This is my concise review, if you’re lookin’ for my in-depth review you can find it here.

The Yamaha Revstar RSS20 Standard in Sunset Burst is a striking guitar that stands out for its blend of vintage style and modern features. This review reflects my personal experience with this instrument after three months of use, highlighting its looks, playability, and overall performance.

A Vintage Look with Modern Flair

The Revstar RSS20 Standard is a visually captivating guitar, especially with its beautiful Sunset Burst finish. The gradient is linear, creating a distinctive sunburst effect that sets it apart from more traditional, radial bursts. The maple top’s subtle appearance complements the deep red back that adds to its overall aesthetic. The guitar maintains a premium feel thanks to the contrast between the satin-finished neck and the glossy polyurethane body. While not nitrocellulose, the finish is applied excellently, providing a solid, polished look.

The body design is inspired by Yamaha’s classic SG series, but the Revstar goes beyond a simple homage. Its chambered mahogany body, combined with a maple top, enhances resonance while reducing weight, making it more comfortable than other solid-body guitars. The chambering may not drastically alter the tone, but it adds brightness and clarity that, in my experience, makes it a lighter and more ergonomic choice compared to heavier guitars like the Les Paul.

Neck & Headstock Design

One of the standout features of the Revstar is its set-in neck, which offers improved resonance and sustain. This neck construction, combined with the comfortable “C” shape, gives the guitar a vintage vibe while ensuring effortless playability up to the higher frets. The rosewood fretboard, adorned with stainless steel jumbo frets, feels smooth and luxurious under the fingers. The fretwork is flawless, contributing to an overall high-quality feel that stands out in this price range.

The headstock design, with its 3-on-a-side tuner layout, adds a subtle nod to Yamaha’s ’60s guitars. The die-cast sealed tuners are smooth and precise, though I would have preferred locking tuners for extra stability. Still, the guitar stays in tune well, and the minimalistic headstock with the traditional tuning-forks logo adds an elegant touch.

Pickups & Electronics

The Revstar RSS20 is equipped with Yamaha’s VH5n and VH5b humbuckers, using Alnico V magnets to deliver a balanced and versatile tone. These pickups provide a rich and dynamic sound, transitioning smoothly from clear, articulate tones to high-gain distortion. The tone is warm with plenty of sustain and clarity, making the Revstar equally suitable for rhythm and lead playing. While many guitars in this range could benefit from more robust pickups, the Revstar’s humbuckers are more than sufficient, offering just the right amount of vintage warmth with a modern punch.

The electronics are where things get interesting. The Revstar features a unique 5-position switch that offers more tonal options than the usual 3-way selector. In addition to the standard neck, bridge, and combined humbucker settings, it includes phase-shifting options that expand its tonal palette. This is complemented by Yamaha’s Focus Switch, which provides a passive boost to the low and mid frequencies. Although I rarely use the Focus Switch, its presence adds versatility. It can be a useful tool if you want a tonal shift, but it might not be a go-to feature for everyone.

The Focus Switch differs from common coil-splitting features found in guitars like the PRS SE series, offering more of an EQ shift rather than altering the guitar’s natural voice. This feature may appeal to players seeking a mid-heavy tone, though I found myself not using it often.

Build Quality & Comfort

Built in Indonesia, the Revstar reflects the country’s growing reputation for producing high-quality guitars at affordable prices. The craftsmanship is impeccable, with no visible flaws upon inspection. The body’s contours are well thought out, making it comfortable to play for long sessions. The belly cut and subtle slope on the front are reminiscent of a Stratocaster but are more understated, contributing to the guitar’s ergonomic design. The lighter weight compared to heavier guitars like the Les Paul is another win for comfort, particularly for players who want a guitar they can play for hours without straining their back.

Comparing with Other Guitars

After three months, the Yamaha Revstar has firmly established itself as my go-to instrument. Its blend of playability, aesthetics, and sound makes it an excellent choice for a variety of musical genres. While the PRS SE Custom 24, with its 24 frets, coil-splitting capabilities, and tremolo bridge, offers more versatility, the Revstar brings its own unique charm. The PRS feels more flexible in tone and playing style, but the Revstar has a distinct personality that suits my mix of blues, jazz, and hard rock.

The Revstar doesn’t necessarily break new ground in terms of tone but offers a well-rounded experience. Its blend of vintage vibes and modern features makes it inspiring every time I pick it up. The pickups are versatile, the neck feels fantastic, and the overall design is both stylish and functional. For someone looking for a reliable, high-quality guitar that delivers solid performance and aesthetic appeal, the Revstar is a fantastic option.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Yamaha Revstar RSS20 Standard is a standout guitar in its price range. Its vintage-inspired looks, modern playability, and versatile sound make it a solid choice for a wide range of players. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced guitarist, this instrument’s design and craftsmanship make it a joy to play. While the Focus Switch might not be everyone’s cup of tea, the overall package is excellent, with a sound that fits a variety of genres and playing styles. If you’re looking for a guitar that combines great aesthetics, solid build quality, and impressive tone, the Revstar should definitely be on your radar.