Yamaha Revstar Standard RSS20 Electric Guitar -
Yamaha's Revstar RSS20 blends retro aesthetics with modern ergonomics — chambered mahogany body, dual Alnico V humbuckers, and a 24.75" scale. A versatile rock machine that punches well above its $930 price point.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Chambered mahogany body reduces weight while enhancing resonance and sustain
- +Dual Alnico V humbuckers with coil-split deliver genuine tonal versatility from jazz to hard rock
- +Yamaha's Dry Switch circuit bleeds top-end for instant vintage tone shaping
- +24.75" Gibson-style scale length suits both lead and rhythm playing styles
- +Exceptional fit and finish for $930 — Japanese-designed quality control shows
Cons
- −Revstar aesthetic is polarizing — not for traditionalists who want Strat or Les Paul familiarity
- −Stock pickups are solid but not spectacular — boutique pickup swaps unlock more potential
- −Thicker neck profile may not suit shredders or players with smaller hands
- −Dry Switch circuit is subtle — some players find it gimmicky rather than genuinely useful
The Verdict
The RSS20 is one of the most underrated guitars in the sub-$1K market. That 90 critic score is deserved — Yamaha built a legitimate Gibson LP Studio alternative with better ergonomics and more thoughtful features. The chambered body is brilliant, the coil-splitting actually works, and the build quality embarrasses guitars twice the price. The Dry Switch is a bit gimmicky, but it’s a bonus, not a selling point. If you want Les Paul vibe without the weight, expense, or QC roulette of modern Gibson, the RSS20 is a no-brainer. It’s not trying to be a Strat or a Tele — it’s its own thing, and it’s excellent at it.
