Yamaha launches Revstar series

"Inspired by custom bikes and Japanese craft, engineered for the stage": this is how Yamahe describes their new Revstar electric guitars series.

Named thus because their powerful sound is supposed to evoke that of a revving up motorcycle engine, Yamaha’s new Revstar series features a total 8 models with prices ranging from $629 to $2,800.

The flagship RSP20CR model is made in Japan with custom parts. It is said to embody the Café Racer concept. Copper pick guards is meant to wear over time as the guitar is played, hence naturally creating a unique look for each instrument. Craftsmen-selected and -calibrated parts and Yamaha’s unique Initial Response Acceleration (I.R.A.) technology are supposed to give it a mature sound and easy playability from the first day. It features a maple top and mahogany back body, mahogany neck with rosewood fretboard, a Tonepros AVT-II bridge and two VH7+ vintage output humbucker pickups with antique finished cover. MSRP is $2,800. Available in Rusty Rat and Brushed Black finishes.

The RS820CR extends the RSP20CR’s design while balancing cost and performance and features an aluminum pickguard and the same TonePros bridge as the RSP20CR. It also features a maple top and mahogany back body, mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard and a pair of VH5+ vintage output humbuckers with satin nickel cover. MSRP is $1,549. Available in Rusty Rat and Steel Rust finishes.

The RS720B model features a flamed maple top with a steel wool finish and Bigsby tremolo arm. The model is said to be optimized for a clear sound with a custom-made Tron-type pickup and locking tuner. It features a flamed maple top with mahogany back body, mahogany neck with rosewood fretboard, a Tune-o-matic bridge with a Bigsby B50 and locking tuners and a pair of VT5+ vintage output Filtertron-style pickups with satin nickel cover. MSRP is $1,549. Available in Ash Gray and Wall Fade finishes.

Inspired by the 1974 Yamaha ‘Super Flighter’ guitar, the RS620 has a flamed maple top with a steel wool finish and comes with a custom wraparound bridge for maximum effectiveness transmitting string vibration to the body. It also features a mahogany neck with rosewood fretboard, an adjustable wraparound bridge and a pair of VH5+ vintage output humbuckers with satin nickel cover. MSRP is $1,159. Available in Brick Burst and Burnt Charcoal finishes.

Described as simple and minimal, the RS502T offers a custom aluminum floating tailpiece and a pair of custom VP5 P-90 pickups, all aimed at delivering a unique sound and strong stage presence. It features a maple top with mahogany back body, a mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard and Tune-o-matic bridge. MSRP is $1,129.

The RS502 has a distinct design with a steel wool finish and comes with a custom VP5+ P-90 pickup and the same wraparound bridge as the RS620. It also features a maple top with mahogany back body and a mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard. MSRP: $999. Available in Black Steel, Red Copper and Stock Yellow finishes. Available in Shop Black and Billet Green finishes.

The RS420 is the Revstar series base model and comes with two humbucking pickups and a neck and fretboard specially designed for easy playing. A Dry Switch gives the model the versatility for a wide range of music styles. It features a maple top and nato back body with a nato neck and rosewood fretboard, a Tune-o-matic bridge with stop tailpiece and a pair of VH3 vintage output humbuckers. MSRP is $779. Available in Black Steel, Fire Red and Factory Blue finishes.

The RS320 provides a full sound from an open humbucking pickup and no body cut. The neck and fretboard are said to have been specially designed for easy playing, targeting beginning guitarists. It features a nato body and nato neck with a rosewood fretboard, a Tune-o-matic bridge with stop tailpiece and a pair of H3 Hot output humbuckers. MSRP is $629. Available in Black Steel, Red Copper and Stock Yellow finishes.