Yamaha Revstar RSP20X R. Br. Charcoal

Yamaha Revstar RSP20X R. Br. Charcoal review

The Yamaha Revstar RSP20X R. Br. Charcoal is a professional-series electric guitar built around a chambered mahogany body, a maple top, and a set-in mahogany neck. Carbon-fiber reinforcement is used in both the body and the three-piece neck. The combination of a 629 mm (24.76-inch) scale, two humbucking pickups, and a five-way switch gives the Revstar a broad tonal range, while its distinctive Rusty Brass Charcoal finish makes it easy to pick out in a lineup.

Available since October 2022, this Japan-made model has a listed price of 1,777. A hard case is included. The supplied player feedback is strongly positive about the finish, setup, construction, and playability, though one owner found that the sound did not connect with them emotionally. That difference is worth keeping in mind: the guitar offers several useful sounds, but its character will not suit every player.

Construction and feel

The body is chambered mahogany with a maple top. The set-in, three-piece mahogany neck has carbon-fiber reinforcement, a rosewood fingerboard, and white line inlays. Neck thickness measures 21 mm at the first fret and 24 mm at the twelfth. The fingerboard radius is 305 mm (12 inches), and the nut width is 41.9 mm (1.65 inches).

There are 22 jumbo stainless steel frets, a PPS nut, die-cast tuning machines, and chrome hardware. The scale is shorter than the common 25.5-inch format, at 629 mm. One owner reported that the guitar remained comfortable with.010-gauge strings and could handle.011s as well, with bends still feeling manageable. That is personal experience rather than a guarantee for every setup, but it gives a useful indication of how the shorter scale may feel in practice.

The same owner described the instrument as substantial in weight, but well balanced on a strap and lighter than a Les Paul. No weight figure is provided, so players who prioritize a particularly light guitar should try one in person. The supplied feedback also praised the factory setup and workmanship.

Pickups and controls

The pickup set consists of a VH5b Alnico 5 humbucker at the bridge and a VH5n Alnico 5 humbucker at the neck. Master volume and master tone controls keep the layout straightforward. The tone control has a push-pull focus function, and a five-way switch adds further choices beyond the usual two-humbucker selection. According to the owner feedback, the switch changes the phase relationship of the pickups in its in-between positions, producing additional tonal variations.

Players can move from full, rounded jazz sounds to more forceful, gritty tones. The focus function gives the midrange extra prominence, which can help the guitar cut through or add bite. One reviewer placed its overall range somewhere between a Les Paul and a Stratocaster, while also noting a clear quality with a slightly acoustic-like edge. Those comparisons describe an impression, not a claim that the Revstar duplicates either guitar.

The available comments point to versatility as a major strength. They also show why trying the instrument matters. One owner found the range inspiring and regarded the guitar as a welcome addition to a collection. Another appreciated its appearance, build, and playability but ultimately returned it because the sound lacked the personal spark they wanted. A switchable palette can broaden a guitar's usefulness without guaranteeing that its core voice will feel right to every player.

Hardware and everyday use

The bridge is a Tune-O-Matic design with a stopbar tailpiece. There is no tremolo. The guitar comes strung with D'Addario EXL110 strings in.010,.046 gauge, and the brass-colored pickguard contrasts with the Charcoal finish. The included hard case is a practical addition for storage and transport; no gig bag is included.

Visually, the Rusty Brass Charcoal treatment is a defining part of the package. The owner feedback describes it as rusty and lightly charred, and praises its distinctive look. Finish preference is personal, but this is clearly not a plain, understated color option.

Verdict

The Yamaha Revstar RSP20X R. Br. Charcoal combines reinforced chambered construction, stainless steel frets, a comfortable short scale, and a versatile two-humbucker control system. Its reported strengths are solid workmanship, balanced strap feel, easy bending, and a range that covers clean, full sounds through more aggressive midrange tones. The 1,777 price and focused tonal character make it a considered purchase rather than an automatic choice. Players drawn to its finish and flexible controls should test it themselves, especially if finding the right core sound matters more than having many switching options.