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)
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.
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'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!!
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.
Bought a P90 version of this guitar in Merlot after watching this video -- took it home and played it for hours, and when I went to bed I took it and played it in bed unplugged. Then I went and got my pocket amp and played it through the pocket amp -- seriously love the sound and feel of this guitar. Fantastic build quality, the most I've done to it since owning it is lower the bridge by *maybe* a half a millimeter to get it to my preferred action, but that was it.
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 looking at these for a minute now. The dark green one with racing stripes was calling my name a few years ago. But these new models now are screaming my name! Going to have to go get my hands on one and play it.
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.
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.
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.
My friend just picked one of these up a few weeks ago-he got the one with P90’s. Definitely one of the most impressive playing and sounding guitars I’ve experienced in a long time. And then you find out the price, and you’re left in disbelief. One comment I have is that I feel the boost circuit works better on the P90 models than the humbuckers. With the P90’s, you get closer to Strat/Tele tones (more clarity than Tele, but more body than a Strat), but when you engage the passive boost, the guitar steps toward PAF territory-really starts to sound like a humbucker, which is just ridiculous. A guitar with stainless steel frets, perfect neck, and a ridiculous amount of tonal variety-useful in all positions and settings-for this price simply should not exist. Yet it does, and it’s called the Yamaha Revstar. Also: your reviews are masterclass level. Thank you SO MUCH for providing such incredible analysis and detail in your reviews… I have never seen another reviewer go this in-depth, and it is so generous of you to share from your high level of expertise.🙏🏼 Thanks, Mr. McKnight!
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.
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.
Phillip, I've watched a ton of the Revstar reviews and this is the standout, best, most informative great playing too. Easy to understand the features, detailed specs. string hgt. etc. output and more. I'd like to see the P-90 version get the same look. Matteo Mancuso and Chris buck to name two great Revstar players.
Great review Phillip, this one is on my list, this and the Larry Carlton with P90's .. Had a great Yamaha motorcycle well built, and some good classic guitars . . Have a great day sir. greatings from Belgium.
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.
Yamaha have always made great guitars. I have an 18 year old EG112, which is so bog cheap you can't even find much information on it. They skimped on the electronics and hardware, but the wood on it is solid. Stripped it of everything, added custom, high quality electronics and hardware, and now it's an amazing guitar. Hopefully the new Revstar will introduce more people to Yamaha.
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.
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 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 …
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
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❤️🤘😉
Superb review, Phillip. Sincere thanks. Your review clearly explained and confirmed what other awesome, tenured guitarists have praised about the 2G Revstar HH here on RUclips. I specifically appreciate your assessment of the 2G Revstar HH because I now understand how the circuitry affects the instrument's interaction with the amp. You can only imagine how excited I am about the passive boost in this guitar. I'm in. And, I'm going shopping! 😊🎉
phil you look familiar i know you live in my city cause friends of mine used to go to your shop. did you ever go in music brokers on central around 2001 - 2013 thats when i was there. I hired matt martinez and then shortly left and went full go on my pedals and amp repair from home. Im blessed to still be making my living selling mostly fuzz pedals by word of mouth. I spend alot of time watching your videos while im at my bench. Love the videos keep up the awesome job
I just bought a Yamaha acoustic and thoroughly impressed by the quality and sound. Never thought I would be saying that about Yamaha when comparing to the big acoustic names.
I've had one of these for just over a month. For my taste, the best designed guitar I've ever played in 34 years as a guitarist. Fills the gap I've had since selling my LP custom. (And I got lucky too: bought the burst finish and, randomly, it's got some nice subtle flame in the top, which isn't an advertised option in the new lineup.) Only disappointment is that it hasn't turned me into Matteo Mancuso yet!
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!
I have had the P90 version for a couple of weeks now and have to say it is the most exciting guitar I have had for many years and I've had a lot! My main guitars are Teles but this Revstar could well become my main gigging guitar! Highly recommended!!
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!
Yamaha is a great company and everything they make is high quality. I own 10 yamaha basses vintage and modern and I drive a Volvo with a Yamaha developed V8.
Every word said is right.... I just bought it, paired it with a memory man deluxe for the analog delay sound I wanted to add to make it suited to my taste, it is pure honey, with infite possibilties with creating tones as it suits your need.
I just received this guitar (March, 2023) in flash green. It's a very nice guitar. It has an excellent sound and neck feel. The second position with the focus switch engaged is a sound I've been looking for for a long time. That being said, the fretwork on mine is nowhere near as nice as the one in this video. Compared to my other stainless steel fretted guitars, these feel gritty, and several ends are sharp, especially in the lower frets. They're playable, but I think these early demo guitars had a little more hands-on time than the current run.
Just saw the ad today for this guitar and they offer this guitar left handed. I’m definitely buying soon in Blue . The mid-range model LH. Thank you for the demo.
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…
Have a les paul classic (25 K) and bought the revstar. I was amazed. A very good guitar and plays and feels better than my Gibson. And under half price under!!!! One of the best guitars I've tried. Matches the Gibson Les Paul in both sound and playability.
Yamaha has absolutely nailed it with these new Revstar models. I've ordered one (Standard Vintage White) and am really looking forward to arriving this week. I might even get the Standard P90 too in Sunburst.
That is one of the best if not THE vest guitar for the money. Yamaha know what they're doing guys ..the Pacifica also. But the Revstar is awesome.. and if you step it up to the Pro...Phil...great demo ..
Yamaha has a long history of making world class quality musical instruments. Their Grand Pianos, their drums, acoustic guitars, and brass instruments have all been crafted with amazing quality. This electric guitar is no exception.
Hi Phillip, I own a previous generation Revstar RS502T with P90's and it is without doubt one of the best, most versatile guitars I have ever played and owned. The build quality and playability are superb and I highly recommend these guitars to all - try them!😎🤘👍
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.
You can get the same effect by switching the humbucking pickup coils from parallel to series. When you make the pickups higher impedance by switching the pickup coils in series, the inductance increases which causes the high frequencies to roll off. When that transformer is added to boost the voltage it also effectively makes the pickups higher impedance which causes the highs to be rolled off.
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.
I recently purchased a Yamaha solid rosewood acoustic after a TON of research and deciding they were the best bang for buck for the features I was looking for. Got one of their Japan models. Yamaha knows how to make an amazing instrument, and they do it at prices well below what others are doing for the quality. I have zero doubt that this is a fantastic guitar.
@@TheChristafershawn Haha! Same one here. Quality is astounding, and you'd have to pay double for the same features on a Taylor or Martin. I suspect the quality of the Revstar Pro will be mindblowing. You could spend all you want on whatever Gibson but you'd never get something this feature rich (they just don't make it), nor of this quality.
Yamahas tends to be a great value in everything they do. From guitars, saxes, trumpets, and synths, they are always in the conversation. I prefer shredder guitars, and will often find myself looking at Yamahas.
Last year I was researching mid price acoustics for my daughter and went with a Yamaha. Undoubtedly great bang for the buck. Sounds great, plays great, looks great. I wanted it. On top of that just bought a Yamaha YC88 keyboard. Again great bang for the buck and the build quality is excellent. That board came from Indo (I thought it might be a Japan build) like the low and mid tier Revstars. Indonesia seem to be doing some really great work on building musical instruments for several brands. And now I’m sounding like a Yamaha fan boi which may actually be true. Not intentional but they are making some really great instruments at all price points.
@@thesmellycatjazz Don't forget motorcycles and hifi stereo systems. My first proper stereo was an amazing Yamaha system, and my stepdad has a late 70s Yamaha system that's unbelievable and I'm hoping to get it. Shredder guitars huh? When I think of shredders I don't think Yamaha, but Michael Lee Firkins was a Yamaha player and he's wicked good.
I was sold when I learned it had stainless steel frets at $799- happier when I got it on sale for less. I ordered it a month ago (swift blue p90 version) and am sitting out shipping delays watching revstar reviews. Definitely enjoyed yours.
@@curtvona4891 Update: I just got a call this morning from my guitar center bff Kelsey (who ordered it from)- the latest date is now September 8th. At least they're not pushing it out a full month this time. I'd like to think it's getting closer but frankly I expect continued delays. I'll just have to be good with it'll be here when it gets here.
The transformer steps up the pickup voltage but also steps down the effective input impedance of the amp that's reflected back through it to the pickups. This drops the resonant peak frequency of the pickups as well as making them louder so you get more of a low mid emphasis rather than high mid. The early Wolf Box DI did a similar thing to the sound of basses and guitars even though it stepped down the signal because the input impedance of mic preamps is generally very low compared to the amp inputs we're used to.
It also creates supercalifragilisticexpialidocious iggily biggily gollygoops with ittly bittly pasghetti and coochie coo plus some pigglywiggly woospiedoo
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.
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
The finishing on those frets is unbelieaveble! All Yamaha guitars that I've played are excellent instruments. Even the low end models are great for the price.
Mine came with 2 bad frets tool damage on 1 and the other had small rough spots. Ive seen a few reviews complaining about frets. I sent it back gonna give em 1 more try new one comes Friday.
Great review. Great guitar for the price. I really appreciate you telling us it's made in Indonesia less than a minute in. It's important information that is not clearly mentioned when you buy it (at least on the Yamaha and main dealers websites).
When you say just freaking awesome, that's the guitar I want and real soon in flash green. Hey Phil have you heard that Yamaha is having a hard time keeping these guitars coming out of the gate because their selling so fast? Great video and seller, my man Phil!
Every informative video . Since I've been tinkering with inexpensive guitars one of the best bang for the buck to any manufacturer. Their higher tear guitars are among the best.. My opinion the only thing needed from yahama is a custom shop in the u s for the cork sniffers of guitars
I do not need another guitar. However, I don't have anything with P90s, and this Yamaha just keeps jumping up in my face. Great review Phil! Thanks for diggin' into it.
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.
The transformer reminds me of the Epiphone Jack Cassidy bass, I've been wondering for a long time why nobody had put one in a guitar, but here we are :) This is the kind of innovation I like to see. More companies shouldn't be afraid to make passive guitar circuit changes. Very glad you reviewed this one Phil! I always trust KYG reviews since they are always geared towards viewers/consumers rather than reciting the same kind of bullet points the brand seems to want to push in their marketing campaign. I've seen so many positive reviews on YT of this guitar which I take with a grain of salt, but when I see KYG has a positive review, I know it's credible. Keep up the good work Phil.
Great review as always. My decision signal chain is Chris Buck - Sweetwater Demo - Phil. I immediately ordered one of these and they are on back order for probably a couple months.
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.
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.
I owned a Framus 1973 Jan Akkerman bass. That bass had the same boost. It will however (noticeably) steal low end. For lead I think it will be great. 6db boost on stage is exactly right for playing lead.
Once you get past the cheap student models (which as a teacher for over 20 years are still far better than a lot of other brands) Yamaha makes some truly incredible instruments. The build, fit, finish, and sound surpasses numerous other manufacturers in the same price point. There is of course the stigma of having that badging on the headstock. However I enjoy having gear snobs at shows ask," How did you get that to sound so good?", and my response is "A. By taking the time to learn to play well and B. I didn't do a damn thing to the guitar". The look on their faces (especially those of means) is far more than what they could ever dream of making! Great channel! Been subscribed for years. You rock Phil!!
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
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 !
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.
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 bought this model and finish, it's brilliant.
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!!
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 bought my SA 2000 years back. It is an awesome instrument. Yamaha make wonderful instruments with quality woods, components and construction.
Bought a P90 version of this guitar in Merlot after watching this video -- took it home and played it for hours, and when I went to bed I took it and played it in bed unplugged. Then I went and got my pocket amp and played it through the pocket amp -- seriously love the sound and feel of this guitar. Fantastic build quality, the most I've done to it since owning it is lower the bridge by *maybe* a half a millimeter to get it to my preferred action, but that was it.
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 looking at these for a minute now. The dark green one with racing stripes was calling my name a few years ago. But these new models now are screaming my name! Going to have to go get my hands on one and play it.
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.
The attention to detail in this review is outstanding, and the guitar is too. Thanks Phil. Thanks Yamaha.
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
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.
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.
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 wanted to say thanks for this review - I've bought one of these, had it a bout two weeks now, and I've never been happier with a guitar.
My friend just picked one of these up a few weeks ago-he got the one with P90’s. Definitely one of the most impressive playing and sounding guitars I’ve experienced in a long time. And then you find out the price, and you’re left in disbelief.
One comment I have is that I feel the boost circuit works better on the P90 models than the humbuckers. With the P90’s, you get closer to Strat/Tele tones (more clarity than Tele, but more body than a Strat), but when you engage the passive boost, the guitar steps toward PAF territory-really starts to sound like a humbucker, which is just ridiculous.
A guitar with stainless steel frets, perfect neck, and a ridiculous amount of tonal variety-useful in all positions and settings-for this price simply should not exist.
Yet it does, and it’s called the Yamaha Revstar.
Also: your reviews are masterclass level. Thank you SO MUCH for providing such incredible analysis and detail in your reviews… I have never seen another reviewer go this in-depth, and it is so generous of you to share from your high level of expertise.🙏🏼
Thanks, Mr. McKnight!
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.
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.
Phillip, I've watched a ton of the Revstar reviews and this is the standout, best, most informative great playing too. Easy to understand the features, detailed specs. string hgt. etc. output and more. I'd like to see the P-90 version get the same look. Matteo Mancuso and Chris buck to name two great Revstar players.
I could tell you really enjoyed yourself with this guitar and now it's my turn.
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
Great review Phillip, this one is on my list, this and the Larry Carlton with P90's .. Had a great Yamaha motorcycle well built, and some good classic guitars . . Have a great day sir. greatings from Belgium.
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.
Yamaha have always made great guitars. I have an 18 year old EG112, which is so bog cheap you can't even find much information on it. They skimped on the electronics and hardware, but the wood on it is solid. Stripped it of everything, added custom, high quality electronics and hardware, and now it's an amazing guitar. Hopefully the new Revstar will introduce more people to Yamaha.
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.
Yes! Revstar review! Thanks, Phil. I've been waiting for this 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 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 …
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
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❤️🤘😉
Wow....
Your face said it all. And I agree. Wow...
Great video, love that you couldn't hide how much you enjoyed that.
Bought this exact variant in red recently. I cannot keep it down I just love this guitar
Superb review, Phillip. Sincere thanks. Your review clearly explained and confirmed what other awesome, tenured guitarists have praised about the 2G Revstar HH here on RUclips. I specifically appreciate your assessment of the 2G Revstar HH because I now understand how the circuitry affects the instrument's interaction with the amp. You can only imagine how excited I am about the passive boost in this guitar. I'm in. And, I'm going shopping! 😊🎉
This guitar sounds like it can be used for about any sound, Ryan (60 Cycle Hum) even did convincing surf licks on it. Love it.
Thank you for such a thoughtful and informative review, I learned a lot and can't wait until next Sunday when my revstar is supposed to arrive.
phil you look familiar i know you live in my city cause friends of mine used to go to your shop. did you ever go in music brokers on central around 2001 - 2013 thats when i was there. I hired matt martinez and then shortly left and went full go on my pedals and amp repair from home. Im blessed to still be making my living selling mostly fuzz pedals by word of mouth. I spend alot of time watching your videos while im at my bench. Love the videos keep up the awesome job
I just bought a Yamaha acoustic and thoroughly impressed by the quality and sound. Never thought I would be saying that about Yamaha when comparing to the big acoustic names.
Yamaha acoustic guitars are some of the best.
I've had one of these for just over a month. For my taste, the best designed guitar I've ever played in 34 years as a guitarist. Fills the gap I've had since selling my LP custom. (And I got lucky too: bought the burst finish and, randomly, it's got some nice subtle flame in the top, which isn't an advertised option in the new lineup.) Only disappointment is that it hasn't turned me into Matteo Mancuso yet!
You Rock Phil!!!
Thank you Bradley
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!
I have had the P90 version for a couple of weeks now and have to say it is the most exciting guitar I have had for many years and I've had a lot! My main guitars are Teles but this Revstar could well become my main gigging guitar! Highly recommended!!
Does the push-pull on the P90 version do the same thing as the one on the humbucker version?
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!
Yamaha is a great company and everything they make is high quality. I own 10 yamaha basses vintage and modern and I drive a Volvo with a Yamaha developed V8.
I've been wanting a revstar for a while now. I'm really glad I waited , I just ordered the pro. 🎸🤟🍻
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!!!!
Every word said is right.... I just bought it, paired it with a memory man deluxe for the analog delay sound I wanted to add to make it suited to my taste, it is pure honey, with infite possibilties with creating tones as it suits your need.
I just received this guitar (March, 2023) in flash green. It's a very nice guitar. It has an excellent sound and neck feel. The second position with the focus switch engaged is a sound I've been looking for for a long time. That being said, the fretwork on mine is nowhere near as nice as the one in this video. Compared to my other stainless steel fretted guitars, these feel gritty, and several ends are sharp, especially in the lower frets. They're playable, but I think these early demo guitars had a little more hands-on time than the current run.
These are so great went I bought the P90 version too. The P90 Revstar is phenominal.
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.
Just saw the ad today for this guitar and they offer this guitar left handed. I’m definitely buying soon in Blue .
The mid-range model LH. Thank you for the demo.
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.
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…
Have a les paul classic (25 K) and bought the revstar. I was amazed. A very good guitar and plays and feels better than my Gibson. And under half price under!!!! One of the best guitars I've tried. Matches the Gibson Les Paul in both sound and playability.
Yamaha has absolutely nailed it with these new Revstar models. I've ordered one (Standard Vintage White) and am really looking forward to arriving this week. I might even get the Standard P90 too in Sunburst.
Excellent color choice.
That is one of the best if not THE vest guitar for the money. Yamaha know what they're doing guys ..the Pacifica also. But the Revstar is awesome.. and if you step it up to the Pro...Phil...great demo ..
When Phil looks like he's having a blast you just know it's good. Awesome guitar and great review Phil, thanks for the great content.
Oh man. Finally something new and exciting for electronics! I thought we may have been out of new ideas.
Sooo….now I need one.
Best guitar value around for sure
Yamaha has a long history of making world class quality musical instruments. Their Grand Pianos, their drums, acoustic guitars, and brass instruments have all been crafted with amazing quality. This electric guitar is no exception.
Love the Mr. Big riff at 15:30! What a pretty and classy looking guitar.
Hi Phillip, I own a previous generation Revstar RS502T with P90's and it is without doubt one of the best, most versatile guitars I have ever played and owned. The build quality and playability are superb and I highly recommend these guitars to all - try them!😎🤘👍
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
You can get the same effect by switching the humbucking pickup coils from parallel to series. When you make the pickups higher impedance by switching the pickup coils in series, the inductance increases which causes the high frequencies to roll off. When that transformer is added to boost the voltage it also effectively makes the pickups higher impedance which causes the highs to be rolled off.
Those inlays are really awesome, kinda reminds me of the inlays that schecter are using on their omen elite range but less "metal".
Hey Phil, was excited to hear about the guitar you were excited about in your live stream…. This did not disappoint!! Thanks for your review!
Phil,
I'm hoping you can take a look at the P90 version as well. Thanks so much!
13:00 The song from Naked Raygun, Vanilla Blue…. I couldn’t figure it out at first. Do you know that song, or was it coincidence?
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.
Nice soundin guitar. Gonna have to get one. Just keep it like is. Just gig with it
I recently purchased a Yamaha solid rosewood acoustic after a TON of research and deciding they were the best bang for buck for the features I was looking for. Got one of their Japan models. Yamaha knows how to make an amazing instrument, and they do it at prices well below what others are doing for the quality. I have zero doubt that this is a fantastic guitar.
Me too.... I did the AC5R....very nice. I will be getting one of these as well most likely. Enjoy the guitar.
@@TheChristafershawn Haha! Same one here. Quality is astounding, and you'd have to pay double for the same features on a Taylor or Martin. I suspect the quality of the Revstar Pro will be mindblowing. You could spend all you want on whatever Gibson but you'd never get something this feature rich (they just don't make it), nor of this quality.
Yamahas tends to be a great value in everything they do. From guitars, saxes, trumpets, and synths, they are always in the conversation. I prefer shredder guitars, and will often find myself looking at Yamahas.
Last year I was researching mid price acoustics for my daughter and went with a Yamaha. Undoubtedly great bang for the buck. Sounds great, plays great, looks great. I wanted it. On top of that just bought a Yamaha YC88 keyboard. Again great bang for the buck and the build quality is excellent. That board came from Indo (I thought it might be a Japan build) like the low and mid tier Revstars. Indonesia seem to be doing some really great work on building musical instruments for several brands. And now I’m sounding like a Yamaha fan boi which may actually be true. Not intentional but they are making some really great instruments at all price points.
@@thesmellycatjazz Don't forget motorcycles and hifi stereo systems. My first proper stereo was an amazing Yamaha system, and my stepdad has a late 70s Yamaha system that's unbelievable and I'm hoping to get it.
Shredder guitars huh? When I think of shredders I don't think Yamaha, but Michael Lee Firkins was a Yamaha player and he's wicked good.
I was sold when I learned it had stainless steel frets at $799- happier when I got it on sale for less. I ordered it a month ago (swift blue p90 version) and am sitting out shipping delays watching revstar reviews. Definitely enjoyed yours.
Did you receive it yet? I just ordered the blue P-90.
@@curtvona4891 nope. Latest expected shipping date is August 23rd, but not holding my breath.
@@ellesnyder942 Thanks for your response. I ordered mine this morning, and was told I might not see it until early next year. 🤔
@@curtvona4891 Update: I just got a call this morning from my guitar center bff Kelsey (who ordered it from)- the latest date is now September 8th. At least they're not pushing it out a full month this time. I'd like to think it's getting closer but frankly I expect continued delays. I'll just have to be good with it'll be here when it gets here.
@@ellesnyder942 Best of luck. I hope you receive it on the given date. 🙏
Phil that is a fantastic review. Thanks for this.
The transformer steps up the pickup voltage but also steps down the effective input impedance of the amp that's reflected back through it to the pickups. This drops the resonant peak frequency of the pickups as well as making them louder so you get more of a low mid emphasis rather than high mid. The early Wolf Box DI did a similar thing to the sound of basses and guitars even though it stepped down the signal because the input impedance of mic preamps is generally very low compared to the amp inputs we're used to.
It also creates supercalifragilisticexpialidocious iggily biggily gollygoops with ittly bittly pasghetti and coochie coo plus some pigglywiggly woospiedoo
@@maspesasmasperras5554 a good point well made
@@maspesasmasperras5554 That's a lot of woopie for just one man
Love my Revstar. Incredibly versatile, but unique sounding and plays like a dream.
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!
I own a yamaha aes model,but revstar are gorgeous just out of my price range, my mate has one,I always pick.it up,very nice
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
The finishing on those frets is unbelieaveble! All Yamaha guitars that I've played are excellent instruments. Even the low end models are great for the price.
Mine came with 2 bad frets tool damage on 1 and the other had small rough spots. Ive seen a few reviews complaining about frets. I sent it back gonna give em 1 more try new one comes Friday.
Thanks for the tasteful playing that lets us hear the actual instrument 🎸
Thanks Phil! I'm learning" slowly but you do"... explain in terms I can understand!!
Great review. Great guitar for the price. I really appreciate you telling us it's made in Indonesia less than a minute in. It's important information that is not clearly mentioned when you buy it (at least on the Yamaha and main dealers websites).
Great video. I've been wanting to find out more about these Yamaha guitars. Thanks to this I'm leaning towards buying one 🎸👍
When you say just freaking awesome, that's the guitar I want and real soon in flash green. Hey Phil have you heard that Yamaha is having a hard time keeping these guitars coming out of the gate because their selling so fast? Great video and seller, my man Phil!
Every informative video . Since I've been tinkering with inexpensive guitars one of the best bang for the buck to any manufacturer. Their higher tear guitars are among the best.. My opinion the only thing needed from yahama is a custom shop in the u s for the cork sniffers of guitars
I do not need another guitar. However, I don't have anything with P90s, and this Yamaha just keeps jumping up in my face. Great review Phil! Thanks for diggin' into it.
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.
Thanks!
No problem!
The transformer reminds me of the Epiphone Jack Cassidy bass, I've been wondering for a long time why nobody had put one in a guitar, but here we are :) This is the kind of innovation I like to see. More companies shouldn't be afraid to make passive guitar circuit changes.
Very glad you reviewed this one Phil! I always trust KYG reviews since they are always geared towards viewers/consumers rather than reciting the same kind of bullet points the brand seems to want to push in their marketing campaign. I've seen so many positive reviews on YT of this guitar which I take with a grain of salt, but when I see KYG has a positive review, I know it's credible. Keep up the good work Phil.
Great review as always. My decision signal chain is Chris Buck - Sweetwater Demo - Phil. I immediately ordered one of these and they are on back order for probably a couple months.
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.
Excellent demo. Really brings out the distinctive quality of these instruments.
Finally tried this guitar today. I was blown away with the quality. It sounds and feels amazing.👌
I had one of the first models with P90. Superb guitars. Didn't quite Gell feel wisest the newer ones mean I could have another look.
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.
I owned a Framus 1973 Jan Akkerman bass. That bass had the same boost. It will however (noticeably) steal low end.
For lead I think it will be great. 6db boost on stage is exactly right for playing lead.
Once you get past the cheap student models (which as a teacher for over 20 years are still far better than a lot of other brands) Yamaha makes some truly incredible instruments. The build, fit, finish, and sound surpasses numerous other manufacturers in the same price point.
There is of course the stigma of having that badging on the headstock. However I enjoy having gear snobs at shows ask," How did you get that to sound so good?", and my response is "A. By taking the time to learn to play well and B. I didn't do a damn thing to the guitar". The look on their faces (especially those of means) is far more than what they could ever dream of making!
Great channel! Been subscribed for years. You rock Phil!!