OMG what a Yamaha museum you have there congratulations. I’ve been a Yamaha Artist for more than ten years ago, and I also have a bunch of Yamaha’s but your collection is absolutely beautiful, amazing. Thanks for sharing this my Yamaha friend
My first guitar was a RGX 121D Indonesia made, that is absolutely great guitar. The neck is so easy to play, and the construction seem more precise even than Fenders regular ones.
My Yamaha RGX121D was my first electric guitar, had it since 94...it's still my favorite and feels like home. I also have custom made Hamers, ESP's from the mid late 90's and other stuff. My Yamaha is my favorite.
Really like your enthusiasm for yamaha rock guitars. I am lucky enough to own an RGX1212s with mahogany/maple five ply neck through construction and ebony fretboard that is an incredible playing guitar. Mine has the yamaha tuners and is indeed made in Taiwan but is excellent quality maybe even better than my Ibanez RG550 that was made in Japan. Thanks for pointing out that the "made in Taiwan " were excellent quality guitars too.
That 1212 was on my list for a long time. After I made this video it got so many views that it actually changed the worlds view on these guitars and the prices skyrocketed. I could have gotten a Japanese 1212 for 500 usd and now they go for 1800. My personal collection after restoring them to better than factory has made them worth 4 times what I bought them for, and in some cases 10 times. Really I got lucky. I knew yamaha made great engines and pianos but had thought their guitars and basses were junk simply because no one ever endorsed them or saw them in major bands. But alas, I remember what the Japanese do best, improve not invent.
I have an red RGS that i love, bought for 75 bucks!...not a scratch on it! I have since installed a Floyd on it the neck is incredible. I am also a fan of the Pacifica and modding those have become a hobby for me...Hate to admit it but the Yamaha Pacifica's kick squires butt... The best beginner brand that will grow with you..
I have a YG1212, the top of the line of the YG series. It has the Yamaha Japan stamp on the tuners but it also has the made in Taiwan stamp on the back. I've read from the previous owner of my guitar that the high end YG guitars were produced in Taiwan but were assembled in Japan. He also wrote that the necks were made by Warmoth for Yamaha. They propably had the bodies made in Taiwan and kept the necks and tuners in Japan where they then assembled the guitars. If all of that is correct, it makes the YG series a made in... all over the place
yiu are correct the top of the line yg, rgx and rgz between 89-91 were all made in tawain. the 1987-1989 were made in japan. they are the same built and quakity. don't get fooled. tawain yamaha are japanese yamaha . in the real world of collectors. we vonsider tawain top of the line the also have the a RM-pro. that many japanese do note have.. you must have the RM pro floyd in it to have the top of the line of the line..
Informative video. I bought a RGZ-621 (red) w/the RM-PRO II trem back around 1992 (?) and still it have it. Its basically in NIB condition, no scratches, no dents, no pings and completely unmodified.
Very cool video Chris, I currently own two RGX 1212a and one RGX612a and 612. I would love to get my hands on a Blue's 820 plad model as I'm from CT. and use to see Blue's playing at Brian Guitars in New Haven back in the day. Great video man!!!!
Thanks for this video. I'm a big fan of Yamaha guitars. My first electric is an Rgx121z. A few months after I got a 1996 Pac120SD. They're my only electric guitars I love them! Great modding platforms too!
I bought a rgx 120d today, I didn't even try it out, just ripped it apart to clean and fit some emgs:) But... so far even not playing it, I already love it. Especially since I paid CAD $150 for it. Thanks for the video.
I'm adding that my RGX 603S was modified at the time in( March/1988) to a bridge/Hot rail pickup that screams.The fret action is just right and low and a little bit of rock star know goes a long way on this baby when it's functioning right!
Does it still have the og bridge? I am in the process of scouring the net to fix mine up and restore it to full use. The lock nuts are absent, and one fine tune knob is gone because the end of the string saddle(?) Broke off. The string still locks in place but can't be fine tuned. I assume that's why the original owner discarded the locking pieces and tremelo bar. It was the metallic red version, but I received it sanded down to a natural wood finish. It was my first guitar and I still love it, but the missing parts bothers me
The stoled my rgz 121p still got sadness 😢 just got a Fernandes just quite like the best 90' s yamaha that Im in love. Ps: One of the best vids on youtube, cheers from Chile
Just happened into an RGZ 112P for $125 at an indoor flea market guitar vendor. Needs some lovings because it's pretty dirty and kinda sticky, but when I plugged it in, I knew. My dad's favorite (now last) guitar is a Yamaha classical, so when I got into it, I really wanted a Yamaha. My Squier Strat, SSS, just wasn't keeping up for some things due to the buzz and it gets muddy on chords. But having a guitar with a humbucker is quite nice. So looking forward to seeing how it feels and sounds in real playing
That's great man. I'd be still buying more if I had the wall space lol. I posted a video of me completely restoring an RGX 621PR. FYI, the music in the background is me as well but I have a channel and play list how to restore guitars if you needed some tips and tricks.
Bought my RGZ612 candy red left handed in the mid 90's still have it today,my only electric guitar... thinking of buying another guitar before I reach pension age....maybe.
Holy shit dude... I was just looking for some indication of what my second guitar was. I bought my banana yellow RGZ 211m (pyo2049 I can't ready shit else after that) sometime before 1991. Which I still have. YOU! My friend... Have WAY too much money and time on your hands. 😅
@BoneheadGuitars lol, it started off as just looking for one and it turned into a lays potato chip slogan. But yes, I get bored quickly so if you saw my flight sim rig, you wouldn't be much impressed with the guitars. I'll post a link
I had a red RGX 321 and I sold it 5 years ago. It had a really thin Ibanez style neck and TRS-101 trem that survived divebomb abuse with no tuning issues. The only bad thing were the pickups, HSH configuration with middle pickup dead and neck pickup about to go belly up. They were too bright in my opinion, but mechanically the guitar was very well built, Taiwanese made. I sorta want it back now...
The pups in the 3 series were not that great, but it's the guitar that matters in the end. The pups can always be changed. There's quite a few still out there to go get again
Also having the tuners with the Japan stamp it's no always a give away of it's origin. For example the Pacifica 1221 has'em, yet in the body has the same stamp you see in the RGZ that it was made in Taiwan. So, the true about these, it's that the parts were made in japan but put together (assembly) in taiwan. This is true for most mid-high range Yamaha guitars. Some Customs have Warmoth USA necks, for example.
Totally agree. But isn't it crazy how all over the place these guitars were? It's like Yamaha took a deck of cards and wrote models on theme and looked at the crew and said "today, we play the game 52 pickup"
For me the RGZ models are kindda "normal" compared to the Pacifica versions. Keep in mind I have been well over 15yrs with Yamaha guitars, so. Also, Yamaha made the parts (many were made by Gotoh for Yamaha) and assembled'em in a way or other, giving birth to these diferent versions and models. In the higher grade models (7XX, 8XX, etc) they went even more crazy. But, for example, the Pacifica comes the 1212 (SSH) and the 1221 (HSH) and the 1230 (HHH). All of them with Dimarzio custom pickups made for Yamaha (similar to Steve's Special, according to Dimarzio). Then you have the 1221S (Single cut), 1221M (maple fretboard) and the 1221MS (Mike Stern's model) and then you get into the Customs. And don't make me go into the color variations! Also check out the RBX bass series, first introduced in the late 80's. Specially the RBX 800A. Beautiful bass. I found one for a friend the other day.
@@chromaticmusic cheers mate! I’ve got a 1989-ish Taiwan-built RGZ211M in the collection. It was my first guitar after a lot of begging, borrowing and mowing lawns. It’s worked hard, being my only electric guitar in late high school and while at Uni and being quite active in the local pub/party/Unibar scene (long time ago). I’ve since accumulated more guitars, including a Prestige Ibanez and a couple of MIJ 80s Strats, relegating the RGZ to it’s case and the back of a cupboard some years ago. I recently got it out, gave it a basic setup with frets levelled/crowned/polished (frets were pretty worn and push-push coil split not working) and I’ve got a newfound respect for the quality of this instrument. I’ve always been very particular about taking care of anything I’ve worked for so the old Yamaha is nearly perfect. I sorta wish I was a bit rougher with it so it would have a lot of marks to tell its stories. Unfortunately, the only evidence of a lot of work is a set of worn frets, a nice bit of wear and missing lacquer on the edges and back of the neck and a push-pull coil split on the tone pot rather than the push-push one that was there originally. It’s nothing special but it’s VERY special to me. I’m just thrilled to se someone else as passionate about these under-rated guitars.
I have a RGX110 I got at a pawn shop for $70. It had acoustic strings on it. I put a Power Rail humbucker in from GFS and some stainless saddles and bone nut. I would like to try some of the lawsuit era Yamaha stuff like a Studio Lord.
I have 3 of them and I love them .. I also have 4 standard and I think that as a whole the RGX line of the late 80's are the best ... saludos desde Durango Mexico. land of yamahas RGX
Informative video. I mistakenly sold, in early 90s, my pearl white RGZ with maple fretboard and RM-Pro. The maple fretboard is nice. I've been trying to get similar one but never found it. So far I've got an RGX and an RGZ, both with Rockin' Magic Pro units. Good toys.
Sorry for using this method to communicate. I have a mint RGX612a ( no pickguard, active electronics - see I was paying attention 😀). It is fitted with original RM-pro with what I suspect is a common issue - The “bridge part” that the micro-adjusters screw in to is very messed up. Low e adjuster has been drilled out and replaced with a larger dia screw ( but done really badly) and the high e has a stripped thread. I am in UK and have searched the world it seems for the part or even a RM-pro (1,2 or 3) if they bolt in - as you will know standard Floyd Roses do not fit. Any printers as to where I might locate parts or has anyone a solid way to refurbish the micro adjuster part of the term. Sorry for bothering you and thanks for my help you can offer.
@@adamhaze8477 I can't imagine how bad work on the bridge. The two guitars I have with RM Pro are not so bad. The tremolo units are totally working without such issue. The only problem with the bridge is the arming-up adjuster. The adjuster pole is stuck somewhere in the slot and not movable. Though I prefer floating setting and it's not a problem for me. I think I'm lucky because I'm in Japan, the home country of YAMAHA. It is not very difficult to find a not-bad condition RGX or RGZ guitars with non-customized RM Pros in around 200 GBP.
to bad you did't reach me i could have explaine how to fix it.. i might do a video on how to fix this properly. so ot can fir the original fine tuner and also links to were to get the right fittin fine tuners. so poeple can fix there guitar. the problwmw with the fine tuner is they need tu be lubricated and the must never be pushed in all the way in or out. but there is a fix. and ts what ingeneer do. the screw size is know as M4. yoi need to drill out the you need to tread tap to an M5. after this is done we insert an HELICOIl. this is a sping that will wrap arount the existing M5 screw groove and make it a brand new M4. but the magic hear. is that the new alloyed is much stonger and durable . you can all so buy undreds of M4 screws of all colors and leng. 8mm are the original lenght
Theres also a rgx with a pretty crazy trem stop built in, 610s or 611 not sure exactly. Probably a feature you could order extra, or a slanted humbucker like on the kramers. Not sure if that ever saw the us shores but its in the old catalogs if you google it
Also what’s you thoughts on the Pacifica series? You prefer the RgX RGZ? I think the Pacifica neck profile and width are different to the RGX/RGZ series
Hey Chris. Love your video and i have seen it many times. I have just posted a video with my RGX1220A, adding info about the lettering and numbering system. And given you a shoutout (to the few subs I have. Just thought I’d let you know. Have a rocking day. 🤘🏻
Wonderful video, huge yamaha fan, my first electric is rgx 721, still have it and probably the best neck ever played, bought in 93, unfortunately one day i went crazy and sanded the great finish that had. I am trying to get online a rgz 621.. For 90 pound Hopefully they can deliver Thank you
I just wanted to chime in on the method that Yamaha uses to name their guitar models, which might be of interest. The first digit is the series, the second digit is the number of humbuckers and the third digit is the number of single coils. For example RGX 321 - Series 3, 2 humbuckers, 1 single coil. Also these are the only Floyd-Rose-Type-equipped guitars(that I know of), that have a height-adjustable locking nut. I still kick myself sometimes for selling my 1991 RGX321, it was really a great guitar. But yet again, I get reminded that I hate anything that resembles a Floyd-Rose floating trem with a passion... Anyway, great collection mate!
Hey man, thanks for the info. I believe I mentioned all that in the video, I know it's longer than 20 minutes which makes it a documentary so I understand if you skipped around. Since I posted this video I got another RGZ 721 DMR that I did a holoflash finish on. I'm putting bare nuckle pups and the mad hatter Evo terminator in it so stay tuned for that one!
@@chromaticmusic I watched the whole video, but I didn’t catch that. You explained just what the letters after the model number mean... Anyway, at 10:22 you can see two holes, one between the low E and A strings and one between the high E and B strings on the nut. That’s where you stick an allen wrench(same size for adjusting saddle height on a strat trem) to adjust the height of the nut. I think you also have to loosen the mounting screws before that.
The difference I was referring to between the YG and the RG locking nuts was the diameter of the pole itself. Wasn't referring to the riser screws for the hight of the nut. Keep in mind that I've restored these guitars and pulled off every screw and disassembled every part. I've missed nothing my friend. I'll post a link to a restore video so you can see the level of detail I go into. I've even modded the pickup from two to four wires on the Red 820R
Hi Chris! Thanks for all the info! Do you mind if I pick your brain for a bit? I have an RGX 621D in need of some good TLC. Backstory: I recently found an RGX 621D at a second-hand store in Japan. I didn't know anything about it, but the "TRS-PRO, Licensed Under Floyd-Rose Pats." tremolo caught my attention. I looked up the model and it brought me to your video. Thank you so much for all the info!! It helped me make up my mind, and I'm super happy I bought it. The body's in great shape, and the neck looks straight as a razor. Questions: My guitar doesn't have the clamp & bolt string locks on its nut. The base piece is there-it just has these 3 holes where one would screw on the clamps. > Should I get Floyd Rose clamp & bolts? I just don't know if the pitch of the clamp screws would be the same on the 621D as it is for vanilla Floyd Roses, let alone the clamp size. The clamps do look different though. > It's probably not had strings on it for a few years, should I be careful when putting new strings on it? > How many trem springs do you recommend? (It currently has 2) Does it depend on the string gauge? Sorry for bombing you with all the questions lol At any rate, I'm glad I found your channel!!!
No worries man, I appreciate the questions and very happy to help. The funny thing is that I hate floating terms lol. All of my guitars are locked so I can drop tune them at any point. I know it's silly that 99% of my guitars have trems but I like the fine tuners and the feel of how my man sits while playing so it has some perks. I have a video explaining the difference between all the Yamaha trems that you should check out. Its more about the screw diameter than the clamp that will make a difference. I'd go down to a hardware store and buy a few single screws to confirm the threads. If it was me, I'd take the guitar with me so I would have to take two trips. As far as the springs go, I have no less than 3 to 4 springs in mine cracked up against a block to lock in place, for you, if you want the trem to float, and I'm betting the guitar didn't have the trem arm, it doesn't make sense to have a floating trem if you're not gonna use it. So I would block it. You may end up loving the blocked trem. Look for my restore video playlist and you'll see how I do everything. Hope this helps!
@@chromaticmusic Thanks for the advice man!! I've ordered ordinary F-R clamps, and if the screws they come with don't fit, I'll take my guitar to the HW store. You're right, mine certainly doesn't have a trem arm lol I also saw your vid where you use a business card to lock your trem! It's genius lol That's gonna be my go-to method if I want to lock my trem.
The YG series was kindda a prototype series for other markets. Here are more common to find than the RGZ models, although they look (almost) the same. Regarding the RM-Pro II, there's nothing crazy about it. It's more common to find in the Pacifica series. Also theres also a RM-Pro III wich is even more rare to find. I have seen it mostly in Customs Yamahas. You are missing the F versions, wich have a "faceplate" or policarbonate wich allow you to put a new design in the guitar.
Thanks for all the info man! I never intended to get as many of these guitars as I did. I simply feel into a wormhole of RGZs and started to notice that there were a ton of variances. Much more than say Ibanez or PRS. I've never seen a company change its logo and headstock so many ways and in such a short time. How many do you have? I love to see them in a video if you had to time to post it. Are you a member of the yamaha super strats on facebook? Please join us, love to have you
@@chromaticmusic I don't think I know that group. Many many years ago, around 2005 I wrote a very large post in a forum that's is long gone, regarding Yamaha Guitars, models, specs, pickups, trems, versions, price ranges, so on, so on. Also have some yamaha catalogs and scans. If you wanna expand your collection keep an eye for a Yamaha RGX TT, the Ty Tabor model.
@@MarceloJavierMazaLuparia Hi there!! I just have the RGX321FP (the one with the transparent Face plate) it's a Taiwanese one but Would you consider this series an entry or mid-high range level? Was plannning to sell it but re-sell value is terrible (don't know why considering Quality and How Rare they are now)! Would you sell it and save for a Korean Made Schecter (I've heard this ones are really good & the best value for your money right now) or would you keep it? And What do you think about that TRS-101 Floyd?? Thanks in advanced!
@@jorgeloo3131 For Yamahas it's quite easy, the lower the number, que lower the level. So a 321 or 312 it's a entry-mid level. If you have it complete with the faceplate in good shape plus the original prints and designs, that could be collectible. If not just sell it. The TRS-101 for me is no good but not as bad as the RM-Pro I, but no as good as the RM-PRO II. Regarding the Schecter, I am not crazy about 'em, some models yes, but mostly dont. They just dont have the look I want. However they are good value guitars. It all deppends on what model and budget you are looking for and what sound you are aiming to.
@@MarceloJavierMazaLuparia Thanks so much for your kind answer!! Actually I have all that came with my Yamaha in perfect shape (faceplate, prints, etc) Plus I made an Upgrade to Lace Sensor Alumitone Pickups... The Schecter I was looking is the C-1 FR SLS Elite (Antique Fade Burst Color)... Would you go with this one (if having the budget) or would you keep the Upgraded Yamaha? (Can't ask for more than US$450 if I want to sell it) - Thanks so much again! OBRIGADO!!
Love your collection! When you mentioned how the stock pickups on that one were terrible, reminded me of how in the late 80s someone here in Japan thought it would be cool to call a a pickup series S.H.I.T. 😂🤌 just imagine how Yamaha USA reacted after they got the info from their Japanese overlords.
Yeah man, it was funny but also rare. I was just a shocked to see that the MIJ had a terrible set of pickups but after did my tweaking, they became awesome guitars every one
Cool! I have a RGZ721M-R in black. No idea about date of manufacturing, only it is made I Taiwan, and sustain block says Takeuchi Japan. I heard its p'ups are DiMarzio designs made by Yamaha
I think because of blues Saraceno and the relationship in the development of his guitar they learned a ton from DiMarzio. But, that's to say nothing. Yamaha is a general answer to the question of what good sound is. They make guitars sure, but they also make the best piano in the world, along with tuning the exhaust for the best sounding road car ever the Lexus LFA. And the make brass instruments, engines, motorcycles, and many others. If Yamaha made a dildo, it would be the best sounding vibrator of all time.
if you are refering to the Rm pro. the first and original. the beefier one. you need to lubricate the fine tuner. do not for it all tge way in and all the way out. yiu will strip in. and i am amongst some of the rare person that can fixed them. if no part are missing. is parts are missing i now conpatible parts . so remember my name. and this comment.. this guys as no Rm pro.. he as the cheap rm pro II and Rm pro III. i just check all is guitars. if you have any question i have own 10 612 Rgx. over the past 20 years i kbow these guitars like the back of my hands . RM-pro is the best floys in the world if its fonctional.. . i biy the 612 just for parts
Been looking around for more info on these. The only place I've been able to find anything nicer than a 121 currently available is South Korea. So they are currently still in production, but only for very limited markets, it would seem. Maybe you know which models of these they're still making?
The ones I have were made to compete with ibanez in the 90s hence the RG reference. I got most of all of mine in about 2 years start to finish and believe it or not, I think I changed the market for them. The people that watched these videos started buying them and the people that owned them started seeing the value and took them off the market. So the when I bought them they were less than 300 and now the same ones are going for 600 to 1000. But you can still find them on sites like reverb and ebay due to international shipping. Some were also acquired from people from Russia that had access to Japanese bidding sites that I can't get. So they are out there for sure, just have to look.
@andrewb3941 really depends on the condition but I've restored so many guitars that people thought were trash so it took a ton of work but in the end, all yamaha guitars have potential
Still have a RGX-621d - bridge pickup is broken, the whole thing is in poor shape after years of playing without any care (by me haha). Don't know if I sell it for a sixpack or take it to a repair-shop. But I loved this thing when it was working - my first good guitar.
Well, I restored all mine in very similar condition as yours and you'd be better off keeping it restoring it or consider sending it to me to fix. I'll post a video of a full restoration below
@@chromaticmusic Great work! I know that I'm not capable of such a reconstruction because I acutally don't what the f... I'm doing there :D. Where do you live? The thing is, that time hasn't stood still - new guitars are usually better. So if repairing costs as much as a new Solar I'd go for the solar :D
I live in north Georgia about an hour from Tennessee. Shipping the guitar is less than $30 each way and I'd love to help you with it. Im not in the restore business for money, I do it for fun. So as long as it's straight forward and just needs a clean up, I'd do it for beers and a cigar. Just let me know
@@chromaticmusic Damn, I hoped you are german just by reading your name! I'm in Berlin and the shipping is way over 30$ from me to you. But thanks for the offer - very kind! :)
I have the exact guitar shown at 8:05, the sparkle finish RGZ621P-R. I've been looking for someone to take it off my hands, but I have no idea how to price it - or even sell it. I guess I could post it on Reverb.
Hi Chris you are such a great teacher, I've learned a lot from your video. The issue I have regarding my yamaha is that mine has only a square chrome plate for the neck to the body (back of the guitar) instead of two metal pieces that yours has, and also mine the volume knobs are see through resins... It is made in Taiwan IH29026 Any info? No matter what I did enjoy your beautiful toys. Peace out :) and thanks.
Some of the 321 RGZ had the plate and screws for the neck. Not sure why but its just another strange thing about the yamahas. As far as the knobs go, I'd say they were swapped by the person before you. What is stamped on the tremolo? Trs101, TRS pro? Also the neck pocket would tell you exactly what it is. You'd have to take the neck off and look but if you don't feel comfortable I'd leave it alone. Unless you're interested in setting up and working on your own guitars then go for it. Check out my restore videos on the RGZ, I did a step by step instructions for every detail of the guitar. Hope this helps!
It’s 2024 and I’ve never played a better neck than the RGZ 621 PR. Can anyone recommend a modern day superstrat HSH that feels like the RGZ neck and is also high quality?
That my friend is Yamaha. They all just feel that good. It's so funny that they build pianos for Elton john but guitars for no one but just as good as their pianos
This is a great resource on these underrated guitars. I have a 90s Taiwanese RGX621D and love the thin Ibanez Wizard-like neck profile. I'm looking to get more Yamahas with the same neck thickness/profile, do you know if the 90s Taiwanese RGX4xx/5xx are also thin? What about the YG necks? Thanks!
The necks are the strangest part. I have a 621 that has a 321 neck stamp on it. So the necks for the RGZ rgx and yg 321 through I think 621 are all the same. The 721 is unique because of the scalloped frets but the neck shape feels the same for the most part. The 821 series don't really feel that different than the 321 and are much beefier than the wizard necks but not buy much. The blues Saraceno 820 is the only neck that is truly different than all of them. Its very thick and round and also 22 frets. But it feels incredible so even if you're used to a thin neck, this is a very comfortable neck that makes you work harder to get the note but works to your advantage because it makes you play with more intense attack thus better tone.
@@chromaticmusic thanks! I'll keep an eye out for those others. BTW if you have any yamahas with 20-24F scalloped maple fingerboards and are looking to sell, I'd be interested!
Thanks! great vid! Isn't the RGX-RGZ distinction simply that the RGX was made for overseas and RGZ was for domestic and surrounding market in Japan/Asia? Or is that incorrect?
I have both RGZ, and RGX from both Japan and Taiwan. The YG is both from Taiwan and Japan. It I think that they were made for only the Asian market. The amount of discrepancies is enormous
It's all about the pickups and hardware. The 1 2 3 series have pretty cheap electronics and tuners etc, but the necks are all great. I've shown that on a 621 that the neck was stamped as a 321. So the necks are the same for both. The 7 and 8 series have scalped frets and offer a few other upgrades and have very good pups and hardware. But they all are equally good.
Do you know much about the RGX 121FP? I can't find much information on it online. Were these made in both Taiwan and Japan? There's one for sale in my area that's stated as MIJ but everywhere I see online says its made in Taiwan. Is this a good beginner guitar? I'm just starting out. Thanks!
There's so many versions of what an RGX can be, that's why when you look at my collection it's bewildering to understand how and why they named them different things when they are the same at the same time the same names applied to totally different models and shapes. I guess it comes from the Asia and US markets. Kinda why some people call are GTR a skyline depending on where it came from. As far as is it Taiwan or MIJ it really doesn't matter. The over all quality of all Yamahas are outstanding so to answer your question, yes, it's going be great for you to start out with and it's far better than a $600 for the price you can get them at. I don't know why they don't have value, but those who own Yamahas end up owning a bunch of them. Please let me know if you want me to check out the link and confirm it if that's an option. If you do get it, post a video and send me the link, I'd be able to tell you much more if I could see it. Cheers!
My first electric guitar was the RGZ 112P. It had a cracked nut and hadn't been played in at least 20 years sitting at my mom's house. Other than that the guitar is in great condition. I took it to a local guitar shop and he made a nut and he said he flushed the electronics. Should I upgrade the pickups or would it be better to leave the original pickups alone?
How about rgz 321p red with black pick guard and it has volume knobs that aren’t numbered they are metal It’s head is black with the big yellowish Yamaha logo. I thought I saw it but you never got to it
I only have 1 rgz 321 but it’s the blue guitar without strings. The red with black PG is a 612 HSS setup. The other red one is a HSH and is the 621. I did a follow up video that has all the guitars restored (I think) and did some other things like paint jobs and such. I’ll post a link below this comment if that helps. I also have a playlist of all the mods and restore videos as well that you can check out if you are interested
Hi there!! I have the RGX321FP (the one with the transparent faceplate that goes on the whole front of the guitar and with interchangeable covers that goes behind the plate), it's a Taiwanese one but Would you consider this series an entry or mid-high range level? Was plannning to sell it but re-sell value is terrible (don't know why considering Quality and How Rare they are now)! Would you sell it and save for a Korean Made Schecter (I've heard this ones are really good & the best value for your money right now) or would you keep it? - > I already replaced those terrible pickups with Lace Sensor ones. Btw, New Suscriber Here!
It's really up to you how you feel about the guitar. How rare I'm not sure. As far as resale value I'd say that like all things it's not worth something much until someone makes them famous and everyone else goes to find them. That's what drives the price way up. I had a guitar that I paid $50 for and gave it to a friend. Later I tried to but that same guitar 10 years later and it was $4000. There's just no way of knowing what will go up! I also really only tried to collect the RGZ/RGX/YG series Yamahas with these headstock design. Yamaha clearly makes incredible instruments in all shapes. If I did another video on these guitars, what would you like to see?
@@chromaticmusic Would like to see some reviews about those bridges on the Yamahas (specially the TRS-101) and What modifications/upgrades have you done to the guitars (pickups, bridges, metal knobs, etc) and finally your opinion if it worth doing it or if you better invest on a Brand New guitar with better stuff inside 👍🏼
Maybe I missed it but what does the first number mean in the rgx series models? For instance I have a rgx 602s, 612j and a 1212s. I was told the 6 means it is the highest grade neck yamaha offers in that series? But then again my 1212s is a neck through so I'm confused?
Join the confusion my friend, yamaha staff doesn't know either. I think it's a manufacturer thing that was scrubbed later. I have a RGZ 612 that has a 321 neck stamp so they just mix and match.
No, there's so many different types of tremolo parts. Some are similar but they changed design so many times it's crazy. But I'm sure there's a bunch of versions out there that would work.
Truly, I have no idea. YAMAHA really doesn't make a whole lot of sense in many ways. There are RGZ, RGX, and YG models that are exactly the same made in Taiwan that share all the same hardware etc and are named differently. None of the guitars I've come across have had active pickups or anything of the sort. I can only guess that the markets they were sold in such as USA got the RGZ series and UK got RGX and Asia got YG. But they all had English writing on them. The J S A could have to do with the year or additional marketing to seem different but it's so random it's really hard to make sense out of it to a certainty.
@@chromaticmusic J is very possibly Japan made. I saw a couple guitars made in Japan with the J designation. I certainly could be wrong Also i dont know if I used the word suffix properly.
@@chromaticmusic I have an RGX-421D and it has the same sticker on the headstock which just says 421D (in my case) along with the same neck plate "straps". Also, looking at Yamaha model listings, there is no RGZ-621 with a D on the end. So yeah, it's an RGX
@@chromaticmusic Mate, I own one and I am a guitar tech by trade so I've pulled apart a few. And there was never any model called an RGZ-621D. That's an RGX-621D. Bit of simple research will show that
@danmc_2783 I'm certainly not going to argue with you about a model of a yamaha, in my experience I've for rgz and rgx and yg models share parts. Some where rgz on the neck, some where rgx in the neck pocket. The main thing that really doesn't make sense is how many versions of the headstock there are with all 3 ZXYG stamped on them. I've even seen an RGZ with the PAC headstock before it was called PAC. I almost bought it just to show people how none of this stuff makes sense. I've simply come to the conclusion that yamaha guitars from this Era are parts casters and there were dozens of teams and factories in Asia that had freedom to do whatever they wanted. So I'd say to you, keep an open mind
It would probably work fine, you'd have to go with a lo-pro edge type trem. But keep in mind that Yamaha has for some reason adapted many different types of trems to these guitars. Why? That is the question
If it has the original rm pro? There is no way ya wanna swap it for anything, especially a floyd rose. It pivots on bearings, can put the strings on without cutting the ends and don't have to lock either end if ya choose, has pitch adjustment and never goes outta tune, NEVER! Its also hassle free and maintenance free and is manufactured by gotoh, so its top quality! Is probably more like, a kahler but im just assuming coz I've never owned one but the Yamaha trem is by far the best I've ever used
@@ralphbenitez4407 I don’t lock mine at all, at either end but I don’t use the tremolo and have it pretty tight with the springs so it hardly moves at all, not unless you want it to anyways. Did ya realise that some of em, mine does have a height adjustable locking nut as well? If ya look at the bottom underneath the other locking bolts it has 2 tiny holes on each side that a Allen key fits into and adjust lt up and down!?
a lot of people have asked me that and can on say at this point is that the TRS pro and the ibanez lo pro fit these guitars. I've never swapped any parts other than pickups.
cool video. i just snagged a rgz 621rp just like yours. cant wait to get it. how do you like the pickups. those carvin type screws really suck if i wanna get replacements.
Thanks man, pickups are really good. Definitely good enough not to need to change. Not sure what you mean about the carvin screws. But if you did have to replace the pups you could simply drill a hole in the pickguard and it would be fine. Congratulations on your new axe! Check out my playlists and the restore video. It can help with every step
My 30+ years old RGX612S, purple with 1 humbucker and 2 single coil got the 24frts neck completely binded like you would see on a Gibson or a Gretsch guitar, I ve noticed, none of your Yamaha got that feature, do you think I ve got maybe a rare model? Also my guitar got 3 potentiometers and not 2 like the other RGX612S.
I'm not a dealer and don't own that model but depending on where it's from it can go from $300 to $600. All the 5-8 series have been kinda all over the place price wise. When I started going nuts buying up all these a couple years ago, no one really wanted them. At least they didn't want them as much as I did lol. That said, I think I ended up making people appreciate them more so they are not selling theirs or if they are they sell very fast.
@@chromaticmusic sorry about the delay. I mean the original pickups of all rgx 421. Can you tell me something about the specs? Another question is: I need to replace the bridge. Do you know if the ibanez lo pro or floyd original it fits well? I don't know if yamaha has original replacement parts.
I've heard similar things when describing the J. Not many people have been able to explain it. Some have called Yamaha and even they didn't really have any info on it. What I'd do is take a quick video of it and show us the headstock front and back, SN#, front and back of the guitar so I can help identify it
Hello Chris 🤘 I have a RGX211. I bought it new in 1988 for $250. First time I played it, it felt so good and sounded awesome. So I put it in layaway. I was a 21 year old broke kid. I've aways just played it. Restring and clean it. Never ever wanted to crack it open. I was afraid I would loose the tone. Well a couple of years ago I had to. The volume pot had a short. Right in the range I like to play. I ordered a fender replacement and you know... The original black knob doesn't fit. It's sounds great again but it sucks to take it to my buddies for practice like that. First question is do you know where to get that pot? And also where can I get a replacement black spring/claw panel for the back? I took it off to dust the springs and lost it. When I'm jamming, I toggle the 3 position switch and occasionally press the tone pot to the out or in position. I don't know what I'm doing but I just know certain moments call for certain tone. And this guitar has it. If you can tell me what these functions are doing to the pickups I would appreciate it. Would you know where I can get a factory wiring schematic would be great. I'm just starting to learn about the electronics of guitars on a copy fender I have. I took it apart and I'm installing a EVH Frankinstat humbucker and a floyd on it. I'm not afraid to mess that one up. That's why I'm learning with that first. Your videos are a great help. I hope to hear from you soon, Lyle Detroit
Wow man, thanks for the thoughts. I have a bunch of videos restoring these guitars that have helped a ton of people. Check out my channel and let me what you need
I said the pups were crap, not the guitar. But the guitar you started should be crap, hence the joy in saving your money for an upgrade or dare to buy your dream guitar when you know the difference and have played hundreds of models and spent dozens of hours looking at it in magazines, websites, forums, and guitar shops just hoping to see if the guitar you always dreamed of actually is meant for you. Cause sometimes, the neck is just all wrong. Cheers!
@@chromaticmusic not sure if I should admit that the RGZ 211M was my first guitar (with same headstock shape as the RGZ at the 3 minute mark). Feeling like I may have been a spoiled brat. Having said that, I really started with a fake Strat with string action measured by the axehandle. I then had a loaner semi-hollow guitar that I absolutely hated and couldn’t wait to get the Yamaha so I could hand that one back (was Glibson 33-something from memory 😉). Yep that’s right-I got a Yamaha because I hated my borrowed 60s-era Gibson 335! If only I knew! Sorry for off-topic ramblings. Great collection and vids, Chris. Lifelong Yamaha guitarist right here.
The 101 are not great in comparison to the trs pro. The 101 is made from very brittle metal and two of these trems had settles that broke apart completely. Never had an issue with the pro version which I have more than 25 guitar with them. Yamaha wasn't the only to use the trs pro, ibanez yamaha Jackson esp etc. Everyone just put their stamp on it
@@chromaticmusic thanks. I recently bought a 721 .and absolutely love it. I've been pkayingv43 years .but didn't ever ret Yamaha guitars ..til I found this guitar for$56 bucks.had to buy string retainer screws and strinng blocks. It needs ONE lock nut block and then it will be all together...I now Love Yamaha guitars. .my brother bought the middle line revstar ..man I have been missing good stuff...I'm now loving Yamaha guitars..
Hello,awesome video!! Big thumbs up. Just bought a RGX121FP with serial number JX06132 ,it has locking tuners with no markings on them,HSH konfiguration,Made in Taiwan sticker on the back of the body,5way PU switch and pickguard that covers the whole body. Could you please help me identify year and month of manufactoring? Paid about 300 $. Thanks in advance. Best wishes Jerka
Hey! Nice video, what do you think about the rgz 611m SH, I'm planing to get one, the seller ask 200 USD, it's a soft purple with maple neck one, any advice ? Thanks!
I've heard great things about them but haven't been able to play that one yet. The group I belong to on facebook has a few guys that love them. The 600 series are great high end guitar for the money. But you'll have to decide if it's worth $200 to you. Best of luck and tell if get it and what you think