My most expensive guitar 🎸is not my favorite! 😃😜
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- čas přidán 10. 01. 2024
- My most expensive guitar is not my favorite, even though I paid the most money for it out of all my guitars! There are some vital things I would change on this expensive guitar if I could, but it's not really worth it now. The Yamaha Revstar RSS02T is an awesome guitar and I love it, but it just didn't deliver on the promises it made of being a tone monster! I wanted to love the "Focus" Switch but NOPE!
I always try to get the most guitar for the least amount of money, so when I paid more than I usually do for a guitar and got this one, I was not totally satisfied. It doesn't suck but some of the features do!
Come with me as I explore how and why my Yamaha Revstar, the most expensive guitar I own, failed at being my Favorite!
Update: Watch this video to see how lots of viewers helped me change my mind about this guitar!!
• I WAS WRONG about the ...
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Do you know where the serial # is?😉👍
Mine is the same but in black😎👍
It's my #1 non-vibrato equipt guitar 😁
Have my tailpiece higher so the break angle is shallower over the bridge via Dan Erlewines specs😎👍
The back of mine isn't black though...?
It's dark, but it's not black...?
The boost/focus switch works with the volume knob...turn the volume control down when using focus switch.😉
The volume knob is the secret weapon of this guitar 😉
It's not every control on 10 type of instrument.
😎✌👍❤🖖
Thank you so much for this helpful information! I will try these suggestions
@@Mattguitarmania
😎👍
Anytime friend.😉👍
Any questions, I'll be happy to share what I've discovered on this extremely versatile instrument.
Actually sold a couple of different guitars because this Revstar RSS02T does what those do, but much better😉👍
Have you found the serial # yet?😁
😎✌👍❤🖖
Thank you again! I’ll have to look for the serial number when I get home. Is it on the back of the headstock? I haven’t looked for it as of yet
@@Mattguitarmania
😎👍
I have looked everywhere, without taking the guitar apart, and haven't found a "conventional" serial #...?
Let me know if you succeed...?😎
😎✌👍❤🖖
so, where is the serial number ?? Well hiden...
OK ... the focus switch. I think you are missing the point. Use it with jazz or high gain lead. While I agree that it's poorly named, it is actually a mid-boost circuit that is very slickly implemented with a transformer. By using the boost, I can create some pretty neat lead tones. but to use it while strumming is exactly the wrong way to use it in which case I agree with you.
So mine is a Japanese (professional) model, and I think about the only thing I have a problem with would be my playing. So by all means, please spend some time working with it in a lead scenario. If you are picky about your sounds, you may find something that works for you. * No strumming with the Focus Switch!! * ;-)
OK that sounds like a good idea. I will take your advice and try that out. Thank you so much!
Have you tried using the volume control with the focus switch? Do you play Jazz based music? Maybe this is your Ehhhh. In any case, I respect your opinion and wish you all the best 🙏🏻
@MauroPavanelli Thank you very much! Since making this video I’ve changed my opinion of the focus switch, thanks to folks like you who have offered good ideas and tips
You can see my newer short video here czcams.com/users/shortsg6s_EosLe58?si=NlRq2sU5Jfme4l_L
The chambered body is not primarially intended to make the Revstar lighter (probably only reduces it by a few oz at most), it's intended to make the body more resonant. Better question is if it really does that (and does it matter!)? 😊
Thank you for watching and chiming in! Since I made this video, I have been playing this guitar more and I have been realizing how good it really is. As for the chambering, I don’t know if it helps with resonance . But I do love this guitar
@@Mattguitarmania How do you still feel about its neck dive - that would be objectional to me.
@Prajnana the neck dive is not terrible and not something that would turn me away from this guitar. It’s very subtle and not as difficult to play as some others I’ve played.
I have the element version is swift blue and while it's an excellent guitar, I really am starting to absolutely detest the color. So much that I'm starting to not even wanting to take it out of the case. The red i would have preferred is only available for the Element in Europe.
I really don't understand Yamaha's thinking here. The colors across the range are actually pretty horrible. A translucent red and black would look so much better. And there's no natural finish.
I’m not sure about the blue but I really love the color of this hot Merlot model
I had that very guitar in Hot Merlot. I like it so much that I scooped up an RSE20 in Swift Blue that only weighed 7 lbs and 2 ounces. I loved it so much that I sold the RSS02T to pay for it. I love my Element.
Nice! What do you like better about the element model?
That focus switch seems to work best if you view it as a humbucker and use it with overdrive or full on distortion
I agree! Lots of people commented on this video so I decided to try out their suggestions and it changed my mind about the switch. Here’s a short video I made to explain my change of mind
I WAS WRONG about the Yamaha Revstar Focus Switch! #revstar #yamaha #guitar
czcams.com/users/shortsg6s_EosLe58?feature=share
@@Mattguitarmania Nice. I'm glad you found out that it was useful, I have the exact same model and color
Nice!
Very cool, Thankyou. I will be getting a Revstar one Day. All the Best. Cheers
Thank you so much! It’s a great guitar and totally worth it. I just don’t like that senseless focus switch
Nice video !
As for me, I bought the japanese vision, P90 also, in blue. I LOVE the focus switch with clean tones. The transformer is supposed to be the same in standard and Pro version, but is it ? Also the Pro had the "I.R.A". treatment, so who knows....better sound ?
These are great guitars, so glad you love it! I love mine too, maybe I need to learn more of how to utilize the switch.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Have you tried using the volume control with the focus switch? Do you play Jazz based music? Maybe this is your Ehhhh. In any case, I respect your opinion and wish you all the best 🙏🏻
Hi and thanks for asking! Yes I’m finally learning to use it with the volume control to get better results. Thank you for watching!
The one thing I have to dispute is the balance of the Guitar. I own the P90 model and the humbucker model, and they have zero neck dive. These guitars are perfectly balanced.
Thanks for your comment! It was very minor on my guitar, nowhere near as bad as other guitars I’ve played.
Too heavy with neck dive? I have not experienced either of these issues with my two Revstars. That being said, it is not chambered to reduce weight, those chambers are to add resonance to the body.
Thanks for watching commenting! The neck dive is not very bad, it’s very subtle.
In the several months since I posted this video I’ve had a change of mind about this Guitar, here’s my follow up video
I WAS WRONG about the Yamaha Revstar Focus Switch! #revstar #yamaha #guitar
czcams.com/users/shortsg6s_EosLe58?feature=share
You might consider putting the original revstar low-cut circuit in the tone knob. I have the original rev star 502t, and the low cut is great for taking any muddiness out of the neck and thinning the bridge (in a good way) for drive options.
Thanks for this idea!
@@Mattguitarmania I had a look for “yamaha rs 502 low cut circuit diagram” and clicked images. There are quite a few diagrams and pictures there. Time to get the soldering iron out ⚡️
@hannosolo8636 sounds like fun! I enjoy soldering
I am planning to buy a revstar so I watched lots of videos and tested the guitar in shops 3 times so far.
I think the sound of the focus switch depends on some different things...I think it's mainly for lead play, if you play clean it gives you a jazzy tone and if you use a distorted sound it thickens the sound and it starts to sing nicely especially in the neck position.
The funny thing is...the first two tests I made were with amps from the shop and it sounded somehow muddy, today I used my own Fender Super Champ XD and the muddiness was far less, it was just nice.
And somebody mentioned to use the volume knob with it which is something I haven't tested so far.
Thank you so much for the feedback! Several people have given helpful and constructive feedback which leads me to think I need to reconsider the Revstar, including the focus switch. I might need to make another video!
The volume knob in general on the P90 RSS02T is amazingly responsive in conjunction with those pickups. You can get a lot of different tones just by backing off the volume in the various positions.
@zoeherriot thanks! I appreciate the tip
Can the focus switch be modified to do something useful? I agree, sounds terrible with it turned on.
That’s a good question but I really don’t know. I remember seeing a video a few months ago where a guy gave suggestions on how to rewire it but I haven’t seen the follow up yet
They need to change that 5 way to a 3 way switch.
Thanks for your comment! Why do you think that?
I took a look at a wiring diagram and the 2 and 4 positions are a phase flipped middle position. Technically, they're both identical options making one of the two redundant. So, we're down to 4 positions in reality. Which can still be achieved with a 3 way switch and a separate 'phase swap' switch... which can be installed as a volume knob pull-pot.
Also, regarding the "focus" switch. It looks like it's a treble bleed circuit. Something like dialing the tone control down just with different low-pass curve. Thereby "focusing" on the fundamental note while blocking out harmonic overtones. Try an A-B comparison between min tone vs focus. One is bound to be a bit more murky than the other. On its own, a treble bleed can be pretty pointless. But, it's great for preventing a wash of harmonics from overwhelming tone-sensitive pedal circuits like a fuzz or vintage pitch/octave effect.
@ImnotgoingSideways thanks for this helpful information!
That’s actually a nice guitar. I enjoyed the review and your humor.
Thank you so much!
@@Mattguitarmania , you’re welcome.
In actuality, the point that you mentioned the most, is the least important, IMHO. If the guitar sounds good and is versatile with the standard settings, rhen I would just ignore the push/pull feature. Or, better yet, I would rewire to standard settings only. The other two points would make this guitar a no go for me. Weight and balance are a high priority for me, a light guitar is just home for me and, though a weightier guitar can be great, I would reach for and play a lighter guitar way more often! Finally, a neck-heavy guitar is a pain because it forces the player to support the neck while playing; it's not the worst thing in the world, but it somewhat fatigues your fretting hand more than a well balanced guitar .
Good points, thank you!
I actually like a heavy guitar. Give me the weight behind it and can help with that neck dive.
I never thought of that
@@mitchel2827 yeah, but a heavy guitar with neck dive is a double whammy! Lol..... I don't mind heavy guitars but I prefer a lighter guitar. Some say that a heavier guitar enhances sustain but so does a cranked amp with your volume knob dialed back so, I never missed the extra weight! 👍😎
Yep
I don't think I would use the "focus" feature either, but I really liked the sound of it without that feature activated. I'd like to try the guitar, but it's hard to find in stores here in Brazil.
I know what you mean, it doesn’t really focus the sound but that’s what they called it. I wish you were able to try one of these guitars because they are very nice
Absolutely agree with your review of the RSS02T. I have one and have modded it to eliminate its switching shortcomings. If you want to put the icing on the top of tone for Revstar then I recommend checking out Psionic Audio's fixing the flaws of the revstar. I have modded both my humbucker and P90 versions I own and could not be happier. I like your hot merlo color better than my sunburst, its a looker for sure!
Thanks man I really appreciate that! I remember seeing a video about modding the Pickups so I’ll have to look again and check it out. Thank you so much for watching and commenting!
Thank you for the honest review. I felt the same disappointment about that focus knob.
Thanks for watching! It’s such a great guitar otherwise, but that switch falls short.
I have the Gen 1 and 2 Revstars and they are both fantastic guitars. I never use the focus switch. The original (gen1) had what they called a dry switch that was slightly more useful, but I never used it either. But it is there if I ever feel like making the guitar sound muddy and boring.
.
Thanks for chiming in! I’ve heard lots of good things about the older models too. I love my Revstar and I think it’s a really great guitar. Just not thrilled with the focus switch.
@@Mattguitarmania the older model I have is the 502t (same appointments as the RSS02t). Same pickups.The new model has a 5 way where as the older has a 3 way. I never use 2 and 4 so that is fine The older revstar has matt metalic hardware that that is just gorgeous. I prefer it to the chrome glossy stuff on the new version.. The big difference that makes me play the new guitar more is that it has a satin neck which I prefer to the glossy lacquer on the old one. it also feels a bit slimmer which is a bonus for someone who has relatively small hands like me. But if you can get the old Revstar on the cheap, it's a really good deal
@svarfinnbogason3645 thanks for the feedback! I really like the neck your model also it plays very smoothly and I love the Satin Finish.
Thank you for watching and commenting!
The current Element versions have the Dry Switch
Thank you!
any guitar demo should be presented with a few diverse baking tracks
that Focus knob might be the perfect tool to fit the guitar into a specific mix
the perfect guitar sound in a rock trio might not fit in a B3 trio - Yamaha probably knew this, and developed an ingenious passive circuit that works for many
Good thoughts Ken, thank you!
Sounded okay to me. Perhaps tweaking the EQ a bit?
Good question! I continue trying to improve my EQ skills but as with any other subjective Experience, there’s much more I can learn from trial and error and other people. Thanks so much for watching!
I don't know why they use push pull knobs anyway. It's just a switch, only harder to use. I think if you cut a couple of inches off the top of the headstock, then it will balance. 🤔
Yeah I don’t know either
I love the headstock and the neck. Maybe the carbon fiber reinforcing rods make it a little too heavy
If you remove the focus transformer from the circuit you drop 3 oz in one simple change. If you then change the heavy metal knobs on the volume and tone with say PRS plastic hat types you will magically be under 8lbs in weight. I know you'll be removing the transformer for sure, as its unnecessary for a lot of us Revstar players.
Thank you!
I have this guitar and I agree with you but the focus knob in conjunction with some effects can work. It is not a comfortable guitar.
Thanks for that suggestion!
Hey Matt, I loved your video! I bought a used first gen Revstar 720B not long ago and loved the fit and finish so much that I just had to have a new series II. Took delivery this week (same RSS02T as yours but in black) and was considering taking it back because of the "Focus Switch"! Not Good IMO. The 720B has the opposite problem with the push pull. Instead of adding an overwhelming amount of bass as on the series II, it deletes the bass and makes the sound whimpy/thin at best! What I came to realize is that the push pull knob is never to be used on either guitar and, thereafter, what I have are 2 of the most wonderful, well built and beautiful guitars I have in my collection (a collection of 18 or so in total). When I say "beautiful", this did not come easy. It took some time for the shape to grow on me. And now, after bonding with the feel and vibe...I get it. I paid major dollars last year for an acoustic Yamaha LL26 (dollars that I will never get back). It doesn't matter. The guitar is by far the greatest acoustic guitar I have ever owned or will ever own. Much much better than my Martin and Taylor (allbeit these were both mid level priced guitars). I purchased the first Revstar because of the hype on the intronet. I purchased the second Revstar because of the hype on the intronet. I will probably end up buying the RSP02T not because of the hype on the intronet but because Yamaha is an exceptional company dedicated to making exceptional products.
Thanks for watching and for sharing your story! I love my Revstar and you are right, it’s a great guitar without the focus switch.
If you notice the pinned comment above, another guy recommended some ways to use it better with the volume switch. I’m going to try his suggestions.
Thanks again!
There's no reason to use the focus with shit if you don't like it. A friend of mine removed the focus switch transformer because he was rooting around in the electronics cavity anyway, he wanted to put in CTS potentiometers, which he does to all his guitars. To be honest, I can't hear that these modifications made any difference to the sound :)
@svarfinnbogason3645 I never thought of doing that. That may be an option
@@Mattguitarmania speech-to-text weirdness 😂😂😂
My favourite guitar is about 50 years old, the same age as me, very worn in just like me without a famous brand on the headstock.
That’s really cool! Big name labels aren’t always better. Thanks for watching!
I hate the focus switch.
I hear ya! I used to hate it but I'm learning how to make it useful, mainly for a muted/distorted sound. Thanks for watching!
The dry filter switch does even less. Maybe I'm not playing it loud enough, but it doesn't seem to do a whole lot, other than serve as a "mute," making the guitar sound duller.
If you don't like it leave the bottom knob alone. Seen much drooping necks. And the weight, under 9lbs us OK by me. Stay focused on the good things.
Thank you!
The irony... this is my cheapest guitar. And is my favourite.
Sweet!
@@Mattguitarmania It taught me a very important lesson - for all the GAS :). There are definitely diminishing returns after a certain point - and because the Revstar punches so far above it's price point, it's going to be right up there with some higher end guitars.
@zoeherriot good point! Thanks for watching and commenting
Focus is great with high gain
I agree, I finally learned this, thanks to several people commenting on this video. You can see my change of mind here
I WAS WRONG about the Yamaha Revstar Focus Switch! #revstar #yamaha #guitar
czcams.com/users/shortsg6s_EosLe58?feature=share
Well most expensive guitar I own is not my favourite guitar as well, and the people I know (musicians or acasual players but like to collect instruments) it mostly goes the same. Most of the time it's for investment. In my country, early 2000s we had great economy compare today. My brother bought his american telecaster around 2009 and around 2012 my brother bought him self a american stratocaster so I got to play with telecaster more an more. Some time passed and economy gone worse and change in my brothers music taste, I've prety much owned both guitars and I was looking for more gear for my type of musical taste. In the end we sold both guitars, around from 2015 to this day I've kept looking for Japanese made guitars. Now I have a collection of 2 1993 Squier strats and one of them is my favourite guitar yet I love every instrument I own. I have 1979 Tokai Strat, Squier Jazzmaster, Burny ES-335 Copy and newly acquired and most expensive one 1988 Epiphone Casino. I LOVE Epiphone brand, I owned Epiphone Sheretone before and Les Paul Custom they were both amazing guitars. I always loved ES body guitars and early days of my life The Beatles was very big for my music taste just like a lot of people. So I had to own a Epiphone Casino. I've paid around 2100 euros, It was in ok condition at least for me and I like not just playing it but looking at it as well. But when I gig, do live concert with my band, in the studio or even playing daily life, I can't stop playing my 1993 Squier Stratocaster. It's prety much look like 60s olympic white with rosewood neck, its's in original besides the vintage tuners. Such a great instrument for a small price. I bought nearly all these equipments and amps pedals too just selling two american fenders and I never had any regret nor my brother doing so. So people, play instruments as much as you can as many as you can. When you found the one tho, keep it. It doesn't mean an instrument is bad because it's cheap, most likely they had bad quality control. Hope you all a great day
Thank you so much for watching and sharing your story!
I’ve been considering this guitar since I want something Gibson-ish and hardtail to complement my main gigging guitar which is a strat.
I really appreciate reviews like this where you really took some time with the guitar rather than talking about something as soon as you got it.
I’m with you that the focus switch doesn’t sound particularly useful, but the way I see it is the guitar would be fine with no switch at all, so a switch I won’t use isn’t a big deal.
The weight does worry me. I’m spoiled to my strat that I barely even notice on my shoulder.
I know what you mean. This is a really great guitar, despite the focus switch. It produces enough tonal variety, and it’s very enjoyable to play.
The neck dive isn’t horrible so maybe you could try one in a store before buying.
Thank you!
WOWOWOW Fanstic Content!!!!!!!
Wow thank you very much for your encouragement!
Sometimes the more options we have, can lead to decision paralysis.
I know what you mean!
In 2007, I bought a 1971 les paul deluxe. It has been in the case since. What a crap box.
Dang man that stinks!
Oh yes? I'd be more than happy to give it a new home!
The Focus switch is a joke, the ,,off phase`` sounds on Pickup switch setting 2 and 4 are terrible, the bridge pickup is to bright. But to late to send it back. Not my favorite Guitar.
I know what you mean. Thanks for chiming in!
😂😂😂😂 WOTTA DUMB FEATURE to have on a guitar!!!!! 😝
I know! It really confuses me because this is an awesome guitar otherwise
FAILURE!
You ain’t never lied!