2022 Yamaha Revstar Element RSE20 vs Epiphone Les Paul | In-depth tone, features + specs comparison
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- čas přidán 10. 07. 2024
- Today, we’re comparing the 2022 Yamaha Revstar Element RSE20 in Neon Yellow against my 2014 Epiphone Les Paul Traditional Pro to see how close the Revstar actually gets to being a genuine LP replacement!
Revstar RSE20 at Thomann: bit.ly/RevstarElementNeonYellow
Revstar RSE20 at Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/21JNnA
This is the newer version of my Epi Les Paul: redir.love/thoprod/482445?off...
When I did my first video on the Revstar - which I love, by the way - I said it has certain similarities to the legendary Gibson singlecut design, but it’s also definitely its own thing. What we’re doing today is seeing how close the two models really are.
I chose my 2014 Epiphone Les Paul Traditional Pro for the job because (a) I own it, (b) 2022 Epiphones cost around the same as the Revstar Element (about $500/€480) and (c) it actually shares a number of specs with the Revstar. Both guitars have mahogany bodies and necks, and both necks are satin-finished, relatively chunky C shapes and feature rosewood boards and the traditional Les Paul scale length of 24.75”. The Revstar has jumbo frets and a 12” fingerboard radius, though, while the Les Paul features medium jumbo frets and a 14” radius.
The two guitars do look very different. The Revstar’s double cutaway design and fatter lower bout contrasts to the Les Paul’s timeless rounded look and flame maple top. The pickups are also different: we have Yamaha VH3s in the Revstar - and a Dry Switch, which is a high pass filter that cuts out unwanted low end tonal woof and flubbiness, and emphasizes your sparkly top end - and coil splittable Epiphone Probuckers in the Les Paul.
All that said, though, how similar - or different - do they sound, and which is the ‘better’ guitar? That’s what we’re about to find out. In this video, I play a bunch of riffs on both guitars in a wide variety of styles, from pop, country and indie to rock, punk and metal, to find out which works best for which type of playing.
Here are some links to the various playing samples and info bits:
00:00 Hello!
00:16 Intro and what we’re doing today
01:47 Revstar specs/info
04:31 Les Paul specs/info
06:14 Today’s rig and plan
Clean Sounds
07:38 Clean tone reference chords on all pickup options
08:39 Poppy barre chords
09:11 Blues progression
09:37 Ringing open indie pop chords
10:03 Funky rhythm barre chords
10:32 Strummed folk pop chords
11:07 Country lead sound
11:22 Atmospheric droning indie chords
Classic Rock Crunch Sounds (Crunch Channel on amp)
12:03 AC/DC inspired riff
12:33 Airbourne inspired riff
12:55 Groovy classic rock riff
13:31 Classic rock riff
13:57 Hendrix inspired riff
14:29 Another AC/DC inspired riff
Indie Sounds (Clean Channel w/Greer Lightspeed)
14:46 60s rock rhythm sound
15:07 Fat indie rock rhythm chords
15:36 Edgy indie rock chords
16:05 Indie rock barre chords
16:30 Indie octave chords riff
Lead Channel Sounds
16:55 Classic hard rock riff
17:30 Glam rock riff
17:57 Alternative rock riff
18:22 Green Day inspired punk rock riff
18:51 Punk rock power chords
19:19 Progressive rock riff (Drop D tuning)
19:51 Modern rock palm-muted power chords (Drop D)
20:15 Rage Against The Machine inspired groovy riff (Drop D)
Clean Channel w/Revv G3 Distortion Pedal (all in Drop D tuning)
20:47 Metal chugging riff
21:19 Mastodon inspired metal riff with country twang
21:43 Hardcore punk riff
22:15 Rammstein inspired industrial metal riff
22:28 Lead sounds
22:53 Classic heavy metal/sludge riff
23:28 My thoughts and how similar these two guitars are
24:37 Build quality and hardware
26:23 Weight
27:13 Playability and necks
28:39 Sounds and versatility
31:43 Which guitar is best and why?
34:51 Which one would I buy in 2022?
35:36 Final conclusion and goodbye
My setup was as follows: I ran the two guitars into my Hughes & Kettner Black Spirit 200 head, also using my Greer Lightspeed for some overdrive and my Revv G3 for the heavy distortion sounds. The amp went from the Red Box DI straight into my Focusrite Scarlett 2i4, which went into Logic Pro X. That's it. No post-processing on the sounds was done.
Here’s some links to those bits of gear:
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H&K Black Spirit 200 head: bit.ly/HKBS200rwm
Greer Lightspeed: bit.ly/GreerLightspeedRWM
Revv G3: bit.ly/RevvG3RWM
Focusrite 4i4 (this is the newer equivalent of my 2i4, which they don’t make any more!): bit.ly/Scarlett414RWM
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Enjoy!
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Backing music from the CZcams Audio Library: Duck In The Alley - TrackTribe.
#YamahaRevstar #Epiphone #Revstar #YamahaGuitar #YamahaGuitars #EpiphoneGuitars #LesPaul
Note: certain links in the description are affiliate links. If you click said links and purchase anything as a result, I will receive a small commission. This doesn’t cost you anything extra, but it does help to support the channel. So, if you do that, thank you very much!
@YamahaGuitarsOfficial
@OfficialEpiphone - Hudba
And here’s those timestamps for you people on phones:
00:00 Hello!
00:16 Intro and what we’re doing today
01:47 Revstar specs/info
04:31 Les Paul specs/info
06:14 Today’s rig and plan
Clean Sounds
07:38 Clean tone reference chords on all pickup options
08:39 Poppy barre chords
09:11 Blues progression
09:37 Ringing open indie pop chords
10:03 Funky rhythm barre chords
10:32 Strummed folk pop chords
11:07 Country lead sound
11:22 Atmospheric droning indie chords
Classic Rock Crunch Sounds (Crunch Channel on amp)
12:03 AC/DC inspired riff
12:33 Airbourne inspired riff
12:55 Groovy classic rock riff
13:31 Classic rock riff
13:57 Hendrix inspired riff
14:29 Another AC/DC inspired riff
Indie Sounds (Clean Channel w/Greer Lightspeed)
14:46 60s rock rhythm sound
15:07 Fat indie rock rhythm chords
15:36 Edgy indie rock chords
16:05 Indie rock barre chords
16:30 Indie octave chords riff
Lead Channel Sounds
16:55 Classic hard rock riff
17:30 Glam rock riff
17:57 Alternative rock riff
18:22 Green Day inspired punk rock riff
18:51 Punk rock power chords
19:19 Progressive rock riff (Drop D tuning)
19:51 Modern rock palm-muted power chords (Drop D)
20:15 Rage Against The Machine inspired groovy riff (Drop D)
Clean Channel w/Revv G3 Distortion Pedal (all in Drop D tuning)
20:47 Metal chugging riff
21:19 Mastodon inspired metal riff with country twang
21:43 Hardcore punk riff
22:15 Rammstein inspired industrial metal riff
22:28 Lead sounds
22:53 Classic heavy metal/sludge riff
23:28 My thoughts and how similar these two guitars are
24:37 Build quality and hardware
26:23 Weight
27:13 Playability and necks
28:39 Sounds and versatility
31:43 Which guitar is best and why?
34:51 Which one would I buy in 2022?
35:36 Final conclusion and goodbye
Revstar Element all the way. It brings so many improvements over the great but static Les Paul category: chambered body, ergonomics of the body, a Dry button that's useful instead of 4 buttons of limited use and a distraction for some people. And first and foremost, because it sounds great. My only regret is that the RSE is not available with P0°s.
Great points! That is actually everything I would like to say about the Element. And I would LOVE a P90 version too. I just tried the Standard Revstar with humbuckers, and I'll get a P90 one for a test soon... but the Focus Switch on the Standards doesn't work as well as the Dry Switch for me! Maybe there will be a P90 Element in future - these new Revstars have been so successful for Yamaha, I think they might do more.
Just finished your whole presentation. Fantastic. Very impressed with your thorough and disciplined sound samples across so many genres. Yours is the new gold standard of excellent A - B presentations!
Happy you made it through the whole thing! I can talk a lot sometimes, although I do feel there's a lot to say here - and a lot to play, too. Really happy you enjoyed my comparison style so much! I find the direct A/B riff idea is the best way to quickly and accurately hear the tonal differences. Cheers :)
Really awesome demo as these are two guitars I'm considering, massively appreciated the variety of genres and playing styles that are demonstrated throughout the video. Keep up the awesome quality!
Thanks so much, really glad you enjoyed the video and the tonal variety! I do try and give as many examples as I can, so glad it helped you out :) Rock on!
Really well done! You gave us a ton of useful information, and you're easy/fun to listen to.
Thanks so much Bryon, I'm really glad you enjoyed it :)
Great comparison, Rich! I’m surprised they sounded so similar. Happy to hear that you like the revstar so much. Got my new revstar standard the other day and it’s amazing. That focus switch is phenomenal. Especially for us metal players. You should get your hands on one and I do think Yamaha should support you with it :). Keep up the good work and hope those subscribers keep rolling in!
Thanks Jens! I am really glad you're enjoying yours, and it does sound like the Standard would be great to try next... the Focus switch looks fantastic from the videos I've seen already. You are helping give me GAS! I will be on the phone to Yamaha soon to see what the options are, although I believe lots of the new Revstars are sold out right now. Hopefully one day... And thanks, slowly but surely the subs number goes up!
this is the best comparison video i have seen on the internet. +1 sir.
Wow, thanks so much! Your comment made my day. Really glad you enjoyed the video that much :) Cheers!
What a great review!! Thank you for a very comprehensive look at both guitars! Greetings from Hollywood California.
Thanks so much José! I am glad you enjoyed the video. And I was just in Hollywood last month! All the best from Germany :)
After a year with my Revstar RSS02T, I bought into the Revstar platform so much that I just bought a Revstar RSE20 in Swift Blue. Your videos have given me the idea that a single coil player might enjoy these humbuckers. I can‘t wait to try them when it comes.
Catching up with these comments I missed while overseas and have now seen this, having already replied to your more recent comment! But yes, the Element is definitely going to be the Revstar of choice for players who love the single coil thing - as you've also found out by now :) It's a wonderful guitar indeed! Enjoy yours :)
@@RichWordsMusic I enjoy my RSE20 every chance I get. Thanks!
This channel has got amazing content
Thanks a lot, I am really happy you're enjoying my videos!
Really enjoyed the video, I like the look of the Les Paul although the Revstar has grown on me massively.. I like that it is its own thing and pretty different to most.
For me the Revstar has a slightly brighter sound, I was looking at the RSS20’s but I might save some money and get one of the elements as this sounded great!
Yes, the Revstar does have its own identity, for sure. It's a great guitar and offers something a bit different - even though it can also sound very similar to an LP!
You know, I still haven't bought a Revstar yet either (Yamaha lent me the guitars to do videos with) but I will, and currently I'm set on a Standard as well. There is one more I need to test first, though: the Standard model with the P90s! I should be able to borrow one of those for some videos near the end of the year. Let me know which one you end up going for!
Very nice epi!
Thanks, it's been one of my top guitars ever since I got it in 2014! Don't think I'll ever sell it.
Both sounded great... Although my first thought was the Yamaha looked like the inside of a Ryanair 737 now the colour has definitely grown on me... Many thanks for sharing and as always great playing...
Ha ha, it does have a bit of that 'life jacket' vibe to it! I was a little shocked when I got it out the box (you know I usually go for a nice blue guitar if I have the chance!) but I've also grown to really like it. It's totally different to every other guitar I have had. A great guitar though, and more than keeps up with the Epi... rock on :)
Nicely played. On a few of the samples I recognized which guitar correctly. The yammie. The string spacing matches the pole spacing on both of the revstar's pickups. That's -probably a good thing. Your assessment sounds about right regarding the characteristics of both guitars.
Thanks a lot! It's still surprising to me how similar the two guitars sounded on a lot of the stuff, but there are some differences there. I do agree that the Yamaha is extremely well designed and it's a great choice for anyone looking for something other than a Les Paul (or SG, or whatever)!
I love Revstar over LPs any day but I have to say your Les Paul sound amazing! Got so much organic chime to it. Further the coil splits really sound like a fender. That's hard to get on a Mahogany body where low strings are muddier than needed.
Thanks Omar, and I have to agree! There does seem to be some magic in the 2014 Epiphone Les Paul Traditional Pros. And the more I play it, the more it opens up too - it's such a great guitar. Now it has some serious competition from the Revstars though!
Wow, great comparison and demonstration. Both guitars sound really good. I think both of them have their own character. It depends on the taste and music style of the guitarists. I would not say this one or the other one is better. The best way is, to use the guitars in a song where they really can show their character. It is great that guitars today can be so good, in a high quality and not expensive.
You make some really good points Robert! I also think this is a question of each player's tastes, and not which guitar is 'better'. They are both excellent value for money and sound great - and yes, sometimes similar! - and I think it's down to each person to try them and see which they click with more. And yes, when I think back to my first experiences with guitars 20-something years ago - how fantastic would it have been to be able to start on a guitar like this instead ;) Players today are really lucky to have such fantastic choices :)
Brilliant!
I still find, that your Epi's Pickups sounds so great. If the new revstar came in the colours of the previous revstar series and had those epiphone humbuckers, that would be the best of both worlds.
Yes, the pickups in this Epi are great ones. I feel like I got lucky somehow! I have heard the humbuckers in the Standard Revstar are a level up on the Element ones... maybe they can match the Epi ones! I hope to get one to try soon :) And you know me... the blue Revstar with the racing stripe is basically my ideal color ;)
Both sound great but I like the clarity from the Revstar.
Yes, I love the Revstar for that as well - it gives it a slightly more refined, elegant feel than the Epiphone in some respects.
@@RichWordsMusic I also have a great Epiphone LP and a Revstar (the first generation) and agree with you. I would not sell either, but I always gravitate towards the Revstar and play it much more.
@@svarfinnbogason3645 Interesting. I'm planning on pickup up one of the Revstar Elements soon, kind of as a different flavor to the Epi... will be interesting to see how it works for me after the initial honeymoon period!
Hey bro, thanks for the comparison, the revstar is gonna be my second ever guitar. It’s gonna be quite an upgrade from my $100 dollar practice guitar.
No worries, hope you love the Revstar when you get it! They are great guitars and I am sure it'll make your playing easier, better sounding and more fun as well.
There is a tonal difference where the Epiphone Les Paul is perfect for yesterday's sounds & music and the Revstar is perfect for the new sounds of tommorow!
Great demo and looking forward to your P-90 videos.
Thanks, I'm happy you enjoyed the video! And that is a really interesting take on it... the Revstar sort of is an evolution of the Les Paul design in a way! When you think about it like that it kind of makes a lot of sense. I hope to get a P90 version for a try soon, and that should be really interesting!
They both sound great, I'll take one of each!
Ha ha, exactly what I did! They're both excellent choices.
I just sold a Les Paul Standard to buy the Revstar RSP20X Professional and couldn't be happier.
Oh wow, that's awesome! Hope you are still loving the Revstar... I find them excellent guitars all round, and they are so underrated!
Great comparison. Thanks for the work. I have a preference for the Yamaha but it is really not a huge gap between the two. I find the Yamaha more "precise" and the Gibson's coil split too bright even though this is ajustable with the knobs and the amp/pedals settings for sure ... Dry switch is a "must" on the Yamaha. I have a Yamaha Revstar 502t (P90s) that is a killer and was hesitating to buy the new Revstar but with humbuckers this time ... I think my choice is made ;-) Thanks to your video !
Cheers, glad you enjoyed it! I agree with what you've said, too - they're similar guitars in quite a few tonal areas, but the Yamaha edges it on certain things, and the Dry Switch is really useful! I do think the Yamaha humbuckers have a touch more clarity than the Epi's, and although you can dial out that brightness on the Epi in split coil mode, I steer clear from this because then the humbucker tones suffer. The Dry Switch on the Revstar is great no matter what settings I'm on! And I think if you have a a P90 one and now go on to get a humbucker model you'll have pretty much any sound you could ever want from those two guitars! I would love to try one of the new P90 Standard models soon if I can :) Rock on and let me know what you think of the 2022 Revstar when you get it!
The pickups sound soooo similar! It's almost like it's the same guitar.
I know, right? On some riffs you can close your eyes and not hear a difference. Or at least I can't. Thankfully they both sound great!
I got a RSE guitar since RSS was out of stock. The build quality is excellent and was better than more expensive pacifica 612 in the build quality especially.
That's interesting to hear, especially about the Pacifica. I kind of feel like the Pacifica could be due a series overhaul just like the Revstar has had... I'm doing a video comparison of the RSE and the RSS soon, and looking forward to seeing which one I end up preferring!
Enjoyed the Epi single coil sound....had one of them...a really good guitar...especially for the money ...used even better. I still want a RevStar for the heck of it. Not sure I really want the P90 version. Lefty colors are still limited....what else is new? Great demo. Thanks!
Cheers, glad you enjoyed it! Yeah, as a lefty you do get a worse choice... but at least Yamaha is trying to an extent! Some bigger companies really don't bother much (hello Squier!). I reckon you should try a Revstar if you can, and also do as I do, and look out for another used 2014 Epi LP Traditional Pro... such a cool guitar. I will buy another if one comes up for sale near me.
I own a Revstar RS620 and I discovered that the pickups have 4 wires, so I installed a tone pot with for coil splitting and removed the dryswitch (not very useful IMO). So I get the typical single coil sound. That's an easy and affordable mod that I recomendo to Revstar owners. I don't know about the wiring of the new revstars...
Interesting... I might need to look into that! Do you have any video or audio clips of the guitar with the coil splits?
@@RichWordsMusic Sorry, I have none
@@olimon63 No worries, would just be interesting to me!
I think it would have been interesting if you had thrown in an Epiphone SG into the mix. I think the Revstar falls somewhere in between the Les Paul and the SG. I've got the Revstar RS420 and love it! I also have an Epiphone Les Paul Gold Top Classic and an Epiphone SG Bully....they all sound a bit different and sit great into a mix together. Thank you for such detailed sound examples....really helps!!!
If you have a 60's standard or Modern LesPaul, the Revstar may not be needed. But for me, having a '59 and a Custom LesPaul, the Revstar appealed to me for its more contemporary design and features. I'm very happy I chose it instead of a 3rd LesPaul. It's lighter, better balanced, and is very loud acousticly.
Has anyone compared the rss to the rse? Do you know the the neck spec at the 1st and 12th fret?
Yes, me! Right here: czcams.com/video/65BCvT4U1HM/video.html
All the neck measurements are on the Yamaha site, have a look here (you may need to scroll up or down to the table): europe.yamaha.com/en/products/musical_instruments/guitars_basses/el_guitars/rs_2022/specs.html#product-tabs
Ok. My Revstar Element in Swift Blue arrived a week ago. I am so impressed, that my RSS02T might go up for sale soon. This might be a good choice for a single coil player.
Oh wow, that good?! Interested to hear if you do end up deciding the Standard can go. But yes, the Element is a wonderful guitar, and I LOVE the Dry Switch. I wish the Standard had that feature... it's really close to single coils - but really meaty, thick single coils - and it gives the guitar a level of flexibility the Standard can't quite match. Rock on and enjoy your Element!
@@RichWordsMusic Hey Rich! I just sold the RSS02T yesterday. I liked it very much, but the Element in Swift Blue just one me over. I swear it has rolled edges. I also prefer the dry switch. The Element is more than a decontented Standard. The fact that it is 7.2 pounds to the Standards 8.6 might have swayed me. I think your review said that if you didn‘t have the money you would grab an Element in Swift Blue and never look back. That‘s what I did. The Element is a fun and inspiring guitar, and I‘ll take it. Thanks for the conversation and demoing guitars with the kind of music I try to play.
Yeah surprisingly similar sounds out of both guitars…. It seems to come down to personal preference based mostly on style for which one you would want. Thanks for the AB test it really highlighted the similarities. Maybe the higher end models sound more distinct?
Yes, I agree with you there - for me too it's about personal taste here. Both guitars are excellent value for money and would make great and versatile workhorses, and they can sound very similar in certain cases. I also agree that the more costly models will probably feel more different (especially the P90 models)... I am hopeful to get a Standard Revstar model to try in the not-too-distant future, actually!
hi,
do you have plans to review Harley Benton SC-550 II. It would be much appreciated?
Hi Bruce, that's one I've never tried but I would love to one day! Hopefully I get the chance soon.
thats the sound i was looking for 😂20:47
I was pleasantly surprised at how good the Element is for chugging! Such a great all-round guitar.
The pickups in the RSS20 are somewhat brighter and clearer than the pickups on the RSE20 in my opinion. These sound great too.
Ooh, that sounds like they might be right up my street then! The Standard is meant to be the best overall value of the three new Revstars... I'm really hopeful to try one soon!
They are SO close, I keep switching which I like the most sound wise every new section. I think I prefer the ephiphone more for a more modern sound and the yamaha more for classic sounds but even then I can't really pick for sure. It's down to personal taste, play-ability and tuning stability.
I know, right?! On some of them I close my eyes and I hear no difference at all. And so ultimately it's like you say - you pick the one that resonates better for you personally. It's not an easy choice! Next, though, I would like to try the Revstar Standard :) With the humbuckers and the P90s!
Great comparison , Finally someone who is not comparing a Gibson with a Gibson but rather a Gibson with a Yamaha. I was expecting the outcome to be what it was as Yamaha are well-made guitars. I had a 12 string acoustic and will say it was comparable to a Martian , and had a Yamaha half body which had a stealer sound , they are the most underrated guitars and cant beat the price. And thank you for being neutral in your compassion and very objective . The Gibson Epiphones and Yamaha are very close to quality and value . Thanks again for being so honest in your comparison .
Thanks a lot, I am glad you enjoyed my video! I do try to make the most useful comparisons as I can, and I think "Yamaha vs Epiphone" is a pretty natural choice to make. Lots of guitarists will be choosing between these brands, I think. And I agree with your thoughts on Yamaha: all of the Yamahas I have played (electric and acoustic, although I have never played a 12-string of theirs!) have been excellent quality and sound great. They are an extremely underrated brand in that sense! Cheers and rock on :)
When played clean there's an entire world of difference
Agreed, and the more gain you add, the more alike they sound (which I guess makes sense!).
I have a similar Epiphone to that one in the same color, but the 2018 Pro III model I believe. I never liked how it sounded, and always prefer my PRS SE Custom 22 (which costed me less). I even prefer the SE over my Custom 24 10-top with the Tremonti Treble and 59/09 pickups.
A noob here: at 22:54 - at the end of the sequence for each of the guitars, there is a moment where you play just the top strings, and on Yamaha it sounds lovely and low, but on Epiphone I could hear the sound of the string, as if they did not vibrate (muted) -- could this be due to the type of strings you used on Epiphone. In light of previous gain passages, I was expecting the Epiphone to sound a lot lower in that section. I know I am clear as mud here. I hope you know what I mean though. UPDATE: I saw another video of yours, comparison of your Epiphone with Ibanez, I stand corrected, the sound was similar, not muted (to my ear you plucked those top strings the same way, and Epiphone sounded similar in Ibanez and Yamaha comparison videos. I think you guessed, I am shopping for a guitar, I am currently thinking either that Yamaha or Epiphone LP Ebony Studio.
Since you have played and reviewed both. Yamaha RSE20 or Vintage V100?
I would say if you have the money, the Revstar Standard. It's a cut above, in my opinion, on playability, sounds, and specs/features. It comes with a decent gig bag, too. That's not to say the V100 is bad in any way - it's an excellent guitar for the money. And, if the sounds you're going for are classic LP-type ones, it's possibly even the better choice. But in my personal opinion and based on my expereiences (and I've played a bunch of both of these guitars) the Revstar is the one to pick :) Hope that helps!
Hi buddy, back again. When I checked out the traditional all they had was the dull paint. I forget what they call it but the paint isn't shiny like yours.
Oh, really? Mine is gloss on the front, but satin on the back, sides and neck. That's the ideal combination for me. Keep searching and hopefully you'll find the right one soon!
I've got a revstar element, awesome guitar. Changed the tuners to some Gotoh 301 I think they are, they swap straight in no drilling. I've got the Gretsch G2215-P90 as well, I think the Yamaha is noticeably better, the gretsch p90 sounds nice though.
I'm loving the Revstars ... I know some people say that the Les Paul style is "warmer" ... to me, it just means that they sound a little bit muddy compared to like a Revstar ...
Me too - I think Revstars are extremely underrated by the general guitar population! I guess people compare them to Les Pauls because the LP is the go-to solid body double humbucker guitar... but I do find the Revstar totally has its own personality and character, while also being able to sound just like an LP, if that's what you want. But the Element has a beautiful clarity (especially with the Dry Switch engaged) that a standard LP without a coil tap/split can't match!
Revstar has more bite and tightness from the missing bass. Sounds better (to my ears) for medium breakup and higher gain. The fullness in the cleans brings the LP ahead in that regard for me. So I guess the answer is to buy both lol
Ha ha, yes - both rule if you can swing it! But I really do love the Revstar's Dry Switch - it gives the gainier stuff so much more clarity, as you rightly say.
Nope, just adjust the amps EQ :P
@@ronmax6220 That can also help!
Better definition and fuller sounding, Yamaha.
I do think the Revstar has better definition too, especially with the Dry Switch!
Should have added locking tuners also. The similarly priced Pacifica has it.
Yep, a few people have said this, and it certainly would be an improvement - the tuners on the Revstars are great, but of course... locking tuners are something else. I wonder if this was perhaps one thing that they left out on cost grounds, in order to meet certain price points?
@@RichWordsMusic I don't know if they could have a similarly priced other instrument with it then why not this? I actually don't know the numbers but it wouldn't make much of a difference in production I am assuming. Or they should have addressed that somehow.
I was looking to buy a Revstar. Listening on headphones, surprisingly the Epiphone won every test for me. Sounded like it was louder and clearer, perhaps more presence in some way. So no Revstar for me.
Oh wow, that's strange. I'm sorry if I put you off the Revstar! I would still say try one for yourself at a store if you can... maybe my settings and playing just didn't do it for you. And they are excellent guitars, as is the Epiphone :) Either way, though, it's a great time to be a guitar player with so many cool affordable choices out there!
I have little knowledge of gear/pickups/amps etc,...The Les Paul's pickups seem more glassy and less 'direct' than the Revstar's.
I think for a beginner to an intermediate player; who doesn't want to worry about the greater tonal range of the Les Paul, the Revstar Element is very appealing.
* Another vlogger also suggested that: if one could afford it, they do recommend investing in the Revstar standard (and perhaps eventually swapping out the tuners).
I have an old 80's Les Paul copy (black&white Targa that needs neck-binding restoring and is unplayable due to that); that I learned on, so am somewhat familiar with the Les Paul... I need a new electric, so I'm thinking of investing in the Revstar Standard.
I personally play through an eclectic range of psychedelic/folk/country/proto-punk/trance/Space Rock (favourite band is Hawkwind) extended rhythm grooves and will eventually work on a little lead when I start recording my own material. I found the indie/garage/punk etc., sound more appealing on the Revstar; even though it didn't quite have the tonal range... but I'm comfortable in the mid-range pocket... especially considering my relatively limited knowledge/skill of chord/pressing diversity (I'd probably be pretty good at Jazz if had bothered to practice/learn).
I'm a much better guitar player now in my technique (I wish I could re-capture some of the loose style I had way back when); than when I last used my Targa Les Paul (some 20+ years ago) and have mainly been chugging out riffs and rhythm on my classical over these years since then, and now have a steel-string acoustic that has taken a bit to adjust to...
I believe I need a simplified, but strong guitar right now, with a suitable amp (whatever that may be) and a few effects pedals to be content, improve and be inspired again.
The Revstar looks cool and different visually to the norm... I pretty confident that I'm skilled enough as a player to invest in the Revstar Standard, as I could always borrow from our local lending library if I needed something like a Tele for some extra twang diversity... but yet again, that's also dependant on a suitable amp and may not be needed... especially for personal/amateur/demo recording.
I found myself thinking of what kind of Bass sound I like while listening to the comparisons:
I think a Rickenbacker Bass would be a more than suitable pairing with the Revstar... sonically filling in the dynamic range. The extra growl of the Ricky will pull on the Revstar's mid-range, and the Revstar will ground the Ricky's organ-esque texture.
First great playing and demo. But, I heard different things. I preferred the Yamaha across the board. But then, I am not used to that Epiphone. I thought the Revstar had more of a Humbucker with some P90 aggression on top. The Probuckers, did seem to have more bottom end, but sounded muddier generally. Not talking a great amount. But it is there. I think the Revstar would cut in the mix better. I have a Revstar Standard (and Gibson Les Pauls, have had Epis too). And the standards use the same pickups as the pro-line, and they are just steller.
Personally, I never found Probuckers, most humbuckers split as that usable. So, I don't agree it is more versatile. Go to the standard, and get the 5-way switching, and well, it's not close
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! Your comments actually tally with others here - it seems there are plenty out there who prefer the Yamaha and hear that extra clarity and crispness! I hear it too for some sounds, but not others (I guess we all hear and appreciate tone a bit differently!). But particularly in combination wit the Dry Switch I find the Revstar has extra cut, and I agree that it'll surely stand out in a mix more easily. I would really like to try the Standard (or even the Professional) Revstar model soon, as I reckon the pickups in those will sound even better - plus you have the Focus switch there for even more tonal options.
It's an interesting point about the Epi's coil split. In a way it is a bit of a novelty, I agree, but I do genuinely quite often switch to the bridge 'single coil' on that guitar instead of picking up my Tele if I just want to do something a bit twangy for a little while. It gets ballpark for me. The Revstar does win there, though, because the Dry Switch is excellent and retains the volume level of the humbuckers. I'm excited to try the Focus switch on the Standard model too! I suspect you're absolutely right there.
I dont own a double HB guitar yet and I've narrowed down to these two guitars (standard models). Yamaha, IMO, builds very high quality instruments and they dont get the recognition they deserve. I think there's a stigma that they're the instrument you learn on as a kid in music lessons then graduate to the "real" brands. Not a deseved stigma at all. I specifically searched for a video comparing the new Revstar to a LP. Wow dude, this is such good quality content. High quality sound, playing, presentation and your opinions could not be more objective. The Revstar sounds better to me in the cleans and nearly identical in most of the other settings. Points awarded by me for the sound along with the stainless steel frets on the standard model, and the fact Revstar is its own thing and not a copy of a more expensive brand. I like the Revstar headstock better too. I have an Epiphone acoustic with the new Kalamazoo headstock and I do love it but, again, Revstar isn't trying to copy big brother. I would love to hear you review the Revstar Standard and maybe compare it to a Epi LP Standard when you get one.
Just saw this comment - thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed the video! And yes, I totally agree with you on the stigma Yamaha guitars have. I'd never really thought about it from that perspective before, though... but the student/learner guitar angle is probably a good call! I'm actually hopeful to get a Standard Revstar in to try out soon, and I've heard great things (it's supposed to be the overall best value of the 2022 models). I will definitely do some video comparisons if I do! I'm doing my bit to help get the Revstar recognized as being its own thing! Cheers and rock on :)
Hey Rich! Gotta love the Revstar line but get with it Yamaha tech nerds, make this guitar with gold hardware, would go gr8 with the colour and that gold pick guard. Thanks for comparing!
Oh yeah, a bit of bling like that might actually be quite cool! Could be overkill though, so I guess you'd have to be a little bit careful ;) Great guitars though, so much fun, and I hope to get the Standard model in soon to do a comparison! Cheers!
@@RichWordsMusic That would be one ide like to see, comparing the rse with the rss.
@@dragan4658 Me too, I'm really excited to do it! Hopefully soon.
*Where can i find a les paul like this?*
These Epis were a 2014 model, so you would need to find a used one. Good luck searching, because they are great guitars if you can find one! The model name is the Epiphone Les Paul Traditional Pro.
the coil split mode is about the only appreciable sound diff
Yep, otherwise they sound surprisingly close for most things!
they sound almost identical.
It's kind of crazy in some settings - you can close your eyes and hardly hear the difference at all! But in others it can be a much starker difference, especially with the Dry Switch/coil splits engaged.
Wow that blue LP looks great.
Yeah, I was initially drawn to it for the looks back when I saw it new in 2014... then I played it and knew I had to have it. It's a fantastic guitar!
Were pups adjusted or are they as they were unboxed?
Is it known if either pups are potted, partly potted or fully potted?
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Nope, they're all exactly as they came out of the box. Not sure about potting, although the natural assumption is that they would be.
@@RichWordsMusic
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Excellent. Thank you👍
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I am not an epi fan, but for me the epi sounds a bit fuller and darker.
Yep, the Epi is a little bit fuller to me too (and I am an unabashed Epi fan!). I guess the Revstar's chambering also gives it a lighter, brighter tone in some instances too.
Would just like to point out that the PRS SE Mira with its double hums and coil-splitting wouldn't be out of place for somebody thinking about these
That is actually a great call! The Mira is about €100/$100 more new, and I am sure you could get a used one for similar prices to these two. Every PRS guitar I've ever tried has been exquisite for the price, so why shouldn't the Mira also be? I have never actually played that model, but it seems to be one of the more underrated PRS designs... Thanks for this comment - kind of makes me want to draw up a list of all the other potentials that could compete against these two!
@@RichWordsMusic Every review out there is smitten. Dying to try one
@@zerotoguitarhero5023 Same here now I've looked into them more! Hope we both get the chance soon.
@@RichWordsMusicI just got the Elements in black. The only thing I don't like about it as that the pickup switch feels Harley Benton cheap. The rest is really impressive.
@@zerotoguitarhero5023 Happy new guitar day! The Black with the racing stripe looks really classy from the pictures. And that's strange - the switch on my one feels as solid as my Fender ones. I hope it doesn't cause you any problems, but you could consider swapping it out (or swapping the guitar if it's really bad! You've bought it new and should be 100% happy with it.).
I dont know but I can hear some differences. Yamaha is more balanced sound compare to Epi which is scooped. Also I can hear that Rev is fuller in sound and has more harmonics. I seen that you used a bit more dynamics playing with Epi. I will not judge the coil split as its quit personal taste. I was supriced when you played high gain metal riffs. I was thinking that Epi will be fuller and Rev was supricing me. But in case of band Im not sure if rev will be cutting better the mix. I think that Epi with scooped character will be better. On the other hand there was same amp set up. Which also brings a bit of difficulties in judgement as it was fitting better Epi EQ at least metal sound. It will be interesting to set at the end of every passage best EQ for each of them to compare guitars abilities or to have at the end of review few passages with best EQ. Anw I like your review and also that you communicate well with us. Thank you D.
That's interesting - we all hear different things though, and some others in the comments agree with you! I guess all our speakers/headphones are also a little different, although overall I think the general consensus is the Revstar sounds a little finer! Very cool that you noticed I played differently on the Les Paul... not something I consciously notice, but maybe just the way I grew into playing that guitar over the years! I think in a band both guitars will work work, and they're both going to be easy enough to tweak to sit well in a mix.
I like your idea about finding the best EQs for each guitar - this is something I might do in future. But it's also interesting to hear how the guitars react to the same amp, as it shows their differences more easily. Something else to add to my wish list :) Thanks for watching, and I'm glad you liked the video! Rock on!
The epiphone seems better at high gain tomes more clearer and more grunt but the yamaha excels at the hard Rock and cleaner tones imo
Yep, I agree. The Epi has the hotter humbuckers that really want lots of gain and they sound massive and full for that. The Revstar is a great all-rounder, and the Dry Switch really gives you a great advantage for more clarity in the tones too!
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Cheers, my friend!
The revstar has a warmer tone. I absolutely prefer it to the sound of the epiphone.
I know exactly what you mean - the Epiphone is even more aggressive, and can come across as harsher for sure. These Revstars are such great and underrated guitars!
I Epiphone is much brighter on the splits. I think it would cut through a live mix better.
That's definitely one plus point for the Epi - the coil split sound takes you somewhere tonally you can't get with the Revstar, and I do agree it's a more cutting tone that sits well in a band mix too (tried and tested!). If you're doing that, though, I do recommend a boost pedal as well just in case, as there's just a tiny drop in volume with the coil splits :)
My opinion is that the element stole the show, by a little bit, in nearly every sound sample. The Les Paul sounds stringy and less balanced. The pickups just are not as good or versatile as the Element.
There is something a little finer about the Element, for sure, and the more I listen, the more I feel I may agree with you. It's just a little more refined than the Les Paul, which is definitely a more raucous beast with loads more output. Thanks for watching!
Yella fo da win!
Because it’s sooo pretty
@@PooNinja Ha ha, and if you squint a bit it could be an Ibanez, right? I have grown to love the yellow too!
Prefer the clean and crunch sounds of the Revstar. Distorted sounds are similar. The Revstar is closer to the SG in build and character rather than a LP. Have the 2016 P90 Revstar. It’s a keeper. Also have a couple of 2014 Gibson LPs (a standard and a classic). The Revstar gets as much attention from me as the LPs if not more (not a fan of BB pro pups on the standard). The 57s on the classic are my all time favourite beasts.
Interesting - I need to source an SG model with humbuckers to do a comparison too then (I only have an Epiphone SG with P90s currently). But I was surprised at how close the two guitars sounded for many things. Would love to try a P90-equipped Revstar in the near future too, so fingers crossed that can happen! I don't have any Burstbuckers here either but from memory the Revstar is a much clearer and brighter sounding guitar! Another vote here for 57 Classics!
The Revstar is really lovely but I don't think it bears comparison to the les Paul. Pricewise they are off too. The Revstar is it's own thing. I would see this as a separate instrument. I love the warmth and body of the Les Paul whereas I love the grunt and precision of the Yamaha. I just would not prefer one over the other. Also the electronics are quite different.
Good points. I agree in that ultimately I think we should see these guitars as separate entities. They also have totally different vibes aesthetically. The ideal situation would be to have both I imagine, but for some reason I do think players often like to compare different models directly (that's also why I made this video, because I got requests from viewers). The differences might become starker still once you move up to the Standard and Professional models, as these more expensive Revstars have more advanced switching, stainless steel frets, etc.
@@RichWordsMusic yeah, the standard is a great deal and not crazy expensive either... stainless steel frets at that price are amazing.
@@JohnOShaughnessy I know, stainless steel frets plus the carbon fiber neck reinforcement, better pickups, extra switching options with the Focus Switch, and a decent Yamaha gigbag thrown in... the Standard seems to be the way to go! I hope to try one soon, hope you can too :)
Wow, the coil split on the LP sounds so bright it's basically unusable
Yeah, it can get quite bright! I love a lot of top-end in my tone, but even I have to use the tone knob occasionally there ;) I actually love the versatility of the coil splits (and the Dry Switch), though, I have to say.
Very LITTLE in it! Wouldn't kick either out of bed! The Epi has maybe slightly hotter pick ups, & a bit more sizzle, but that could be just from having uncovered pick ups! Apart from that, I could hardly tell the difference, esp with a bit of crunch on it!
Both guitars sound VERY similar!
Yep, very similar indeed! I actually just got a multimeter so I need to measure the pickups in these two guitars when I get the chance. But yeah, surely the Epi is hotter. I digs them both!
@@RichWordsMusic Ok.
The old Revstar was a bit too heavy and flew under the radar because even if they were very good guitars for the money, they felt not so original, you know just a LP+SG lazy design. But the new 2022 ones deserve a go. Yamaha addressed many issues, added better color schemes and they have much more personality now. I think I'm going to get a Revstar sooner or later. I already had a Les Paul years ago and I didn't like it. Also, my main guitar was a '92 SG Special for 15 years and today I mostly play a Epiphone Casino Coupe so I'm done with Gibson/Epiphone :D
This is an excellent comment - I actually agree with you on everything you said! These new Revstars just seem to have taken everything that wasn't so cool about the old ones, and made it right! And yes, I think you might really like them... so give one a try whenever you can! If you've been missing a certain something from your Gibson/Epi guitars, the Revstar just might have that magic! Let me know your thoughts when you have played one as I am interested to hear what you think :)
Revstar sounds better, and better electronic.
I love the Epiphone's coil splits, but actually the Revstar Dry Switch is amazing. I like that more every time I pick up the guitar!
Revstar all day. Over the epi.
Being as subjective as I can, I think the Revstar might be the better guitar for me too! I think it's close though.
The Revstar is better at drop D.
I think I actually might agree, because it has a little more tightness for the chug stuff, especially with the Dry Switch on!
@@RichWordsMusic The Epiphone's top end is a little fizzier when chugging.
@@keithferris9574 There might be something in that too!
Epiphone for the win.
Thanks, I love my Epiphone and I think it puts up a great fight against the Revstar!
Les Paul has fuller tone. sounds better to me.
I think the Les Paul does win in tonal fatness on some settings, yes! Both are great choices.
To me over time I would likely change the PU's in either which seems to be the only issue you really stressed.That said the Yamaha is guitar onto itself. The Epiphone is a dumbed down Gibson 'wannabe'. From time to time those that become successful with a visible public image may be seen playing a Yamaha but if they prefer an LP they have a Gibson. The argument for Epi of just 'just as good as' fades to zero since those that say it would not hesitate for a second to swap it in an even trade for a Gibson :-)
I am impressed with this Yamaha my only beef is in the pass the only time you saw a racing stripe on a guitar it was on an entry level guitar. A guitar made to appeal to a young player who still thinks his "Hot Wheels' car collection is still cool, lol. In short in dumbs down the look for me. My guess is the 'marketing dept' came up with that to make the top models look more pro. They are right, they do look more pro. Which is my whole point.
"The Epiphone is a dumbed down Gibson 'wannabe'" , I'd never trade or swap my Fujigen Epiphone Elite for Gibson.
I recently had a chance of experiencing Gibson 2018 '56 LP goldtop, and it didn't feel nor sound better than the Elite I have. It's roughly $2k+ more expensive as well.
It was lighter by ~1kg and that was it's only plus. The gibby studios and standards were not comparable.
Yamaha's concept around the revstars were cafe racers, so the stripes make sense.
Very good points. I like Hot Wheels cars, by the way, ha ha ;) I do dig the racing stripe on the Revstars, which Yamaha say is influenced by 50s/60s moped scooters. Either way, I think they are cool - but you are right, they do have that effect! (And yes, I'm sure marketing had their say in making them become reality!) They actually remind me of a guitar I love but have never actually owned (although I played one a lot) - the Italia Speedster II. The blue one with the white stripe is surprisingly close in vibe to the blue Revstar, which happens to be my favorite.
It's funny with Epiphone as well. My 2014 model is a bit different to the current ones, where they're really pushing the 'inspired by Gibson' line and using the Gibson headstock shape, etc. I feel like they are definitely more 'wannabe' now than they were. You even get certain Epiphones with real Gibson pickups these days, blurring the lines even further. But everyone buying into those ranges knows the Gibson is 'the real thing'. The Revstar is its own design, as you say, and it swill be interesting to see if it can carve its own niche as its own guitar with a unique character and identity, where players have a collection of a Les Paul, A Strat, a 335 and mayber a PRS or a Revstar, etc. Time will tell! Which of these two guitars would you pick Paul?
@@TheMemagNeman That's actually a really good point too - Epiphone has made some stunning higher end guitars in its time. I always remember the Nick Valensi sig Riviera I played (and should've bought!)... I've never played a Gibson that felt better. And there will others, like your Fujigen model, which are right up there. Where I agree with Paul is in the more standard Epiphone fare, the more 'mass produced' stuff, which is definitely designed as a sort of 'gateway to Gibson' - which is entirely the point, I guess. But there are still good, bad, and great instruments in every range! I can twist it round and say I've played a few Gibsons that were awful as well.
And cafe racers, that was it! I wrote mopeds/scooters and knew I was close :) It will be really interesting to see if the Revstar can go on to be spoken about as a model in its own right, like a Les Paul or a Strat... it's not there yet, but I believe it can be, and these 2022 guitars really help its cause!
@@RichWordsMusic I could easily pass on both for a Goya GRLC 1536 in green sparkle with white plastic pearloid for the fretboard :-)
@@Paul_Lenard_Ewing Wow, I'd never heard of that brand before... but again after a quick Google I'm seeing where Italia got the inspiration for their Maranellos and their pearloid boards from! Crazy.
Revstar sounds better
For the majority of the tones, I have to agree that it has the edge! It's a lovely guitar. The Epi is great too, but I am seriously thinking about upgrading.
@@RichWordsMusic Im waiting for a Rev....They are sold out here in Portugal, and I suspect Europe.
@@gibson2623 I think it'll be worth the wait for you! There are a few available occasionally here in Germany, but you have to be quick to get one. And if you're waiting for a specific model or color or pickup option, as I am, it could take a bit longer. I hope yours come into stock soon!
@@RichWordsMusic Thanks.
The Revstar is a killer, lets just move on from Gibson, Epiphone, Fender and Squire.
I totally agree - the Revstars are such great guitars, and so underrated! I really love them, and they give you a great flavor of all the others too... but I think it will take a few more years to convince the majority of guitarists to move on ;)
That LP sounds horrible. The Yamaha for sure is the better guitar
What?! ;) I disagree (about the Epi sounding horrible), but then I love my Les Paul and of course we all hear tone differently. That said, it's possible the Revstar is the superior guitar...