Yamaha - Why are their guitars not more common amongst metal players? 

One must wear a helmet when playing a Yamaha.

I do wish Yamaha would step a little more into the modern realms but man they’re underrated as all hell. Stoked to see everyone finally talking about them, especially the Revstars.

I write this on all Revstar videos I watch. The Revstar is amazing. I have the standard version, and it's better quality than my expensive guitars. Insanely stable. It's like the best Les Paul you've ever played with added benefits of stainless frets, carbon fibre reinforced and matte neck and a head that won't break off.

I’ve only recently become aware of John Brown and his guitar prowess. But I’m convinced that this man could take a piece of rotted wood and throw some dental floss on it and make it sound like I need to buy it as my next guitar. I’ve played for over 35 years and I would love if I could play like John. Amazing guitarist. What’s even more impressive to me, is that he accomplishes so much on the instrument without any sweeping, flashy solos or most of that style whatsoever. For the record I LOVE that style so for me to be interested in playing that doesn’t focus on that, it says a lot about how creative and talented Mr. Brown is.

The Yamaha SG was another guitar that was underrated. Nobody realised how consistent the build was and playability just focused on that it wasn't US made.

I'm so glad you made this video. I can't find any other videos of this guitar with high gain. I love the guitar.

The Revstar is criminally underrated, I own two Revstar guitars and I have to say, they're my go to guitar these days. If they released a baritone version, 7 string or even 8 string model, I'd jump right on it!

Yamaha instruments are soooo criminally overlooked! When I worked at a guitar store I was always very impressed by even their low and mid tier Indonesian instruments. The QC on their fretwork and components were always really solid and consistent. Definitely some of the more playable budget friendly guitars! Would love to try one of their Japanese instruments though!

So many of those riffs felt like they’d fit right in with some Misery Signals tunes. Phenomenal playing as always and it really showcased just how stellar the Revstar is

I've always appreciated Yamaha acoustic guitars actually....and dirt bikes 😎😎

I have an AES820-D6, came out around the same time as the RGX you mentioned. I wanted one for decades and finally found one in a secondhand shop here in Portland for $300 a few months ago - unbelievable instrument even for what it cost new. Dimarzio pickups, stainless steel frets, sperzel locking tuners, really interesting electronics, just a beast.

Man that ambience during the cleans was some rabea level shit, awesome

Both the guitar and tone were excellent! I hope to see Yamaha get into producing more modern instruments.

In theory I know Yamaha crushes basically everyone at similar price points. I’ve played the rev stars and they’re absolutely amazing. But visually and stylistically I just can’t get excited about them, which matters even if I don’t want to admit it. But I think I am warming up to these more.

I have the RGX420S (the non-drop 6 model) and it’s a fantastic guitar. I’ve had it for over 20 years and I won a battle of the bands with it. It’s my workhorse and I still love it. It’s a metal machine. I’m a huge fan of yamaha guitars and would recommend them at any price.

sick tone, looks like your hands are playing the notes faster than they come. Amazing!!!

I like everything about that guitar. That nasty distortion and beautiful clean and that calm, not flashy design. Very attractive.

The higher-end models of the Revstar series are some of the very best guitars I've ever played. I was truly shocked the first time I played my RS820 (from the first generation). The upgrades in they've made for the second generation, with the chambered bodies, satin necks and upgraded electronics, really makes me want to get a second one!

I had an 87 Squire,the last year of production in Japan. The best strat I ever had! 🎸 Great video.

Ngl, I missed that you said it was a plugin at first, and was thinking that this was one of the fullest, best rounded tones I've heard on this channel in a while. Absolutely insane that this is a plugin, definitely going to be on the look out for more information

cause people want to showoff with their brand names instead of seeking good quality, Yamaha is always one of the best

I've never played the Revstar Professional, but I have the new Revstar Standard, and it punches WAY above its price point. Feels so well put together, plays great, and the pickups maintain clarity even when you put a lot of dirt on them. Love the body shape too, because it's not the same old-same old. Looks great in multiple contexts, from classy to raunchy.

I liked this video format. It's like I bought a new Yamaha Revstar and for the first time I'm playing at home with my favorite effects. Only with this, I am John Browne. P.S. Hello from Russia. 🙂

Great demo John. I'm tempted to try one now! I've got a 28 year old Pacifica 604W that I will never part with. Fairly certain Rabea used to wear that same lion t-shirt. Always liked it 😁

Always have the most beautiful tones coming through.

Damn,I wish I could play like Josh Browne.🎸🔥🤘

amazing sound. I generally hate pick guards but the one on this guitar looks great. Also, I could do with a more nuanced headstock shape. Thank you for the showcase

I've always been interested in these! Jade from AFI played a couple custom looking ones awhile back that looked awesome!

Nice video, first one I've seen of somebody playing metal on a Yamaha Revstar. Now, if you could do a video playing metal on a D'Angelico deluxe Brighton...every single video of them, the users are playing clean jazz.

great demo John - really like the look of the guitar also kinda retro - sounds great

Nice to see hear someone play real music in a review. Its classic rock or something blues with guitars like this thank you, great playing and guitar sound.

This was crazy. What a gigantic freaking sound.

I am a Schecter 24 fret metal monster shameless fanboy. But I played the cheaper Revstar Element and thought it was amazing. Not my bag but because it sounded and played awesome I may just jump out of the box and pick one up. Very kickass and thank you for the video it sounded killer \m/

Have wanted one for years, my first guitar was a $200 Yamaha HSH from the early 90s and always wanted to go back. If you can make a sick motorcycle you can make a sick guitar IMO.

Guys like you and Rabea, i can easily just sit back and chill and listen to you guys play. Just great playing. I've been super tempted by the Yamahas for a while, never been on my radar before but the shape is growing on me. After hearing this I'm pretty sold! If they make lefties...

Aweome video. Was actually wondering how the Revstar Series can handle those kind of tones and turns out it does very well ! (and man how I miss the RGX-TT and the good old AES-820 and 720 in the Yamaha line^^)

Aw man, I remember that yamaha back at the time because I wanted the Ty Tabor sig, what a beast of a player he is.

Man, no lead lines and you can tell that John Browne is an incredible guitar player. I just received my Revstar in the mail last night. Unboxing it soon.

Great guitar sound! Those cleans are heavenly, what amp Sim is that?

I got into them because of Takanaka. I gotta get one at some point.

I always wanted a Yamaha. Thank you for the review.

I play a Revstar through a PRS MT15 and I absolutely love the combo.

Hey John, just wanted to reach out and tell you that you are an absolute beast! I found you on Ola’s channel and been binging your videos ever since. Your style is unique and dynamic, you’re up there with Hettfield as a master of right-hand brutality. Just wanted to build up your ego a little bit 😂 take care brother!

Impressive work. Keep it up.

Honestly man every time I see you demo a bit of gear I'm in such awe of your rhythm playing I don't even notice the thing you're demoing 😂

I've always liked the sound of the Revstars since they came out and some of them look really cool too! Personally I'm not a huge fan of the chambered body and carbon reinforcements, but I respect the innovations that Yamaha is doing. I'm sure they have their advancements. I've also read that they acoustically treat the woods to become more resonant. Not sure how that is done. But yeah, I don't get why they aren't more common. Their RGX series sound really good too. I have one of their acoustics and it is really well built and sounds good. It took a little adjusting and setup (the bridge was too high), but I love it now.

I've been a Yamaha fan for years. They own Line 6 as well, which is who I get all my models and effects from. (Helix)

I own a Revstar Standard RSS20 and I love it. It can do Metal !!!

i really want one at some point, i've been fiending over these since these came out and i think they only get better with each iteration imo.

I got back to playing couple of years ago. My first buy after was Yamaha rgx 420s. Great handling and playability :) Hate the floyd rose though :P But it's perfect for drop C :) Stock pickups are nice and offer cool mid-range.

The undisclosed plugin has me interested a lot. Also, any news on the MMA?

Whilst trying to dial in a clean tone, you accidentally wrote half a Tool song

This is a great guitar I would really love to see a review from you on a modded Hermansson Rectifier Mesa🔥

Would love to see you try out the P-90 version too, that'd be epic

this guitar caught my eye, when i seen matteo mancuso using one. talk about versatility. now if it was only 7 strings D:

Sounds great! beautiful guitar, what amp sim are you using?

I was really considering a $500 Element model when reviews started going up. It's a cool shape for doom styled stuff, imo.

hey there, Friend. Sorry if it's an inappropriate question, but is there a chance you will be back with Riffhard? I've signed because I thought it's your teaching platform and was very surprised when I haven't found anything by you there. I'm not sure I should support them with my money if they've done something bad to you. thanks

Love Yamahas. The 90's RG models were great. 24 frets, Floyd Rose, built for shred.

John's a Beast, love his playing.

it LOOKS dad rock as hell, but it's hard to argue with that result. sounds great

The guitarist from Escuela Grind plays one.

I have the mid tier Revstar. They are so exceptionally good for the price! I think they should appeal to the traditional crowd as well… not sure why the Les Paul folks haven’t adopted them yet 🤔

They make great everything. Drums and hardware are some of the best out there. Great company.

I use Yamaha SG1000's, mostly 70's.

I have an RSS20, play pretty much nothing but metal. Love it.

Cleans were amazing, what amp sim plugin was used fam?

You just playin' random riffs but da heck they are awsome 🔥✌️😎✌️🔥

John! Can we please get an official Nefarious guitar tab? Dyyyyying to learn it man, cheers 🍻

Yamaha has to put out more pacificas with reverse headstocks

I'm a proud owner of a Rss20, one of the best instruments I ever played with ease and outstandingly versatile guitar. Other than that I'm really digging your tones, so what plugin are you using and how are you setting it?

I honestly don't know why. I have a Yamaha bass and it's a fantastic instrument. In fact, every Yamaha bass I've ever played has been great. I've almost bought a Pacifica several times but haven't because I already have too many guitars.

That is a gorgeous blue

a baritone version of this with Evertune and in black would be dope

Yamaha should bring back the RGXA2 models/series!!

Do you have a lesson on those chords you're playing? Is it regular drop tuning?

Hi, where can i find the john browne lessons that where on riffhard?

Such beautiful riffing

John you should do a Tool style instrumental with heavy sections and then sections with those slowed down clean tones, would be fkn awesome.

Kickout the distortion; I'm curious if the Rev can make Les Paul kinda sounds.... To me the Rev is extremely versatile; how is the payability of the neck? Thanks for uploading & greetz ftom 🇳🇱

What up Browne!!!

I use my piss yellow RS420 for metal all the time, its as good as my gibson les pauls, i paid $230 for it a few years ago. Great guitar, the stock pickups are fantastic!

I’d say yamaha guitars are badass and more flexible compared to many high end guitars.. Though I didnt own electric guitar bút played few of them and very much liked them - I do more on the yamaha bass and totally no regrets compared to the range I own and higher priced guitars. Yamaha should make a 7 string guitar with a little touch up to suit for metal

Archetype John Browne incomming?

Gotta say i ordered the standard it came loose in a cheep ill fitting gig bag just flopping around so of course it had cracked at the headstock joint so j returned it. Its a shame and rhey are the only company thats sent a guitar just flopping around

I think it's fairly obvious because it doesn't have a trem and it's the polar opposite of the way metal guitars are going in that they tend to be tuned down and so most are going to use a 25.5 or even a longer scale length baritone guitar. Whereas the revstar has a shorter than typical scale length (like a les paul) The made in japan professional model is not £1500 more like £1800 (plus, as you said the money you need to replace the tuners which is going to push it closer to the £2k you've noticed guitars with roasted maple necks and locking tuners and a trem have - well that's why) - but, that said, if you're playing metal you may as well buy the revstar standard for £700-800 because you won't notice any difference. In fact you'd be as well buying a cheaper guitar that's more suited to playing metal which everyone else does and that's why you don't see them in metal. Next week we discuss why jazz bass players don't wear platform boots and pretend to vomit blood on stage.

What do you think of the model with P90s?

John could make a Ham sandwich sound epic

Thats a great sounding guitar, but I think Browne could make S@it on a stick sound good.

This guitar rocks man.

I may travel to a city that has those one day but im not ordering one again

The higher-end Pacifica models (1221, 1412 etc) or the earlier RGX series held up against anything else pointy/superstrat at the time, but I felt that as a "metal" guitar were overshadowed by the slew of famous players that the likes of Jackson or Ibanez got on board. The Revstars sound utterly amazing, so I can't help but think that perhaps the design throws people off? Perhaps they want more atypically rock appointments? Jeff Schroeder (Smashing Pumpkins) has a very metal Pacifica which appears to be very similar to a 1221 so perhaps some new models might appear in the future - fingers crossed.

Sounds so great! I've always loved the Revstars. Their build quality is just SOLID.

John Browne instrumental album would be fire 🎉

RGX-TT shoutout, YEW!

Without watching video, the first things that come to my mind is budget Pacifica guitars and early Muse.

I think its the vintage look that puts a lot of metal players off it does however look like something a sludge or stoner metal player might play.

I think the reason they are never talked about is because Yamaha is a company that literally makes everything under the sun. TVs, motorcycles, pianos, electric pianos, cars, mixers, headphones, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, etc. so a lot of people make the erroneous assumption that they can’t possibly be better than “ok.” Obviously they are wrong. To many people they are an engineering focused company and not a music focused one.

Whats the plugin ? those cleans are lavish

distortion sounds great