Yamaha Revstar II Standard RSS20 Sunset Burst

This second hand electric guitar is in great condition

The Yamaha Revstar II Standard RSS20 is part of Yamaha’s second-generation Revstar lineup, combining classic aesthetics with modern refinements. Designed for versatility, playability, and style, this guitar delivers premium features at a mid-range price, making it a fantastic choice for serious players looking for something unique.

Build Quality & Design

The RSS20 in Sunset Burst boasts an elegant, eye-catching finish with a deep, glossy sunburst that enhances its vintage-inspired aesthetics. The chambered mahogany body with a maple top provides both resonance and weight relief, offering a lively, open tone while remaining comfortable to play. The mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard ensures smooth playability, and the stainless-steel frets enhance durability.

One of the standout design features is the Revstar's signature double-cutaway body, which is sleek, well-balanced, and ergonomically contoured—great for long playing sessions. The overall build quality is excellent, feeling premium right out of the box.

Sound & Electronics

The RSS20 comes equipped with Yamaha's VH5 Alnico V humbuckers, which deliver a rich, dynamic tone with clarity and punch. These pickups offer great balance, making them suitable for rock, blues, jazz, and even heavier genres.

A key feature of the Revstar Standard models is the 5-way pickup switch combined with Yamaha’s proprietary Focus Switch (a passive boost circuit). This gives an expanded range of tones, including humbucker, single-coil-like tones, and a boosted midrange option, making it incredibly versatile.

• Bridge pickup: Crisp, articulate, and great for leads
• Neck pickup: Warm and full, perfect for bluesy solos and rhythm work
• Focus Switch engaged: Adds a thick, midrange-heavy boost, great for solos and heavier riffs

The sound is clear, punchy, and well-defined, with excellent sustain thanks to the quality woods and hardware. It can handle anything from clean, shimmering chords to high-gain rock tones with ease.

Playability & Comfort

The medium C-shaped neck profile feels comfortable and smooth, catering to a wide range of playing styles. The 12in fretboard radius and stainless steel frets make bending and fast playing effortless. Yamaha has also done an excellent job with fretwork and setup, meaning most players won’t need to make adjustments right out of the box.

The chambered body significantly reduces weight without sacrificing sustain, making it comfortable for long playing sessions a big plus for gigging musicians.

Hardware & Tuning Stability

The Tune-O-Matic bridge with a stop tailpiece offers solid tuning stability and sustain. The locking tuners are a fantastic addition at this price point, keeping tuning rock solid even with aggressive playing.

Pros:

• Stunning Sunset Burst finish with premium craftsmanship
• Chambered mahogany body for resonance and weight relief
• VH5 Alnico V pickups offer rich, balanced tones
• 5-way switching & Focus Switch for expanded versatility
• Stainless steel frets for durability and smooth playability
• Locking tuners for excellent tuning stability

Cons:

• Some players may prefer a traditional single-coil tone, despite the versatility
• The Focus Switch boost may not be necessary for all players
• No tremolo system (may not appeal to those wanting vibrato effects)

The Yamaha Revstar II Standard RSS20 is an exceptional mid-range guitar that punches above its price. Its perfect for gigging musicians, studio players, and anyone looking for a unique yet versatile guitar. The high-quality construction, premium hardware, and fantastic tone options make it a standout option in its class.

If you are looking for something more unique than a standard Les Paul or Strat, but still want premium playability and tone, the RSS20 in Sunset Burst is an outstanding choice.