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Average Price: $593

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Meet the Yamaha Revstar RS502T, a guitar that's as much a joy to behold as it is to play. Engineered to perfection by Yamaha, this instrument offers an unparalleled tonal experience. It's the pick of the litter when it comes to solid body electric guitars, boasting a unique Dry Switch technology that filters out low frequencies, delivering the crispness and clarity of a single-coil with none of the hum typically found in split humbuckers. Visually, it takes its cues from the iconic Café Racer bikes of 1960s London, featuring chrome hardware that exudes an unmistakable vintage charm.

Key Features:

  • Unique Dry Switch technology for superior tonal clarity
  • Inspired design with chrome hardware for a vintage look
  • Yamaha-engineered pickups for powerful sound output
  • Solid body electric guitar for robust and resonant sound
  • High-quality construction for long-lasting durability

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model Revstar RS502T
Finish Black, Bowden Green
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, Green
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Yamaha Revstar RS502T have?

The Yamaha Revstar RS502T is equipped with VP5 Vintage output P-90 pickups, which are known for their warm, punchy sound and excellent midrange response, making them versatile for various music genres.

Is the Yamaha Revstar RS502T suitable for beginners?

The Yamaha Revstar RS502T is suitable for intermediate to advanced players due to its quality craftsmanship and versatile tone options. Beginners may find it slightly advanced, but it offers great value for those looking to invest in a long-term instrument.

What is the neck construction of the Yamaha Revstar RS502T?

The Yamaha Revstar RS502T features a set-neck construction, which provides better sustain and a smoother transition between the neck and body for comfortable playability.

How does the push/pull tone control on the Yamaha Revstar RS502T work?

The push/pull tone control on the Yamaha Revstar RS502T activates a dry switch, which reduces low frequencies for a cleaner, more focused sound, enhancing tonal versatility.

What is the scale length of the Yamaha Revstar RS502T?

The Yamaha Revstar RS502T has a scale length of 24.75 inches, which is typical for many electric guitars, offering a comfortable playing experience and a slightly warmer tone.

John Nathan Cordy

John Nathan Cordy

I fancied trying another Revstar || Yamaha Revstar RS502T

Video thumbnail for I fancied trying another Revstar || Yamaha Revstar RS502T by John Nathan Cordy

I fancied trying another Revstar || Yamaha Revstar RS502T

John Nathan Cordy

John Nathan Cordy

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Revstar RS502T by Guitariste.com

Yamaha Revstar RS502T

Guitariste.com

Guitariste.com

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Revstar 502T - Review after 4 months of ownership by davlav Music

Yamaha Revstar 502T - Review after 4 months of ownership

davlav Music

davlav Music

Video thumbnail for Yamaha | Revstar RS502T | Lynval Golding (The Specials) by Yamaha Guitars

Yamaha | Revstar RS502T | Lynval Golding (The Specials)

Yamaha Guitars

Yamaha Guitars

Video thumbnail for Revstar | RS502T Sound Sample by Yamaha Guitars

Revstar | RS502T Sound Sample

Yamaha Guitars

Yamaha Guitars

Video thumbnail for NAMM 2018 | Yamaha Revstar RS502T by Evenstad Music

NAMM 2018 | Yamaha Revstar RS502T

Evenstad Music

Evenstad Music

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Revstar RS502T by Muzyczny_pl

Yamaha Revstar RS502T

Muzyczny_pl

Muzyczny_pl

Video thumbnail for 【池部楽器店】YAMAHA REVSTAR Series RS502T by Ikebe Channel|池部楽器店

【池部楽器店】YAMAHA REVSTAR Series RS502T

Ikebe Channel|池部楽器店

Ikebe Channel|池部楽器店

Video thumbnail for Yamaha RS502T Revstar Black by Van De Moer Instruments

Yamaha RS502T Revstar Black

Van De Moer Instruments

Van De Moer Instruments

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Revstar RS 502T Bowden Green by GregsGuitars

Yamaha Revstar RS 502T Bowden Green

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for Yamaha RevStar RS502T Overdrive-Test with Marshall DSL40C by Tobias Rößler

Yamaha RevStar RS502T Overdrive-Test with Marshall DSL40C

Tobias Rößler

Tobias Rößler

Video thumbnail for Noodling Around on a Ditto Looper and a Yamaha Revstar!! by Ben Bailey

Noodling Around on a Ditto Looper and a Yamaha Revstar!!

Ben Bailey

Ben Bailey

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Revstar RS502T Bowden Green guitar demo by Forma Art

Yamaha Revstar RS502T Bowden Green guitar demo

Forma Art

Forma Art

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional playability with a wide but thin neck that suits various playing styles

  • High-quality P90 pickups deliver roaring tones with great articulation and warmth

  • Solid body construction comparable to higher-end brands, offering excellent value for money

  • Impressive build quality with perfect frets and well-appointed binding

  • Unique push/pull low cut feature adds versatile tonal options

  • Beautiful vintage-inspired design with a stunning finish

  • Lightweight, comparable to a Telecaster, making it comfortable for long sessions

  • Highly sought after, indicating potential future classic status

  • Great sound quality rivals more expensive Gibson and Fender models

  • Made in Indonesia, offering good quality at an affordable price

CONS

  • Neck can feel sticky, requiring additional maintenance with Scotch-Brite

  • Mild hum from P90s when singled, though not overly distracting

  • Difficult to find due to limited availability in the market

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha Revstar RS502T.

Build quality

  • The Revstar RS502T features a trapeze-style tailpiece, which some find challenging for restringing, due to its unique over-the-back design.

    Source
  • Stainless steel frets on newer models offer durability, preventing wear over years of heavy play, unlike the standard frets on the RS502T.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar includes a "strangle switch" to cut bass frequencies, offering a versatile tonal range from deep, throaty sounds to piercing treble.

    Source
  • The bass cut push-pull feature helps Revstar RS502T achieve Fender-like single coil tones, especially when paired with fuzz pedals, emulating a Stratocaster sound.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners compare the Revstar RS502T's weight to that of a Les Paul, noting its heft as a potential downside.

    Source
  • Chambered body on the RSS02T enhances resonance and reduces weight compared to the RS502T, offering a different playing experience.

    Source

User experience

  • The chunky neck is praised for playability but may not suit those preferring slimmer profiles, impacting personal comfort and playing style.

    Source
  • An owner reports the Revstar RS502T, even after two previous owners, maintained a like-new condition, underscoring its robust build and finish durability.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A noted bargain, the Revstar RS502T is regarded as a well-made guitar available in various finishes, expanding its appeal beyond the initial color options.

    Source
  • A second-hand Revstar RS502T, particularly in Bowden Green, has been acquired for as low as $450, highlighting its strong value proposition in the used market.

    Source
  • At $600, the RS502T in denim finish is just $50 below retail, suggesting limited savings in the used market for this model.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have added phase switching to their Revstars, enhancing tonal variety when both pickups are engaged, and swapped pickups to Duncan noiseless P90s for reduced hum.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Yamaha Revstar RS502T Demo and Review

getoffsetpodcast.com

The Yamaha Revstar RS502T impresses with its stunning aesthetics and versatile features at an affordable price point. Its standout characteristics include a visually appealing double-cut design, impressive build quality, and the innovative push-pull dry switch for expanded tonal range. The guitar's set neck and excellent fretwork enhance playability, while the accessible control cavity facilitates customization. Though the review is largely favorable, potential buyers might consider their preference for the subtle vibrato system. Overall, it's a compelling choice for those seeking style and substance in a mid-range guitar.

positive

Yamaha Revstar RS502T Review | Performer Mag

performermag.com

With its stunning design and versatile P90 pickups, the Yamaha Revstar RS502T is a modern classic in the making. The guitar's aesthetic nods to Yamaha's motorsports heritage, while the mahogany neck and maple-topped body deliver excellent playability and sound. The innovative "Dry Switch" adds tonal variety, making it a standout feature. At $649, it's an affordable gem with no major drawbacks, blending vintage charm with contemporary flair.

positive

Review: Yamaha Revstar RS502T and RS820CR Guitars | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Yamaha Revstar RS502T impresses with its sleek design, inspired by café racer motorcycles, offering a comfortable fit and lively, expressive sound. The innovative Dry switch enhances tonal clarity, while the spring-loaded floating aluminum tailpiece boosts resonance. Although it doesn't reinvent the wheel, the Revstar series delivers classic vintage vibes with modern versatility, making it a solid choice for guitarists seeking a blend of tradition and innovation.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 10 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
edgedancer

Punches above its weight

My most affordable yet my most played guitar. I have all my guitars inside cases save for three and this is one of the three, along with a PRS CE and a Shijie strat. I keep this in a rack within grabbing distance of me. Made in Indonesia. I bought this used for $450. I put in Seymour Duncan noiseless P90's and added phase switches for more tonal options.

From Gear Setup
nclsrfn

perfection

Incredible guitar. Snatched this for 450€, mint condition. This is the first edition, with the smaller body. I'm not a fan of the bigger bodies they do now. These are getting very hard to find used, and prices are going crazy. To me this is going to be a future cult classic, see you in 20 years and we'll see I was right.

I think at the time this went for 750€ new, but it feels like a 2000€ guitar. Yamaha kicks ass. This is the pro-est kit I own so far, and can fight any Fender or Gibson ever made.

sean_nance

Can Hang with the Big Boys

I walked into my local shop wanting to buy another Fender Jazzmaster after I built one from scratch a while back. I A/B'd this next to a Mexican Jazzmaster and walked out with the Yamaha. I think that sort of says enough on its own. I love the way this guitar looks The only pitfall is that it's not a Fender.

jimmarchi1

I played this exact guitar at a samash and was blown away by how great it is for 600 dollars or so.... it felt as good as my actual gibsons and vntage set-necks. I'll probably buy one soon.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Chris Buck uses Yamaha Revstar RS502T

Chris Buck

Guitarist

Cardinal Black

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Artist Insight | Chris Buck," produced by Yamaha Guitars, Chris Buck discusses his influential early experiences with music and showcases his use of the Yamaha Revstar RS502T BGR electric guitar.

See how Taylor Momsen uses Yamaha Revstar RS502T

Taylor Momsen

Guitarist, Singer

The Pretty Reckless

...
Verified via Facebook
Color/Finish: Black

In this Image of Taylor Momsen on stage, posted by Yamaha Guitars in 2018, Taylor is playing a Yamaha Revstar RS502T Guitar.

See how Jeff Schroeder uses Yamaha Revstar RS502T

Jeff Schroeder

Guitarist, Keyboardist

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, in minute 11:07, Jeff explains how he uses his Revstar as his main guitar for E Standard Tuning. He has modded it with mini humbuckers, Black Cat Vintage Repro Minis.

See how Kikagaku Moyo uses Yamaha Revstar RS502T

Kikagaku Moyo

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via Photo

Instagram story shared by Kikagaku Moyo showed Tomo Katsurada playing a Yamaha Revstar RS502TFM

See how Juanes uses Yamaha Revstar RS502T

Juanes

Guitarist

Ekhymosis

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Juanes is playing the guitar.

See how Piggy D. uses Yamaha Revstar RS502T

Piggy D.

Guitarist, Bassist

Marilyn Manson

...
Verified via Google

he uses this guitar when he plays with THE HAXANS

See how Gustavo Bertoni uses Yamaha Revstar RS502T

Gustavo Bertoni

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram post from his official account, we can see Gustavo playing with his Yamaha Revstar RS502T.

Neste post da conta oficial do Gustavo no Instagram, podemos ver ele tocando com a Yamaha Revstar RS502T.

See how Vlatko Stefanovski uses Yamaha Revstar RS502T

Vlatko Stefanovski

Singer, Guitarist

Leb i Sol

...
Verified via Vlatkostefanovski

Listed on artists website

See how Andrew Aged uses Yamaha Revstar RS502T

Andrew Aged

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "The Sonic Experiment," Andrew Aged is seen playing a Black Yamaha Revstar RS502T at the 0:52 mark. This video, produced by Yamaha Global, features a collaboration with solo artist Twin Shadow.

See how Amy Shark uses Yamaha Revstar RS502T

Amy Shark

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Gettyimages

In this image, you can see Amy playing a Yamaha Revstar RS502T electric guitar model in black color. (2018).

See how Mariah Schneider uses Yamaha Revstar RS502T

Mariah Schneider

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram post, Mariah is playing a Japanese Denim Yamaha Revstar RS502T as indicated by the caption of the video as well as the P90 pickups and Tune-O-Matic bridge

See how Sébastien Chouard uses Yamaha Revstar RS502T

Sébastien Chouard

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

une des vidéo où il fait la démo du materiel Yamaha

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Yamaha Revstar RS502T, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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edgedancer

edgedancer

Gear IQ 26286

edgedancer

edgedancer

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edgedancer

edgedancer

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edgedancer

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