Yamaha Revstar - Yamaha's Best Guitar Design

[@davelewis4215]

John, I’ve had a black P90 Revstar standard for a couple of weeks and absolutely love it. The tones and sounds using different amp heads and pedals are excellent 👍👌🍺

[@JS-mz4xf]

I'm lucky enough to be in a regularly working cover band. I have found the focus/push/pull switch extremely useful, especially when I want to have a boost to my solos without the screeching that often comes with a pedal boost or simply increasing the volume. I love this guitar with the P90s.

[@BigSh00tsie]

I have an old RS502 and it's one of the only non MIA/MIJ guitars I have. It holds up to all of my much more expensive guitars. That said, I do want a made in Japan revstar pretty badly.

[@parthanathpaul5459]

That first note u taken n slide, sustaining seriously my tears came out . I don't know how but feelings matters 😊 love it bro...

[@JasonWadeGuitar]

Come on Yamaha! Let the US market have the Gold Crisp version of this Beauty! Please 🙏🏻🙏🏻 Great stuff as always John, Cheers!

[@acemodean]

I was thinking a gold top would be great as well and yes the denim was a killer look. Thx for the video.

[@davidgood6744]

Are you thinking of the Reverend Sensei? I picked up an RSS02T in Hot Merlot. I think I would have preferred the dry switch, too. I’m playing around with actually using Bright switch on my Jazz Chorus. They are very cool guitars.

[@gregkoelling615]

Excellent playing! I also suspect you're a master of prestidigitation. I was watching you play a Revstar, looked away, looked back and it was a Les Paul. I looked away again and voila! it was a Revstart again. It's only noon but I think I need a drink. Wow...

[@GTRxMan]

To me, the Focus switch is more useful on the P-90 model, with the rolled off highs giving the single coil a sound simulating a humbucker. Agreed that it doesn't seem all that useful on the humbucker model.

[@Rasengan0819]

That tone is out of this world

[@Takianagi]

Don't apologize for jamming! Very cool vibe! 🤜🤛🔥🔥🔥🔥🎸

[@jambajoby32]

You have a great touch & sound! Thanks for the upload!!

[@dep1001]

Good one, John. Been eyeing those Revstars for a while now. PS. I could listen to you do those chord changes for hours... lovely! Cheers! :)

[@em-dashman4404]

Ever since I saw Bebop Deluxe back in the 70s I’ve lusted after an SG2000. This is kind of a modern take on that I think. Love the sunburst finish ones.

[@IIImobiusIII]

"Maybe if I close my eyes my mind will take me there!" I discovered Be Bop Deluxe, Kraftwerk and Alan Parsons Project on the same day. That was a good day around in 78. I've been trying to make Guitars do these things ever since. I once saw a cover band do all of "I Robot" perfectly. I was like, that's not possible. Evidently it was.

[@em-dashman4404]

@@IIImobiusIII There are some scarily talented musicians out there. Saw a local covers band with the most unassuming guy on guitar. They did Satch Boogie, and Owner of a Lonely Heart. My jaw was on the floor.

[@IIImobiusIII]

@@em-dashman4404 It's like in the Old West. Gunslingers all around and I'm hiding under the bar with a BB gun. I'm gonna wait until it comes down to the last Man and jump out BBs blazing. Then I'm taking over Guitar Town. The reality is once I left home, and this kid was whispering to his friend as I passed. "You see that guy" he said. "He's a Guitar Man!" That about as close as it gets but I'll take it.

[@isohenflowil]

the modern take on the SG is.... the SG. Specifically, the Yamaha SG1802 (with P90s), and SG1820 (with Humbuckers). I have an SG 1802 and it is a brilliant brilliant guitar - only drawback is weight, but the compensation for that is the sustain you get from it

[@em-dashman4404]

@@isohenflowil I tried the P90 version in my local store. Loved it. Not played P90s before. Awesome tones.

[@rowbags3017]

Great playing as always! 😎I'm very impressed by my sunset-burst Standard RSS02T Revstar. It's fantastic value for money, and while it's not as light as I'd hoped (considering the chambering), the build quality is superb for the price and it offers some unique tones to complement my other guitars.

[@theericbeaty]

Maybe a Rickenbaker is the brand you’re thinking of. This guitar has that kind of feel to it. I’ve considered getting a Pacifica, but that headstock is a major turnoff for me. Maybe you could do a video on how/if the Pacifica is worth considering despite the headstock :) Sounds right up your alley.

[@alwan1414]

Sadly the Standard and Professional doesnt even available anywhere here in Indonesia, where the standard made. I waited since early year, and the retailer said it will come on October. Couldn’t wait any longer (since I sold all my guitar to purchase the Standard 😅), and I got a Fender MIJ Hybrid strat instead lol

[@chrisegg7936]

agree about the focus switch. I thought the dry switch on the older models was a really cool idea and wish they had kept them on all the revstars. I think they're still in the base model, but then you can't get p90s (and the yamaha p90s are SO nice...) or that sick "hot merlot" finish lol

[@89ji76]

I’ve thought about getting one of the mid range versions of these. It’s light, versatile tone, and hardtail. Makes for a good reliable gigging guitar. and aesthetically I can’t think of a single type of electric gig where it’d look out of place.

[@adzbox]

The standards are fantastic. I have one I thought about getting the professional but I honestly can't see what it would offer that the standard doesn't. I honestly can't fault it.

[@myguitarsandme]

Hey John, I agree on all counts. The focus switch is not a feature I would use. I much prefer the clarity. I prefer the dry cut switch on the previous generation as well. I have one of those, and it's the denim finish. 😉😎

[@Herfinnur]

6:04 Another completely original Yamaha design where the AES models. The AES-FG Frank Gambale Signature model was probably the most popular of those. It's actually somewhat similar to the Revstar, so I'm guessing they're somewhat based on the AES

[@Sodacake]

These look great but I'm really over gloss finishes. Would love if they released this with a satin finish like the original RSP20.

[@Arch_Stanton.]

This and the colour options are the only reasons holding me back from buying one. I wish they would've made the gold top available in the Standard series. Anyway, it is still likely that I will buy one when these become available again. I think I have to choose between the black and the red one.

[@Herfinnur]

Ach, just buy some sandpaper and work that magic 😋

[@michaelmillican5592]

Cool guitar and song. It has an 80s vibe!

[@picksalot1]

I like the Revstar design, P90s, and Boost knob. Push/Push knobs are more practical than Push/Pull. I modified my Strat to have 2 Tone knobs, and 1 volume knob. A tone knob on the Bridge pickup is very useful. The paint job is bland, and looks like a blank canvas. Though I'm not a fan of Pinstripes, maybe some tasteful scroll-like lines would look nice. 🤷

[@hollywoodactress]

Great review. I read somewhere but can’t remember where. Guitarists were saying the p90s in the RevStar are actually top notch and decent compared to the humbucker version RevStar. So no need to swap out the p90s Anyone got the p90 RevStar like John’s and agrees with the above?

[@GTRxMan]

Every review I've seen says that the P-90s are great.

[@marksystemed4678]

My revstar is like your but made in Indonesia, can't fault it and it really inspires me. I've been looping on my Boss RC3 which I bought second hand the other day. Good pedal. My wife said, you have a new blue guitar and I said,yes, but I sold a lot of stuff that more than covered the price. The guitar is so good, I feel like I have ripped off Yamaha, can't fault it. This guitar is worth well over a 1000 €uros, easily.

[@johnnytwo-shoes9798]

I've GASd for the RS720B denim flame with a bigsby was my favourite look and I liked the dry switch but I have a bigsby added Ibanez ar325 which does the same (modded pups but still has the triswitch for each pup [series single and parallel] and I'd have another guitar, kinda like what you said. I like the SG they have from the 70s and I owned a MIJ sa2000s 335 type (solid spruce top which is rare) which I sold to get an Ibanez 70s 335 type 2630. But it was a solid 335 with an amazing neck and reach and each pup had a push push coil split (first time I saw the push push switch which so much faster to switch than push pull - you just smack the pot and it pops up =) ). Great vid and play as always.

[@AliOsman1]

When I first saw the Revstar range I was reminded of the Gibson Custom Modern Double Cut. Is this the guitar you were thinking of? I liked the look of the Gibson, but in my opinion the Revstar looks way cooler.

[@vitocastiglione7709]

Hi which ampli and effect have you utilized .Great suond Revstar. I have with Humbucher RSS20

[@igorvolar1701]

Hello John, Revstar Guitars are very similar to Revearen guitar. Fantastic playing

[@Herfinnur]

Hey there John, I love the sounds you're getting (really digging those focus tones!), and I'm definitely going to buy a Revstar Problem is that although I prefer the p90 sound clips, I've lately been in situations where my single coils picked up so much noise and hum that I had to stand at a almost 90 degree angle to the audience. not great if you’re also the vocalist, so how is the noise and hum performance on that P90 model compared to your other single coil guitars?

[@isohenflowil]

I bought a MIJ revstar identical to John's recently, and there is far less noise and hum than I had expected, and far less than other P90 equipped guitars I have tried (Les Paul junior, Seth Baccus Shoreline) I think Yamaha must have done a very thorough job with the shielding.

[@Herfinnur]

@@isohenflowil great, thank you!

[@jessenicholson1777]

Random thought but your push/pull pot comment made me think of it. You should try and buy or borrow an Ibanez JS1000. Both the volume and tone are push/pull which do high pass filter and coil split. It’s the best single coil from a humbucker sound I’ve come across. Plus Joe actually likes a bit thicker neck which you might dig.

[@mattmanley7118]

Seeing Chris Buck play and endorse these makes me want to try one

[@freehey629]

Is it the Ibanez Artist that you are thinking of that looks like the Revstars?

[@Fawkes1978]

I believe having a P90 in the neck in this style of guitar is preferable in most cases over a humbucker. But personally, I would like to try a humbucker in the bridge of my RS502. That is if I could find a P90-sized humbucker by TV Jones or similar makers. I've had first hand experience with both the Indonesian RS502 and a Japanese RSP20CR and in certain areas the Indonesian one comes on top!

[@victor6753]

I might feeling sick, loved the fockus sound

[@IIImobiusIII]

Great one too Mod. That front is a large canvas for some custom paint. I like the Racing Stripes on some Models. It kind of has an old Race Car esthetic. I would ditch the Transformer but happy to see Yamaha thinking outside the box. A Variax Switch would have been nice on this in between Style of Guitar. With all of it incarnations they never quite got it right.

[@TCMx3]

John, I think for your taste, the Lollars 50s Wind p90 is definitely the way to go if you are looking to swap out. I'm really impressed by the one in my Eastman; I am not a p90 fan usually but this one I can jive with.

[@JasonWadeGuitar]

Thanks for the suggestion @TCM, I recently pickup a used Fender Mustang P90 for a song. Was looking to swap P90’s, but wasn’t sure which brand to go with…Fralin or Lollar. 🤘🏼

[@TCMx3]

@@JasonWadeGuitar If you want that snarling, aggressive p90 sound IMO you want Gibson (yes, really) or Arcane, the Lollar is the earlier P90 sound that's more tame ala Sean Costello

[@dougsayers1911]

Great sounds John. Is yours the Professional model? Sounds great in your hands..

[@r0bophonic]

My favorite Yamaha is my Line6 Variax Standard :) Do you own one? Curious to hear your thoughts on them.

[@josequiles7]

The reverend manta ray is a close body type to the revstar

[@dannymc8449]

It’s hard to tell in photos and on videos but does it have an arm rest cut? And a satin neck? And is it as comfy to play while sitting as the Sire S7? 😁

[@GeneticDrifter]

Series one of the p90 version I liked a lot more visually. With the brushed aluminium parts and the boden green finish

[@johnathonjepson5466]

I have one, and the "focus switch" sounds different with my tube amp vs modeling amp. I prefer with the tube amp.

[@YOutsider]

nice opening track

[@arjitmishra100]

"Sorry I was enjoying playing" Us too 😌

[@nalukeko]

Watching as I'm restringing my '89 Yamaha Image Custom (my 2nd guitar back in the day). I love these Revstars, but they still can't hold the Image's water. At least not enough for me to buy one. Then again, make a Gold Top P-90 and I'm in.

[@patshep68]

Sold !

[@guitarbarbarian]

The only thing I'm not so keen on the revstars is the increased body size, and why it doesn't come stock with a graphtech nut I don't know. Nothing against yamaha, I've got a 6 12 pacifica but not quite on-board with the revstars just yet.

[@YOutsider]

you’re right. a digi modeller wouldn’t respond like a proper tube amp to the focus switch.

[@edlib02169]

I think the guitar design you are trying to think of is the old original Alembic guitars. The body shape of a few of those are very close.

[@bradruhfel4883]

I’d love it if you checked out a standard model.

[@lewisbeeman]

So, funny story. Well maybe not so funny. Yamaha completely blew the roll out of this guitar. I had one in my cart and was ordering it from sweetwater. Just to find out there wouldn't be any in stock for like 6-8 months. This was right when all of the youtubers I watch regularly were reviewing them. Well, since they weren't available, I ended up buying a Reverend on Wildwood. Which I love. And I have also purchased a PRS Vela since then also. So, had Yamaha hadnt botched the roll out and had the guitar available, I would have one of them instead of the Reverend at a minimum. Too bad I guess.

[@trickfall8752]

How were you doing the swells at the beginning?

[@IIImobiusIII]

That's what I would like to know also.

[@CaptHowdy77FP]

@@IIImobiusIII @Trick Fall I'm not 100% certain but I am very confident there is a patch much like that in the Axe3. I only had my FM3 for a little while before I sold it and got a MKII Turbo, so if that sound is in the FM3 I wouldn't know; but I'd put money on it being the FM9 or the Axe-FX III. John has used all three of those Fractal units in recent videos. I wouldn't be at all surprised to learn I am wrong, though. Cheers!

[@IIImobiusIII]

@@CaptHowdy77FP I've been looking at them for a while now. It's really the top processor. I'll see, for now I'm happy with the Helix Stomp as it takes up so little space. I almost pulled the trigger on the Axe3 so many times that it's going to turn into an Axe4 before I know it. It's an ever loosing battle to stay on top in Guitar World but every time I look around I always think: "Now we are in the Golden Age of Guitar!" It just never ends.

[@rcruz262]

Is this the Pro or standard he is playing?

[@siamese1414]

Changing the focus switch to a coil tap isn't going to work real well with P90 pickups. Good video, though.

[@philjones8693]

....Talks about "having an extra guitar in the house" as though that were a bad thing!

[@JoePariseauMusic]

Are those noiseless P90s?

[@Fawkes1978]

As an owner of an older model (RS502) I can assure you that they are some of the noisiest pickups out there. It does not subtract from their magic though...

[@rickc2102]

Looks like a Reverend Sensei.

[@guitarguy07]

Seems like the focus switch is something you would want as its own sound, not something you'd switch on mid-performance. It would probably sound great with the amp set up for it. I could totally see playing a whole set with the focus switch on, or maybe it having its own track in a recording context.

[@stevejon381]

You ought to hook up with Chris Buck. That would be really worth listening to.

[@goodear1540]

Which model revstar is this?

[@sky.crusher]

"clicky-click" goes the push/pull

[@chrishandley]

The wierd but cool Dr Who guitar!

[@ciaranharvey6744]

I think that they are based on the Yamaha Super Flighter.

[@jazzMelomaniac]

the Harmony Rebel looks kinda similar

[@gregmock6808]

Washburn DS1 is a similar body style...not as nice as a revstar...yamaha made one similar in the 70s that was a double cutaway without the offset....I think it was the 2000 or something like that...Santana played one for a bit..they were heavy boat anchors.

[@benjaminnaidoo9776]

Sorry I was enjoying listening

[@ThomasHope73]

It’s kinda cool, but looks-wise a bit meh. I’m not keen on the really flat top, to me it looks cheap (wether it is or not). Tone-wise I don’t hear anything special either, okay but not particularly distinctive. Haven’t held one yet though.. so can’t really judge it, but I’m not rushing out to try one based on what I’ve seen, despite John’s excellent playing.

[@44scoots]

Gretsch

[@chedu77]

i liked better the first revstars. There's something off with the new size/shape/colors

[@Prodoozer]

Original? It's an LP style guitar.

[@johnnathancordy]

Closer to an SG surely Robbie?