Yamaha RGX-A2

[Spivonious]

Has anyone played one of these? I think they look cool in the black with the white binding. I'm just concerned about the reliability; Harmony Central reviews speak of the area around the pots cracking.

[Flatpicker]

I've had one for 2 years. The white and gray one. Never had a problem and it's become my couch guitar due to it being so light. Even the pickups are good right out the box. The only thing is that the width at the nut took some getting used to. HC is full of it with this guitar. They dog it because it's different.

[straycat]

I like just about any Yamaha solid body electric, very well made even the real cheap ones.

[necrotechno]

Played one at GC. The bridge doesn't seem very sturdy and the controls were somewhat stiff. I do admire the bravery of not including a tone control. The neck and fretwork were fine and the "roll" of the top was very Brian Moore-ish.

I'm still considering getting a black one and taking out the goofy lights, using the 9v battery to power a P90 footprint EMG-60 and 60A.

[Spivonious]

I like just about any Yamaha solid body electric, very well made even the real cheap ones.

Yeah my first guitar was a Yamaha 120SD (Tele shape, H-H config) and I had it for over 8 years until it got replaced by the Charvel I have now.

I'm planning on heading out to the local Yamaha dealers on Saturday to find one of these RGX-A2 guitars. What's in the middle of these guitars? Is it even wood?

[Flatpicker]

Yeah my first guitar was a Yamaha 120SD (Tele shape, H-H config) and I had it for over 8 years until it got replaced by the Charvel I have now.

I'm planning on heading out to the local Yamaha dealers on Saturday to find one of these RGX-A2 guitars. What's in the middle of these guitars? Is it even wood?

Yeah, it's balsa or chromite (same dif) I believe.

[MountainDog]

Yeah, it's balsa or chromite (same dif) I believe.

I have one of these also, very good guitar. I have no issues with any cracking that H/C people mention.

The body is 'lightweight' wood as Flatpicker mentions, but with a 'hardwood' shell around that. The paint they use gives the impression of a hard plastic.

Here's more info from Yamaha website:

http://www.yamaha.com/guitars/rgxa2/0,,CNTID%25253D62690%252526CTID%25253D600004%252526CNTYP%25253DPRODUCT,00.html

[CharvelRocker]

I had three issues with these, one of which doesn't seem to crop up anymore since Yamaha changed the tuners.

First, some of the older ones have LSR-style barrel tuners which are very hard to work with and don't work with string winders. I do believe Yamaha has stopped using these though and gone to Grovers.

Next, the pickups are very bland. Didn't think they had a lot of bite. Not a major issue, except they are P90 size, so if you get tired of them you are SOL.

Finally, you won't be doing anything fast with the knob setup on it. Does look cool though and it works.

Of course these are all subjective things, but something to keep in mind.

[necrotechno]

Besides true P90 pickups, (Rio Grande makes some good ones) there are other replacement options:

- EMG does all their humbucker models in a P90 footprint.

- DiMarzio DLX-Plus set. The bridge pickup is very similar to a Steve's Special.

- Lace Aluma-90. Available in black, chrome or gold!

- For a true P90 sound, but hum-cancelling, Lace's PS-900 and -905 are the best things going.

[Flatpicker]

I had three issues with these, one of which doesn't seem to crop up anymore since Yamaha changed the tuners.

First, some of the older ones have LSR-style barrel tuners which are very hard to work with and don't work with string winders. I do believe Yamaha has stopped using these though and gone to Grovers.

Next, the pickups are very bland. Didn't think they had a lot of bite. Not a major issue, except they are P90 size, so if you get tired of them you are SOL.

Finally, you won't be doing anything fast with the knob setup on it. Does look cool though and it works.

Of course these are all subjective things, but something to keep in mind.

The pickups are a bit colorless, but, it makes them perfect for effects IMO. I just love this Yammy.

[slayer]

Average street price? Scale length?

Jack

[MountainDog]

25-1/2"

$499

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Yamaha-RGX-A2-Electric-Guitar?sku=519172

[slayer]

25-1/2"

$499
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...tar?sku=519172

Thanks man!! Wrong scale length. I am sticking to 24.75 for now on, unless I buy a Carvin with 25 scale.

Jack

[necrotechno]

Check out some Godin electrics. Way cheap for the quality. Upgraded their LG models with flame maple caps this year.