Chris Buck is a name often mentioned in discussions about YouTube guitar sensations. His exceptional guitar skills, combined with his deep knowledge of guitar equipment and history, have made him a compelling content creator. However, Buck’s influence extends far beyond his successful YouTube channel. He has earned accolades from music icons like Joe Bonamassa and Steve Winwood, and his work with his band Cardinal Black has achieved both a number-one single and a chart-topping album. Among his impressive collection of instruments, his custom Yamaha Revstar guitar stands out as a frequently played favorite.
“My custom Revstar has been fundamental to Cardinal Black from the very beginning,” Buck states. “It’s the very guitar you see in the ‘Tell Me How It Feels’ video, which we used to introduce the band. Since then, it has been with me in every recording session and performance – from Shepherd’s Bush Empire with Myles Kennedy, to the Royal Albert Hall with Peter Frampton, and numerous European festivals. More than any other guitar I have ever owned, this Yamaha Guitar truly feels like my guitar.”
Despite his appreciation for classic, vintage guitar designs and the music created with them, Buck was intrigued by the opportunity to explore a different direction through his partnership with Yamaha. “I found it particularly interesting that the Revstar wasn’t based on any of the traditional guitar designs that most manufacturers often reference,” he explains. “It’s exciting to see a company looking forward rather than to the past. Furthermore, the opportunity to play a model that didn’t come with any preconceived notions was refreshing. In today’s world, becoming intrinsically linked with a specific guitar model is quite unusual.”
Chris Buck performing live with his custom gold Yamaha Revstar guitar, highlighting its central role in his band Cardinal Black.
Buck deliberately chose a goldtop aesthetic for his custom instrument and insisted on a nitrocellulose lacquer finish for his Revstar. These design choices contributed to a deeper and more personal connection with the instrument. “While I appreciate poly finishes, nitrocellulose has an incredible capacity to age alongside its owner, especially when it’s gold. The natural checking, the wear patterns, and the subtle greening – these all reflect my shared history with this Yamaha guitar and the various places and climates it has experienced. This evolution will only continue, and I find that process incredibly appealing.”
Close-up shot of Chris Buck holding his signature Yamaha Revstar guitar, emphasizing the guitar's unique design and personal connection to the artist.
Although he had clear ideas about his custom guitar, Buck was comfortable allowing Yamaha’s experienced luthiers to apply their expertise with minimal intervention from him. “I was quite specific about my preferences, but in these situations, I always worry that micromanaging every detail might hinder the creative process,” he says. “Most of us admire and play guitars that we had no part in designing or building. Therefore, it’s important to recognize that the professionals who build these instruments for a living likely understand the process better than I do! Beyond the basic specifications, I was happy to give the Yamaha custom shop team creative freedom. I preferred it to be an enjoyable project for them, rather than a chore of working through a list of rigid requests, as I believe that approach would be reflected in the final product.”
Chris Buck in the studio recording with his Yamaha Revstar guitar, showcasing its versatility for both live performances and studio sessions.
Buck’s Yamaha Revstar is prominently featured on Cardinal Black’s debut album, January Came Close, and has been used in every performance and recording session since its creation, including at prestigious venues like Abbey Road Studios. Fans will have many opportunities to see and hear Buck’s cherished Revstar in the years to come, as his initial appreciation for it has only deepened over time. “The first thing that struck me was how familiar it felt. It not only felt like an old guitar but like my old guitar. I’ve been fortunate enough to own a few custom guitars in the past, and there’s always an adjustment period. But this Yamaha guitar immediately felt like one I had owned for years. Since then, I’ve played it extensively, and that has only strengthened my bond with it.”
Watch the official video for Cardinal Black’s ‘Tell Me How it Feels’, featuring Chris playing his custom Yamaha Revstar guitar:
Explore the Yamaha Revstar series: A range of electric guitars known for their innovative design and exceptional playability, inspired by Chris Buck's custom model.
