Yamaha Revstar Standard RSS02T | The most versatile guitar out there for under $1000? Review & Demo

Рет қаралды 18,945

Күн бұрын

This is the 2022 Yamaha Revstar Standard RSS02T P90 edition in Swift Blue!
At Thomann: thmn.to/thoprod/539429?offid=...
At Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/XYKByb
After checking out the Revstar Element and Standard (with humbuckers) models in 2022, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the Standard model with P90s to try, and finally we’re there!
The Standard Revstar has a chambered mahogany body and a maple top. The neck is mahogany, and it’s reinforced with carbon fiber! The fingerboard is rosewood, with a 12” radius, and you have 22 jumbo stainless steel frets.
Sounds-wise, we have a pair of Yamaha’s VP5 P90s fitted, and a Focus Switch on the push-pull tone pot. The Focus Switch is a passive boost which pushes your signal, shaves off some highs and boosts your mids and low-end. Oh, and the guitar also comes in a decent and well-padded gig bag.
With all those tonal options, then, how does the Standard P90 model perform? That’s what we’re about to find out. In the video, I test the guitar in as many different musical styles as I can, from country, folk and indie, to pop, rock, blues, punk, metal and more - and we test out that Focus Switch as much as we can too.
Here are some links to the various playing samples and info bits:
00:00 Hello!
00:17 Introduction to the Yamaha Revstar Standard
01:36 Specs and info
04:59 Today’s rig and plan
Clean Sounds
05:44 Clean tone reference chords on all pickups/Focus Switch options
06:30 Poppy barre chords
06:45 Ringing open indie pop chords
06:59 Blues progression
07:10 60s rock rhythm tone
07:22 Country lead sound
07:29 Country ballad arpeggios
07:42 Jazzy chords
07:53 Funky rhythm chords
08:07 Strummed folk pop chords
08:24 Cowboy chords with tone control test
09:13 Ascending droning indie chords
Indie Rock Sounds (Clean Channel w/Greer Lightspeed)
09:27 Fat indie rhythm chords
09:57 Indie octave chords riff
10:26 Indie rock barre chords
10:51 Volume control roll-off test
11:20 Garage rock riff
11:37 Edgy indie rock chords
11:51 Indie rock octave chords
Classic Rock Sounds (Crunch Channel)
12:15 Groovy classic rock riff
12:41 AC/DC inspired classic rock riff
12:59 Airbourne inspired rock riff
13:12 Driving rock riff
13:28 Hendrix inspired classic rock riff
13:45 Classic rock riff
Heavy Overdrive Sounds
14:02 Classic hard rock riff
14:19 Hard rock riff
14:36 Glam rock riff
14:52 Hard rock melodic lead
15:16 Chunky alt rock chords
15:40 Alternative rock riff
15:54 Pop punk riff
16:07 Pop punk melodic lead riff
16:23 Green Day inspired punk rock riff
16:37 Punk rock power chords
16:50 Droning power pop riff
17:02 Progressive rock riff (Drop D tuning)
17:18 Modern rock palm-muted power chords (Drop D)
17:42 Rage Against The Machine inspired groovy riff (Drop D )
Clean Channel w/Revv G3 Distortion Pedal (all in Drop D)
17:59 Metal chugging riff
18:34 Mastodon inspired metal riff with country twang
18:46 Heavy metal lead sound
19:02 Rammstein inspired industrial metal riff
19:16 Fast chugging riff
19:26 Classic metal/sludge riff
20:04 My thoughts
20:37 First impressions of the guitar and the gig bag
21:14 Weight
21:44 Playability and neck
22:35 Sounds and the Focus Switch
24:57 What competition is out there for the Revstar?
26:24 Revstar Standard with humbuckers or P90s?
27:02 My conclusions on the Revstar range and Standard
28:28 Don’t forget about the Revstar Element!
28:55 Thanks and goodbye
More info on the Revstar Standard model - and more chambered body pics - are here:
yamaha.io/3JIjkwn
My setup was as follows: I ran the Revstar into my Hughes & Kettner Black Spirit 200 head, also using my Greer Lightspeed for overdrive and my Revv G3 for heavy distortion sounds. The amp went from the Red Box DI straight into my Focusrite Scarlett 2i4, which went into Logic Pro X. That's it. No post-processing on the sounds was done.
Here’s some links to those bits of gear:
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H&K Black Spirit 200 head: thmn.to/thoprod/447827?offid=...
Greer Lightspeed: thmn.to/thoprod/478415?offid=...
Revv G3: thmn.to/thoprod/437353?offid=...
Focusrite 4i4 (this is the newer equivalent of my 2i4, which they don’t make any more!): thmn.to/thoprod/467952?offid=...
-----
Enjoy!
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Backing music from the KZfaq Audio Library: Duck In The Alley - TrackTribe.
#YamahaRevstar #Revstar #YamahaGuitar #YamahaGuitars
Note: certain links in the description are affiliate links. If you click said links and purchase anything as a result, I will receive a small commission. This doesn’t cost you anything extra, but it does help to support the channel. So, if you do that, thank you very much!
‪@YamahaGuitarsOfficial‬

Пікірлер: 175

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

And here be your timestamps: 00:00 Hello! 00:17 Introduction to the Yamaha Revstar Standard 01:36 Specs and info 04:59 Today’s rig and plan Clean Sounds 05:44 Clean tone reference chords on all pickups/Focus Switch options 06:30 Poppy barre chords 06:45 Ringing open indie pop chords 06:59 Blues progression 07:10 60s rock rhythm tone 07:22 Country lead sound 07:29 Country ballad arpeggios 07:42 Jazzy chords 07:53 Funky rhythm chords 08:07 Strummed folk pop chords 08:24 Cowboy chords with tone control test 09:13 Ascending droning indie chords Indie Rock Sounds (Clean Channel w/Greer Lightspeed) 09:27 Fat indie rhythm chords 09:57 Indie octave chords riff 10:26 Indie rock barre chords 10:51 Volume control roll-off test 11:20 Garage rock riff 11:37 Edgy indie rock chords 11:51 Indie rock octave chords Classic Rock Sounds (Crunch Channel) 12:15 Groovy classic rock riff 12:41 AC/DC inspired classic rock riff 12:59 Airbourne inspired rock riff 13:12 Driving rock riff 13:28 Hendrix inspired classic rock riff 13:45 Classic rock riff Heavy Overdrive Sounds 14:02 Classic hard rock riff 14:19 Hard rock riff 14:36 Glam rock riff 14:52 Hard rock melodic lead 15:16 Chunky alt rock chords 15:40 Alternative rock riff 15:54 Pop punk riff 16:07 Pop punk melodic lead riff 16:23 Green Day inspired punk rock riff 16:37 Punk rock power chords 16:50 Droning power pop riff 17:02 Progressive rock riff (Drop D tuning) 17:18 Modern rock palm-muted power chords (Drop D) 17:42 Rage Against The Machine inspired groovy riff (Drop D ) Clean Channel w/Revv G3 Distortion Pedal (all in Drop D) 17:59 Metal chugging riff 18:34 Mastodon inspired metal riff with country twang 18:46 Heavy metal lead sound 19:02 Rammstein inspired industrial metal riff 19:16 Fast chugging riff 19:26 Classic metal/sludge riff 20:04 My thoughts 20:37 First impressions of the guitar and the gig bag 21:14 Weight 21:44 Playability and neck 22:35 Sounds and the Focus Switch 24:57 What competition is out there for the Revstar? 26:24 Revstar Standard with humbuckers or P90s? 27:02 My conclusions on the Revstar range and Standard 28:28 Don’t forget about the Revstar Element! 28:55 Thanks and goodbye

@deejay7339 2 ай бұрын

Sire L7V is the other P90 guitar I am eye balling. I can't decide!

@davidgood6744 Жыл бұрын

I just weighed my RSS02T today 8.6. Because your video on the Element was so good, you convinced me that the Element was the humbucker equipped guitar that I needed. You were right! My Swift Blue Element weighs just 7.2. I absolutely love the Element. It is the fun loving little brother to the more serious and mature Standard. I’m keeping both because, aside from feel and playability, they are two very different guitars. Thanks again for you videos!

@joshmarkraj 5 ай бұрын

You make this guitar sound so good man!! Those were some killer crunch and lead sounds!

@davidgood6744 Жыл бұрын

I was lucky enough to snag a RSS02T in Hot Merlot back in April 2023, and I love this guitar. I love how you play the kind of music I strive to play. Thanks!

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Hi David, great score - I love the Hot Merlot color as well! Happy new guitar day, and I'm glad you're already loving it :) It's a great guitar for these kinds of riffs, and hopefully having a guitar that inspires you so much will encourage you to play more and enjoy such riffage for yourself. Enjoy your Revstar and all the best!

@davidgood6744 Жыл бұрын

I think the Hot Merlot moves the Revstar towards a Gretsch vibe. When I got mine my wife said, “Oh, you got a purple guitar.”😢. I play mostly clean tones, so I haven’t found much use for the focus switch. The five way pickup selected is cool, though.

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

@@davidgood6744 Yes, I can totally see that! Add some Filtertrons and you're basically there. And no, it's not purple ;) I'm also with you in not really using the Focus Switch too much - I find I don't really need it, especially with the additional tonal options you get from that 5-way switch. Happy playing!

@GarethJordan42 11 ай бұрын

Great in-depth showcase!

@RichWordsMusic 11 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it!

@kkrekula Жыл бұрын

Lots of great riffing and tons of great sounds!

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot! Yep, this is one extremely versatile guitar. It’s great for pretty much everything I play.

@cortviva69 Жыл бұрын

Awesome review with a lot of helpful sound samples! Thanks for your effort! BTW, I do like these Lightspeed sounds😊

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot, really happy you enjoyed it! And yes, the Lightspeed is amazing - it always makes me sound better :) Hope you get to try one soon!

@MiamiVisor Жыл бұрын

Awesome guitar, enjoyed the demo.

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

I totally agree, and thanks for watching and enjoying :)

@myotheraccount2 10 ай бұрын

that guitar sounds phenomenal! great demo 👍

@RichWordsMusic 9 ай бұрын

I totally agree! Thanks for watching, and I am glad you enjoyed it :)

@robertpurdy4452 Жыл бұрын

Being a lefty I only was able to get a Revstar RSS20L with the humbuckers. I wish us lefties could get the P90 version, I think these guitars are very versatile and I still can get all sorts of sounds out of my lefty Standard series Revstar. Great guitar and it's one of the rare examples of a company putting out a left-handed guitar with left-handed pots that actually work correctly. Most manufacturer's get the left-handed pots all sorts of wrong and the tone pots are all tone or all rolled-off with no in-between. These are not left-handed CTS pots but they work wonderfully well.

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Yep, it's a real shame there's no left-handers available. I hope for your sake that Yamaha extends the lineup in 2023 so there's at least one P90 offering for you. They're great guitars indeed - with this P90 model and an Element with the humbuckers, I've got every base covered. That's actually a really interesting point about left-handed pots. Not something I've ever even considered before personally, but glad to know that Yamaha had it on their radar. All the more reason for them to build more this year!

@Wilhelmcook 5 ай бұрын

great demo! great tones and great play

@RichWordsMusic 3 ай бұрын

Thanks so much, really glad you enjoyed it!

@lionblood23 Жыл бұрын

Superb review! You really showed all the potential this guitar has. Would LOVE to see a review like this with the Yamaha Pacifica 112v. Subbed!🎸

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot, really happy you enjoyed the video! You know, I've always wanted to do some videos with the Pacificas too as they're generally excellent guitars... and actually I've also been wondering if Yamaha might one day do a revamp of the Pacifica line, like they did with the Revstars. Will have a chat to my contacts at Yamaha and see what the options are. Thanks for the sub as well, glad to have you here :)

@markfahey3921 5 ай бұрын

I played severel PRS SE's the other day and then picked up the Yamaha Revstar with P90's, and the truth was all round, the RSS with P90's was a better guitar. One will definitely be coming to my house this year.

@jamieb7799 2 ай бұрын

Great thorough review 👍 Really appreciate it

@RichWordsMusic 2 ай бұрын

Cheers, glad you enjoyed it!

@AdADglgmutShevanel 3 ай бұрын

I played one today and really liked it. I didn't even know there was a push pull knob! I liked the 2nd and 4th switch positions most.

@RichWordsMusic 3 ай бұрын

Ha ha, yes, it's a super versatile guitar! I really like the in-between tones too, even if they're not something I use that often. They just give you a 'different' tone when you need something away from the everyday. Cheers!

@travisg1962 7 ай бұрын

Rich, great, thorough videos of all the Revstar’s. I have been watching them all many times over. I have been playing for a year and looking to treat myself to a new guitar. I play mostly classic rock, 90’s grunge and alternative, punk and some metal. Would the element or p90 standard be a better match for that? Stores near me don’t carry these models so I have to rely on videos and order online.

@christylasure7072 11 ай бұрын

I’ve got this one 2023 in black with p90 and i love it , man it’s a lot of guitar for $800 , those p90’s are sweet ,not a fan of the focus switch , too muddy , but I don’t use tricks like that anyway , great neck , fretwork is perfect and the satin neck is awesome and great review 👍🏻😎

@TrippyTheShroom Жыл бұрын

Fantastic video! Heavily, heeeaavily debating on buying the Hot Merlot Revstar soon.

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! The Hot Merlot is beautiful... I say go for it!

@ferexx Жыл бұрын

ordered my RSS02T last week and surprised to get it yesterday. I was initially a little worried about built quality coz I saw a few comments here and there about QC issues (possibly due to backlogs) but now with guitar in hand I gladly say that the build is perfect. nothing I can complain. happy camper here

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Happy new guitar day, and it's great that yours is also perfect build-wise! Interesting, I hadn't heard much criticism about these newer Revstars at all, but there has definitely been a backlog. Enjoy yours!

@ferexx Жыл бұрын

@@RichWordsMusic thanks mate. enjoying it very much. I really like that Yamaha is doing is own thing with the Revstar. granted the sound and quality are outstanding, especially for the price, but I really wanted was to vote with my wallet that I like to see things outside of LP, Strat and teles.

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

@@ferexx I totally agree! It's so good to see other brands coming out with twists on classic designs that can compete with the oldies. And it is hard for them to break through, so I'm always happy to see more people repping Revstars! Rock on :)

@iknowright6090 4 ай бұрын

Excellent review

@RichWordsMusic 4 ай бұрын

Thanks a lot, glad you enjoyed it!

@stephenstarr6388 Жыл бұрын

excellent demo.

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Thanks Stephen, glad you enjoyed it!

@pangwilson5838 Жыл бұрын

nice review!

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

@gord78 8 ай бұрын

An accurate, clear review full of eloquent examples. It is precisely your final considerations that are helping me to decide whether to buy this wonderful 'outsider' or to make up for the lack of a Strato (I own a Gibson LP std and a Fendet Telecaster american std). Thank you very much!

@RichWordsMusic 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for the kind words - really glad you enjoyed the video and found it useful! I really recommend you find a Revstar near you and try it if you can... all of the ones I've played (from the Elements to the Professionals and the Standards in the middle) so far have been excellent, and it's a guitar that'll complement any collection. The only thing it won't do is Strat tones... if you get both though, with them, an LP and a Tele you've got literally everything covered! Good luck in your search :)

@gord78 7 ай бұрын

@@RichWordsMusic I tried it and bought it🙂

@fernandonichols7168 Жыл бұрын

I’ve got one in the post, should arrive end of week hopefully. Can’t wait. It’s my first expensive guitar.

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Awesome, hope you end up loving it as much as I love this one! What color did you go for? I'm also very much an affordable guitars person, and really felt the quality jump with the Revstar :) Let me know your thoughts on yours when it arrives!

@fernandonichols7168 Жыл бұрын

@@RichWordsMusic I think I will, I’m definitely a single coil man. I went for hot merlot as the only colours available were that and blue. I might have gone for black but I didn’t want to wait til April! I have an epiphone les Paul standard that to be honest I don’t play much cos of the humbuckers and I have a home build, except for neck, that’s my profile picture. Also a squier strat, modified to the hilt.

@camilocienfuegos7628 Жыл бұрын

Well done. Cheers

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Camilo!

@marcusr8017 Жыл бұрын

watched all 3 of your revstar reviews now...think this one made you smile the most!. ..was a big fan of the original revstars ..especially the p90 one ...though the bigbsy ones were pretty heavy . have just got a cheapy offset p90 guitar which sounds great so head is saying one of the others humbucker ones ....heart is saying this one though! i've a 'les paul ' type gap in my collection...and now have a space in my rack 😁 had a go on an element when they first came out and liked it. will have to try them out again ....great playing demo 👍....not enough youtubers play any decent rhythm ideas .....a quick G...C and D then it's all pentantonic willy waving !

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Ha ha, thanks! And yes, this one did make me smile the most :) There's something special about a snarling P90! I'd say try them both (humbuckers and P90s) if you can, but if your heart is edging towards P90s, maybe that's the way to go... sounds like that guitar would inspire you! And having guitars around that inspire you to pick them up and play them is a great thing! The Element is great too, I agree - and I love the Dry Switch on them. Wish the Standards had that too! And I totally agree about the KZfaqr widdling thing ;) That's why I started doing my own videos in the first place, just to try and satisfy us rhythm and chord loving players out there! So I'm really happy you like that too. Cheers and rock on! And let me know which Revstar(s) you end up deciding on!

@cloudsempi2653 10 ай бұрын

The p90 pickups are game changers

@RichWordsMusic 9 ай бұрын

I totally agree! And they are so underrated too... more guitarists need to try P90s 😎

@VideoDetection Жыл бұрын

I got both the P90 and Humbucker versions of the Revstar Standard and fitted Gotoh SG301 locking tuners to both. I have weighed both my guitars and they are near identical at 7.8 lbs each. I love the look and feel of both of them and the necks are perfect for my likes. I have owned them for 6 months and no complaints from me on the quality of their build. I wish they came standard with locking tuners but its given me the opportunity to make them a little bit custom for me.

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

That sounds great, really happy you're enjoying your Revstar pair. Just under 8 lbs. is a great weight for these. Tell me, are those Gotohs a drop-in replacement, or did you need to drill any holes or anything? That's something I may consider in future. Cheers!

@VideoDetection Жыл бұрын

@@RichWordsMusic The Gotohs are made in Japan drop in replacements they dont require drilling any holes. I went for a set with larger buttons that give the guitar a great authentic look. The larger buttons are chromed aluminum so dont add any extra weight. The Gotohs are high quality and available in a number of styles I went with these, Gotoh SG301-AB01C-MGT Locking Tuners 3+3 Chrome.

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

@@VideoDetection Great, thanks for the tip! I'll check these out for sure. Larger buttons with no extra weight sounds like a great idea.

@blessedheavyelements8544 Жыл бұрын

Hey buddy! Mind a question? How would you classify the neck? Nobody shows the neck side on. I'm partial to thinner necks but am interested in this guitar. Thank you for any remarks. Best Regards and Best Wishes for 2023!

@VideoDetection Жыл бұрын

@@blessedheavyelements8544 Its got a 12" radius and its what I would rate as a sweet spot neck thickness. Its somewhere in the middle of thick and thin. So if you like really thin or really thick necks the Revstar is not the choice. I like the neck a lot and the satin finish is also what I prefer and the Revstar has the satin finish. Its almost identical to the Ibanez AZ neck in thickness and feel if that helps?

@RobotShlomo Жыл бұрын

I think I've figured out what I don't like about the Revstar. It would be the perfect guitar IF... it had a 3 way toggle switch and individual volume controls for each pickup. I know that's a major nitpick, but I can't help but think that it would be so much better that way.

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

I hear you. I wonder if Yamaha decided against that because it would've made the guitars more Les Paul-esque. For me, I don't need a second volume knob, but I know many players do (and a second tone knob to boot!). With the 5-way switch, I get why it's here, but I've tried the Revstar Element too - that's a 3-way switch and perfect for me. I use the in-between sounds far less than the bridge, neck and middle positions on the Standard... My big hope is that these new Revstars have done so well for Yamaha that they may extend the range at some point, maybe with more options.

@andiebetjemann7920 Жыл бұрын

The Focus Switch off sounds great clean (like a set of tele pickups) and engaged it seems too help making it not that shrill. But this wiring might miss top make it even more versatile, is an out-of-phase-switch. With that one might get the sound of a Strat-like guitar. The Volume-Pot has no second function yet...

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

True, that volume pot is just waiting for something else to be added to it ;) I agree about getting Stratty tones - the 2 and 4 positions don't quite get there on the Revstar with whatever magic it is they're using. Perhaps a true out of phase switch would do the trick. Then this guitar really could do anything :)

@peterklein5861 Жыл бұрын

Seriously good guitars. If/when I want to buy a P90 guitar, I'll go straight for a Revstar.

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

I would heartily recommend that! They're excellent, underrated instruments, and at this price and feature set there's not much else that even gets a look in for me. It was hard for me to come up with genuine competition for that part of the video ;)

@jemwand2530 11 ай бұрын

Do it man, when you have the pennies . I got one about 2 months ago and the love for it just keeps on growing. The P90's are amazing and even the standard model (mid range), has a chime about it, the tone of the guitar is simply lovely. It may sound daft to describe a musical instrument as having a musical tone to it but there is something about this guitar that even when plated unplugged, simply has something special.

@coldrat Жыл бұрын

Just ordered mine - the p90 version in hot merlot colour. Actually sold my previous revstar which i absolutely loved too. Am I mad? Well, I'm thinking if I have to just choose one guitar for the rest of my life why not make it count.

@ozi76 Жыл бұрын

This has convinced me to get a p90 version, I just can't decide which colour I like the most 🤯

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Awesome, I know you'll love it! Colors are hard, I agree - but for me, a blue guitar will almost always win. After that, I think I'd go for the Hot Merlot. I did have the Sunset Burst one with humbuckers here for a video, and that's nice too, but that and the Black don't grab me like the other two. See if you can see a couple in person at stores, and it might help you make your decision!

@jemwand2530 11 ай бұрын

it doesn't come in beige, so just buy the guitar and live with it.... These are so good you will just love it anyway. I got black and it is gorgeous..... Just get one.

@douglaschristine8387 Жыл бұрын

Great review and I love the P -90s are fantastic but you have an expensive amp also but I live in an apartment with a Fender Mustang 25. I'm going to buy one for sure. Boy you talk fast, lol.

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Hi Douglas, thanks! Yes, this is a great guitar indeed... I can only recommend it. I've not tried it through a Mustang 25 but I have played it through my Joyo amps (and my H&K AmpMan, which is also pretty cheap!) and it's been really good with all of them! Hope you manage to get your hands on one soon :) Cheers!

@Matt_on_life Жыл бұрын

I just got the humbucker version recently... it's so good! perfect take on a LP with ergonomics, and so many tones available! the focus knob with the hum buckers is a great lead boost, I really like it 😁

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Happy new guitars day! I'm glad you're loving yours. The humbucker version is great too... like you say, in many ways it's kind of like an improved Les Paul. Are we allowed to say that?! ;) Either way, enjoy!

@MrJondinham Жыл бұрын

❤congrats on the guitar. I'm very tempted myself. Most seem to go for the p90 version. I'm not which one to go for. Interesting to know what made you for for the humbucker version. I guess you just prefer the sound

@Matt_on_life Жыл бұрын

@@MrJondinham it was partially the looks too, I needed a white guitar. At heart, I’m a p90 guy

@MrJondinham Жыл бұрын

Would you recommend the p90 version? I'm seriously tempted. Just not sure which one of the two to get

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Yes, I love the P90 version - I'd either go for the Standard P90 model, or the Element with the humbuckers. The Element is genuinely excellent, and the Dry Switch that thins down the humbuckers is really good too... almost gives you a guitar that covers all HB/SC ground!

@robhall5622 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the follow up review on the P90 standard. I'm a total beginner looking to buy a decent guitar to learn on for the next 5+ years and love the look of the Revstar. I can stretch to the standard but worry the extra features (steel frets, 5 way switch etc) might be wasted on a total beginner and that the Element might be better value. What do you think?

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Hi Rob, that's a good question! And well, it IS a close call. The way I would see it is this: the extras on the Standard are not strictly necessary. The stainless steel frets will never wear out, of course, but it'll be years before the standard frets on the Element do. Stainless steel frets also feel a little different under the fingers (they're sleeker to me) - but as a new player, that is not going to affect you. The carbon reinforcement in the Standard's neck is also nice to have, but won't affect your playing. It might mean the guitar resonates a little better, and the neck is more stable, but in day-to-day playing you wouldn't notice a thing. The pickups topic is also an interesting one. I actually prefer the 3-way switch and the Dry Switch in the Element model. I'd love that on the Standard! Sounds-wise, the humbuckers on the Standard and the Element are fairly similar, but the Element's have a little more aggression and bite, which I love. The Standard's are more refined, smoother. The Dry Switch on the Element is lovely (it thins out the sound of the humbuckers beautifully for more clarity, almost like a coil split to single coil), and the Focus Switch on the Standard is great for fattening up the P90s, but I haven't found a way to make it work with the humbuckers. I don't find the extra positions on the 5-way switch worth the entry fee. They're cool, but I find myself using them way less than the standard 3-way options. The other thing you get with the Standard is a pretty decent padded gig bag. And that's something you could get anywhere - if you needed it. Finally, consider the looks. How a guitar looks is actually really important, at least to me. Guitars that inspire me visually inspire me to pick them up and play them too! So, if there's a specific finish you really like over all the others, it is seriously worth considering. Overall, though, if I were you I'd try both out at a store, if possible. If one of them speaks to you and just feels right, then that's the one to get! If not, I would say that the Element represents the better value for a beginner. It's almost on a par in terms of specs on paper, and with a decent setup (all new guitars should have one!) it'll be excellent and will cover all your bases for many years to come. It's not a guitar you will outgrow in any way as you improve as a player. Oops, sorry for the super long message - I got carried away! But I hope it helped :) Let me know if there's anything else you're still not sure about!

@robhall5622 Жыл бұрын

@@RichWordsMusic thank you so much for that incredibly detailed reply! It did help, although ultimately i found a b stock humbucker Standard at a price i couldn't refuse. Maybe in time I'll try an Element and a P90 standard too!

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

@@robhall5622 No worries! Sometimes I just start writing and then there's an essay for the poor other person to read ;) But I'm really happy you fund that deal on the Standard - enjoy your new guitar :) And sure, give the P90 and the Element a spin too, when you get the chance. They're both excellent instruments too, and different enough to the humbucker Standard that you can easily justify having one of each in your collection ;)

@robhall5622 Жыл бұрын

@@RichWordsMusic I'm not sure my wife would agree with that justification for 2 more guitars :D

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

@@robhall5622 Ha ha, mine wouldn't either, that's for sure! But I like to tell myself it's the truth anyway ;)

@capsitan 3 ай бұрын

Great review what amp are you playing?

@RichWordsMusic 3 ай бұрын

Thanks! I'm playing a Hughes & Kettner Black Spirit 200 👍

@Jamaicangurl81 Жыл бұрын

👋 Hello.. I just ordered one! Question though ...Can that pickguard come off if you wanted to? Or does it hide routing/wires?

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Hey there! Hope you enjoy yours when it arrives. Sure, you'd be able to take the pickguard off if you like. The wires/routing are accessed through the back panel as you can see in this video by Phil McKnight: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qLR7aLWenq-ylGw.html And I saw a thread online where someone had removed their guard: www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/yamaha-revstar-without-pickguard.2348142/ The one thing is you'd still see the screw holes! Maybe another option would be to get a custom guard made, either in the guitar's exact color, or in one you choose... hope this helps!

@Jamaicangurl81 Жыл бұрын

@@RichWordsMusic Thank you so much for responding (and the links) I don't mind the screw holes.. I just think it'll look nicer without that little pickguard.

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

@@Jamaicangurl81 No worries! Good luck with it :) If you ever have pics of the guitar without the guard anywhere, please send me a link!

@gfm1496 Жыл бұрын

I’d like to get one with the P90s but I want to add a vibrato arm and that current tailpiece looks to be a bit problematic for retrofitting anything easily.

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Yeah, that's an interesting one... I do feel that Yamaha should offer a version with vibrato as standard. Who knows, maybe one day they will. When it comes to retrofitting, I don't think it'd be super hard, but you'd most likely end of with visible screw holes depending on what vibrato you fitted. Let me know if you ever try this, as it's something I've been thinking about myself but have always been too scared to do :)

@BillyRubin81 Жыл бұрын

You mentioned the neck was ok for your hands. Would you consider it on the thicker or thinner side of something like an average strat?

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Yes, indeed. I'd say it's just a tiny bit thicker than a Fender Modern C neck, for example. There's really not too much in it, though. Hope this helps :)

@BillyRubin81 Жыл бұрын

@Rich. Words. Music. Thanks for getting back to me. I'll hopefully find somewhere near me that stocks one so I can try. Absolutely crushing on this one 😄

@jtsfla Жыл бұрын

Wish they would think about making an Element with one P 90.

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Now that's an idea I could behind too! An Element Junior would be amazing...

@brettadkins7563 Жыл бұрын

I want one of these, I’m getting into jazz and this seems like it would be great for some fusion action. I’ll be staying away from the metal with it though.

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Yeah, I'm sure it would be great for that! It's not my forte at all, but if you watch some of the other videos on here of jazzier players with Revstars, they sound fantastic, and the Focus Switch is great for getting warmer, smoky jazz tones. But yeah, I'd get the humbucker one if I was going to predominantly do metal with it!

@LoweCommotionStudio Жыл бұрын

I just got one and like it a lot but it will not replace my Carvins and Kiesels. However, it is probably the best deal under $1000.

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Nice, happy new guitar day! I agree, the Carvins and Kiesels will be on another level, but the Revstar surely complements them very well and his its own unique thing going on in your collection too. I've also struggled to find a better guitar for that price... it really is spectacular what Yamaha have done with the 2022 range! Cheers!

@HuddleAdventures 11 ай бұрын

I picked up this model in black a few weeks ago. I can’t put it down.

@RichWordsMusic 11 ай бұрын

Really happy to hear you’re enjoying yours too! It’s a wonderful guitar indeed, and very addictive :)

@lexusowner2924 Жыл бұрын

I have this guitar in Hot Merlot. I really love it, but the pickups didn't do it for me. I swapped in some Seymour Duncan Vintage P90's and some vintage paper in oil capacitors and now it sounds so so so good. Even the focus switch sounds night and day better.

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

I love the Hot Merlot color as well, nice choice! Really interested to hear how those Seymour Duncans sound... any clips out there? This might be something I'll consider doing myself one day as well. How much extra effort was it to re-wire everything with the Focus Switch too? More complex than a standard pickup swap, I would assume...

@lexusowner2924 Жыл бұрын

@@RichWordsMusic You're correct that there is more going on with the wiring. Nothing too complicated though. In regards to the pickups, it is like other P90's. Each pickup has a ground wire running to the volume pot, the other wire goes to the two-outermost tabs on the switch. Nothing extra was needed with the focus switch--the wires running from the "amp" in the guitar cavity only attach to the tone pot--blue and black to ground, red to position #1 (top left), and the yellow wire goes to position #3 (top right) on the push/pull pot. Before making any changes, I made a wiring diagram to reference, takes the guess work out of it. If there is a way to send pictures, I can send you a diagram.

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

@@lexusowner2924 Oh, that'd be great if you could, thanks! That would certainly be useful. My email is richwordsmusic(at)gmail(dot)com (you can find it on my About page: www.youtube.com/@RichWordsMusic/about) or you can share them on Insta if you like - I'm @richwordsmusic there 👍

@freespeech-advocate Жыл бұрын

@@RichWordsMusic Would be great if you could put the wiring diagram on your channel and a vid off how the Seymour D p90s sound🤟😎🎸 just subbed, nice review bro.

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

@@freespeech-advocate Thanks a lot, welcome aboard :) Yeah, I haven't received the diagram yet but I will make it available in some way if I can. Would love to hear those Seymour Duncans as well... I might have to try a mod like this myself at some point!

@quiksilver78 Жыл бұрын

I still don’t understand what the focus switch does. I ended up taking it out altogether primarily because I absolutely hate push/pull pots. So I went for a straight up HH 5-way switch where position 2 and 4 are split coils

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Oh what, you took yours out?! But I love your solution - almost like a 5-way but with something not unlike the Element model's Dry witch (which I love!). I didn't get the Focus Switch with the humbucker model - it just made me sound woolly and sludgy - but it really does have its benefits for me with the P90 version. Not for cleans, but for heavier crunch stuff I like thickness it gives me. It fattens a lot of stuff up quite nicely. But yeah, overall... can you mod a Standard for me too please?! ;)

@l1weii Жыл бұрын

Hey I would love to know how you did this mod - could you point me in the right direction?

@quiksilver78 Жыл бұрын

@@RichWordsMusic I couldn't tell the difference in sound, honestly. I found it useless and, well, remember I'm a lefty so no P-90s version for us :D

@l1weii Жыл бұрын

@@quiksilver78 Hey there, was it easy to change the 5-way to where 2 and 4 are split coils? Any tips for how to proceed? Thank you

@quiksilver78 Жыл бұрын

@@l1weii it depends on the pickups. I can't remember if the stock pickups are 4-wire since I also changed the pickups on my Revstar. May want to consult with your local tech about this, if you're not comfortable doing these mods.

@blessedheavyelements8544 Жыл бұрын

Wow! A LOT of work to do..and to edit and produce! Thank You for all the hard work that went into making this review! I really, REALLY want one of these in P90 but won't be getting due to: CONS: 1. "To me", the Focus switch just adds mud. 2. Also, not clear what Pos. 4 and 2 do? 3. Sorry. 8.6 lbs today is incredibly heavy. It's also been chambered. That makes it even worse. PROS: Carbon fibre reinforcement Thank You again for the review! Best Regards and Best Wishes for 2023! 🇺🇦💛💙

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Yeah, the videos do take a while to make, but I love the process! I know what you mean with the cons. I guess you don't need to use the Focus Switch or those in-between positions, but it would be kind of weird having them if you didn't like or use them. I'm still learning what the main advantages of the 2 and 4 positions are ;) I agree about the weight, too - I wish the guitar was just a little lighter. It's still super comfy, but as you say, it's already chambered and you feel they could've found some slightly less dense mahogany ;) I love the carbon fibre reinforcement idea (not that you feel it while playing) and I am learning to love the stainless steel frets too :) Otherwise, seems like they need to make an Element model with P90s! I reckon they'd sell a bunch... including to me and you! Rock and and cheers :)

@aitken1965 Жыл бұрын

The "focus" switch is useful on the P90 model but becomes a "mud" switch on the humbucker model. Both models are perfectly balanced, look and sound fantastic 👌

@enonknives5449 Жыл бұрын

I can't say I'm a fan of the focus switch on either model. However, the guitar sounds great with it off.

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

That is kind of the way I feel about the Focus Switch. I like the fattening effect with drive and the P90s, but never got an effect with the humbuckers and the Focus Switch than I preferred over the standard humbuckers themselves. I've heard jazzier players make it sound much better than I can, though. I'll take the Element's Dry Switch over the Focus Switch. The Revstars are truly excellent and underrated guitars!

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

@@enonknives5449 Yeah, exactly - the Focus Switch is not something you'd have to use. The Standards sound brilliant without them.

@Boleskinebeatz Жыл бұрын

I can see the focus switch being really useful for tracking guitars as that focus tone would definitely help the individual parts stand out from each other.

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

@@Boleskinebeatz Totally, it brings a different vibe completely and that's always good for layering guitars or making different parts. Good point!

@chrissolum8323 Жыл бұрын

I wish they’d make the p90 in lefty. Maybe in 2023?

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Yep, you're not the first person to comment that here on this vid Chris. Hopefully this is coming... maybe Yamaha are reading these and will get the message!

@650thunderbird5 Жыл бұрын

👍🏻👍🏻

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Cheers for watching!

@jameshalbert181 Жыл бұрын

I'm still waiting for a p90 we're stop bar tilpiece I can't stand trapeze other than that it's a great guitar

@peterklein5861 Жыл бұрын

The Fender Jim Adkins JA-90 Telelcaster has these specs.

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

I normally would agree, but I think the trapeze just fits the aesthetic of the Revstars perfectly! Although a stopbar and the racing stripe would be an awesome alternative.

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

@@peterklein5861 Great call, and you know, I've come so close to buying a Jim Adkins many times! I am just waiting for a used one to come up at a decent price now and then I may have to snap one up... they are lovely guitars. Great band, too!

@gfm1496 Жыл бұрын

Agreed. I want to add vibrato and looks to me a hassle to retrofit.

@jeroenbeltman515 8 ай бұрын

I heard the tone knob crackle! That's not right!

@RichWordsMusic 8 ай бұрын

Yep, there's a bit of a crackle in there! I need to get that seen to.

@justmehere6094 Жыл бұрын

Gibson Les Paul Specials would be a comparable, as would the tributes. But frankly, based off my Revstar Standard with HBs and Gibson Les Paul Specials and tributes I have. I'd take the Revstar. It's at least as well made as my Specials, and maybe a little better than the Tribute. And it specs better than them all. They just have been impossible to find in stock in the States.

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Well, based on my personal experiences, I have to say that the Revstars give those lower end Gibsons some serious competition too! All the Revstars I've tried have also had much better setups straight out the box, and yes, the specs of the Standards take some beating. I understand that sometimes Gibson sometimes has that unbeatable coolness nostalgia brand factor that can't be beat... but the Revstars were my guitars of 2022 for a reason. And as I say here, it's going to be hard for something in 2023 to beat this one! I love it. In a way, I guess it's good that people are buying them and they're out of stock, but hopefully they become more widely available in 2023!

@PooNinja Жыл бұрын

It sounds great but be honest, you like it cause it’s Blue.

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Ha ha ha, busted! You've seen too many of my videos and you know the truth!

@PooNinja Жыл бұрын

@@RichWordsMusic Thomas called me an expert yesterday during The AOT Show 🤣. Maybe he was right? Anyway I’m doubling my rates! What’s 0 x 2 I maybe I should triple it? 0 X 3 … this math is like my channel, it’s going nowhere 😂 Have a great weekend Sir

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

@@PooNinja Ha ha, he must have had a little too much to drink at that point ;) Nah, though, he's right! Baby steps, though: 0.25 is good. You too, enjoy the lunar weekend!

@PooNinja Жыл бұрын

@@RichWordsMusic I’m still trying to play jimi style.. my fingers aren’t happy about it. Edit Left handed without restring just flip it over.

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

@@PooNinja 90% of nailing that is the attitude, or so I've heard! I could never get the Jimi thing quite right either.

@dd61125 Жыл бұрын

hi wat u rate it out of 15 ??

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Hmm, out of 15? Maybe 13.5? Possibly even 14. It's really good :)

@dd61125 Жыл бұрын

@@RichWordsMusic thanks, i'm thinking about 1

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

@@dd61125 Try one if you can - hopefully your local store has one and you can test it out. They are great guitars! I've played about 6 or 7 different Revstars and loved them all... but this P90 Standard might be my favorite :)

@agusmaung794 Жыл бұрын

In Indonesia you can buy this guitar for only $460

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Really?! You're sure you're not thinking about the cheaper Element model with humbuckers? If so, that's a bargain!

@toneranger Жыл бұрын

Great demo and guitars, just a shame the colours are quite dull or too much "neon yellow!? and the sunburst looks half finished. That blue is too bright and flat. New colours please #Yamaha #Revstar

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Cheers, glad you enjoyed it! It is a quirky mix of colors Yamaha have made this time, I agree... I mean, I'm sorted with the blue shades personally, but I do think something cool like a Silverburst would be a great addition to the range. Would be really interested to know where the inspiration came for with the Neon Yellow too! I mean, it's cool, but just so different from all the others...

@toneranger Жыл бұрын

@@RichWordsMusic Yep, the neon yellow is out there. But even the red on the Element version of the Merlot is more metallic and vibrant than the dull Merlot in the Standard version, if you looked at both side by side you'd pick the Element for the catchy colour, hopefully they launch new colours soon as I'd be gutted to buy one and then they launch a new range of colours 😁

@clivehutchby5035 Жыл бұрын

Yamaha's "coolest guitar" has a quality control problem. A new Revstar Standard (Mark 2) arrived at my place yesterday but I've sent it straight back to Andertons: G-string and a top E that both sounded like banjo strings - obviously something seriously wrong with the way the nut had been cut. Poor quality control from Yamaha and just as bad from Andertons - they either a) didn't bother to check the strings by playing a couple of chords before sending out the guitar, or, b) they just sold it online without even opening the box. Both are unacceptable, so now I'm sending it back and buying the same guitar from another online company in the UK Here's hoping it's not another Yamaha dud. PS: I can report that the sound of four of the six strings on the Revstar was awesome!

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Hi Clive. That's a real shame to hear. You would expect better QC and at least a check before a guitar like this ships. I always assumed Andertons did checkups before shipping. Anyway, I hope the replacement you ordered is 100% spot on - these are wonderful guitars indeed and a well set up one is going to be a fantastic addition to anyone's collection!

@gfm1496 Жыл бұрын

I really like Andertons and staff, but I also ordered a guitar from them once and when it arrived I heard some rattling and found the nut for the truss rod had been completely off! Should not have left the factory NOR Andertons in that way. Poor QC for sure.

@DMSProduktions Жыл бұрын

Be about $1200 in Oz!

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Would that be a good deal then, or not? I know you guys pay more for gear than we do, but how does it compare to the 'competition'?

@DMSProduktions Жыл бұрын

@@RichWordsMusic Hmm be about the same as a good tier say Squiers and Epis! But probably BETTER than PRS SE lines! BETTER value on the used market I think!

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

@@DMSProduktions What, same price as some Squiers?! Crazy. Used prices will be even better, for sure. Over here they're great value used when they do rarely come up for sale.

@nuendo2496 Жыл бұрын

Nope....don't get a PRS...this is better....

@RichWordsMusic Жыл бұрын

Hmm, I am inclined to agree... what I'd really like to try is a comparably priced PRS SE model with a satin neck, if there are any. But I think 99% of PRSs have poly neck finishes, and I'm not too interested in that...