This series was made in Japan between 1978 and 1982. She interposed between the RS600 (same violin, but passive electronics) and RS1000Z (even active electronics, but mahogany body). The RS 850 has existed in two versions, one with head Fender (mechanical line, as shown in photo), the other with head 2x3 (like mine). I do not know which of the two series is the oldest. The neck is not glued or screwed: driver and it is through the body. Rosewood. Channel thinner than a Fender type C and a bit wider, very enjoyable to play. The active electronics are powered by battery (s) 9V (some versions, like mine, requires 2 batteries). Fixed bridge type Wilkinson. Many communties for micro and prééqualisation. Beautiful violin (at the time of its release, the guitar, Aria premium, sold at the price of a new SG). A subsequent series (1983-1985), made in Korea, will keep the same name but RS has neither the aesthetic, or the same quality of stringed instruments.

UTILIZATION

Very nice instrument, but apparently fragile. Channel pleasant, with good access to acute. Balanced instrument.
The active electronics makes finding one's sometimes a bit tedious. Moreover, this guitar sounds reqmarquablement: timbre is naturally rich, clear, with a good seat and many sustain serious (race driver).

SOUNDS

This guitar is in excellent clean sounds, slightly crunchy see (see above). It is the wealth of his (her) stamp (s) that makes it difficult to use distorted sounds, for which it is difficult to get out of a side draft and its impossible to get a "creamy".
In clean sounds, it is very versatile and unique.

OVERALL OPINION

Bought second hand for cheap (€ 300) given the quality of the instrument. It complements my set (Start and PRS Custom american standart). I recommend however to metalheads and relentless saturation, except cherher a particular sound.