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Average Price: $390

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Experience the perfect blend of style, comfort, and sonic versatility with the Yamaha Revstar RS420. This solid body electric guitar is a nod to the audacious spirit of vintage street-racing motorbikes, boasting bold curves and sleek contours that make a statement both visually and audibly. Crafted with a maple-topped nato body, the RS420 delivers a rich, dynamic tone characterized by meaty midrange, clear highs, and vibrant harmonic overtones. The innovative Yamaha-designed YGD humbuckers, paired with a unique Dry switch tone control, provide a range of tonal possibilities, from robust humbucking sounds to hum-free single-coil clarity.

The RS420 doesn't just sound good—it feels good too. Its thin neck profile and contoured body ensure exceptional playability, offering comfort during long sessions and easy access to upper frets. This guitar is adorned with custom hardware that pays homage to Yamaha's 50-year legacy of craftsmanship, making it not only a musical instrument but also a piece of art. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the Yamaha Revstar RS420 is designed to inspire and perform.

Key Features:

  • Maple-topped nato body for dynamic tonal range
  • Yamaha-designed YGD humbuckers for powerful, open tones
  • Dry switch tone control for hum-free single-coil sounds
  • Contoured body and thin neck profile for enhanced comfort
  • Set-in neck and Tune-o-matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece for sustained notes
  • Custom hardware inspired by vintage motorbikes

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model Revstar RS420
Finish Black Steel, Factory Blue, Fire Red, Maya Gold
Year 2010s
Made In Indonesia
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Blue, Gold, Red
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What type of music is the Yamaha Revstar RS420 suitable for?

The Yamaha Revstar RS420 is versatile and well-suited for a variety of genres, including rock, blues, jazz, and metal, thanks to its dual vintage output humbuckers and ergonomic design.

What is the neck profile like on the Yamaha Revstar RS420?

While the exact neck profile isn't specified, the Yamaha Revstar RS420 features a set-neck construction with a 24.75" scale length, providing a comfortable and familiar feel for many players.

Does the Yamaha Revstar RS420 have any special electronics?

Yes, the Yamaha Revstar RS420 includes a push/pull tone control with a dry switch, allowing for tonal versatility by enhancing the guitar's high frequencies without the need for active electronics.

What kind of pickups does the Yamaha Revstar RS420 use?

The Yamaha Revstar RS420 is equipped with VH3 Vintage output humbuckers in both the neck and bridge positions, offering rich, warm tones suitable for various music styles.

Is the Yamaha Revstar RS420 suitable for beginners?

The Yamaha Revstar RS420 is a solid choice for beginners and intermediate players due to its comfortable playability, versatile sound, and quality construction, making it a reliable instrument for learning and performance.

Absolute Music

Absolute Music

Yamaha Revstar RS420 Electric Guitar

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Revstar RS420 Electric Guitar by Absolute Music

Yamaha Revstar RS420 Electric Guitar

Absolute Music

Absolute Music

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Revstar RS420 by Guitariste.com

Yamaha Revstar RS420

Guitariste.com

Guitariste.com

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Revstar RS420 by Jon is just TOO LouD!!

Yamaha Revstar RS420

Jon is just TOO LouD!!

Jon is just TOO LouD!!

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Revstar RS420 by Gear4music Guitars

Yamaha Revstar RS420

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Revstar RS420 - First Test by Yamaha Music London

Revstar RS420 - First Test

Yamaha Music London

Yamaha Music London

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Revstar RS420 by Jonny Lee

Yamaha Revstar RS420

Jonny Lee

Jonny Lee

Video thumbnail for Revstar | RS420 Sound Sample by Yamaha Guitars

Revstar | RS420 Sound Sample

Yamaha Guitars

Yamaha Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent build quality with smooth fret ends and comfortable neck

  • Impressive sustain, great for long notes and chords

  • Unique combination of Les Paul, SG, and Strat qualities

  • High-quality woods and craftsmanship for the price

  • Versatile tone suitable for various music styles

  • Minimal controls appreciated by some players

  • Good value compared to more expensive guitars

  • Stable tuning and consistent sound quality

  • Great for home studios and small gigs

  • Fast action neck enhances playability

CONS

  • Discrepancies in wood type and quality claims

  • Push-pull switch functionality is underwhelming

  • Some users experience harsh overtones with stock setup

  • Dry switch has minimal effect on sound

  • Some models may require post-purchase modifications for optimal performance

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha Revstar RS420.

User experience

  • The neck design reportedly feels like it "pushes up against your fingers," making it easy to navigate and play, enhancing playability.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar is described as providing a "warm tone," and is particularly suited for playing funk and songs like "Off the Grid" by the Beastie Boys.

    Source
  • The Revstar's tonal qualities are highlighted as suitable for church performances, offering a fuller neck sound ideal for this setting.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners highlight finding deals on platforms like Craigslist or taking advantage of online retailers' free return policies to mitigate the risk of not trying it before purchase.

    Source
  • A second-hand Revstar in excellent condition was purchased for $699, noted as a good deal compared to paying full price for a new model.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Revstar's dry switch cuts low end without losing output, offering tonal versatility beyond typical coil split options.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Revstar's P-90 pickups provide clarity and balance, contrasting with the muddier output of Fender Modern Player Tele bridge humbuckers.

    Source

Build quality

  • Early Revstar models from 2015, described as hidden gems, feature smooth satin finishes with unique grain patterns.

    Source

Other

  • It was discovered that some finishes, like Ash Gray, were exclusive to certain retailers (e.g., Sam Ash) and are no longer in production.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings

5 star
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1 star
eptel_oru

excellent value for money in its category

I use this guitar in my home studio and for small gigs. Most of the time in clean sound with Ambient or Jazz oriented pedals. The neck is thin and pleasant to play. Having compared it with other guitars in its category Ibanez RG421 Mol, Epiphone SG with the same amp, I find it has better sustain and more precision in the restitution of frequencies especially when playing rich chords like drop2, quartal chords ... the tuning is stable, the only flaw I find is the push dry button which allows a low cut I find that there is not really a difference in sound when activated. a versatile guitar with a good tone.

chromium_toaster

Pretty good.

Very good quality for the price, a nice tone from the two humbuckers. Flat fretboard, which I personally am not a huge fan of, but it's still overall a very nice guitar.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Lee Ritenour uses Yamaha Revstar RS420

Lee Ritenour

Guitarist

GRP All-Star Big Band

...
Verified via YouTube

In a performance at NAMM 2018, Lee Ritenour played a Yamaha Revstar RS420 guitar, as seen in a video by 6stringtheorycontest on YouTube. Despite it not being the top model in Yamaha's lineup, Ritenour's choice of the RS420 highlights its unique appeal.

See how Preston Bryant uses Yamaha Revstar RS420

Preston Bryant

Guitarist, Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

In Preston Bryant's Yamaha Guitar Development interview, he talks about the Yamaha RS420 being the only guitar that he uses. He is holding the guitar throughout, and the video cuts to clips of him playing live with the guitar.

See how Данило Пець uses Yamaha Revstar RS420

Данило Пець

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Black Steel

In a photo taken during the Faine Misto 2025 festival, Danylo can be seen playing a Yamaha Revstar RS420. This guitar was also used in the recording of some of his songs.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Community setups

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dusko

dusko

Gear IQ 180

1 alternative for Yamaha Revstar RS420, curated by the Equipboard community.

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