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Yamaha Revstar RSP20 Review: Final Score

So, the Yamaha Revstar Professional RSP20. One guitar which, let's face it, has turned quite a few heads since Yamaha decided to seriously revisit it. It's not the usual Strat or the usual Les Paul, and that's already a point in its favor, at least for me, who always looks for something a bit out of the ordinary. When I had the chance to try one properly, the first thing I thought was: “Ok, Yamaha isn't kidding”. And I'm telling you, I've seen and assembled all sorts in my garage, from the cheapest kit to a guitar salvaged from a flea market. I'm not a luthier with a shop downtown, but someone who learned by disassembling, soldering, and yes, even making mistakes. And the Revstar RSP20, in this sense, is a great example of how you can make a guitar with its own character, without necessarily copying the usual suspects. Readers usually arrive here with a precise question: “Is it worth spending all that money on a Revstar RSP20, or should I go for something more ‘classic’?” It's a legitimate question, and I understand you perfectly. The market is full of excellent guitars, and sometimes choosing is a mess. Here I won't tell you it's perfect or that you absolutely must buy it. I'll tell you what I've understood, what's being said among those who play guitars and maybe even fix them, and then we'll draw conclusions. The Revstar Professional RSP20 it's not a guitar for everyone. And I don't say that in a snobbish way. I say it because it has its own aesthetic, its own feeling, and a price that puts it in a range where the competition is fierce, with names that make history. But if you're looking for a valid alternative, with high-level build quality and a distinctive character, then perhaps we're on the right track. Let's be clear, it's not an "economical" guitar to assemble on a Sunday afternoon. But if you're thinking of investing in it, you want to understand if that investment pays off. And to understand that, we need to look under the hood, hear what people think, and put everything on the scale.

Technical specifications of the Yamaha Revstar RSP20

When talking about a guitar in this range, the construction details are not just numbers on a spec sheet, but precise choices that influence sound, feel, and durability over time. The Yamaha Revstar RSP20, being the flagship model of the Professional series, it boasts a series of features that distinguish it.

Body and Woods

The body of the Revstar RSP20 is made of mahogany, a classic for sustain and harmonic richness. But the real gem is its chambered structure, or “chambered”. It is not a solid full body, but features internal carved chambers. This technique serves to reduce the overall weight of the guitar, making it more comfortable to play for long sessions, and to improve resonance. The mahogany is then coupled with a maple top, often flamed, which adds brightness and attack to the sound. The mahogany/maple combination is a pillar of electric lutherie, known for its balance between warmth and clarity. In the case of the RSP20, the chambered design contributes to a more “airy” and resonant sound, without sacrificing the typical mahogany sustain.

Neck and Fingerboard

The neck is also made of mahogany, with a profile that Yamaha describes as “Revstar”. It's a comfortable profile, not too thick.
is too thin, which adapts to different hands and playing styles. The construction is set-neck, meaning the neck is glued to the body, not screwed. This choice, typical of high-end guitars, improves vibration transfer and, consequently, sustain. An important detail, which I greatly appreciated when I had it in my hands, is the carbon reinforcement inside the neck. This is a modern solution that increases the stability of the neck and its resistance to changes in humidity and temperature, reducing the need for continuous adjustments of the truss rod. The fretboard is made of rosewood (rosewood), with a 12-inch radius. This radius is a good compromise between chord comfort and ease of bending, without “fretting out” (the strings going dead) on wider bends. The 22 frets are made of stainless steel (stainless steel), an excellent choice for durability and smoothness. Stainless steel frets are more resistant to wear than traditional nickel ones, which means fewer refrets and less maintenance in the long run. For those who, like me, don't always have time to take their guitar to the luthier, it's a nice advantage.

Pick-up

There Yamaha Revstar Professional RSP20 It features a pair of proprietary Yamaha humbuckers, specifically the VH5. These pickups are made with Alnico V magnets, known for their moderately high output and a balanced sound, with good mids and present but not harsh highs. In my tests, I found these pickups to be incredibly versatile. They are not ultra-hot like some modern humbuckers, but they have enough bite for rock and blues, and clean up well when the volume is lowered. The real peculiarity, however, lies in the “Switch Focus”, activatable via the push-pull on the tone potentiometer. This is not a coil-split or a phase switch, but a passive filter that modifies the frequency response of the pickups, increasing their output on the mids and slightly lowering the highs. It's almost like having a passive boost that makes the sound fatter and more compressed, perfect for leads or for pushing a tube amplifier. It's a clever solution that significantly expands the guitar's sonic palette, allowing you to switch from more open and vintage sounds to fuller and more modern tones with a simple gesture.

Scale and Hardware

The guitar's scale is 24.75 inches, the same scale length as a Gibson Les Paul. This contributes to a slightly softer string feel and a warmer, rounder sound compared to guitars with a longer scale (like Fenders). The hardware is top-notch. The bridge is a TonePros AVT-2, a lightweight and sturdy tune-o-matic bridge, paired with an aluminum tailpiece. These components are chosen for their stability and their contribution to the instrument's sustain and overall resonance. The tuners are Gotoh Locking Tuners. This means excellent tuning stability, even with aggressive bends, and faster, simpler string changes. Here too, a significant plus for those who play often and don't want to waste time with continuous tuning.

Finishing and Construction Notes

The finish of the RSP20 is a glossy polyurethane lacquer, available in different colors that enhance the maple grain on the top. The quality of the paintwork is impeccable, as expected from a Japanese guitar in this range. All Revstar Professional guitars are produced in Japan, a detail that for many guitarists is synonymous with very high quality and attention to detail. The care in assembly, fret leveling, and factory setup are generally excellent. The guitar comes with a hard case, which is an essential accessory to protect an investment of this type. For those who wish to further explore the specifications, I recommend consulting the official Yamaha page on the Revstar RSP20 model, a reliable source for every technical detail: Yamaha Revstar RSP20.

Popular sentiment: what enthusiasts and buyers say

After having shelled out the technical specifications, it's time to descend into the real world, the one made of forums, online reviews and chats between guitarists. The Yamaha Revstar Professional RSP20, like any self-respecting instrument, has generated a good debate. My approach has always been to listen to those who play guitars and maybe even open them up, not just the sellers.

The most acclaimed merits

The build quality is unanimously recognized as exceptional. “Made in Japan” is not just a slogan for Yamaha, but a guarantee. Many users highlight the attention to detail, the perfection of the paintwork, and the impeccable assembly.

1. Excellent playability: The neck, with its Revstar profile, is often described as extremely comfortable and fast. The stainless steel frets contribute to superior smoothness and less wear over time. I also noticed that bends are fluid and effortless.
2. Sound versatility: The VH5 pickups, combined with the Focus Switch, are a strong point. Many appreciate the guitar's ability to range across different genres, from blues to rock, up to more modern sounds. The Focus Switch is often praised as a true “secret weapon” to give body and boost to the sound when needed.
3. Comfort and weight: Thanks to the chambered body, the RSP20 is significantly lighter than many solid body mahogany guitars. This makes it much more pleasant to play standing for long periods, a significant aspect for those who perform live or have long rehearsals.
4. Distinctive aesthetics: Although it's not for everyone, many guitarists are attracted by the unique design and the “vintage but modern” look of the Revstar. It's not a copy, but it has a strong identity of its own, which makes it stand out from the crowd.
5. Tuning stability: The Gotoh locking tuners and the TonePros bridge ensure rock-solid tuning. This is a crucial factor for those who play and don't want interruptions.

The discussion points and the perceived “defects”

No guitar is perfect, and the Revstar RSP20 is no exception. The “defects” are often more related to personal preferences or comparison with other tools.

1. Price: This è the hottest point. The RSP20 is positioned in a mid-to-high price range, where competition è fierce. Many wonder if it's worth spending so much for a Yamaha, when for the same amount you can buy guitars from “historic” brands like Gibson, Fender or PRS. My answer è that the price è justified by the quality, but I understand the doubt.
2. Aesthetics “non-traditional”: The design of the Revstar, while appreciated by many, does not convince everyone. Those looking for the classic Stratocaster or Les Paul look might find it a bit too “alternative”. It’s a matter of taste, but it’s a factor that influences sales.
3. Sound of the pickups: Although versatile, some guitarists with very specific preferences might find the VH5 pickups a bit generic or not “characteristic” enough for their style. For example, those looking for an ultra-vintage PAF sound or extremely high output for metal might want to consider a replacement. However, for most genres, they do an excellent job.
4. Access to the high keys: Although the neck is comfortable, access to the upper frets may be slightly less easy compared to guitars with a more pronounced cutaway or a slimmer neck heel design. It is not a serious problem, but for extreme shredders, it might be a consideration.

In general, the consensus is that the RSP20 is an extremely well-made and high-performing guitar. Criticisms are often nuances or personal preferences, rather than actual construction or design flaws.

Pros and Cons in relation to the price

When evaluating the purchase of a guitar like the Yamaha Revstar RSP20, price is a determining factor. We are in a range where every euro must be justified by quality and performance. We weigh the pros and cons, always keeping an eye on the required investment.

The Pros that justify the investment

1. Construction quality Made in Japan: This is the strong point. The attention to detail, the selection of woods (chambered mahogany, flamed maple), the carbon reinforcements in the neck, the stainless steel frets. These are all elements found on very high-end instruments and that guarantee durability and constant performance over time. This translates into fewer problems and fewer visits to the luthier, an indirect saving.
2. Superior level hardware: Gotoh locking tuners, TonePros bridge. These are not cheap components, but quality choices that ensure tuning stability and precise intonation. When I got my hands on one of these Revstar, the feeling of solidity and precision was palpable.
3. Sound versatility with the Focus Switch: The VH5 pickups are good, but it's the Focus Switch that makes the difference. It allows you to have two different voices from the same guitar, enormously expanding the range of available sounds without the need for additional pedals. It's a well-implemented innovation that adds value.
4. Comfort and ergonomics: The chambered body makes it light and well-balanced. The neck profile is designed to be comfortable for most guitarists. This is fundamental for those who play a lot, because a comfortable guitar encourages you to play more.
5. Distinctive feature: The Revstar RSP20 is not a guitar for those who want to “do like everyone else”. It has its own aesthetic and its own voice. For those looking for an instrument with personality and not afraid to stand out, it's a huge pro.

The Cons to consider carefully

1. The purchase price: It's undeniable that the Revstar Professional RSP20 has a high cost. This puts it in direct competition with iconic models from renowned brands. For many, budget is a limitation, and for the same expenditure, the temptation to opt for a classic is strong.
2. Resale Value: Historically, Yamaha guitars, despite being of very high quality, tend to maintain a lower resale value compared to Gibson or Fender. This is not a defect of the instrument itself, but a market reality that anyone considering a future upgrade should take into account.
3. Non-universal aesthetics: Design is subjective. If you don't like the Revstar aesthetic, even the build quality won't be enough to change your mind. It's an instrument with a strong visual identity, which can be a pro or a con depending on taste.
4. Non-“iconic” pickups: VH5 pickups are excellent and versatile, but they don't have the same “aura” as a historic PAF or a Fender single coil. For those looking for a very specific and recognizable tone, an upgrade might be necessary, adding further costs to the initial investment.

In summary, the price of the Yamaha Revstar RSP20 It is justified by the quality of the materials, the impeccable construction, and the high-end hardware. The real crux is understanding if one is willing to pay for these features in a brand that, although excellent, does not have the same “historical weight” as others in the premium segment. From my point of view as a “garage tinkerer”, the quality is all there, and it shows.

Who is the Yamaha Revstar RSP20 suitable for? Who should avoid it?

Understanding who a guitar is for is fundamental for making an informed purchase choice. The Yamaha Revstar RSP20, with its peculiarities, is not a universal instrument, but shines in the hands of the right guitarist.

Who is the Revstar RSP20 for?

1. The professional or semi-professional guitarist: For those looking for a reliable instrument, built to last and with consistent performance. The Made in Japan quality, high-level hardware, and neck stability make it a stage and studio guitar to count on.
2. Who seeks sound versatility: Thanks to the VH5 pickups and, above all, the Focus Switch, the RSP20 offers a wide range of tones. It's perfect for those who play in bands that span different genres (rock, blues, pop, funk) and need to adapt quickly without changing guitars.
3. Who appreciates comfort and ergonomics: The chambered body reduces the weight and makes it less tiring. The neck is comfortable and the stainless steel frets facilitate playability. If you play for hours, this is a crucial factor.
4. Who wants to stand out: With its unique design, the Revstar does not go unnoticed. It is the ideal choice for those who do not want the usual Strat or Les Paul, but an instrument with its own strong aesthetic and sonic identity.
5. The quality lutherie enthusiast: If you are attentive to the construction details, the choice of woods and the components, the RSP20 will give you great satisfaction. It is an example of how modern lutherie, even outside traditional canons, can reach very high levels.

Who should avoid it (or think twice)?

1. The vintage purist: If you are looking for the exact sound and feel of a guitar from the ’50s or ’60s, the Revstar, despite having a rock-blues soul, is not for you. It has a modern character and its technical solutions (stainless steel frets, carbon reinforcements) are not “vintage-accurate”
2. Those on a very limited budget: The price of the RSP20 is significant. If your budget does not allow it, there are excellent alternatives in the Revstar Element or Standard series, or in other brands, which still offer good value for money.
3. Who is looking for an ultra-specific sound: If your genre is extreme metal and you need very high output pickups, or if you are looking for a crystalline and brilliant clean typical of certain single coils, VH5 pickups might not be your first choice. An upgrade might be necessary, increasing the total cost.
4. Who prefers classic aesthetics: If you are in love with traditional shapes and cannot stomach a more modern and “different” design, the Revstar RSP20 will leave you cold, regardless of its quality.
5. Who is concerned about resale value: If the idea of having to resell the guitar in the future and recovering a good part of the investment is a priority, instruments from more “historic” brands could be a safer bet.

Ultimately, the Revstar Professional RSP20 It's a very high-quality guitar, but it requires a guitarist who appreciates its innovations and distinctive character. It's not a 'safe' choice like a Strat or a Les Paul, but precisely for this reason, it can be the right one for those looking for something more.

Final advice and alternatives

So, after dissecting it piece by piece, hearing people's opinions, and putting it to the test, it's time to sum up the Yamaha Revstar Professional RSP20. If you asked me “should I buy it or not?”, my answer would not be a simple yes or no, but a “it depends”.

My final advice on the Revstar RSP20

If you are a guitarist who appreciates innovation, uncompromising build quality and a design with a strong personality, the Revstar RSP20 It's an investment that will pay off in terms of playability, versatility, and durability. It's not a guitar that bores you after a month; it has a character all its own and pushes you to explore new sonic territories. From the perspective of someone who has disassembled and reassembled everything in the garage, I can tell you that the components and assembly are top-notch. You won't find poorly made solders, protruding frets, or low-quality woods. It's an instrument designed to be played seriously, and you can feel that in every detail. The price, although high, is justified by the Made in Japan quality and premium components. You're not just paying for a brand, but for meticulous attention to construction. If you have the budget and are looking for something different from the usual clichés, try it. It could be your next favorite guitar.

Alternatives to consider

If the RSP20 doesn't completely convince you, or if the budget is a more stringent variable, the market still offers valid alternatives.

1. Yamaha Revstar Standard/Element: If you like the look and feel of the Revstar but want to spend less, the Standard (Made in Indonesia) and Element (Made in China) series offer excellent quality for their price. Obviously there are compromises (different woods, less renowned hardware, no stainless steel frets), but the Revstar DNA is all there.
2. Gibson Les Paul Studio/Special: If you are looking for a “classic” Les Paul sound and the Gibson aesthetic is essential, models like the Les Paul Studio or the Special (often with P90) are in the same price range, or slightly more. You will have an iconic sound, but with greater weight and perhaps less “onboard” versatility.
3. PRS SE Custom 24/22: The PRS SE (Made in Indonesia/Korea) are an excellent alternative for quality and versatility. They offer a refined look, excellent playability and versatile pickups, often with coil-split. They are very well-balanced guitars suitable for many genres.
4. G&L Tribute ASAT/Legacy: If you are looking for something more oriented towards Fender sounds but with a touch of modernity and solid build quality at a competitive price, the G&L Tribute (Made in Indonesia) are often underestimated. They offer excellent hardware and a sound with character.
5. Reverend Guitars: For those looking for a distinctive design and excellent quality at a similar price, Reverend offers a range of models with a unique character, often equipped with proprietary pickups and innovative tone controls (like the Bass Contour).

The final choice, as always, must be dictated by your hands, your ears, and your heart. The Yamaha Revstar RSP20 It's a guitar that deserves to be tried, because it might surprise you and offer a sound and tactile experience you don't expect. Don't stop at prejudices or the most renowned brands; sometimes, gems are found where you least expect them.

FAQ

What is the main difference between the Revstar RSP20 and the other Revstar models (Standard, Element)?

The Revstar RSP20 is the flagship model of the Professional series, produced in Japan with superior woods and hardware, such as stainless steel frets, carbon reinforcements in the neck, and the TonePros bridge. The Standard and Element models, while maintaining the iconic design, are produced in Indonesia and China respectively, with more economical materials and components to offer a more accessible price.

Is the Focus Switch a real boost or a simple filter?

The Focus Switch of the Revstar RSP20 is a passive filter that modifies the frequency response of the pickups, emphasizing the mids and slightly reducing the highs, which results in a perceived increase in output and a fuller, more compressed sound. It is not an active boost in the sense of an electronic circuit that amplifies the signal, but its action is very effective in giving an additional “punch” to the sound, making it more suitable for leads or for further saturating the amplifier.