great. They’re not for everybody, but I feel they’re a nice in between tone wise between a Les Paul and a Tele.

[@joeking433]

My SG is the best guitar I've ever played and I've played dozens! Nothing compares to it.

[@joeking433]

Did you know that the SG is Gibson's best selling guitar?

[@joeking433]

@capri2673 Yeah. The SG is the best selling Gibson guitar in sales numbers over the length of Gibson's history! They've sold more SG's than Les Pauls. Which surprised me because the Les Paul gets ALL the attention!

[@jxw129]

SG is the best sale in numbers for Gibson for a few reasons. One they’re more affordable than LPs. Second, SG has never been not in production. Some don’t know this but LPs did not sell well when they were introduced and the production stopped for years after the SG was introduced and was meant to be a LP replacement.

[@Suchacard]

Bought a revstar recently myself. And though I like the sound and feel, the satin neck was a big selling point for me, I always prefer them over the glossy ones.

[@JS-mz4xf]

I sold my SG standard to buy a Revstar standard. Great decision. I was so happy with the P90 I also then bought the Humbucker.

[@ratwynd]

I did the same. Likely gonna sell my 2014 ES335 now. It is not getting any play....

[@888jimm]

Now that I've had my RSS20 for a while now....I have come to understand the pop up switch....down older humbuckers up modern. Will buy a P90 one next....2 for the price of an SG mericun

[@jfopps]

Have had the humbucker standard for about 6 months now, love the thing so much I'm seriously considering grabbing the p90 version also

[@didamnesia3575]

Don't sell your guitars unless you need the money

[@marcusphillipsinteriordesi7380]

Which one do you like best? 👌

[@andrewgremba1450]

My first guitar I paid for was a Yamaha RGX 312 in 1988. I still have it. She still plays great!

[@AllKnowingDentor]

I just recently received a new P90 Revstar II RSS02T Standard in a uniform flame maple Sunset Burst finish - stuningly beautiful guitar! I haven't owned a P90 guitar for a while now (few years perhaps) and, after watching and listening to demos, this quickly became a no-brainer purchase. The necks playability is effortless. The guitars balance is, well, perfect for my liking - both standing and sitting. As noted in this video, the Revstar Standards price leaves plenty of room for upgrades/sidegrades, and I can't seem to leave anything stock. In my case the upgrades came in the form of new pickups (unpotted Wolfetone Mean 90 / Meaner 90 set -- I'm planning to install the stock picklups again after I've played with the Wolfetone's for a while, and I'll likely swap in a Gibson P90 set that I currently have sitting idle for comparisons sake), a Fender 5-way super-switch with Psionic Audio's rewiring, RS Guitar Works A500k CTS volume pot, a CTS A500k tone pot, a Switchcraft output jack, Gibson 50's wiring, cream speed knobs, cream switch tip, Gotoh Magnum 18:1 locking tuners with Tone Ninja boxwood tulip buttons, nickel Dunlop strap-locks, and a Levy's suede leather strap. The Psionic wiring foregoes the out of phase sounds at positions 2 and 4 on the selector switch in favor of a pair of fixed 'presets' emulating a dual volume configuration, one favoring the bridge pickup with the neck 'volume' set to roughly 70%, the other representing the neck pickup volume full up with just 25% or so bridge pickup volume. Positions 1, 3, and 5 are the standard Neck, Neck/Bridge, and Bridge pickup selections. Between the 50's wiring interraction between the Volume and Tone controls and the switching options there are seemingly infinite sounds. There's no need for a treble bleed with this wiring configuration - the output level decreases as you roll off the Volume without altering the frequency response of the pickup output, and the Tone control can affect both high frequency roll-off and act as another Volume control of sorts. Mind you, I didn't have any issues with the stock electronics. I was just interested in a different approach - something that fits with how I play and how I manipulate the controls. The resulting guitar maintains the character of the stock instrument, while imparting some vintage vibes that I just can't get enough of. The Wolfetone's snarl and bark when you dig in and clean up beautifully with the Volume and Tone controls, and/or by changing picking dynamics. It's an amazing slige guitar, a killer rock guitar, a capable jazz guitar, a soulful blues guitar, and much more. I just can't get over the verrsatility that this guitar offers Two week in with this guitar I decided to purchase a Revstar II RSS20 Standard in black - the same guitar demo's in this video. It will see much of the same work done to my Revstar II RSS02T - the same CTS pots, the same Fender super-switch, same wiring, same output jack, same tuners, a cream pickguard from the Blue RSS20 (if Yamaha will sell me one), maybe cream pickup rings (undecided), and cream speed knobs if I get a cream pickguard. This guitar will get a set of Seymour Duncan Saturday Night Special humbuckers with nickel covers - a pickup set that seems to cover 70's rock, Southern Rock, and a variety of other genres from the 70's very well (this is a sound that my other guitars cover fairly well but not ideally so). ....and this isn't likely to be my last Revstar II Standard. They cover so many shades of Gibson guitar tones in a package that I find so very comfortable to play. I've just never jelled with Gibson guitars. The only (sort of) exception was a 1974 vintage white Gibson Les Paul Custom I owned for 5 or so years in the 80's (I bought it for $400 - hindsight says I should have held on to that guitar for a while - live and learn). I wouldn't call it a great player, and it was so heavy that I stopped gigging with it after two shows, but it sounded great! The Revstar Standard series guitars give me shades of that guitar, my uncles 1968 Gibson Les Paul Custom 'black beauty' that sounded really great (and markedly different than my 1974), a great sounding Gibson SG that a friend of mine owned and played almost exclusively during that same time period, and a P90 loaded Gibson 1954 Les Paul Goldtop re-issue that I played at a guitar show in thew early 2000's. As much as I liked the sounds from these guitars, I found them equally uncomfortabler to play. I'm finding that theYamaha Revstar Standards provide access to these sounds, play like a dream, and they're very consistent, one guitar to the next. What's not to like! I'm thinking that a Vintage White Revstar II RSS20 Standard might be next. I have a set of Seymour Duncan Custom Shop Seth Lover PAF's in a rare alder bodied PRS 'Classic Electric' (a 1987 market test pre-production CE24 that I've decided to put on the back burner for a while. The Seth Lover's have wax potted hardware only coils are unpotted and taped tightly to minimize microphonics. These pickups would really shine in a Revstar Standard. Come to think of it I have a Seymour Duncan humbucker set, a Custom Custom bridge humbucker (a recreation of Eddie Van Halen's 'Frankenstrat' 14.4K ohm re-wound PAF), and a Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates neck humbucker that seem like they'd sound great in a RSS20, thinking 'Swift-Blue' finish. This set is currently in a USA Custom Guitars home-brew 'super Strat' that I'm planning to convert to a proper stratocaster, with Lindy Fralin 'Real '54's' strat pickups. The Custom Custom / Pearly Gates set will need a new home and a RSS20 may be just the ticket! I feel as though I could transition entirely over to this platform. I have chronic joint pain (neurological issue, not arthritis (thank god!)) that has made playing even a 25" scale guitar difficult to play with 9-42 ga strings, and I don't care for the feel of 8 ga string sets. 9-42 ga strings on a 24.75" scale length guitar easy to stretch and vibrato. String tension is great on the Revstar II Guitars, just what I need at this point.

[@fajar1629]

Love it, i'm gonna ask my wife for P90 Revstar model.

[@pbshobby4183]

I was sold by the reviews when the Revstars launched but it took 10 months to catch the RSS20 I wanted. After 9 months of playing it I am in love. The LP stays in its case, mostly. The RSS is a great addition to any collection. It has a very distinctive voice, several in fact.

[@joeking433]

So, what makes the Revstar good? The sound? It's hard to believe the sound can be much different than any other guitar seeing how it's just wire around magnets. Playability would impress me but I heard you have to level the frets on Indonesian Revstars anyway, which doesn't make it any more playable than any other Indonesian made guitar.

[@pbshobby4183]

@@joeking433 Playability is exceptional on my RSS20. Overall build quality is great. Frets have no issues. I have the action set down to 1.25-1.5 mm and can play without choking or buzz. The Yamaha humbuckers have a clarity that suits me and the five way switch offers some interesting out of phase tones. It’s a very different experience than a Les Paul. Try one for yourself in a store and see if you agree.

[@joeking433]

@@pbshobby4183 I've played dozens of guitars and have never found anything that is much different than anything else already out there on the market. How can Yamaha differentiate itself? I don't see how unless Indonesian guitars are the quality of American or Japanese guitars, which that won't happen. I think Yamaha's strategy is to use KZbinrs to influence, that's all. In that price range of Indonesian guitars I'd rather have a Silver Sky SE.

[@BkBk-gy6vr]

​@@joeking433Yes you clearly never tried a Revstar. Shame

[@joeking433]

​@@BkBk-gy6vr Nobody has. They're for all intents and purposes a non-guitar. No one plays them. they're just another Indonesian guitar like all the other Indonesian guitars. They're made in Indonesia because that's the cheapest labor Yamaha could find. I've played most guitars made in the last 40 years and they're all pretty much the same. What could Yamaha possibly do to differentiate their guitars to get people to buy them? I don't see that they've done anything but copy other guitars. Yamaha could Plek their guitars. That would differentiate them from every other Indonesian guitar and make them play great. But they're too stupid and cheap to do that.. They could put some good locking tuners on them but I guess they don't want to add $10 to their cost. They could put on an Evertune bridge, that would be cool and different or offer a Sustainiac pickup maybe. But they don't want to do that. They just want to put out another typical crap Indonesian guitar for all the folks that can't afford American or Japanese made guitars and get KZbinrs to hype them up. And for you to pretend that the Revstar is somehow different or better than every other guitar coming out of Indonesia is not only ludicrous it's annoying.

[@sams.4388]

Excellent video, gentlemen. Thank you. I really like the green Revstar. But I also wish they would offer more colors, and some of the colors without the racing stripe. I'd also like to see some without the pickguard. Can you do a comparison of the Revstar, SG AND PRS Mira?

[@Artymofo13]

I've owned several SG's and I like them. I currently own a Revstar Standard and like it too. However, my SG killer is a Reverend Bob Balch signature.

[@AwkwardHypernerd413]

Funny you mention that. I recently acquired an SG supreme copy, and the previous owner installed bob balch’s signature railhammer pickup in the bridge. By far the most well balanced pickup I’ve used

[@douglaschristine8387]

Hi Chris, I Just bought a Yamaha Revstar element yesterday from Sweetwater. I bought my Squire classic vibe stratocaster from you guys in 2019, so don't be mad, lol. I just spent almost a year reviewing guitars and my limit was $600 which isn't much but for me is. The Revstar element won so thanks for the video.

[@guitareveryone]

I own an older version Revstar 720 with the pull tone knob that filters out some of the lows to create a more single coil tone. Great tone and very solid guitar. I also own a vintage Yamaha SG-1000 and the later reissue of the model, both great guitars and I don’t think that Yamaha should have delisted them because they are in their own class.

[@TavisAllen]

(general info for all) The "dry switch" is what was featured on all first gen Revstar guitars. The second gen Revstar Element (the lowest tier) still features this. Also, the YAMAHA SG is still (1820, 1820A, 1802) available in Japan.

[@guitareveryone]

@@TavisAllen Regarding the Yamaha SG series to the later models you mentioned…yes that’s correct they carried on the tradition of the SG-1000, 2000, etc. However they did make changes to the original guitar such as replacing the ebony fingerboards to rosewood, changing the engraved tailpiece and heavier adjustable bridge to a more traditional bridge etc. the pickups also changed from Yamaha’s own “Spinex alloy pickups to a different humbuckers including Seymour Duncans. The Yamaha Spinex alloy pickups were discontinued before 1990. So other than the shape many things are different from the original models with the newer models being a more Les Paul type of guitar.

[@TavisAllen]

@@guitareveryone different beasts, I know. Have played neither old or new, unfortunately. I've read about players' appreciation for the Spinex pickups, in particular.

[@guitareveryone]

@@TavisAllen The Spinex alloy pickups on my 70s SG-1000 in particular is a different sound than a typical LP sound. They are very powerful in humbucking mode but they retain a very clear tone. And when coil tapped with the push/push tone controls they sound like a real nice true single coil pickup and not that real thin almost acoustic sound that you get from other tapped humbuckers that Gibson coil tapped pickups sound. The only other guitar that I own and underrated is the Peavey T-60. The pickups in that guitar when coil tapped also sound like true single coils. The Reissue Yamaha SG 1000 is also a great guitar but the neck is particularly chunky feeling. The pickups also sound very close to the original but not exactly but that may have to do with the aging magnets on the 70s version. Cheers!

[@CA10Z]

I have the Yamaha Revstar Standard RSS02T Chambered Electric Guitar With Tailpiece Sunset Burst...That's a lot of typing but it is what it is. I'm still warming up to it.

[@rickhill6277]

Yes! Ive got a Revstar STD in Black, I put a Tortus Shell Pickguard on it to dress it up a little but LOVE the sound of the guitar!!

[@scrypt0]

hey, where did you find it ? 😄

[@rickhill6277]

@@scrypt0 Sweetwater Sound.

[@andrewbecker3700]

Any guitar that's not weighed down by "traditional" specs, is already ahead of the game. When it's well thought out and built with quality components, it doesn't have to be a Gibson or Fender to sound good. In a dimly lit nightclub nobody cares what your brand hangups are.

[@1scooterpilot1]

Own a RevStar Pro...amazing guitar and highly recommend it

[@kierenmoore3236]

Does it have an ebony fretboard, like these clowns say it does at 10:18 … ? 🙃

[@skeres01]

I tried a standard SG and lasted about two minutes. I normally play at home without a strap sitting, and the neck dive was not something I could get used to. I tried the exact Revstar in this video and really enjoyed it, so I purchased one. The bridge and nut need replacing, but regardless of price, it is an excellent guitar. I have a couple of 3k+ guitars and although you can see this guitar it's as expensive, the playability, fretwork, resonance, balance and weight, makes it just as much of a pleasure to play.

[@shaho3125]

What's with the bridge and nut?

[@TheMusicalEvents]

I found the Revstar more versatile sound-wise, and the fact that it's not head-heavy is a big bonus... and looks cooler, too (in my eyes :) )

[@petertooth2831]

I appreciate your honesty. I like to hear the guitars in their most open form, not drowned with pedals. I may not have your skills, but I know what will suit me. Thank you.

[@MelodyMaker]

Yes it is. Turning one's nose up at Yamaha's electric offerings only amounts to shear pretention at this point. My PAC611VFMX is remarkable with incredible sounding pickups...humbucker at the back with a Vintage SP90-1 Alnico up front. Why work with neck dive when it's unnecessary??

[@UseTheSupeRsonic]

The revstar is a sexy instrument, I just wish they sized down the body a little to compete with the SG and less akin to a thin line, double cut semi hollow

[@dmac3316]

I’ve got the entry level Revstar. Great guitar and insanely good value IMO

[@joeking433]

Really? $900 for an Indonesian guitar?

[@edema.3418]

@@joeking433 The entry level Revstar is around $500. I don't think you know how good the Indonesian Revstar is. However, guitar snobs can pick up the made in Japan Revstar if they want to pay more.

[@MeraID337]

@@joeking433Entry level revstars (RSE) costs like 360 dollars lol

[@joeking433]

@@MeraID337 No they don't! The cheapest is $549.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

I have an SG Standard 61, then traded a bunch of gear (including an Epiphone SG Standard 61) for a Revstar Pro with Humbuckers, and recently bought the Revstar Standard with P-90s. I love all three guitars for their personalities. The SG isn't going anywhere. I thought the Revstar Pro was going to push it out but it hasn't, there is still a mojo with the SG that endears it to me. The Yamahas aren't going anywhere either. It's win/win/win for the pinkster.

[@bradfowler6464]

I have a 2019 Epi Plus Top Pro Les Paul, and more recently gotten the P90 Revstar. Neither are going anywhere, as you say! My LP sounds great, isn't a "mud machine" like many LP's can be, and has the coil taps...which really sound great, though I'm aware not all coil taps sound good, and especially not a lot of Epiphone coil tapped Probuckers sound good! I really think I lucked out, and got an exceptional example. Anyway, love your gear, and it'll love you back!

[@pinkiewerewolf]

@@bradfowler6464 There is magic that we sometimes luck upon. I’m happy you’re playing some great guitars as well. 👍😊

[@benallmark9671]

How much better is the pro bro ?

[@pinkiewerewolf]

@@benallmark9671 It is awesome, but it isn’t 70% better than the Standard. The switches are a bit more solid on the Pro, I’ll give it an edge in the electronics. The rest is so close that a lot of people wouldn’t know the difference if they weren’t familiar with the models. The Standard feels and plays like a much more expensive guitar.

[@joeking433]

@@pinkiewerewolf Hahahaha!

[@andrewbecker3700]

Finally got one of the Element models in black, and its become my favorite practice guitar. The blend of SG'ish looks and LesPaul balance with the acoustic clambering gives it a thinline tele vibe. I've upgraded literally everything on it, and its been dubbed the DEATHSTAR!

[@finishin.my.coffee8780]

Sounds good. However, if I had one, Id give it a female name, like Nadine, Annabelle, Roxxanne, Cynthia Ann, Victoria or Bettie Mae. Did you swap out the pickups? if so, which ones did you get?

[@andrewbecker3700]

@@finishin.my.coffee8780 Put the pickups out of my Epiphone AJ sig. in it. Don't care for the Probucker Custom at all, so I'm waiting on its replacement. Went with the Seymour Duncan SH-16 '59/Custom hybrid. Was all set to pair a Jazz with the Distortion, but I'm convinced this hybrid is an even better option. Now I'll be able to coilsplit both pickups and get some more versatile tones.

[@andrewbecker3700]

​@@finishin.my.coffee8780 Had a Distortion already and paired it with a '59/Custom hybrid in the neck. With coilsplitting the neck is pretty versatile. Peace.

[@CQJR007]

Great playing. Ordered a Revstar a few days ago. Can't wait to put my hands on it.

[@dbiberdorf]

A great review as always. Of note, stainless steel frets are increasingly popular on the highly regarded "cheap" guitars, as from EART. When instruments selling for more than $500 don't have that as an option, it's an insult to the customer.

[@joeking433]

The grade of stainless steel they use in EART guitars is as soft as butter! Softer than nickel silver frets, even! I know, I've worked on them! There are many different grades of stainless steel, from soft to really hard, and it's obviously much easier to work on the soft grade so that is what the Chinese are doing, making guitars that they can claim have stainless steel frets but are actually fooling buyers by using the very soft grade of stainless steel.

[@joeking433]

You're an EART salesman, right?

[@1973larryrichardson]

Boys and Ziqi guitars also have rounded end stainless frets.

[@joeking433]

@@1973larryrichardson That's because it's a super soft grade of stainless steel. The Chinese are fooling us!

[@disturbed157]

​@@joeking433this 100%. I've gotten into cooking and buying stainless steel knives opened my eyes to that. There's levels to everything and stainless steel is no different

[@tomireunanen8033]

Actually, the Revstar Pro also has a rosewood fretboard, I've yet to see one with an ebony board. I personally prefer the Revstar over the SG. I own both (Revstar Pro RSP02T, Gibson SG) and the Revstar, in my opinion it more of a thought out guitar. The SG is very neck heavy, the neck feels like it's far away from the body so it doesn't feel as natural to play. The Revstar is very balanced and more natural feeling, no neck dive etc. Also I do prefer having a volute, less break angle for the D and G strings at the headstock, carbon reinforcements in the neck. To me, those things make the Revstar a more reliable guitar that can survive touring and perform well at sessions. (less tuning issues, the neck doesn't move due to the carbon etc.) Of course, these are all very subjective things, but as the owner of both, I do think the Revstar is a better, much more thought out guitar.

[@paulheartsongs]

Really interesting comparison! I feel like they are completely different instruments and fit different spots in the ensemble. Fuull Disclosure: I love being 90s the best!! having owned and played quite a few Gibson P90 guitars. Currently a x3 P90 Firebird.

[@yvesschonmacker9275]

I own an SG ‘61. It’s a great guitar actually. It sounds and plays fantastic. It’s much more versitile then people think. The neck dive thing isn’t really problem at all for me. It just never bothers me.

[@mikemaysmusic5519]

You guys are better guys than I am lol I bought an sg, gave it a year, and traded it back in. It wouldn't stay in tune, neck dive was horrible and the knobs were crunky. That's the only way to describe them lol I only lost one hundred off what I bought it for, so I considered that a win. Walked back out with a P bass. That sg almost made swear off Gibson altogether... until I played a J45. She's my acoustic darling. I've fallen hard for that guitar. I just wished that the sg would've had the same affect on me. When it stayed in tune, it sounded amazing.

[@Inca_Rhodes]

@@mikemaysmusic5519if you consider it again, a nut filing or “nut sauce” can fix tuning issue. Leather strap fixes neck dive. Not sure on the knobs tho(without replacement). Only thing I dont like on SGs is the neck strap button placement. Always feel like i am trying to fight the neck to rotate back to me(i have a belly).

[@mikemaysmusic5519]

@@Inca_Rhodes I understand the belly part lol that was another thing I wasn't super fond of either. That's one of the big reasons I haven't bought a 335, gibson or epiphone, is that silly button placement. I just figured I got a lemon. The bass started landing me gigs pretty much after I bought it. So that was kind of a win I guess. I'm not great at bass, but I can stay in the pocket lol

[@joeking433]

My SG '61 is the best guitar I've ever played PERIOD! Nothing can touch it! I don't see the Revstar as being any different than any other guitar coming out of the Indonesian factories. And $900 price for an Indonesian made guitar would have been laughed at a few years ago! How can Revstar differentiate itself from any other guitar coming out of the Indonesian factories? Why would it be better than a PRS Silver Sky SE, for example? I don't see how.

[@doug1274]

@@joeking433well, for starters it has either P90s or humbuckers instead of single coils. It has a very unique body shape instead of a strat shape. It has unique electronics. Carbon fiber reinforced neck. And more. Fit and finish is great.

[@jimmyjimmy951]

I have Gen1 502t and 620 Revstars. Pick them up way more than my GLP Standard. I also want the Chris Buck custom shop to be available. Sign me up In here in Australia.. 👍🇦🇺

[@winston67]

I just purchased the RS620 in brick stone burst and absolutely love it!!

[@nalukeko]

got that same black Revstar last year... great unplugged ring. looks great and SS frets are sweet. Slapped Grover locking (502N) on. Although the hardware is chrome, its color is more like nickel. I despised the neck though. If it wasn't such a cool guitar I would have just sold it, but instead I had the neck reshaped to more of a PRS wide thin or Fender AV2 '61 Strat. Pickups are ok.

[@EchoToVoice]

Great stuff. SG Standards have my favorite necks but the newer Revstars' necks feel fantastic, plus the slightly larger body, nice weight, looks and price make it closer to a perfect guitar for me.

[@GuitarProgressArchive]

which neck is more slim?

[@EchoToVoice]

@@GuitarProgressArchive Revstars are slimmer than SG Standards' (batwing pg, not '61) rounded profile, which is closer to 50s profile but not full-on baseball bat. I prefer thicker necks but Revstars' still felt very comfortable despite being slimmer, IMO.

[@epmornsesh]

I would love to see you guys do a comparison of the Revstar Standard and the Guild Polara Kim Thayil sig. edition. They are similar in price, do different things, but are more affordable than the SG & have cool appointments (e.g. rosewood board on both).

[@Tihsllubllasti]

I agree. This would make a great comparison.

[@gorlagOv]

It’s a great guitar, but the SG standard has a better neck, if you like bigger necks. I also prefer the 4 knob layout. That being said Yamaha has been knocking it out of the park lately.

[@nekot9274]

They always have ;)

[@dennisl501]

No. Recently played 4 Revstar’s at 1 store because I hoped to buy one. But, none of them played nicely. Very disappointed.

[@sailorsnook]

I have the SG in red with Maestro vibrato, a Gretsch Electromatic in Aspen Green or whatever they call it, which has a Bigsby and now I have a P90 Revstar standard in blue. All very different. I bought the Yamaha largely for the stainless frets, I can practice as much as I want and no fret wear unlike the others. However, it won me over, I won't part with the others and I love Teles too, first guitar and all that but the Revstar is so comfortable and easy to play as well as having a wide range of tones. I play it most days, rarely touch the others now. Haven't tried the humbucker version but with the boost pulled out on the P90 version it's a kind of humbuckery tone in my opinion, so almost everything you could want in one instrument.

[@madiomega13]

Americans are blinded by guitar propaganda.. Gibson and Fender spend millions in marketing convincing you that spending thousands on outdated 1960's guitar designs is the only way to achieve a good sound..

[@kevinapplegate8338]

Being a lefty I feel looked over by Fender and Epiphone. I got my Revstar Element for Christmas last year. Since then I’ve sold my Epiphone SG pro and my Mexican telecaster. It’s the only guitar I play. I get all the sounds I want out of it. And being a lefty ITS BLUE!!! Not black, white, or standard sunburst. LOVE IT!!!

[@joeking433]

Buy American, you won't be sorry!

[@robled555]

I have a revstar with P90, and I love it. If you roll back the volume pot to 4-5 -6 it cleans up AND it retains its treble !!! Fantastic . Finally ! Good job Yamaha.

[@joeking433]

LOL!

[@garycartwright4860]

@@joeking433 triggered again

[@joeking433]

@@garycartwright4860 It's an unpopular typical Indonesian guitar. Get over it!

[@terryjohinke8065]

You guys do good reviews. Keep it up.

[@gavinsolomon2711]

Love the sound of the Revstar, but somehow the SG is just cooler. If I chose the Yamaha, I'd always be side-eyeing the guy with the SG!

[@edema.3418]

Get both so you wouldn't have to strain your eyes.

[@joeking433]

The Revstar to me is just another typical guitar of he same quality coming out of the factories in Indonesia.

[@joelcraig6416]

I have a pre Covid RS 502 with the full weight. I love this guitar. I think this for the price is the ultimate guitar.

[@ratwynd]

I own 2 Revstar Standards, a P90 and a 'bucker version. Both are absolutely awesome. Got the P90 1st and several months later the hardtail with 'buckers. I own lots of electrics, 9 at present, including top tier Gibson ES335 and Gretsch G6128t and I play the Revstars a LOT more. It just feels good. Had a Gibson SG for a while as well, but hated the neck dive. The Revstars are well balanced and is just transparent to me when I am playing them, I am aware of the notes and the flow and the guitar just disappears from my awareness. Almost all of my guitars are mod'ed. Even the tuners are good enough that I have changed only strings. For a while I considered buying a Pro model but decided I could not see enough potential improvement for 3 times the price based on all the reviews and sound examples I have heard. The Standard version is just that good.

[@joeking433]

Does the Revstar come with locking tuners? At that price you would expect it!

[@ratwynd]

@@joeking433 Not the Standard models or Element models. I have not handled a MIJ Pro, so don't know. However, I have not had any problems with tuning stability with the standard tuners. They work smoothly and without any issues so far. I have changed out a lot of tuners and will do it in a second if there is a problem but see no need for my use so far. I do not gig so a quick string change is never an issue for me. If it is not for you then probably would not recommend it unless you have a specific problem or just want a different look.

[@joeking433]

@@ratwynd I've never had a problem with any tuners in the last ten years or so. Even my $200 Firefly guitar came with excellent tuners (although I put locking tuners on it anyway). I buy locking tuners for ease of string change and they are better quality. Yamaha should put locking tuners on their guitars, they aren't that much more expensive.

[@Matt_on_life]

For me, it killed my love for Les Paul’s primarily…. I have an SG classic that will never leave my side. The Rev has a hybrid of a Les Paul and SG, but has an almost strat like feel on the forearm and picking hand. Kind of the best f all 3 ergonomically

[@shelaghjordan9441]

Love the revstar but can’t decide humbucker or p90s standard, any chance of a video 😊

[@Fret-knot]

I'm from the UK and we do like yamaha…. I have 3, but I also have Gibson and Fender as well. In fact they're the only makes of guitar I own. I've never picked up a bad instrument from yamaha, irrespective of which Country they were made in. . I love my Les Paul and strat, but they did need a little more setting up, than my yamahas….🙂 I don't prefer one over the others… They all play and sound great in their own way.

[@joeking433]

Gibson has been Pleking their guitars since 2016 and play great with level frets out of the box. You'll have to level the frets on a Revstar because they don't do anything to the frets except hammer them in.

[@Crispy_Music_2024]

I got the neon(ish) yellow, because it was clearanced. It's awesome in its awkwardness. If I paid full price, I would have gone for the motorcycle green.

[@alienlovesecrets9379]

Everything is a matter of taste. I went to the store because I WANTED to buy a Revstar wirh P90s. I went home with a American Pro II Tele 😂.

[@pepmasters-999]

I have both. Both fun to play. Revstar has more sustain and more versatile in its tones. Tele has a great neck and is just rock solid at everything it does. My revstar is the Indonesian one, so the tele cost more than 2x as much. The tele is my no.1 guitar, but the Revstar is fun as hell and not too far behind. Play it way more than my strat.

[@joeking433]

Smart move!

[@ChrisJones-ht9zn]

Right move

[@jimtoews1260]

Walked in to buy an s.g. Walked out with a tele,never regretted it

[@emergerflyfishing]

Warren Huart is also a massive fan of Yamahas. Especially revstars.

[@Katsastusmies]

My first guitar is pasifica 112v, second one was 611vfm pasifica. Great guitars, for price even better. Nothing bad to say about them but after buying sg I fell in love. Sold second pasifica and not going to sell my first guitar for peanuts. Now I have 2 gibsons '61 reissue and standard they both have small quality issues, but still loving those two. I have other guitars also, but whenever I take a break playing gibson and come back I just have to play them like never before. I don't know why, but just the feeling is so good. There is no reason you can put in to words. Quality is better in yamaha, but it lacks some feeling.

[@supernoobsmith5718]

I love my 99 SG Standard. Sounds fantastic with its 490/498. Great access to upper frets, made with very high quality stable woods...but there is one VERY glaring problem with SG's. They don't balance well on the strap. Very neck heavy, so you have to play with a shorter strap, and the strap has to be grippy. Not exactly a love/hate relationship, more like a love/dislike relationship. Seriously considering a Revstar.

[@bretspangler8717]

This is on my list, I like the P90 version with the stainless steel frets, which is a big selling point, you will never wear them down, so perfect for a guitar you play all the time. I want the Swift Blue with racing stripes, but that version does not exist, adding a few stripes should be an easy mod.

[@ronaldcaringal6496]

I have a Gibson SG and a Revstar. I love my SG because it is a legacy guitar and just a cool instrument. However, I prefer my Revstar because it just a very easy guitar to pick up and play. I think that goes with other Yamaha models like the Pacifica. You just pick it up, it plays well all the time. There is a simplicity to it. I also agree about the “American” thing and that makes a lot of sense. Just to give another perspective, here in Asia where I am from, Yamaha doesn’t even have to promote their guitars. It is just a given that if you want to play an instrument, you go to Yamaha. It is that embedded in the culture. It is almost everyone’s startup instrument. And most just stick to the brand or climb to higher tiers of their line. Some move on as their taste and skill progresses. But there is a huge chance that in their arsenal, there would be a Yamaha somewhere there. But since Yamaha dabbles in other industries, it is understandable how they are not seen as a “big music player”. But it sure could surely make fun dialogues like this. Oh and check out Jack Thammarat from Thailand. I am sure you will enjoy his playing. All the best to you guys!

[@catpope]

Even by Cooper's standards, that was a great demo.

[@jasonbuhagiar2997]

My one arrived with a nut that wasn't wide enough for the fretboard. sent it straight back and bought a Gibson SG instead, Gibson arrived perfect

[@LottimusMaximus]

I love my revstar, but they need to move the pickup selector. You have to jump over the volume knob to get to it.

[@indigoburst]

I don’t think you can beat the Standard 61 SG without going 3x it’s price point. I’ve never heard of anyone that dislikes them. I honestly think they are custom shop quality at a standard USA price. The only problem I had with them was the lack of colors, but now Gibson is addressing that with all these crazy new colors for the standard line.

[@Soldano999]

I could write the same comment about the revstar standard. For 799 it punches WAY above its weight class

[@christopherquinn5899]

I bought the Revstart Standard with humbuckers. It is superb.

[@markfahey3921]

Love the revstar, will be buying a standard. My ideal colour would be a goldtop, cram soap bars with a lightening bolt brindge. But on saying that, I'd take it as it comes. Hi from England.

[@salvatoresavaresetht5t5tt75]

Ciao, from Napoli! I own a revstar from a year, niw. Ir's the element one, with dry switch. Guys, I just love it! Maybe the pickups could be changed and I would have loved stainless frets, as well. But I play on it a lot, every day. Just amazing. I also have a strat, made in USA, but I just can't stop playing the rev. 😅

[@GraniteSoundtrack]

You know I’ve never met a pianist who turned up their nose to a Yamaha piano. Nor a drummer or even an orchestral instrument player. Us guitarists are lame.

[@Tee-mq2zn]

Hi guys, I'm a bit late coming to your excellent review and as a long time Yamaha fan it's great to see some of the newer Yamaha range getting some love! You said the SG is the more classic sounding HH combination and the Yamaha is a more modern sound (think Matteo Mancuso!) so would a more appropriate comparison be with a PRS S2 or SE or even their Standard range as this is where PRS reside? Keep up the great work!

[@artrogers3985]

No stars in the sky - perfect description

[@barbmelle3136]

From Leo: I have always enjoyed the SG, in fact it is the only solid body gibson I like. The better balance of the Yamaha Revstar makes it even better to play, and the pickup voicing on the Yamaha is fine, I really like the tone of the Standard model, I never got a chance to play the Pro series.

[@SlimeyGuitarStrings]

To me, a good SG has an aggression to it I just normally don't experience in other guitars. I personally liked the SG sound better, but I have no doubt that the pickups made a difference because I like Gibson pickups.

[@myuncle2]

Exactly, the only thing to change in an sg is the thin neck and strap button location.

[@Ottophil]

@@myuncle2strap peg location is the reason I love SG’s that pivot point is perfect for me. None of my 3 dive

[@RogerSanderson]

I remember trying a Revstar before they started the Element, Standard & Pro series. Had a sexy satin finish with a Bigsby, yet I hated it. Was super heavy & the neck was unplayable fat. I've been wanting to try a standard of this newer series out for some time & I love the look of the white humbucker model.

[@darenanderson1960]

I adore my Revstar Standard P90. If hope they offer the same model with a vibrato bridge (not a Bigsby).

[@888jimm]

So I bought a Revstar .....😀 RSS20 ..Haven't played my Strat's much since, Clapton included. I find the resonance amazing much easier to get the sounds I am looking for than with the Strats. It sits in mix really well. No mud in the neck in fact I have to turn the treble down. I also like the fact the neck has carbon fiber rods i think (well see) i wont have to adjust the truss rod so often. I live close to the ocean so always having to tweek the truss rods. .. anyway great guitar ! I dont want to change anything and nthat in and of itself is a first...😀

[@matthiasmeier5588]

Thought three years ago about, buying a SG... I decided on the Revstar! It is my favourite guitar since then.

[@dalepres1]

The last Steve Miller Band concert I went to, Steve was playing an SG. He plays several guitars in any concert but it was almost exclusively SG this time. He can afford any guitar he wants, and owns probably a hundred high-end guitars so that says a lot for the SG.

[@livebyfaith4647]

you can say that for literally any guitar. there are players who exclusively use a revstar

[@tenniswilliam]

I have an SG standard and it is a great guitar. It feels good and looks bad ass too. It sounds good and lots of major guitarists used SGs on famous songs. I like the history behind the design too. I did try a Revstar a few years ago and i did not find it to be that special. I should try it again i guess.

[@bmg696]

I appreciate you guys always demo guitars played clean. That gives the true sound of the guitar. Most of the other guitar promoters out there use so much distortion and effects, you never know what the guitar really sounds like. As for me, I’m still partial to my American made Fenders and Gibsons rather than the less expensive clones out there. Other than being less expensive, I hear nothing that would want me to switch.

[@ronniewilliford3449]

I love the Revstar, but an SG killer? Did the Silver Sky kill the fender Strat? Seriously dudes,..

[@voiceofexperience]

Yeah, what a hype-fest THAT was, for about 5 minutes 🙄 😂

[@Mark_B585]

Yeah you're exactly right Gibson did a good enough job killing their own reputation and making shity guitars. Good point 😂

[@boyman7823]

yamaha doesnt suck unlike prs

[@carpathus]

Have had my RS320 since 2017. Hardware wasn't great. Needed a new bridge and tailpiece, new nut and a fret level. Factory tuners were ok but didn't like the look so swapped them out for some Hip Shot locking tuners that I like better. Plays great now. Also have an a Epiphone SG. If I could only keep one I'd keep the SG. Haven't tried out one of the Gen2 RevStars so can't say much there. Horses for courses. Cheers!

[@rushikeshkamble3340]

SG has lot more clarity , nice top end and less of that low end mud !

[@pepmasters-999]

The Revstar is very trebly -- unless you engage the focus switch. That's when you get the muted treble and boosted bass. It _is_ a little muddy, but it's a kind of vibe, I guess. I quite like it for lead tones.

[@chrisv2557]

Its more a Les Paul than an SG, because of pickups location

[@bobbyarthur-yf3yf]

Exactly , a les paul killer if you really knew these guitars intimately … not an sg anything other than double cut .. in fact go compare to a double cut lp that makes more sense as well

[@Sutherlinite]

I'm only four minutes in but I gotta stop and say damn I love the SG. Just look at that beauty. Probably my all-time fave guitar. My '99 Gibson Standard limited natural finish was stolen 16 years ago and I have never replaced it. However, I'm heavily considering the Revstar so this should be interesting. Edit: Is Carlos Santana played by Rob Thomas? hahahha!

[@LeeFKoch]

Hey, guys, I know I'm a little late on this post, but I am a big fan of the Pacifica 311/611 with the P90 neck pickup and humbucker bridge pickup combo, so how about - in addition to more color options - offering a Revstar with P90/Humbucker configuration?

[@gillesgenete9598]

I have both SGs and Revstar. I got my SG used from 2008 with 490 pickups, I like the sound of it. My Revstar is the standard, good pickups but I don't "feel" them like those of the SG. On my Revstar from 2014, the push-pull pot is said to add/reduce lows but not really efficient at low volume. Yes the Revstar made in Indonesia is well built/finished, comfortable, good looking in satin blue-grey. ... but at the end of the day my number 1 guitar is my American Vintage 62 strat 😂 (with Bare Knuckles Irish Tour pickups for energetic Rory Gallagher sounds💪)

[@FrankRemley]

The artist Steady Holiday has her own custom Revstar as well!

[@gatosoul]

Yamaha is doing an amazing job with all the Guitar lines.

[@vittoriobassi9880]

Revstar vs SG: - neck - 10:50 vs 13:21 - 4th - 11:12 - middle - 11:30 vs 13:46 - 2nd - 11:53 - bridge - 12:11 vs 13:58

[@johntaylor8829]

Good review! I've been watching the Revstar's for a while now and at that price point it seems to offer a lot. Also, I noticed this Italian artist playing Yamaha gear who seems pretty cool. I believe his name is Mancuso. Of course here in the States everyone likes the made in the USA label, but I see more cool stuff coming out of places like Japan, Mexico, Indonesia, and other places outside America. Is it an SG killer? I don’t believe so, just get both. One for standing with an extra wide strap, and the other for playing sitting down.

[@lhvent]

The good thing about Yamaha is that they own all their factories. Just an amazing company.

[@nv8505]

😇Sg tone is more versatile and sweeter and more rich. Revstar sounds dull and lacks the bite and warmth and proper tone knobs for both pickups.

[@anthonychin8610]

I bought one of these a few months ago, as I'm a big fan of vintage Yamaha. Unfortunately wasn't able to get along with the neck profile, but the build quality and value for money far exceed Gibson and even Epiphone. I'd be all over these if they make one with a slightly slimmer neck

[@Hello_there_obi]

“If stainless is your thing”? Why wouldn’t it be? They wear much less than NS, feel incredible as they are so smooth so your vibrato comes more naturally and fluidly and cost less to run as you don’t need to replace them anywhere near as often. To me, it’s not even a contest. Ss every time. Ive tried both and ss blows me away every time. People who prefer ns seem to always be traditionalists who haven’t really tried ss. A note on neck dive: the gen 1 revstar still dives a little when you play with a strap. I don’t know about the gen 2. If thats a gen 2, does it dive when you play with a strap stood up?

[@marcelfok2561]

Not with the strap I use (Mono Betty). Feels well balanced to me.

[@BrianBrazilHarmonica]

The Yamaha Revstar is a great guitar and can give the Gibson SG a run, but it's much heavier. The average weight of the Revstars is 8 to 8 1/2 pounds even with the weight relief routing. The SG's are much lighter at 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 pounds and then there is their neck dive problem with SGs.

[@ButternoteBackingTracks]

Hmm, I've owned a Revstar and several SGs over the years. I don't really consider them comparable to be honest. Totally different feel. Possibly a better comparison would have been a Revstar vs something like a PRS Single cut with P90s?

[@groovymoon]

Why not. My late 70's SG500 was a Les Paul standard killer. A jam buddy of mine from the early 80's had an LP Std and I liked my SG500 way better. I think I would rather have the Revstar. It's a super great guitar and I always need to be "different".

[@charleshuguley9323]

I've always liked the SG. Actually had a '61 SG at one point. But if I acquired another guitar now it would be a Revstar p90.

[@farber2]

Did you get the P 90 version yet?

[@johnzias284]

Yes, I recently sold my SG and bought a P90 Revstar. Much happier with it!

[@whssy]

I have a Yamaha SG1000... not an SG killer but an LP killer. Only Gibson I have GAS for is the Firebird VII.

[@bobbyarthur-yf3yf]

There you go that’s a proper comparison