Yamaha Revstar Element RSE20
The latest Revstar® models refine the look, sound, and feel of Yamahas original Revstar guitar series. The RSE20 is available in five café racer-inspired finishes and features a chambered body developed using Yamahas exclusive Acoustic Design process to enhance tone, reduce weight, and ensure optimal balance. Dual Alnico V humbucking pickups deliver a powerful sound with a warm midrange. A push/pull Dry Switch high-pass filter built into the Tone knob provides more prominent highs and tighter bass without the decreased volume and added hum of coil-splitting. The RSE20L model for left-handed players is also available.
·5 Café racer-inspired finishes
·Chambered mahogany body
·Mahogany neck
·2 Alnico V humbucking pickups
·Push/pull Dry Switch high-pass filter
·Left-handed RSE20L model also available
YAMAHA REVSTAR REVIEWER GUIDE
WHAT IS IT?
The Revstar® series launched in 2015, drawing inspiration from Yamaha’s heritage of electric guitar design and Yamaha Motors’ heritage of motorcycle design—particularly vintage café racers. The new Revstar lineup is a complete series update that offers three tiers, two pickup configurations with versatile switching options, and a new range of racing-inspired finishes.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Revstar is for customers searching for a new look or new sounds, whether they’re a guitarist looking to upgrade from their first instrument, an experienced player who wants to add something different to their collection, or a professional artist who values made-in-Japan quality and innovation.
WHO IS IT NOT FOR?
The new Revstar range is not for customers who want a vibrato bridge, or for customers searching for an entry-level guitar. Customers seeking the most affordable options may want to consider the Yamaha Pacifica® 012 and 112 models.
PRIMARY FEATURES
Chambered Bodies with Acoustic Design
All new Revstar models feature chambered bodies developed with Yamaha’s Acoustic Design process. This process uses advanced measurement and modeling tools to develop chambering patterns that sculpt the desired tone and increase resonance, in addition to lowering weight and optimising balance.
Carbon Reinforcement
Implemented as part of the Acoustic Design process, Revstar Professional and Standard models feature carbon-reinforced necks. Professional models also use carbon reinforcement in the body.
5-Way Switching (Professional/Standard)
This original circuit slightly delays the opposite pickup in positions 2 and 4, endowing two-pickup guitars with the versatility of three-pickup guitars.
Two Pickup Configurations (Professional/Standard)
Professional and Standard models are available with either two humbuckers, or two P90-style single-coil pickups and Yamaha’s original racing tailpiece, so players can choose the sound and style that is best for them.
Dry Switch (Element)
Introduced with the original Revstar models, this high-pass filter circuit brightens tone without the power drop or additional noise that can accompany conventional coil splits.
Focus Switch (Professional/Standard)
This boost function shifts the resonant peaks of the guitar’s tone and increases power, evoking overwound pickups. Try it for a “rolled off” jazz tone, or to aggressively push the front of an amp.
Left-Handed Models (Standard/Element)
Left-handed Revstar variations are now available—the first in the series’ history.
Initial Response Acceleration (Professional)
Yamaha’s exclusive IRA process applies specific vibration to completed instruments to release stresses between components, resulting in a “played-in” sound.
ESSENTIAL SPECIFICATIONS
Scale Length: 628.6mm (24 ¾")
Construction: Set Neck
Body: Chambered Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Frets: 22 Jumbo (Stainless Steel on Professional & Standard)
Origin: Indonesia (Standard & Element)
