Build Quality:4.8 out of 5 stars
Hardware:4.7 out of 5 stars
Sound:4.7 out of 5 stars
Value:4.8 out of 5 stars
Average:4.8 out of 5 stars

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Pros:

  • Amazing build quality and materials
  • Dynamic sound
  • Diverse features

Cons:

  • Tremolo bar could have been better
  • Single-coils tend to produce some noise

I don’t even know a person who isn’t enthusiastic about a Fender Stratocaster. That name has been associated with many different models and has turned into a real icon in terms of body shape and sound. But in order to achieve similar results to the renowned Strats, you don’t necessarily have to go for Fender or even pay big money. Squier might seem like the best option, but trust me, there are other manufacturers and guitars you should check out. One of them is definitely Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC112V. This fella shares some qualities with a Stratocaster, but it surely has its own individuality. There are some significant differences between the two, yet this bad boy will remind you of that unattainable dream. If you’re on a budget and want to purchase something that has amazing quality, then you should keep on reading. Let’s get this journey started, shall we?

Build

The Pacifica Series has been one of Yamaha’s most diverse lines. It offers diverse price ranges, as well as guitars that could be suitable for anyone. Regardless of your level of craftsmanship, I’m sure you’ll find something that you’d enjoy in this series. But as we’re talking about 112V, we’re unveiling all the qualities of the affordable range.

One of the biggest virtues of this guitar is the fact that it’s made from solid alder. Rather than saving some money on construction and using laminates, Yamaha decided to equip this guitar with quality wood. As mentioned, its body will remind you of the Stratocaster. But its sharper and rounder cutaways on both sides will reveal that they aren’t exactly the same.

This puppy offers a wide selection of finishes, some of which reveal the wood itself with their transparency. The bolt-on neck is made from maple, while the fretboard is built with rosewood. With a scale length of 25.5 inches, PAC112V is super comfortable to hold and play. As you can see, there’s nothing to worry about when it comes to the construction of this beautiful piece!

Hardware

Another huge virtue of this guitar is the fact that it offers versatile features. It’s quite rare to see instruments that offer so much at this price range. PAC112V has a vintage-style tremolo bridge with block saddles. It does also have a screw-in tremolo arm, which will enable you to achieve this effect really easily. I’ll tell you right away that it doesn’t give off the best results in the world, but it can be a really useful tool for occasional utilization. Urea nut, chrome tuning machines and chrome hardware complete the list of hardware. 

Electronics

Once again, PAC112V delivers diverse options right at your fingertips. This fella has three pickups with the configuration of HSS: we have a single Alnico V humbucker, and two Alnico V single-coils. The controls include Master Volume and Master Tone, including the coil-tap feature (one more surprising addition). There’s also a toggle switch, that enables you to choose neck, bridge or middle pickup, or combines them for unique results. I can’t say anything else rather than reiterate that this thing is impressive!

Yamaha Pacifica 112V Sound

Keeping in mind that we’re talking about something that falls in the under-300 price range, Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC112V offers plenty of bang for the buck. This fella is saturated with versatility – you can choose between three pickups depending on the style you’re going for. The included humbucker is just perfect for all the rockstars, while the single coils make it possible to play clean. I’ll be honest with you – they might have some buzz and noise and I really wish they were better. But once again, we have to remember what this guitar is. PAC112V is perfect for beginners and amateurs – basically, anyone who doesn’t perform professionally.

Conclusion

All in all, Yamaha has done an amazing job at creating an affordable, powerful guitar. Pacifica Series PAC112V is a fantastic option for anyone, who is looking for an entry-level, versatile guitar. It can be a handy tool for practicing with a tremolo bridge and arm, or experimenting with various pickup combinations. Its sonic diversity is one of the reasons why it is so badass, not to mention the construction and other features. Good luck!

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2 COMMENTS

  1. I have a Line6 Standard Variax and, this guitar is made by Yamaha and, is a direct spinoff of the Pacifica. It truly is a Fantastic guitar! I’ve played a Strat for a long time and, I dearly Love it but this guitar will not leave you wanting for anything. One thing I wish Fender would do is make a Strat so that the tone could be rolled off on every pickup mainly the bridge. This one has that feature. Great build, excellent pickups, the first, third and fifth position has a little noise from the single coils but, s Strat will have the same. It’s not that bad barely noticeable in a song. Really Great instrument but, the Variax is another story.

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