Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Hot Merlot
Key characteristics of the Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Hot Merlot
- Standard series
- Chambered mahogany body
- Maple top
- Glued-in 3-piece mahogany neck with carbon reinforcement
- Rosewood fretboard
- White Lines fretboard inlays
- Neck thickness at 1st fret: 21 mm / at 12th fret: 24 mm
- Scale length: 629 mm (24,76″)
- Fretboard radius: 305 mm (12″)
- Nut width: 41.9 mm (1.65″)
- PPS nut
- 22 Jumbo stainless steel frets
- Pickup: 2x P90 AlNiCo 5 single coils
- Master volume control
- Master tone control with push/pull function for focus
- 5-Way switch
- 3-Ply cream pickguard
- Tune-O-Matic bridge with racing tailpiece
- DieCast tuners
- Chrome hardware
- Ex-factory stringing: Elixir Nanoweb Light .010 – .046 (Art. 152175)
- Colour: Hot Merlot
- Incl. Deluxe Gigbag
Images
Additional Information
Customer Review Summary
Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Hot Merlot Review
The Yamaha Revstar RSS02T in Hot Merlot is a visually stunning guitar with a beautifully crafted design, showcasing a rich Merlot colour that shifts from bright red to almost black depending on the light. The modifications compared to earlier models, particularly the repositioned cuts, create a harmonious aesthetic.
In terms of craftsmanship, while most aspects are impressive, there are some minor flaws. The frets on my model were not perfectly finished, with some being uneven and requiring a polish. Additionally, there were visible glue marks, which detracted from an otherwise seamless appearance. Despite these issues, the overall fretwork is commendable, and the guitar’s build quality is generally reliable.
The sound produced by this guitar is exceptional, with the P90 pickups delivering a rich tonal palette. However, I found the second and fourth pickup positions to be slightly unbalanced, lacking clarity. The guitar has a substantial weight to it, which can be surprising given Yamaha’s claims of chambering technology; it feels more like a solid piece of wood than a lightweight instrument.
Playability out of the box was not ideal, requiring adjustments to the neck and string height to achieve a comfortable setup. Once properly set up, it plays beautifully, with stainless steel frets that enhance sustain and encourage a more aggressive playing style.
The included accessories, such as the gig bag, are surprisingly good for the price, offering decent protection and padding.
Overall, the Yamaha Revstar RSS02T Hot Merlot is a versatile instrument with fantastic sound and excellent playability after setup. While some quality control issues were encountered, the guitar’s unique features and tonal capabilities make it a worthwhile option for those seeking something different in their collection. It’s particularly well-suited for rhythm playing across various genres, although soloing may be better suited to more traditional guitars.
Final Verdict: A beautiful and flexible guitar that deserves a try, especially for those who appreciate the character of P90 pickups.
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