After the video went up Yamaha sent a email confirming it is a passive boost and they said this Yamaha's responce “The output is amplified by using a small transformer to emphasize or boost the mid and low frequencies. The transformer was designed by Yamaha guitar division to control how much emphasize or boost certain frequencies by adjusting the number of coil turns”
Awesome . I played one at a mom n pop music shop. . incredible ..it was the pro model someone traded in ..I couldn't believe why would anyone get rid of it...you can just feel the quality ... until they said it was some teen... Really liked it These guitars are awesome .and I don't understand why guitar center in Sam Ash don't have these it doesn't make sense what is Yamaha missing man they need these guitars in these stores so people can see the quality feel the quality play it and buy them
Hi - I just re watched this excellent review. Thank you. If the boost is passive, would this work when plugging into a Kemper profiling amp or does it need a 'normal' amp to get the power for it to work?
@@stoneysdead689 so essentiallyyyyyy yeah you’re pretty much right. Turns your pickups into mudbuckers but it’s more useful than a lot of folks online have been claiming based on internet videos with high compression
This is the most innovation we’ve seen in electric guitar technology in a LONG TIME. I hope Yamaha continues in this direction, it opens up a ton of possibilities. Also thank you Phil, I think you just sold me a guitar
I wish Yamaha was more accessible as a brand like Ibanez. Ibanez and Yamaha put some of the most thought into their design, killer guitars. Unfortunately i've not found an AZ that was built perfectly at any price, and Yamaha's MIJ stuff is hard to come by. Maybe i need to get over my MII phobia (caused by ibanez)
damnit Phil! I’ve been fighting the urge on these new Revstars and you’re not helping. The smile on your face when playing tells me all I need to know.
I love that you showed the guts of the guitar Philip and also explained the boost. Not many other review videos even bother to try explaining what the switching options actually do. It's a great looking and sounding guitar.
I have 2 Yamaha Revs.. a RS502 (flat green with p90s) and a RS820cr (race stripe). Both solid bodies. GREAT GUITARS! Thought I'd change the pickups? No need. Great feel, great sound. They seem setup from the factory.. I love em.
Just bought the made in japan RSP02T in that swift blue with the p90s and that sounds amazing. I love how the guitar comfortable the guitar is and feels. And that tailpiece is just icing on the cake as well
The AC voltage comes from the Pickup, not the Amp. Passive pickups can put out about one volt alternating current. A transformer can be used as a multiplier.
Great review. People are sleeping on Yahama. Their build quality is incredible. I just bought a Pacifica 611 and I love it. It's like a custom shop guitar for roughly $700: alder or maple body, maple neck, Seymour Duncan pickups, Wilkinson bridge, Grover locking tuners and the tone switch converts the bridge humbucker to a single coil. I've never owned a guitar with P90s in them but the neck Seymour Duncan P90 sounds amazing. The frets on the 611 are high quality too.
I literally bought a Fender Telecaster a week before these were released. I would have bought that blue version if I'd known about it. I like my Fender, but damn, that Yamaha is built better, and it costs less.
That was an awesome review. I was looking to see something like this on the new Revstar. I would probably go for a Japanese built one, but like you, I am very impressed at the amount of innovation and care have gone into the new range. Even the cheapest ones, the Element series is really impressive and sounds great with lots of versatility, great for learners who often can't spend a lot on an instrument yet need something accurate and proper.
Such a great review! This was the review that persuaded me to order one of these last summer -- and mine finally arrived this week. It's such a wicked instrument. Bags of fun to play.
My son has 3 Gretsch guitars (Acoustic, Country Gentleman, Silver Falcon) he wants to get the MIJ revstar. All the plus parts to this next Gen Yamaha is doing great things
Maybe I have been listening to too much Little Steven's Underground Garage? But this guitar to ME sounds like the dream axe for a 60s rock guitarist. In a GOOD way. And then reinvent those sounds for a modern era. Love to hear this through a sick, OG fuzz.
This a really lovely sounding (and looking) guitar. The boost concept is fantastic. However, the loss of top end on boost setting is a bit too much for my personal liking. I hope Yamaha develop this concept more. If the lovely bridge sound can be retained with boost, this would make the guitar almost irresistible.
That`s exactly what I thought of the boost! If it could replicate the sound you could use the boost when soloing or when needed but the muffled sound wasn`t good for me and it seemed to kill the great tones this guitar obviously has!
WoW bang for the buck factor!!! Way to go Yamaha ! The coil transformer will have a frequency response of its own and I am curious about using a multi tapped unit there or even a torrid design versus the iron core. Being familiar with passive loudspeaker crossovers this is a fascinating offering; again Go Yamaha! Great review, quite enjoyable. I think also that I like the difference between the two pickups being fairly flat response wise and more about the position. Cool guitar.
Yamaha realy know how to make great sound high quality guitars, that play well out of the box This one has a rich mellow mid range that i realy like. My trigger finger is itching. Thanks for a great demo Phil🙂
3rd time watching this review here, and really appreciate your guidance on this one. Yamaha did a great job making this guitar a great Les Paul alternative, and it’s extremely versatile (single coil type sounds, out of phase, with highly usable tones, and a truly innovative boost), in just the right ways. Lastly, looking at your facial expressions playing this guitar, says it all, it inspired your playing and mood! Thank you!
Hi Phil, thanks for the review. Definitely looks like a high quality piece of kit and great value at that price. I think Yamaha guitars sometimes don't get the praise they deserve. They might not have the "cool" factor of a Fender or a Gibson, but they definitely know how to make good instruments. Out of interest, is the video sponsored or anything or is it just your affiliate links that you get a return on? I don't mean to ask to be critical and I'm sure it was all your honest opinion regardless, but would still be helpful to know. Thanks!
You say they round off the end of the fret’s, specially(sic) the stainless steel fret. Which fret is stainless steel, and why is only one fret stainless steel?
Measuring the DC resistance of pickups and of the transformer secondary is pointless. You cannot conclude anything such as "output" or "gain" without knowing the other design parameters. As the "focus" name indicates, Yamaha added this as a tone shaping feature.
the Graptehch nut wears quite quick, and theres no exact direct replacement, Grapthtech makes its nuts oversized, so youll have to learn nutwork! ( which is a PAIN in the behind!) or pay aluthier..., I ONCE managed to file a nut right, the neck alittle warped and I had an extra nut, so I thought: nuthin to lose, it wasnt a Graphtech nut thou, they are quite soft material! ( funny to put stainless frets that last forever and a nut that waers fast in a same guitar,) Im back to my 5 Yamaha Pacifica 112Vs, cheers, K🥍
I like that Yamaha makes this body shape and head stock style in a world of Les Paul's and strat copies. It's Unique but not over the top and the paint job is super cool.
I only wish they had a real maple top (not cap) and carved. I think it would look great. This shape is IMO better than the the SG-xxxx (currently SG-1800, I guess).
i have a xj550 maxim 4 cylinder sure is is 1/4th the size of a harley but a harley cannot keep up with it and costs 20x more and cannot go offroad as well
I have an 18 year old EG112. Stripped it of all the hardware and electronics (which is where the cost savings happened), and I was left with an amazing body and neck. Loaded it up with Fender CS pickups, Callaham bridge, Graphtech tuners, and now it's an amazing guitar. Even their cheapest stuff is still made with as much care as possible.
With a transformer turns ratio of 1:2, that will indeed double the voltage driving the amp, which is also 6 dB. However, that comes at a price. The load impedance seen by the guitar pickups decreases 4-fold. If the amplifier has a 1 Meg input impedance, that now looks like 250k which will dampen the resonance of the pickups. Further, the cable capacitance will be multiplied by 4. For example, a 10 foot cable with 300 pF of capacitance will look like 1200 pF to the pickups with the boost on. Both of these factors will darken the tone by suppressing high frequencies.
@@lonerjuan Impedance seen by the pickups goes down by the turns ratio squared, or factor of 4. Impedance of the capacitor is calculated as inverse in frequency and capacitance -- 1/(2pi*f*C). Therefore the equivalent capacitance is multiplied by 4.
I' started playing Yamaha Pacifica's over 35 years ago and have never stopped. Yamaha simply makes some of best player friendly instruments on the planet. Lots of bang for your buck.
@@MainPrism not on the new Pacificas. The new ones use Wilkinson trems with locking tuners. Several models from the late 80's and 90's offered Floyd's though.
Same! Got a Pacifica in ‘92 as a graduation present. I believe they were $150 back then and it blows away almost every $3000 guitar I’ve tried. Such a great guitar.
I've been watching you for about five years and I've never seen you this happy with a guitar. You smiled through the whole video . I'm with Dan, I think I've gotta have one!! Great video as always!!
I admit that stainless Steel frets are the future, But sone vintage men like older frets. Maybe the best solution is made two ways: modern series with stainless frets for you and vintage series with traditional médium frets for me.👍 Yamaha made fantastic guitars.
You don’t normally see Phil smile when playing while doing a demo. So even with the rigorous overview and checks he did on this guitar, that rare smile tells us all we need to know. Also I’ve never heard him stop to say “that’s fricken awesome” in the middle of playing. At the end he said he doesn’t like to rave but he did actually let that slip a bit. 🤣 The sheer quality and intelligent innovation that went into this guitar 🎸 is definitely worth the low price of $799.00 for admission. These things are on back order everywhere you look for a damn good reason. As soon as I see a new one available, I’ll jump on this in a heartbeat!
My favourite guitar review channel by far - so trustworthy that I bought this guitar, albeit in the black finish. You're doing a terrific job, Mr McKnight.
Isn't the transformer just a step-up transformer, a passive device that doesn't require any power from amplifier? Those kind of step-up transformers were (and maybe still are) being used for MC cartridges for turntables. I tested similar stuff using step-up transformers, not a lot but just a 1:2 boost, and it worked great.
That's a real possibility. The voltage could be increased, but current would be correspondingly decreased. Is there a chance the result would have some trouble driving some input stages (either amp or pedal)?
@@allanflippin2453 maybe using this trick right into an old style fuzz pedal would not sound great, as this kind of vintage circuits do not have high input impedance. But that's a matter of taste, some people like this kind of "dying amp" peculiar sound.
Just played the $2K Japan model last week. It was truly outstanding. Can't say enough good things about it, but I won't get into all the creamy adjectives. Seek one out and buy it. Nuff said.
Killer guitar, I wish they hadn't made it so large though. The Revstars were already borderline big for us more modest sized guys lol, but they made it even bigger.
Great review, I love how your enthusiasm shines throughout the video. You’re so obviously happy to share a great new experience! Obviously Yamaha have hit it out of the park with these. Must say I am partial to the green one, although I wish they would have offered it with P90s …
Question: Is the revstar pro worth double the price of the standard? -I want to give one away to someone who I believe will benefit greatly from a great guitar, price is not really a problem. But i dont feel like paying for "looks" etc. How it feels, plays and how it sound is key. Any guidance would be appreciated;)
Good review. Thank you for NOT doing all the O/Drive madness that so many reviewers do, thus, we never get to hear how the Guitar basic sounds really are. Now I know how that model Revstar actually sounds, Excellent! Think I'll buy one.
As a left handed guitarist I'm really thinking about this guitar, sounds awesome and it's well build. I love the push pull trick with that transformer. Thanks a lot for this video!
Don’t be to sure about that. Pretty much every music store website you go to these things are out of stock and are in back order. That should tell you quite a bit.
Great review! I love the “geeky stuff” you throw in. I can’t recall any other reviewers going into the detail you do. Oh yeah, I love the sound and look of this guitar. I’ve never thought “hey, I gotta have that Yamaha guitar” until now…
I have several acoustic /electric Yamahas and they sound as good as my Martin and Taylor guitars… I really want a Revstar ❤️ they look and sound amazing! Love your channel you ROCK Phil❤️🤘😉
I have a Revstar RS420 and love it. It needed a good setup and once that was done it’s all I can do to give my other guitars some love. I also have a Pacifica and think Yamaha is making some excellent guitars. These new models have me planning a new purchase this year. I’m just torn between the version in your review and the P90 version to get something different.
Love your videos, but have to comment on the transformer. If there's any significant voltage coming out of your amplifier input, there's a problem with your amplifier. This transformer couldn't use any dc leaking from the first stage bias even if it was present. From the picture it appears to be a simple passive audio transformer that can be switched in to ratio up the output voltage of the guitar.
Man, Yamaha just flies under the radar, but this thing is amazing. I have a pair of Yamaha acoustics and can confirm the quality to dollar ratio is beyond compare.
That is one amazing guitar. And I don’t think I have missed one of your reviews and I cannot ever remember you being so pleased with a new product. You almost looked surprised! Lol I have a midrange Pacifica and it’s a fabulous instrument. This is on my radar now. Very nice review and that amp trick is bonkers. Never seen a step up transformer in a guitar before. Magic!
Just in time! Thanks Phil! My Birthday is next Monday and I'm giving myself a new guitar!! LOL At first, I was excited about the new Gibson "Ted" guitar. Looked interesting and John Bohlinger gave it a good review. But as usual, Gibson made a $1000 guitar and priced it at $5000!! So they are out, again!! I really liked the Revstar with the P90's, I don't have a guitar with P90's and I've wanted one for awhile! After your sage review on the quality, that's what I'm buying!! Thanks much!!! 8) Gary
@@TheBigtrev1234 3/28 also? That's cool! Happy b-day also!! I'll be playing at my own party, I have too many guitars already. Severe GAS for years! LOL The mid-level Revstar's are not available yet. One place said the P90 version would not be in till September 2022!! Wow, bummer!! Have a good one!! 8) --gary
@@mr.smithgnrsmith7808 It reminded me of the 'Moderne', being that strange shape. Maybe why they only made 318 of them! Makes you wonder what Ted was thinking? LOL --gary
Yamaha's always been a great bang for the buck. From the Pacificas with confusing names, to the SG's and now the Revstar... Dammit, now I want one of those.
I played one today in a shop. It was absolutely superb. Maybe the best set-up electric guitar I've ever tried. The neck, fingerboard, fretting, intonation and playability were utter perfection. I didn't know about the 'boost' function, so never tried that. The only bit I didn't like all that much, was the position of the jack socket, which was a bit clunky when trying to adjust things, and altering one's playing position [I usually play, seated]. I always prefer front mounted sockets, like a 335, or especially, a Strat. Altogether, an exceptionally well built and great sounding and playing guitar.
I tried out a sweet looking white Gibson SG years ago(2k$) at guitar center and I could barely get it in tune and the fret ends were so sharp I literally had little cuts on my hand. It was incredibly disappointing. Instead I got an ltd EC-1000 mate black gold hardware (you know the one) it's a super great guitar the only thing I didn't like was that the neck/body was out of balance (neck dropped when hands off standing up w/ strap on) but that's like nothing to me.
Hi Phil, Im really seriously going to buy this guitar. Im surprised you didnt get the one with P-90's. Such a hard choice. What do you think ? I went into Guitar Center to play onewith P-90's and he told me they dont sell them in the store and i asked why and he walked away and said we sell them on line but this attitude with these workers is pretty much everytime i go in so they lost a customer. Great show Phil. Peace.
After the video went up Yamaha sent a email confirming it is a passive boost and they said this
Yamaha's responce
“The output is amplified by using a small transformer to emphasize or boost the mid and low frequencies. The transformer was designed by Yamaha guitar division to control how much emphasize or boost certain frequencies by adjusting the number of coil turns”
Awesome . I played one at a mom n pop music shop. . incredible ..it was the pro model someone traded in ..I couldn't believe why would anyone get rid of it...you can just feel the quality ...
until they said it was some teen... Really liked it These guitars are awesome .and I don't understand why guitar center in Sam Ash don't have these it doesn't make sense what is Yamaha missing man they need these guitars in these stores so people can see the quality feel the quality play it and buy them
@@allguitar887 because they are still on backorder.
Hi - I just re watched this excellent review. Thank you. If the boost is passive, would this work when plugging into a Kemper profiling amp or does it need a 'normal' amp to get the power for it to work?
@@radaget3459 Shouldn't matter- this is basically working like an overwound pickup.
@@stoneysdead689 so essentiallyyyyyy yeah you’re pretty much right. Turns your pickups into mudbuckers but it’s more useful than a lot of folks online have been claiming based on internet videos with high compression
This is the most innovation we’ve seen in electric guitar technology in a LONG TIME. I hope Yamaha continues in this direction, it opens up a ton of possibilities. Also thank you Phil, I think you just sold me a guitar
I wish Yamaha was more accessible as a brand like Ibanez. Ibanez and Yamaha put some of the most thought into their design, killer guitars. Unfortunately i've not found an AZ that was built perfectly at any price, and Yamaha's MIJ stuff is hard to come by. Maybe i need to get over my MII phobia (caused by ibanez)
Whaaaat? You can make your own! I know you can, I've seen many of your build videos!
Godins doing a lot of cool stuff as well!
Line 6 and Yamaha are very on the edge technology wise and I think this is a groundwork for more to come !
@@danherrick2310 all of my made in Indonesia guitars are top notch and didn't cost more than $500 !
damnit Phil! I’ve been fighting the urge on these new Revstars and you’re not helping.
The smile on your face when playing tells me all I need to know.
I love that you showed the guts of the guitar Philip and also explained the boost. Not many other review videos even bother to try explaining what the switching options actually do. It's a great looking and sounding guitar.
I have 2 Yamaha Revs.. a RS502 (flat green with p90s) and a RS820cr (race stripe). Both solid bodies. GREAT GUITARS! Thought I'd change the pickups? No need. Great feel, great sound. They seem setup from the factory.. I love em.
Just bought the made in japan RSP02T in that swift blue with the p90s and that sounds amazing. I love how the guitar comfortable the guitar is and feels. And that tailpiece is just icing on the cake as well
@@mr.smithgnrsmith7808 yes it comes with a satin neck
I hope you still have it I just bought the professional with P90s and I absolutely love it
The AC voltage comes from the Pickup, not the Amp. Passive pickups can put out about one volt alternating current. A transformer can be used as a multiplier.
Great review. People are sleeping on Yahama. Their build quality is incredible. I just bought a Pacifica 611 and I love it. It's like a custom shop guitar for roughly $700: alder or maple body, maple neck, Seymour Duncan pickups, Wilkinson bridge, Grover locking tuners and the tone switch converts the bridge humbucker to a single coil. I've never owned a guitar with P90s in them but the neck Seymour Duncan P90 sounds amazing. The frets on the 611 are high quality too.
Ooh! Sounds cool!
Finally tried this guitar today. I was blown away with the quality. It sounds and feels amazing.👌
I just bought one of these…
There was one in the entire Guitar Center chain and I bought it and it’s on its way.
They are back ordered everywhere.
I literally bought a Fender Telecaster a week before these were released. I would have bought that blue version if I'd known about it. I like my Fender, but damn, that Yamaha is built better, and it costs less.
That was an awesome review. I was looking to see something like this on the new Revstar. I would probably go for a Japanese built one, but like you, I am very impressed at the amount of innovation and care have gone into the new range. Even the cheapest ones, the Element series is really impressive and sounds great with lots of versatility, great for learners who often can't spend a lot on an instrument yet need something accurate and proper.
The Revstar series are definitely modern classics that will become sought after in the future!
beautiful instrument, with clever and usable electronic configurations
Such a great review! This was the review that persuaded me to order one of these last summer -- and mine finally arrived this week. It's such a wicked instrument. Bags of fun to play.
My son has 3 Gretsch guitars (Acoustic, Country Gentleman, Silver Falcon) he wants to get the MIJ revstar. All the plus parts to this next Gen Yamaha is doing great things
Thanks so much for another great review…ordered the p90 version…can’t wait…
Not to mention your great playing and on camera disposition…have the 620 Revstar and can hardly put it down…thanks again for all you do
my first electric was a yamaha SE250 from the 1980's ha ha....so I have a soft spot for yamahas. This one is a real winner, and I really dig it.
That is one seriously great guitar. Very hard to argue against it. Thanks for the great review.
Maybe I have been listening to too much Little Steven's Underground Garage? But this guitar to ME sounds like the dream axe for a 60s rock guitarist.
In a GOOD way.
And then reinvent those sounds for a modern era.
Love to hear this through a sick, OG fuzz.
..AAAAANNND? They LOOK friggin' COOL!
This a really lovely sounding (and looking) guitar. The boost concept is fantastic. However, the loss of top end on boost setting is a bit too much for my personal liking. I hope Yamaha develop this concept more. If the lovely bridge sound can be retained with boost, this would make the guitar almost irresistible.
That`s exactly what I thought of the boost! If it could replicate the sound you could use the boost when soloing or when needed but the muffled sound wasn`t good for me and it seemed to kill the great tones this guitar obviously has!
WoW bang for the buck factor!!!
Way to go Yamaha ! The coil transformer will have a frequency response of its own and I am curious about using a multi tapped unit there or even a torrid design versus the iron core. Being familiar with passive loudspeaker crossovers this is a fascinating offering; again Go Yamaha!
Great review, quite enjoyable.
I think also that I like the difference between the two pickups being fairly flat response wise and more about the position.
Cool guitar.
Yamaha realy know how to make great sound high quality guitars, that play well out of the box
This one has a rich mellow mid range that i realy like.
My trigger finger is itching.
Thanks for a great demo Phil🙂
I love Yamaha guitars!! this just reinforces my feelings, if you want quality at a fair price think Yamaha
really sick guitar. what i wonder now is if their pacificas at this price range are as impressive as these revstars
Saw in the intro they offer a P90 version, would love to see you review and compare!
Should have added locking tuners also. The similarly priced Pacifica has it.
Friedman Smallpox 😂 Thank you, that made my day!
Great video Phil! I love that guitar!
Only too happy to give this video a like, to make Phil feel better. LOL.
That’s an impressive guitar for the price. Props to Yamaha. I got to check one out.
Same reason nobody talked about the original yamaha sg
Perfect versatile wedding gig guitar
3rd time watching this review here, and really appreciate your guidance on this one. Yamaha did a great job making this guitar a great Les Paul alternative, and it’s extremely versatile (single coil type sounds, out of phase, with highly usable tones, and a truly innovative boost), in just the right ways. Lastly, looking at your facial expressions playing this guitar, says it all, it inspired your playing and mood! Thank you!
I think it's a good time to get a a new guitar. Thanks Phil
I somehow think that the Revstar Element has a stunning stripped down look. Will you review it eventually?
nice! the guys from the sign of the three crossed tuning forks have done good, innit...
Yamaha always makes nice stuff… They always seems to pay good attention to quality…
that boost is really muddy/muffled. they should add a bass rolloff tone pot.
Well of course we do want to make you feel good.
Love this guitar, not so this color though. Thanks Phil
Hi Phil, thanks for the review. Definitely looks like a high quality piece of kit and great value at that price. I think Yamaha guitars sometimes don't get the praise they deserve. They might not have the "cool" factor of a Fender or a Gibson, but they definitely know how to make good instruments. Out of interest, is the video sponsored or anything or is it just your affiliate links that you get a return on? I don't mean to ask to be critical and I'm sure it was all your honest opinion regardless, but would still be helpful to know. Thanks!
What do you think about the lower model? Also worth the hype?
Hi Phillip, i'm very impressed by your playing! In which band are you playing? Greatings from Hamburg.
Great video man, thanks
How does it compare to a vintage Yamaha sg?
Yamaha killing it once again
You say they round off the end of the fret’s, specially(sic) the stainless steel fret. Which fret is stainless steel, and why is only one fret stainless steel?
Hey Philip, just a question. Is noise 60HZ hum a problem here? Should I consider Dimarzio noiseless P90’s for live performances?
Measuring the DC resistance of pickups and of the transformer secondary is pointless. You cannot conclude anything such as "output" or "gain" without knowing the other design parameters. As the "focus" name indicates, Yamaha added this as a tone shaping feature.
Would you rate this Standard quality/ playability wise above a PRS custom 24 or...? Thanks
Thanks!
Hi Dan, Your Welcome
Everithing is IK, but the shape is Ogly.
the Graptehch nut wears quite quick, and theres no exact direct replacement, Grapthtech makes its nuts oversized, so youll have to learn nutwork! ( which is a PAIN in the behind!) or pay aluthier..., I ONCE managed to file a nut right, the neck alittle warped and I had an extra nut, so I thought: nuthin to lose, it wasnt a Graphtech nut thou, they are quite soft material!
( funny to put stainless frets that last forever and a nut that waers fast in a same guitar,)
Im back to my 5 Yamaha Pacifica 112Vs,
cheers, K🥍
Yeah but does it add up some noise? I tried it on a Tyler and it was too much hum.
YOOO NEW VIDEO!!! 👊👊👊👊
I like that Yamaha makes this body shape and head stock style in a world of Les Paul's and strat copies. It's Unique but not over the top and the paint job is super cool.
I only wish they had a real maple top (not cap) and carved. I think it would look great. This shape is IMO better than the the SG-xxxx (currently SG-1800, I guess).
I wish more companies would make designs like this
Its an SG.
@@johnwest6083 it's more of a doublecut les paul, really.
@@JeanMarceaux reverend guitars
I like Yamaha as a company. Pianos to motor bikes. Everything they make is high quality.
I like to play my Yamaha Pacifica wirelessly while mowing my lawn on my Yamaha riding mower.
i have a xj550 maxim 4 cylinder sure is is 1/4th the size of a harley but a harley cannot keep up with it and costs 20x more and cannot go offroad as well
I have an 18 year old EG112. Stripped it of all the hardware and electronics (which is where the cost savings happened), and I was left with an amazing body and neck. Loaded it up with Fender CS pickups, Callaham bridge, Graphtech tuners, and now it's an amazing guitar. Even their cheapest stuff is still made with as much care as possible.
But a piano with a kick starter?!...just saying! 😂
@@gregmiller7123 Well... pianos do have pedals, so... close enough.
With a transformer turns ratio of 1:2, that will indeed double the voltage driving the amp, which is also 6 dB. However, that comes at a price. The load impedance seen by the guitar pickups decreases 4-fold. If the amplifier has a 1 Meg input impedance, that now looks like 250k which will dampen the resonance of the pickups. Further, the cable capacitance will be multiplied by 4. For example, a 10 foot cable with 300 pF of capacitance will look like 1200 pF to the pickups with the boost on. Both of these factors will darken the tone by suppressing high frequencies.
Shouldn't the parasitic capacitance become 75pF instead of 1200pF?
@@lonerjuan Impedance seen by the pickups goes down by the turns ratio squared, or factor of 4. Impedance of the capacitor is calculated as inverse in frequency and capacitance -- 1/(2pi*f*C). Therefore the equivalent capacitance is multiplied by 4.
Correct!!! And that’s why I wouldn’t spend money on this thing. A great looking guitar cosmetically but sounds dull
@@sahanulgen7214 That must be why so many people love this thing, because it sounds dull -_-
...but this goes to 11.
I' started playing Yamaha Pacifica's over 35 years ago and have never stopped. Yamaha simply makes some of best player friendly instruments on the planet. Lots of bang for your buck.
Do they have any good 24 fret models with a Floyd system?
@@MainPrism not on the new Pacificas. The new ones use Wilkinson trems with locking tuners. Several models from the late 80's and 90's offered Floyd's though.
@@msh6865 Awesome, thank you. I frequent Reverb so I'll keep my eyes peeled. Maybe I can snag up a good deal on a older model.
Same! Got a Pacifica in ‘92 as a graduation present. I believe they were $150 back then and it blows away almost every $3000 guitar I’ve tried. Such a great guitar.
@byron schuetz
The Yamaha RGX 721 DG had a floyd and 24 frets. It was made around 1997
I've been watching you for about five years and I've never seen you this happy with a guitar. You smiled through the whole video . I'm with Dan, I think I've gotta have one!! Great video as always!!
The attention to detail in this review is outstanding, and the guitar is too. Thanks Phil. Thanks Yamaha.
Fender needs to take note. We need stainless steel frets on the player series!
I admit that stainless Steel frets are the future, But sone vintage men like older frets. Maybe the best solution is made two ways: modern series with stainless frets for you and vintage series with traditional médium frets for me.👍
Yamaha made fantastic guitars.
@@noecuesta7888 that would be fine with me. I want are options
Phil,
I'm hoping you can take a look at the P90 version as well. Thanks so much!
I hope Yamaha comes up with something this exciting for us bass players! a chambered BB with stainless steel frets would be killer
I own a chambered BB with Quilted maple caps back and front, but it is a custom bass.
Will you add a transformer to a guitar in a future Sharpen my Axe?
You don’t normally see Phil smile when playing while doing a demo. So even with the rigorous overview and checks he did on this guitar, that rare smile tells us all we need to know. Also I’ve never heard him stop to say “that’s fricken awesome” in the middle of playing. At the end he said he doesn’t like to rave but he did actually let that slip a bit. 🤣 The sheer quality and intelligent innovation that went into this guitar 🎸 is definitely worth the low price of $799.00 for admission. These things are on back order everywhere you look for a damn good reason. As soon as I see a new one available, I’ll jump on this in a heartbeat!
My favourite guitar review channel by far - so trustworthy that I bought this guitar, albeit in the black finish. You're doing a terrific job, Mr McKnight.
Isn't the transformer just a step-up transformer, a passive device that doesn't require any power from amplifier? Those kind of step-up transformers were (and maybe still are) being used for MC cartridges for turntables. I tested similar stuff using step-up transformers, not a lot but just a 1:2 boost, and it worked great.
That's a real possibility. The voltage could be increased, but current would be correspondingly decreased. Is there a chance the result would have some trouble driving some input stages (either amp or pedal)?
Yeah thats all it seems to be. Its the pickups that are creating the voltage, not the amp.
@@allanflippin2453 maybe using this trick right into an old style fuzz pedal would not sound great, as this kind of vintage circuits do not have high input impedance. But that's a matter of taste, some people like this kind of "dying amp" peculiar sound.
Just played the $2K Japan model last week. It was truly outstanding. Can't say enough good things about it, but I won't get into all the creamy adjectives. Seek one out and buy it. Nuff said.
Great review. How about comparing the HB vs the P90.
Killer guitar, I wish they hadn't made it so large though.
The Revstars were already borderline big for us more modest sized guys lol, but they made it even bigger.
Well, at last you can play a Les Paul without it looking like a mandolin, I'm 6'4" and it's a problem...
@@nickfit3 im 6 4 and play a hofner bass copy just to see the looks people give me lol
I bought my SA 2000 years back. It is an awesome instrument. Yamaha make wonderful instruments with quality woods, components and construction.
The energy and enthusiasm that you put into this video certainly tells us that this guitar is a very well-crafted instrument. Thank you, Phill.
And that it was sponsored by Yamaha
Great review, I love how your enthusiasm shines throughout the video. You’re so obviously happy to share a great new experience!
Obviously Yamaha have hit it out of the park with these. Must say I am partial to the green one, although I wish they would have offered it with P90s …
Question: Is the revstar pro worth double the price of the standard? -I want to give one away to someone who I believe will benefit greatly from a great guitar, price is not really a problem. But i dont feel like paying for "looks" etc. How it feels, plays and how it sound is key. Any guidance would be appreciated;)
Wow....
Your face said it all. And I agree. Wow...
Great video, love that you couldn't hide how much you enjoyed that.
Those inlays are really awesome, kinda reminds me of the inlays that schecter are using on their omen elite range but less "metal".
Good review. Thank you for NOT doing all the O/Drive madness that so many reviewers do, thus, we never get to hear how the Guitar basic sounds really are. Now I know how that model Revstar actually sounds, Excellent! Think I'll buy one.
As a left handed guitarist I'm really thinking about this guitar, sounds awesome and it's well build. I love the push pull trick with that transformer. Thanks a lot for this video!
Don’t be to sure about that. Pretty much every music store website you go to these things are out of stock and are in back order. That should tell you quite a bit.
Did you get one ? If so,How you like it ?
Great review! I love the “geeky stuff” you throw in. I can’t recall any other reviewers going into the detail you do. Oh yeah, I love the sound and look of this guitar. I’ve never thought “hey, I gotta have that Yamaha guitar” until now…
What a review Philip, subscribed 👍 Yamaha delivers again. One step closer to buy a Revstar, please review and demo the P90 version too ✨
I bought this model and finish, it's brilliant.
not a fan of the body style.... but the guitar sounds amazing.
Phil thanks for this review!I have wanted you to do this one because I trust your opinion above all others.Thanks for the knowledge!!
Thank you Michael
I have several acoustic /electric Yamahas and they sound as good as my Martin and Taylor guitars… I really want a Revstar ❤️ they look and sound amazing! Love your channel you ROCK Phil❤️🤘😉
I have a Revstar RS420 and love it. It needed a good setup and once that was done it’s all I can do to give my other guitars some love. I also have a Pacifica and think Yamaha is making some excellent guitars. These new models have me planning a new purchase this year. I’m just torn between the version in your review and the P90 version to get something different.
Is this standard??
I was in guitar center a few weeks ago... I played an old used Pacifica and it was THE best playing guitar in the entire store...so there’s that!!!!
Love your videos, but have to comment on the transformer. If there's any significant voltage coming out of your amplifier input, there's a problem with your amplifier. This transformer couldn't use any dc leaking from the first stage bias even if it was present. From the picture it appears to be a simple passive audio transformer that can be switched in to ratio up the output voltage of the guitar.
Correct.
yeah I am assuming he misspoke on that, else, time to unsub.
Yeah, I think it was a mis-speak.
Wonder how much weight that transformer is adding as well.
this thing has so much range, its like 5 guitars in 1
For all people who are not intellectual got stuck in the 1820s 8.3 lbs are 3.76 kg. ;-)
In the US they use a lot of those imperial units. I know it is dumb af, but in the US they don't know metric.
Man, Yamaha just flies under the radar, but this thing is amazing. I have a pair of Yamaha acoustics and can confirm the quality to dollar ratio is beyond compare.
That is one amazing guitar. And I don’t think I have missed one of your reviews and I cannot ever remember you being so pleased with a new product. You almost looked surprised! Lol I have a midrange Pacifica and it’s a fabulous instrument. This is on my radar now. Very nice review and that amp trick is bonkers. Never seen a step up transformer in a guitar before. Magic!
Finally got mine today. I got the flash green version. Amazing look and the spec and build quality is amazing. Especially for the price !!
When did u order it? I'm still waiting.
@@ellesnyder942 I didn’t. They had 1 in stock at Andertons
Just in time! Thanks Phil! My Birthday is next Monday and I'm giving myself a new guitar!! LOL At first, I was excited about the new Gibson "Ted" guitar. Looked interesting and John Bohlinger gave it a good review. But as usual, Gibson made a $1000 guitar and priced it at $5000!! So they are out, again!! I really liked the Revstar with the P90's, I don't have a guitar with P90's and I've wanted one for awhile! After your sage review on the quality, that's what I'm buying!! Thanks much!!! 8) Gary
Birthday twins!!! Hope it's great, make lots of music 🙂
@@TheBigtrev1234 3/28 also? That's cool! Happy b-day also!! I'll be playing at my own party, I have too many guitars already. Severe GAS for years! LOL The mid-level Revstar's are not available yet. One place said the P90 version would not be in till September 2022!! Wow, bummer!! Have a good one!! 8) --gary
@@mr.smithgnrsmith7808 It reminded me of the 'Moderne', being that strange shape. Maybe why they only made 318 of them! Makes you wonder what Ted was thinking? LOL --gary
Love everything about it but the goofy electronics. I would never use that. Just give me a three way switch.
Yamaha's always been a great bang for the buck. From the Pacificas with confusing names, to the SG's and now the Revstar... Dammit, now I want one of those.
I played one today in a shop. It was absolutely superb. Maybe the best set-up electric guitar I've ever tried. The neck, fingerboard, fretting, intonation and playability were utter perfection. I didn't know about the 'boost' function, so never tried that.
The only bit I didn't like all that much, was the position of the jack socket, which was a bit clunky when trying to adjust things, and altering one's playing position [I usually play, seated]. I always prefer front mounted sockets, like a 335, or especially, a Strat.
Altogether, an exceptionally well built and great sounding and playing guitar.
I tried out a sweet looking white Gibson SG years ago(2k$) at guitar center and I could barely get it in tune and the fret ends were so sharp I literally had little cuts on my hand. It was incredibly disappointing. Instead I got an ltd EC-1000 mate black gold hardware (you know the one) it's a super great guitar the only thing I didn't like was that the neck/body was out of balance (neck dropped when hands off standing up w/ strap on) but that's like nothing to me.
Hi Phil, Im really seriously going to buy this guitar. Im surprised you didnt get the one with P-90's. Such a hard choice. What do you think ? I went into Guitar Center to play onewith P-90's and he told me they dont sell them in the store and i asked why and he walked away and said we sell them on line but this attitude with these workers is pretty much everytime i go in so they lost a customer. Great show Phil. Peace.