Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Black

Introduction: Yamaha's Take on Modern Classic Style

The Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Black carves out a strong identity in a crowded field of double-cut guitars. Part of Yamaha's Standard Series, it pairs a sharp visual presence with updated construction, robust P90-style electronics, and versatile usability. I spent significant time with the RSS02T in various environments, looking at build, feel, and voice. Here is what you can expect from this $699 guitar, which ships with a deluxe gig bag and delivers a lot for its price point.

Body and Neck: Quality Materials, Thoughtful Design

The RSS02T features a chambered body made from African mahogany (well-chosen for warmth and resonance) with a maple top to add definition. At 629 mm (about 24.76 inches) scale, the dimensions are familiar for players coming from Gibson-influenced models. The neck, a three-piece set construction of mahogany with carbon reinforcement, lends a substantial feel without crossing into clubby territory. The back has a satin finish, which feels smooth and unobtrusive, and the clean "Round C" shape lands firmly in contemporary comfort territory.

• Neck thickness: 21 mm at first fret, 24 mm at twelfth fret
• Fingerboard: Rosewood with "White Lines" inlays
• Radius: 305 mm (12 inches), a sweet spot for both bends and chords
• Nut width: 41.9 mm (1.65 inches), a regular, comfortable spec
• Jumbo stainless steel frets (22), polished and rounded
• PPS synthetic nut

Out of the box, setup is usually serviceable, but some users report needing minor fretboard conditioning and the occasional action tweak. My test unit needed a little oiling on the fingerboard, but neck relief and fretwork were spot on. The natural sustain and acoustic projection (even unplugged) hint at good wood matching and the benefits of a light chambering process.

Hardware and Playability

The hardware specification is consistent with instruments above this segment. The die-cast tuners are stable, though some advanced users opt for aftermarket upgrades. The Tune-O-Matic bridge with racing-tail style tailpiece offers reliable intonation and plenty of sustain. Chrome hardware accents fit the modern but understated aesthetic, matched with a three-layer cream pickguard for personality.

At just under 3.5 kg (estimate), weight is moderately hefty for its style but very well balanced. It is never neck-heavy, and the chambering prevents fatigue, even over long sets. The 22 jumbo stainless frets make big bends and expressive vibrato effortless. Out of the box, stringing is Elixir Nanoweb (.010-.046), ready for both slick lead work and chording.

Electronics and Sound: P90 Versatility in Five Ways

The Revstar RSS02T's key sonic element is its pair of single-coil soapbar pickups, loaded with AlNiCo 5 magnets for a dynamic response. Yamaha wires these pickups to a five-way selector (unexpected on a dual-pickup setup), plus master volume and master tone (with push/pull for "Focus" mode). The result is a much broader palette of tones than most P90 guitars in this range.

• Bridge and neck series sounds with plenty of punch and detail
• Out-of-phase options that complement funk, pop, or indie parts
• Focus mode (activated by the tone knob): thickened, beefier voice with lowered highs and boosted midrange, almost like a passive boost/cut circuit

The P90s deliver great mid presence, raw edge, and ample clarity across clean and driven tones. The neck position stands out for colored warmth and sustain, excellent for jazz-tinged chord passages or blues leads. Middle pickup selections (positions 2 and 4) open up chimier, airy textures not often found on humbucker or classic dual-P90 layouts. The bridge has bite for modern rock, but never slips into harshness unless pushed with aggressive gain.

Typical for P90s, there is a modest background hum, especially with higher gain, but it proved manageable in home and stage settings. For recording work, shielding or pedalboard noise reduction is helpful, but the noise never outweighed the tonal flexibility these pickups bring.

Feel and Comfort: A Modern Workhorse

Ergonomics are a strong suit for the RSS02T. Balance is excellent standing or seated. The neck profile walks a line between chunky and slim, accommodating a wide range of hand sizes. Fretboard edges are rounded and the stainless steel frets, while a little lower than vintage wire, feel effortless for bends. The satin neck finish never gets tacky even under stage lights.

Several players noted the guitar feels heavier than a Fender-style bolt-on, but not excessively so, and the weight contributes resonance without discomfort. The only notable downside is the occasional evidence of a drier rosewood fingerboard and minor polishing residue: both easy post-purchase fixes.

Verdict: A Distinctive Value in the Modern P90 Segment

For $699, the Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Black supplies an unusually high level of fit, flexibility, and sonic variety. Its combination of mahogany body and maple top, P90 single coils with five-way switching, and well-finished hardware make it stand out in a crowded class. Small niggles, possible fretboard dryness and light finish marks, may appear in out-of-the-box specimens, but they do not affect playability or value. The added gig bag is a practical touch that some competitors still skip.

Ultimately, this guitar occupies its own space. It does not mimic older icons but extends on their foundation with a genuinely modern approach. If you are looking for a workhorse capable of classic, earthy tones and jazz-to-rock range, the RSS02T deserves a serious audition.