It’s easy to get caught up in Matteo Mancuso’s technique. But there’s more going on than fast fingers. The clarity, the dynamics, and the way his phrases flow are just as much a part of his sound, and his guitar has to keep up.
The new Yamaha Matteo Mancuso Signature Revstar RS20MM brings the look, feel, and response of his custom Revstar to a production signature model. Developed in close collaboration with Matteo, it’s built around the details that matter to his playing, with plenty to offer guitarists finding their own sound, too.
From His Custom Revstar to Yours
Matteo’s relationship with the Revstar began in 2017, when its dynamic response and tonal flexibility made it a natural fit for his playing. In 2019, he worked with Yamaha on a custom version tailored to his preferences. That guitar, with its Vintage Sunburst finish, gold hardware, and focus on expressive control, is the starting point for the RS20MM.
And the look deserves a moment. A Vintage Sunburst flame-maple top and all-gold hardware give this Revstar some serious stage presence, while Matteo’s signature on the truss-rod cover and a custom logo inlay at the 12th fret add the personal touches.
Two Humbuckers, Plenty of Possibilities
The RS20MM carries a pair of DiMarzio PAF 36th Anniversary humbuckers, the same pickups used in Matteo’s custom guitar. Built around vintage PAF specifications, their softer magnetic pull allows the strings to vibrate more freely, supporting long sustain and a sensitive response to changes in your touch. The emphasis here is on clarity and expression, not just output.
Yamaha’s five-way selector gives that two-humbucker setup some extra range. Positions 2 and 4 introduce subtle phase variation for additional in-between sounds, expanding the tonal options beyond the familiar neck, bridge, and combined settings.
Need a little more muscle? Pull up on the tone control to engage the passive Focus Switch. It emulates the character of overwound pickups, darkening the highs and bringing forward the mids and lows for a more aggressive voice. It’s another way to change the guitar’s character without adding a crowded row of controls.
The Playing Details Matter
Under the flame-maple top is a chambered mahogany body. Yamaha’s Acoustic Design process uses that chambering to reduce weight and enhance resonance, while carbon reinforcement in the neck adds strength and stability.
The three-piece mahogany neck has a satin finish, paired with a rosewood fingerboard, a 12-inch radius, and jumbo stainless steel frets. A 24¾-inch scale length rounds out the playing platform.
One especially thoughtful detail is the neck heel. At Matteo’s request, Yamaha refined its shape to give the fretting hand more freedom around the higher frets. It’s a subtle change with a clear purpose: making movement up the fingerboard easier when the music takes you there.
A Tune-O-Matic bridge, locking tuners, and an included gig bag round out the package.
You don’t have to play like Matteo to appreciate the thinking behind this guitar. Whether you’re drawn to his expressive approach or just looking for a Revstar with flexible electronics and a standout sunburst-and-gold look, there’s a lot here to dig into.
Talk with the Chuck Levin’s Guitar Department about the new Yamaha Matteo Mancuso Signature Revstar RS20MM, including details and availability.