YAMAHA Revstar Standard RSS20 VW Electric Guitar Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared
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The Yamaha Revstar Standard RSS20 VW electric guitar features a chambered maple and mahogany body for reduced weight and a carbon-reinforced mahogany neck for stability. If you are looking for yamaha revstar standard rss20 vw electric guitar alternatives, you may want a different scale length, pickup configuration, or body material. The original model uses two Alnico V humbuckers and weighs 8.16 pounds. You might prefer a lighter instrument, a left-handed orientation, or a solid body for maximum sustain.
We selected these 6 alternatives because their specifications overlap with the original in meaningful ways. The Enya Inspire Pro SD offers portability for practice without an amp. The PRS SE Silver Sky provides a left-handed option with single-coil pickups. The Yamaha Pacifica gives you a versatile solid-body choice. The Fender Player II Stratocaster features a rosewood fingerboard for warmth. The ESP LTD Demonology suits metal players seeking signature aesthetics. The Cort KX507MS delivers extended range for modern styles. Each option addresses specific needs that differ from the RSS20's traditional humbucker design.
Our top pick: Yamaha Revstar Standard RSS20 Vintage White.
How these alternatives compare
Enya INSPIRE PRO SD Smart Electric Guitar
The Enya Inspire Pro SD weighs 7 pounds, which is slightly lighter than the Yamaha RSS20 at 8.16 pounds. It is designed for portable practice and recording without external amps. This makes it a practical choice if you value built-in sound over traditional amplifier setups. The Yamaha offers a chambered maple and mahogany body with Alnico V humbuckers for classic tone. The Enya prioritizes self-contained utility. You should pick the Enya if you need a compact, silent practice tool rather than a standard stage instrument with complex electronics.
PRS SE Silver Sky Lefty Storm Gray
The PRS SE Silver Sky Lefty weighs 12.3 pounds, significantly heavier than the Yamaha RSS20 at 8.16 pounds. It provides left-handed playability and single-coil tone, differing from the Yamaha's right-handed configuration and humbucking pickups. The PRS features a 24.7-inch width and 42.2-inch length, offering a classic scale length and fretboard feel. Choose the PRS if you require left-handed access or prefer the specific tonal character of single-coils. The Yamaha remains the better option for players seeking a lightweight, traditional humbucker setup with a chambered body for reduced weight.
Yamaha Pacifica Solid-Body Electric Guitar
The Yamaha Pacifica is a solid-body electric guitar, contrasting with the chambered body of the RSS20. It offers versatile pickup options and traditional hardware for right-handed players. The Pacifica is a practical choice for those who do not need left-handed or extended-range configurations. It prioritizes classic electric guitar features over the weight reduction of the chambered design. Select the Pacifica if you want a standard solid-body build with versatile tones. The RSS20 is preferable if you prioritize the lighter weight and stable carbon-reinforced neck of the chambered model.
Fender Player II Stratocaster Rosewood
The Fender Player II Stratocaster Rosewood weighs 11.2 pounds, heavier than the Yamaha RSS20 at 8.16 pounds. It features a rosewood fingerboard for a traditional feel and classic finish. The Fender offers the specific tonal character and maintenance routine of rosewood necks. The Yamaha provides a chambered maple and mahogany body with a carbon-reinforced neck. Pick the Fender if you value the warm tone and tactile feel of rosewood. The Yamaha is the better choice for players seeking a lighter instrument with humbucking pickups and reduced overall weight.
ESP LTD Kirk Hammett Demonology Electric Guitar
The ESP LTD Kirk Hammett Demonology weighs 16 pounds, much heavier than the Yamaha RSS20 at 8.16 pounds. It is designed for metal players seeking signature aesthetics and a specific feel. The ESP prioritizes a bold visual style over lightweight comfort or detailed tonal versatility. The Yamaha offers a chambered body and stable neck for balanced build quality. Choose the ESP if you want a distinct metal aesthetic and signature hardware. The Yamaha is the superior option for players who value reduced weight, traditional humbucker tones, and a stable, chambered construction.
Cort KX507MS 7-String Multi-Scale
The Cort KX507MS is a 7-string multi-scale guitar, differing from the Yamaha RSS20's 6-string configuration. It delivers specialized tonal clarity for extended range players and modern active pickup performance. The multi-scale design ranges from 25.5 to 27 inches. The Cort prioritizes ergonomic string spacing and modern metal styles over traditional 6-string versatility. Select the Cort if you need extended range capabilities and active electronics. The Yamaha RSS20 remains the better choice for players seeking traditional humbucker tones, a chambered body, and a lighter, stable mahogany neck.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Yamaha Revstar Standard RSS20 Vintage White
Best for: players seeking lightweight classic tone
- Body Material
- Chambered maple and mahogany
- Neck Material
- Carbon-reinforced 3-piece mahogany
- Pickup Configuration
- 2 Alnico V Humbucking pickups
- Body Type
- Chambered
- Dimensions
- 43.3 × 19.9 × 5.31 inches
- Weight
- 8.16 pounds
The Yamaha Revstar Standard RSS20 VW features a chambered maple and mahogany body for reduced weight. It uses a carbon-reinforced 3-piece mahogany neck for stability. Two Alnico V humbucking pickups provide tone options via a 5-position selector. This right-handed electric guitar weighs 8.16 pounds. It includes a deluxe gig bag. It suits players seeking a lightweight instrument with classic hardware.
Pros
- Chambered maple and mahogany body reduces weight
- Carbon-reinforced 3-piece mahogany neck for stability
- Two Alnico V humbucking pickups
- 5-position pickup selector for tone variety
- Deluxe gig bag included
Cons
- Only two pickups limit tonal range compared to multi-pickup models
- Fixed bridge offers no vibrato flexibility
- No onboard electronics or preamp for active tone shaping
Good fit if
- You want a lighter guitar for long sessions
- You prefer a classic humbucker sound
- You need a reliable gig bag for transport
Skip if
- You require a tremolo bridge system
- You need active electronics or preamps
- You prefer a solid body for maximum sustain
Verdict: Yamaha Revstar Standard Vintage White offers a balanced build with a chambered body and stable neck. It fits players who prioritize weight reduction and traditional humbucker tones without complex electronics.
Enya INSPIRE PRO SD Smart Electric Guitar
Best for: Portable practice and recording without external amps
- Body Material
- carbon fiber
- Pickup Configuration
- HSS
- Color
- Purple
- Weight
- 8 pounds
The Enya Inspire Pro SD is a smart electric guitar with a one-piece carbon fiber body. It features an HSS pickup configuration and a 20W onboard speaker with over 50 amp models. The purple model weighs 7 pounds. You get a titanium bridge, USB-C recording, and app connectivity for custom tones. This all-in-one design suits players who want studio-quality sound without external gear.
Pros
- One-piece carbon fiber body for stable tone and moisture resistance
- 20W onboard speaker with over 50 amp presets
- HSS Seymour Duncan SSL+TB4 pickup configuration
- USB-C OTG recording and app connectivity for 64 custom tones
Cons
- Weighs 7 pounds, which is heavier than traditional solid-body guitars
- Requires the Enya Music App for full tone customization
- Carbon fiber body may feel unfamiliar to players used to wood
Good fit if
- You want a lightweight, durable guitar for travel or outdoor use
- You prefer practicing silently with headphones or recording via USB
- You want built-in amp models without needing extra equipment
Skip if
- You prefer traditional wooden body construction
- You want to use standard external amplifiers only
- You dislike digital controls or app-based tone shaping
Verdict: The Enya Inspire Pro SD Smart Electric Guitar is a practical choice for players who value portability and built-in sound. It fits those who want a self-contained practice and recording tool.
PRS SE Silver Sky Lefty Storm Gray
Best for: Left-handed players seeking single-coil tone
- Body Material
- poplar
- Neck Material
- maple
- Fretboard Material
- rosewood
- Pickup Configuration
- three single-coil
- Hand Orientation
- left-handed
- Number of Frets
- 22
The PRS SE Silver Sky Lefty offers a poplar body and bolt-on maple neck with a rosewood fretboard. It features a 25.5-inch scale length and 22 frets. Three single-coil 635JM pickups provide distinct tones. This left-handed model weighs 12.3 pounds. It suits players seeking classic single-coil clarity and PRS playability in a left-handed configuration.
Pros
- Three single-coil 635JM pickups deliver clear tone.
- 25.5-inch scale length offers familiar tension.
- Rosewood fretboard with bird inlays.
Cons
- Heavier at 12.3 pounds.
- Only 22 frets available.
- Poplar body may lack sustain of heavier woods.
Good fit if
- You need a left-handed electric guitar.
- You prefer single-coil pickup tones.
- You want a bolt-on neck construction.
Skip if
- You require more than 22 frets.
- You prefer a heavier, more sustain-focused body wood.
- You are right-handed.
Verdict: PRS SE Silver Sky Lefty, Storm Gray provides reliable single-coil tone and left-handed playability. It fits players who value classic scale length and fretboard feel.
Yamaha Pacifica Solid-Body Electric Guitar
Best for: Right-handed players seeking versatile solid-body tone
- Number of Strings
- 6
- Hand Orientation
- Right
- Body Type
- Solid-Body
- Dimensions
- 18 × 7 × 45 inches
The Yamaha PAC612VII is a right-handed, 6-string solid-body electric guitar in Translucent Black. It features a Graph Tech TUSQ nut and Seymour Duncan SSL-1 and Custom 5 TB-14 pickups. A push-pull coil split on the master tone knob adds versatility. The Wilkinson VS50 bridge and 5-position lever switch provide standard control. This model suits players seeking reliable hardware and clear tonal options in a practical package.
Pros
- Graph Tech TUSQ nut for stable tuning
- Seymour Duncan SSL-1 and Custom 5 TB-14 pickups
- Push-pull coil split on master tone knob
- Wilkinson VS50 bridge for reliable intonation
Cons
- Only available in right-handed orientation
- Limited to 6 strings
- No built-in electronics or smart features listed
Good fit if
- You want a reliable solid-body guitar with quality pickups
- You prefer right-handed configuration
- You need coil-splitting versatility for different tones
Skip if
- You require a left-handed model
- You need more than 6 strings
- You are looking for a guitar with built-in smart technology
Verdict: Yamaha PAC612VII Translucent Black offers solid hardware and versatile pickup options for players who prioritize traditional electric guitar features. It is a practical choice for those who do not need left-handed or extended-range configurations.
Fender Player II Stratocaster Rosewood
Best for: players seeking rosewood fingerboard warmth
- Fretboard Material
- Rosewood
- Dimensions
- 42 × 17 × 4.5 inches
- Weight
- 11.2 pounds
The Fender Player II Stratocaster features a rosewood fingerboard and a 3-Color Sunburst finish. It measures 42 inches in length and weighs 11.2 pounds. The body width is 17 inches with a height of 4.5 inches. This guitar suits players who prefer the warmth and smooth feel of rosewood over maple. It is available in multiple color options including Black and Polar White.
Pros
- Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
- Classic 3-Color Sunburst finish
- Standard Stratocaster body dimensions
- Available in three color options
Cons
- Heavier at 11.2 pounds compared to some alternatives
- Rosewood requires regular maintenance to prevent drying
- Standard 4.5 inch height may not suit all body types
Good fit if
- You want a rosewood fingerboard for warmer tones
- You prefer the classic Stratocaster shape and size
- You like the 3-Color Sunburst aesthetic
Skip if
- You need a lighter guitar under 10 pounds
- You prefer a maple fingerboard for brighter sound
- You want a multi-scale neck design
Verdict: Fender Player II Stratocaster Rosewood offers a traditional feel with its rosewood fingerboard and classic finish. It fits players who value the specific tonal character and maintenance routine of rosewood necks.
ESP LTD Kirk Hammett Demonology Electric Guitar
Best for: Metal players seeking signature aesthetics
- Color
- Black
- Dimensions
- 47 × 5 × 19 inches
- Weight
- 16 pounds
View on Amazon: ESP LTD Kirk Hammett Demonology Electric Guitar
The ESP LTD Kirk Hammett Demonology is a black electric guitar measuring 47 inches long and 19 inches high. It weighs 16 pounds. This instrument is designed for high-gain metal tones, reflecting the signature style of its namesake. You will find its heavy build and specific aesthetic suited for players seeking a distinct, aggressive look and sound profile.
Pros
- Signature design linked to Kirk Hammett
- Black finish for a classic metal look
- Solid 16-pound build weight
- Demonology style option available
Cons
- Heavy 16-pound weight may cause fatigue
- Large 47-inch length affects portability
- No detailed tonal specifications provided
Good fit if
- You play high-gain metal genres
- You want a signature model aesthetic
- You prefer a heavier, solid body feel
Skip if
- You need a lightweight instrument for long sets
- You prefer compact, travel-friendly guitar sizes
- You are looking for versatile, clean tones
Verdict: The ESP LTD Kirk Hammett Demonology fits players who prioritize a specific metal aesthetic and signature feel over lightweight comfort or detailed tonal versatility.
Cort KX507MS 7-String Multi-Scale
Best for: Extended range modern metal and progressive styles
- Body Material
- Mahogany
- Neck Material
- 5pcs Maple and Purple Heart
- Fretboard Material
- Macassar Ebony
- Pickup Configuration
- Fluence Modern Humbucker Set
- Number of Strings
- 7
- Scale Length
- 25.5"- 27"
The Cort KX507MS is a 7-string solid-body electric guitar designed for extended range playing. It features a multi-scale length ranging from 25.5 to 27 inches, which tightens tension on the low strings for improved clarity. The build includes a mahogany body with a pale moon ebony top and a Macassar ebony fingerboard. Fluence Modern humbuckers provide active tone shaping. This instrument suits players seeking modern tonal definition and ergonomic string spacing.
Pros
- 7-string configuration with multi-scale length from 25.5 to 27 inches
- Fluence Modern Humbucker Set for active electronic performance
- Mahogany body with pale moon ebony top and Macassar ebony fingerboard
Cons
- Multi-scale design requires adjustment for players accustomed to uniform scale lengths
- Active electronics limit passive tone flexibility without battery power
- Specialized 7-string format excludes standard 6-string repertoire
Good fit if
- You need extended low-end range for modern heavy genres
- You prefer the clarity and tension of a multi-scale design
- You want active pickups for high-gain tonal precision
Skip if
- You require a standard 6-string layout
- You prefer passive pickup systems
- You want a uniform scale length across all strings
Verdict: Cort KX507MS 7-String Multi-Scale delivers specialized tonal clarity for extended range players. It fits musicians who prioritize modern active pickup performance and ergonomic string spacing over traditional 6-string versatility.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Yamaha Revstar Standard RSS20 Vintage White | Enya INSPIRE PRO SD Smart Electric Guitar | PRS SE Silver Sky Lefty Storm Gray | Yamaha Pacifica Solid-Body Electric Guitar | Fender Player II Stratocaster Rosewood | ESP LTD Kirk Hammett Demonology Electric Guitar | Cort KX507MS 7-String Multi-Scale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Material | Chambered maple and mahogany | carbon fiber | poplar | not specified | not specified | not specified | Mahogany |
| Neck Material | Carbon-reinforced 3-piece mahogany | not specified | maple | not specified | not specified | not specified | 5pcs Maple and Purple Heart |
| Fretboard Material | not specified | not specified | rosewood | not specified | Rosewood | not specified | Macassar Ebony |
| Pickup Configuration | 2 Alnico V Humbucking pickups | HSS | three single-coil | not specified | not specified | not specified | Fluence Modern Humbucker Set |
| Number of Strings | not specified | not specified | not specified | 6 | not specified | not specified | 7 |
| Hand Orientation | not specified | not specified | left-handed | Right | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Body Type | Chambered | not specified | not specified | Solid-Body | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Number of Frets | not specified | not specified | 22 | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Scale Length | not specified | not specified | 25.5" | not specified | not specified | not specified | 25.5"- 27" |
| Color | Vintage White | Purple | Storm Gray | Translucent Black | 3-color Sunburst | Black | Black |
| Dimensions | 43.3 × 19.9 × 5.31 inches | not specified | 42.2 × 24.7 × 4.7 inches | 18 × 7 × 45 inches | 42 × 17 × 4.5 inches | 47 × 5 × 19 inches | not specified |
| Weight | 8.16 pounds | 8 pounds | 12.3 pounds | not specified | 11.2 pounds | 16 pounds | not specified |
| Model | RSS20 VW | INSPIRE PRO SD Purple | 114259::8J: | PAC612VIIFM TBL | PLAIISTRW3TS | LKHDEMON | KX507MS-NBB |
| Size | not specified | INSPIRE PRO SD | Left Handed | 612VII | 42 inches | not specified | Multi-Scale (25.5"- 27") |
Frequently asked questions
Which alternative offers the best weight reduction for the Yamaha Revstar Standard RSS20 VW?
The Enya Inspire Pro SD is the lightest option on this list. It weighs 7 pounds, which is lighter than the Yamaha RSS20 at 8.16 pounds. This makes it a practical choice if you prioritize portability and reduced weight for practice sessions or travel.
What is the best left-handed alternative to the Yamaha Revstar Standard RSS20 VW?
The PRS SE Silver Sky Lefty in Storm Gray is the top choice for left-handed players. It provides reliable single-coil tone and classic scale length. This model fits players who value specific fretboard feel and traditional electric guitar playability in a left-handed configuration.
Which guitar is best for players seeking rosewood fingerboard warmth?
The Fender Player II Stratocaster Rosewood is the best pick for this preference. It features a rosewood fingerboard and a 3-color Sunburst finish. This instrument fits players who value the specific tonal character and maintenance routine associated with rosewood necks and traditional feel.
What is a good budget alternative to the Yamaha Revstar Standard RSS20 VW?
The Yamaha Pacifica Solid-Body Electric Guitar is the best budget option. It offers versatile solid-body tone and traditional electric guitar features. This model is a practical choice for right-handed players who do not need left-handed or extended-range configurations and want reliable hardware.
Which alternative is best for metal players seeking signature aesthetics?
The ESP LTD Kirk Hammett Demonology Electric Guitar is the best fit for this style. It prioritizes a specific metal aesthetic and signature feel. This guitar suits players who value visual identity and heavy genre styling over lightweight comfort or detailed tonal versatility.
What is the best 7-string alternative for extended range modern metal?
The Cort KX507MS 7-String Multi-Scale is the best choice for extended range players. It delivers specialized tonal clarity for modern progressive styles. This instrument fits musicians who prioritize active pickup performance and ergonomic string spacing over the traditional versatility of a standard 6-string guitar.