The Yamaha RGX 1212S is similar to the Yamaha RGX 1212A which features Active pickups. This superstrat on the other hand features passive pickups. One humbucker in the bridge and two single coils, all with Alnico V magnets. The 1200 series Yamaha RGX guitars (RGX1212S, RGX1220S, RGX1203S) feature a rather unique tone control system. There is a mini toggle switch which bypasses the entire system to put you in Direct Drive mode. The RGX 1212S has a capcitator so the tone stays the same as you turn down the volume and also a switch for the coil tap. There are seperate tone knobs, one for the single coils and the other for the humbucker. Other features of the guitar are a short scale: 24.75 inch, neck-through construction and extra scooped cutaways to better reach the upper regions of the fretboard. The first version (1987) featured a Yamaha RM II tremolo while later version feature the Yamaha RM Pro.