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Let's not forget that Yamaha have been making musical instruments of different kinds for more than 4 decades. Their DX7 is arguably the most well known synth in existence.
@@baabaabaa2293 You could well be right. According to their website: "It's now more than a century since our founder, Torakusu Yamaha, designed and built his first piano"
I have a Pacifica 611VFM. It's definitely a Deluxe Pacifica with its Seymour Duncan P90 and HB. I already had a Pacifica in the shape of my Line 6 Variax Standard (think mid price PAC build level - 300 Series? ) and I enjoyed the feel of that just fine. The finish on this 611 is superior though. She's a pleasure to play, straight out of the box. I've owned 5 Yamaha basses over the years, all good instruments. Still have two.
Motorcycles, snowmobiles, Hi-Fi stereo amplifiers, even my kid's grade school plastic recorder, whatever Yamaha puts it's name on is quality. Enjoyed the video Landon.
Yamaha's guitar prices across the board have been heading upward significantly for the past three to four years, but they still represent outstanding value in any Pacifica segment.
My boyfriend got me this exact guitar model for our first anniversary and I have to say it hasn't stopped sparking joy since. At first I had some issues with the frets but those are worsened by the quality of the default strings. Putting new strings on it removed any bad sounds I got from it really. It has been my first electric guitar and is so reliable. Also, it's incredibly versatile which is great from me because I can't really decide on one sound or tone I like and I feel like this guitar was the perfect place for me to start with electrics. I still thank my boyfriend for it every time I play because it just keeps sparking joy. I'd say it's the finest beginner level guitar I could have gotten. Incredible quality. The difference from mine to the one in the vid is that mine is candy apple red and I have to agree that the finish looks incredible as well. Sound is one thing but the looks sure also make it LOOK like a quality guitar. I am super happy with mine.
My wife got me the Pacifica 112J for our wedding anniversary too a couple of weeks ago :) I had one in my teens in the 1980s as I had a school band. I just play at home for fun and this is a really brilliant budget guitar with the humbuckers giving lots of options for more crunchy tones.
Historical fact: The trident in the circle that is Yamaha's Logo is three tuning forks, in recognition of their start in 1897 as a musical instrument company. They clearly have top manufacturing processes.
I'm surrounded by great Yamaha instruments. In college, I'd practice on a Yamaha baby grand. That thing sparkled and sounded BRIGHT, especially compared to the steinways in the other practice rooms and concert hall. When I started recording, my main workstation was and still is a Yamaha MOX88. When I gigged, I would take my MOX and I also had a kick ass 80s era DX7 synth. When I became a music teacher for a district that got a bunch of cash for the arts, I bought all Yamaha instruments- Trumpets, Tuba (they can easily cost $7,000 each- same for Bari Saxophones), tenor/alto saxes, flutes, clarinets and a bunch of Yamaha percussion. They all are going strong after several years of student abuse. I can't say enough about Yamaha acoustic and electric guitars as well.
@@GeneticDrifter Yer. It was a pisser that Yamaha chose to discontinue the original Revstar line without prior notice. I have three Revstars, and glad I have each of them. The original RS502T was arguably one of the Revstar line gems in all respects.
Bought a Yamaha 112J last year. Really nice upgrade from the 012. Solid strat and came in pristine condition. Wasn't thrilled with the stock pickups so bought a pair of Fender Player pickups and had them installed. Awesome result.
Yamaha have always had great quality. My first guitar was also a Yamaha acoustic(fg200ii) handed down from my Dad(it was also his first guitar). He passed away and I still have the guitar, so I'll be keeping that one for sure.
I've had my Yamaha Pacifica 012 since Feburary 28th, and I have zero complaints about it. When I got it, it was already perfectly set up. No scratchy frets, no buzzy frets (just bad factory strings), perfectly intonated, action is perfect, etc. Whenever someone is beginning their guitar journey, I beg for them to buy this guitar. I absolutely love it.
Back in the early 90's when these came out, a guy I jammed with all the time got one of these and kept it for a while. I played it a lot more than he did and was disappointed when he sold it. Back then a selling point they used was the fingerboard having a compound radius, but I don't know if they still do that. I've never seen anyone say anything bad about a Pacifica. I also had an entry level Yamaha bass for a whole and loved how that thing played and sounded as well. I would play the hell out of any Yamaha instrument be happy with it. I'm also glad you like this guitar Pacifically.
I own a 1977 Yamaha SA-1000. One of the best guitars I've ever played and definetely one of the best ES-335 copies out there that outshines the original both in sound and quality. Say what you want, but people at Yamaha know what they are doing, whether they were doing it in 1970's or doing it today.
All the Yamaha products are good to exceptional IMO. I’m always amazed that you see more Squiers than Pacificas as first guitars, but F****r is bigger brand so… My only ding on the Pacificas is they are not as easy to mod if you want better bridge/trem and pickguard. It makes sense to have humbucker but would be nice if SSS and HH models were in the budget option list.
best entry level S style guitar in my view...their higher end guitars are a whole lotta bang for the buck in my opinion...I have an electric 12 string Pacifica that I really love. An AEX 500 thinline acoustic electric and a Yamaha 5 strg bass ....very stable instruments and I love the necks.
Yamaha EG 112 black was my first electric guitar from 2000 and it still plays great today. After I got my first Fender Strat in 2019, I did mod of Yamaha with locking tuner, Seymour Duncan bro90 S pickups on neck/middle and SD 59 Classic H on the bridge, then it become an even better dark horse guitar
I own a Pacifica 112V and a FG800, neither one is expensive but they play and sound great, quality is very good. I'm very happy with both of my Yamaha guitars. If you want a quality instrument, even on a budget, you can't go wrong with Yamaha.
I have an RGX112P bought around 1986 and it was my go to guitar for just over 30 years. Had to replace the pickups in 2020 because the backs fell off. Still gets more use than my LP or Tele.
I recently bought a Revstar (already had 5 acoustic from Yamaha) I love the shape, I didn´t have a P90 guitar and I got with a huge discount. Fantastic guitar. Yamaha is too often underrated, but their price/quality ratio is unbeatable.
Aaah street spirit (fade in out) glorious arpeggio, takes a bit to master especially with a plectrum...well at least I found it harder with a pick as appose to my fingers, but sounds beautiful when you can pull it off. Thom Yorke is a brilliant song writer Paranoid android is another good one to get that pick flowing nicely 👌🏼 Well played Landon 🤘🏼🎸
Thanks for doing this one, Landon. I always hear good things about Yamaha Pacificas. It was nice to see it apart and hearing what you thought of it. Cheers, mate !
The three tuning forks in Yamaha's logo stand for Melody, Harmony and Rhythm. You don't become the world's largest music instrument company purely by luck. Everything wearing their badge does so proudly. Thanks for posting this cool video!
I bought a Yamaha Pacifica pac112v ($309 US) with the split coil humbucker back at the beginning of January. One month or so into my guitar learning journey and really enjoy playing the Yamaha. I did change out the strings recently with D'Addario NYXL 9-42 and cleaned fretboard, polished frets and did a complete setup. I did have to set the relief....it was about 0.014 so I changed it to 0.010 or so...lowered action and adjusted intonation. Plays like a dream. I highly recommend it especially for new/beginner/intermediate players.
It's been said in the comments, but I can attest to the fact that every Yamaha product I've ever bought has been top quality. I have just bought a Yamaha LL16 ARE acoustic guitar, all solid body and amazing sound. It will give any Martin a run for the money.
i bought a Yamaha SE 1212 in 1990. Neckthrough, Floyd Rose Style Trem, ebony fretboard, neck binding, coil split, gold hardware. The best guitar I ever played. And I still play it.
My sister-in-law got my brother an entry-level Yamaha acoustic I recommended when he wanted to try playing again. I went to GC and checked out all of the acoustics in that price range, and you really just can't beat their tone and QC. If I had the budget, I would buy all-new Yamaha band instruments for my school. Just the best overall quality and reliability.
My parents gave me a Yamaha FG acoustic when I was a kid. I’ve had it for almost 30 years. It’s been to hell and back and still plays and sounds great. I recently picked up a Yamaha NCX1 classical and so far I’m pretty impressed. Always enjoyed Yamaha stuff.
First electric guitar was a Yamaha Pacifica, kept it though upgraded pots and switches and modded to SSS with Fender Tex-Mex pickups (my first mods). Tuning stability is amazing, though I don't use the wiggle stick. Have entry level Yamaha acoustic also won't sell it sounds and plays great (16 years old and still going strong). Highly recommend.
I have one as well for about two years now. I got it off the big "A" too during the 1st or 2nd..er lockdown... as a versatile "strat'esk" guitar I could keep close and it handy in my studio/office/living room so it gets played allot . It is versatile and I really like it. I would get an upgrade but I don't see the need it is that good. I have allot of the main stream known brands as well so I don't look at entry level , I look at quality for bucks spent... Yamaha is underrated ... It is comfy, feels good and no scratchy noise from pots, selector works every time ( cant say that about every guitar I have; some require a second or even third cycling some have been replaced already...) and controls are very decent . I have a Yamaha TransAcoustic as well and HOLY smoke bud, you should take one of those puppies fer a rip ! . Great review !
Happen to have the same baby in the same colour! I bought it in 2019. Also, it happens to be my first electric guitar, so definitely something special! Even if I love it the way it is, adding some upgrades can definitely turn it into an absolute beast! I prefer metal music, and the stock Humbucker pickup does give certain feedback while on high gain. But it can be resolved using a Noise Gate to some extent. Replacing the pickups and wiring can be the first and best upgrade one can do on this guitar, in my opinion. The body felt a bit heavy to my taste (well, it's personal preference), but it's not super, shoulder-breaking kinda heavy. I agree with everything you said, and I'm happy that my first electric guitar is not a junky piece of crap which I could have got in this price range if I started learning a few years or a decade back. Music becoming accessible to everyone is something I wholeheartedly support, and Yamaha is making it possible (also Harley Benton).
@@bobpratt4816 It's difficult to find the exact piece of axe that's tailor-made for you in company stock guitars. You might want to go for custom shop guitars. There are lots of options here as well, from 10s to PRS, but the major issue is importing, and the cost associated with it.
Yamaha is quality across the board! I've owned various Yamaha products including motorcycles, drums ,and guitars. All fantastic and I wouldn't hesitate to purchase more. Ha , I have a Revstar in my sights! ✌👽👍🎸🧠🌌♾
I bought a Pacifica 012 and a 15w Marshall practice amp for $100. Since then I bought a Fender mim telecaster and most recently I picked up a Gibson Les Paul Studio. I love the neck on the Pacifica the most. The overall tone is good too. It's amazing how good entry level guitars are these days.
Yamaha makes good stuff. I've had 3 of their guitars, all were of excellent quality but there were some quirks. Sold my 112J strat because the fingerboard felt cramped because it had a 41mm nut. It was a handsome guitar, fit and finish was top notch, I just couldn't get on with the neck so I sold it. Have a LS6 acoustic that I will never part with. It's an earlier rosewood none ARE model that sounds so good it could go toe to toe with a similar Martin or Taylor. I think it's a huge value. Also have a Revstar RS320. It needed the frets leveled before it could be setup the way I wanted it. While I was at it I replaced the stock plastic nut with a new Tusq XL nut, installed a new Gotoh nickle bridge and stop tailpiece to get rid of some buzzing I was getting from the stock bridge and to improve intonation. Installed a set of Hipshot locking tuners and new strings. The electronics work well and the pups sound pretty good so I left them as is. I like this Revstar now and plan on keeping it for the long haul. The thing about this Revstar is that it has what I find to be an excellent playable neck with one of the nicest rosewood fingerboards I've ever seen. The guitar has a red copper gloss finish, black plastics, black open gear tuners and nickel hardware. Together with the beautifully grained dark rosewood fingerboard I'd keep it just to hang on the wall as a work of art. The fact that it's also a fine instrument that plays and sounds great is icing on the cake.
Great review as always, Landon! I have a Pacifica 611VFMX and it's amazing, plays really well. I do find the 13.75" radios a bit flat but it's easy to get use to it.
Hi Landon, enjoying your reviews man, lots of humour! I have a Yamaha Pacifica 510V. Very well built as you would expect from Yamaha. I think it's a very special guitar. It has only 'one' pickup which is a Seymour Duncan P-rails, trembucker thingy. You can split it and have either a rails single coil or a P90 or combine them into humbucker. Lots of fun!
My son has that guitar and it is a very good guitar. I have a Harley Benton SB-62 and my other son has a Fender Bullet Strat. All of the guitars are good, but we all agree that my HB is the best all around, the Yamaha next, and the Bullet last. The necks on my HB and the Yamaha are very similar as they are wide and flat. Any of the three are great guitars.
The 112V model and up are even better, way better actually. I still have my 112V which was my first guitar before getting a higher end Pacifica. I still use it all the time and will never ever get rid of it
I have a Pacifica PAC612VIIX . It has a Seymour Duncan Custom TB-14 humbucker. 2 Seymour Duncan single pickups, 5-position blade, master volume, and master tone with push-pull control, and a Wilkinson VS50 tremolo bridge. At the time I gave $553.00. I have sold many of my guitars but this one I keep. It's one of the best buys ever for me.
I have two Yamaha Acoustics that I play all of the time-a FSX800C and a CSF3M. My daughter is learning, so I bought her APX600. At the start of the year, I decided to give a Revstar 502t a try after not so quietly lusting after one for the last three years. I’m on a waiting list of about 7 months at Guitar Center. I’m a big fan of Yamaha.
I got the same box yesterday....different guitar though..!! First guitar has arrived and I could not be happier ☺ Thanks for your inspiration and humour 😀
Hi Landon, mi first electric guitar was a Eg112 before pacificas, and it was great, solid guitar, always in tune, very comfortable, even being the basic one. A very good brand, electric and acoustic guitars, pianos, amps, even bikes. Take care.
From Leo: From the bottom to the middle price point, Yamaha is the only company I like both the acoustic and the electric offerings. I have one of the beginner pack Yamaha guitars in the shop right now. It does not even say Pacifica, just Yamaha. That was the discount house model that sold for about $150. I cannot believe what a nice neck it has with vintage sized frets. I also have a later Pacifica with the mellower sounding Alnico 5 pickups. No disappointment, even at the bottom price.
My first electric was a Yamaha ERG 112 C I got in a starter kit 20 years ago at Costco. I actually just sold it this past spring. I had to move it on to make room for more guitars which is now a collection of 14.
Because many guitar players care about things like "mojo" and branding. Yamaha simply makes quality no-frills instruments . They're seen as less cool or with less heritage than Fender or Gibson, unfortunately. Maybe because they also sell entry-level instruments, whereas Gibson and Fender have spin-off brands for that. So people associate Yamaha guitars with entry level or music schools.
@@TheEchelon Yeah, Once I save up money I'll be looking for either a Yamaha Revstar or a PRS SE. For now I'm using a strat knockoff that I bought for under £100
Had a few Yamaha guitars in my house for repair and stuff, had a Yamaha motorcycle too, they all look a bit cheap but are big fun, in the twisties :) and rock and roll . Live up, greatings from Belgium.
Very Cool. Picked up a Yamaha PAC012 second hand with a Vox VT40+ Amp for bargain Price. Had little expectations on either but have a 1980's Yamaha Acoustic that I love. The PAC012 has become a favorite guitar. So Awesome. Cheers
Refreshing to see a review of an entry level guitar that sees it for what it is, not what it could be. It's annoying when a guitar like this is reviewed with the caveat that it would be so much better if this, that or the other was replaced or upgraded, what is the point? I have scraped together enough to buy this guitar and I am over the moon with it and it will be a long time before I'm good enough to start questioning its hardware or performance. Thanks for the straight up review, I bought one on the strength of it - white ones practically non existent in Spain where I live but lucky enough to find one in Germany.
I played one of these in GC a few weeks ago...it was the higher end one and it was old and beat up, but it was still one of the nicest playing guitars in the store!!!
The more expensive Pacifica's are really good guitars. Unfortunately besides acoustics like you mentioned,Yamaha like Cort do not get near the credit they should.I'm guilty of it also.
Good review Landon. One thing I'd appreciate, and I'm sure others would as well, is if you could add bold font to the screen giving us the viewer the measurements you've taken on the neck. Also which pickup you have selected and it's ohm reading would be great as I found it difficult to see. Been thinking about scooping one of these up for a travel guitar. I love yamahas, such great quality even in their lower priced models
Really like the neck profiles and workmanship of Yamaha guitars. I grew up playing my dad's FG-160, I owned an FG 411 from the 90s (which was stolen), I have a 70s F-110 concert size and just recently picked up an FS-850. Solid company.
My first guitar was a yamaha jr2 junior, and I can say that I never had any problems with it. It was a really good entry level acoustic. So, I naturally hope that Yamaha electric guitars will be just as good, if not better.
I have a chance to get one soon, and I think I will based on this review. I've had a THR10 practice amp for years, and that little thing is my go to amp for bedroom levels. If you have a chance to get one, snag it!!
I started with this one, bought guitars that cost 2x + the price, but always went back to the Pac! Recently sold it to a friend, fender strat is next and Revstar 820cr & LP. Awesome guitars grossly under rated.Thanks for sharing Landon!
Maybe a little off topic. I’d be curious and would love a short video on your guitar set up preference assuming you have a preference. But a little more in-depth than oh I like my necks thin and action low!! Lol. More along the lines of I shoot for 4/64 at 12 fret or 1.8 mm at 17th etc. Not a how to set up your guitar as there are tons on line but this is my sweet spot for my playing. Cheers. Another great vid.
i own my Yamaha Pacifica 112j last year, a second series from pacifica, for me it sounds good as an entry level guitar, and be my favourite until today 😁😁
I came thisclose to buying a Pacifica because I know very well the quality of Yamaha instruments. I ended up with a Squier Classic Vibe Strat (and I love it) but I know the Pacifica would have been great too. Very versatile instrument!
I thought I share a few thoughts on this. As I just got a Yamaha Pacifica 120H Natural Satin about a month ago. I tried to learn to play guitar for a few years (I am 43, wtf?!) with a crappy epi Les Paul that was not worth fixing (twisted neck on a 30 dollar guitar that is maybe worth 100 new.) Made me almost give up as I could not ever play a bar chord and allot of notes sounded out of tune. But the Yamaha that I now have is soooooooooooooo much better in everyway. For a 300 dollar guitar (The 120 is just a step above the entry level Pacifica) it is amazing the difference it has made. The Yamaha is lighter (7lbs on the nose), plays and feels great, sounds really good (it has Alnico V pickups, with coil splitting) and makes me want to play. And even though the 120h has regular tuners, it stays in tune pretty dam well. Every time I picked up my guitar it is almost always in tune with only a slight adjustment maybe on the low E string. Don't have to re-tune the guitar after 2 mins like with the Epi. Really happy with the Yamaha, there are somethings I might upgrade like the nut or saddles. But really it is really good as is so there is no rush at all to upgrade. For a beginner/intermediate player, it is a great instrument.
I got one I paid 180 bucks out the door didn't play it till I got home wasn't expecting much and was blow away basically blows ant fender products out of the water till the 1000 dollar range very great guitar
i play a pacifica 812 W for 15 years. I only put a Dim. air norton in the bridge ( instead of the SD 59), because i wanted a fatter tone. It is a fantastic guitar !
I'm a big fan of yamaha guitars. Have had an LL11 acoustic for nearly 30 years, sometimes I consider buying a top end make to supercede it but really I am not sure what I would gain, by spending that 2,3,4000$£€ on a "top quality" instrument. More recently i picked up a used revstar 502 (p90s), vintage feel, retro looks but not directly mimicking (other than a previous yamaha model). Vastly underrated guitars by the majority of players. In my opinion Yamaha make great instruments no matter the price point
The SX guitars that I have bought have all been amazing. Yes, they are very inexpensive, but they play great, look great, and sound great. I don''t know what more you'd want in a guitar... you may want to check into reviewing one.. cheers!
I am amazed by the blue 07 pac012 I have, so I am just seeing in others have discovered how good it is. as well. It is my favorite , out of a dozen other guitars that were my sought-after ones or at least all more expensive . I still go for the pac012. I ask why!? I shrug . Its great , so, I too, wonder about the more expensive models. But it does everything i need. I smiled when you said thanks for being a nice guitar. I heard it in a jimmy fallon voice but its true. Thank you pac012.
Good choice for review. Yamaha is a very underrated product line. The electronics are on the low end, and the fingerboard seems on the skinny side. But a budget workhorse. "Allegedly" lol
Thanks, Landon. The lower-priced Pacifica's generally seem to be better than the sum of their parts. On the matter of the Revstars, I had an RS420 model last year but sent it back after a day. It was well built & finished, not set-up too well, but it just left me underwhelmed. Hard to explain, "bland" perhaps, but it's not a feeling I've had with many guitars.
My experience is the same as yours. It is a very well made guitar! But somerthing has to be cheap.. the hardware is about the lowest grade there is taking this fine guitar down. That is a honest trick, it will do for an beginner as it stands but it is also a perfect guitar for modding.
There might be no bad Yamaha anywhere...I have an rgx hss from 1993, had a very nice erg 121z hsh from 2000, a same with this 012 from 2008, an rgx 420 dzii with emg hz hh, superstrat. All in all, this company is one of the very few to resist the Fender/Gibson domination. I have sold nothing. I gave the 012 and the erg 121 for presents to my friends, both happy ever after.
Have you played any of the Yamaha electric guitars?
Get the Yamaha Pacifica Electric guitars here:
🛒 Sweetwater imp.i114863.net/RyY36N
🛒 Amazon geni.us/YamPac012
🛒 Thomann bit.ly/3B1VVTb
🛒 Reverb reverb.grsm.io/gpuv8wvdgd1p
🛒 Ebay ebay.us/F7bxvx
Let's not forget that Yamaha have been making musical instruments of different kinds for more than 4 decades. Their DX7 is arguably the most well known synth in existence.
Didn't they make pianos in the 1800s
I thought thats why their logo's 3 tuning forks? Cd be wrong, but lve got a 60s Yam acc, so that's near 60 to.
@@baabaabaa2293 You could well be right. According to their website:
"It's now more than a century since our founder, Torakusu Yamaha, designed and built his first piano"
@@tonysansom yeah mate l wasn't sure...l might've read it in a guitar mag or an RD 350(bike) manual as a lad. But the tuning fork logo rang a bell.
I have a Pacifica 611VFM.
It's definitely a Deluxe Pacifica with its Seymour Duncan P90 and HB.
I already had a Pacifica in the shape of my Line 6 Variax Standard (think mid price PAC build level - 300 Series? ) and I enjoyed the feel of that just fine.
The finish on this 611 is superior though.
She's a pleasure to play, straight out of the box.
I've owned 5 Yamaha basses over the years, all good instruments.
Still have two.
Motorcycles, snowmobiles, Hi-Fi stereo amplifiers, even my kid's grade school plastic recorder, whatever Yamaha puts it's name on is quality. Enjoyed the video Landon.
So true!
they make so much stuff!
So true, The Japanese are a really professional race sheesh
+ awesome concept cars
I wouldn't say quality, but def enough to get by
Yamaha's guitar prices across the board have been heading upward significantly for the past three to four years, but they still represent outstanding value in any Pacifica segment.
ya everything has gone up
My boyfriend got me this exact guitar model for our first anniversary and I have to say it hasn't stopped sparking joy since. At first I had some issues with the frets but those are worsened by the quality of the default strings. Putting new strings on it removed any bad sounds I got from it really. It has been my first electric guitar and is so reliable. Also, it's incredibly versatile which is great from me because I can't really decide on one sound or tone I like and I feel like this guitar was the perfect place for me to start with electrics. I still thank my boyfriend for it every time I play because it just keeps sparking joy. I'd say it's the finest beginner level guitar I could have gotten. Incredible quality. The difference from mine to the one in the vid is that mine is candy apple red and I have to agree that the finish looks incredible as well. Sound is one thing but the looks sure also make it LOOK like a quality guitar. I am super happy with mine.
what a great boyfriend! have fun :)
can I know the brand for that new strings?
@@TerraVictor1000 I got Ernie Ball Slinkys, nothing extraordinary, really, but it did help a lot
My wife got me the Pacifica 112J for our wedding anniversary too a couple of weeks ago :) I had one in my teens in the 1980s as I had a school band. I just play at home for fun and this is a really brilliant budget guitar with the humbuckers giving lots of options for more crunchy tones.
😎 cool, what guitar does your bf play?
Historical fact: The trident in the circle that is Yamaha's Logo is three tuning forks, in recognition of their start in 1897 as a musical instrument company. They clearly have top manufacturing processes.
it's a nice simple logo
I'm surrounded by great Yamaha instruments. In college, I'd practice on a Yamaha baby grand. That thing sparkled and sounded BRIGHT, especially compared to the steinways in the other practice rooms and concert hall.
When I started recording, my main workstation was and still is a Yamaha MOX88. When I gigged, I would take my MOX and I also had a kick ass 80s era DX7 synth.
When I became a music teacher for a district that got a bunch of cash for the arts, I bought all Yamaha instruments- Trumpets, Tuba (they can easily cost $7,000 each- same for Bari Saxophones), tenor/alto saxes, flutes, clarinets and a bunch of Yamaha percussion. They all are going strong after several years of student abuse.
I can't say enough about Yamaha acoustic and electric guitars as well.
They got a Steinway&Sons in downtown Houston and you have to make an appointment just to go in and look. Is that common in piano stores?
The quality, playability, look, and sound of my Yamaha Revstar 502T is phenomenal - I love it. Thanks for the vid, Landon.
Nice, I am kicking myself for not getting one. I think they may now be discontinued.
How I wish there were RS502T in Malaysia sure gonna be amazing.
@@GeneticDrifter Yer. It was a pisser that Yamaha chose to discontinue the original Revstar line without prior notice. I have three Revstars, and glad I have each of them. The original RS502T was arguably one of the Revstar line gems in all respects.
Bought a Yamaha 112J last year. Really nice upgrade from the 012. Solid strat and came in pristine condition. Wasn't thrilled with the stock pickups so bought a pair of Fender Player pickups and had them installed. Awesome result.
Is the Yamaha 012 good over the years or does the quality worsen?
Yamaha have always had great quality. My first guitar was also a Yamaha acoustic(fg200ii) handed down from my Dad(it was also his first guitar). He passed away and I still have the guitar, so I'll be keeping that one for sure.
My first bass was a Yamaha BB300. One of the best sounding and playing basses ever. Thanks for sharing with us.
I've had my Yamaha Pacifica 012 since Feburary 28th, and I have zero complaints about it. When I got it, it was already perfectly set up. No scratchy frets, no buzzy frets (just bad factory strings), perfectly intonated, action is perfect, etc. Whenever someone is beginning their guitar journey, I beg for them to buy this guitar. I absolutely love it.
nice!
Back in the early 90's when these came out, a guy I jammed with all the time got one of these and kept it for a while. I played it a lot more than he did and was disappointed when he sold it. Back then a selling point they used was the fingerboard having a compound radius, but I don't know if they still do that. I've never seen anyone say anything bad about a Pacifica. I also had an entry level Yamaha bass for a whole and loved how that thing played and sounded as well. I would play the hell out of any Yamaha instrument be happy with it. I'm also glad you like this guitar Pacifically.
😝
I own a 1977 Yamaha SA-1000. One of the best guitars I've ever played and definetely one of the best ES-335 copies out there that outshines the original both in sound and quality. Say what you want, but people at Yamaha know what they are doing, whether they were doing it in 1970's or doing it today.
All the Yamaha products are good to exceptional IMO. I’m always amazed that you see more Squiers than Pacificas as first guitars, but F****r is bigger brand so… My only ding on the Pacificas is they are not as easy to mod if you want better bridge/trem and pickguard. It makes sense to have humbucker but would be nice if SSS and HH models were in the budget option list.
as expected from a brand that does some of the absolute best sounding engines in the world
I’d like to see a budget T-style Yamaha. The Pacificas are great & you can mod them. I put a Vanson bridge with a full size block in one.
@@steveduggan599 oh I would oh so love to have the budget version of that Tele that they recently made, I'm a big fan of Teles
I have a 112J from 2007, changed it from a HSS to a HH with tortoiseshell pick guard, looks awesome.
I would appreciate if they made a budget SSS with 10" radius. Or maybe a HH.
best entry level S style guitar in my view...their higher end guitars are a whole lotta bang for the buck in my opinion...I have an electric 12 string Pacifica that I really love. An AEX 500 thinline acoustic electric and a Yamaha 5 strg bass ....very stable instruments and I love the necks.
Love the color on it and I am pretty surprised it has a rosewood fingerboard for that price. We are in the golden age of affordable guitars.
Yamaha EG 112 black was my first electric guitar from 2000 and it still plays great today. After I got my first Fender Strat in 2019, I did mod of Yamaha with locking tuner, Seymour Duncan bro90 S pickups on neck/middle and SD 59 Classic H on the bridge, then it become an even better dark horse guitar
I own a Pacifica 112V and a FG800, neither one is expensive but they play and sound great, quality is very good. I'm very happy with both of my Yamaha guitars. If you want a quality instrument, even on a budget, you can't go wrong with Yamaha.
I have an RGX112P bought around 1986 and it was my go to guitar for just over 30 years. Had to replace the pickups in 2020 because the backs fell off. Still gets more use than my LP or Tele.
Play the whole song! Your killin me! Thanks for another awesome video!
never! :)
I recently bought a Revstar (already had 5 acoustic from Yamaha) I love the shape, I didn´t have a P90 guitar and I got with a huge discount. Fantastic guitar. Yamaha is too often underrated, but their price/quality ratio is unbeatable.
Aaah street spirit (fade in out) glorious arpeggio, takes a bit to master especially with a plectrum...well at least I found it harder with a pick as appose to my fingers, but sounds beautiful when you can pull it off.
Thom Yorke is a brilliant song writer
Paranoid android is another good one to get that pick flowing nicely 👌🏼
Well played Landon 🤘🏼🎸
great tunes!
Absolutely, some of the best 👍🏼
You have good taste mate
Thanks for doing this one, Landon. I always hear good things about Yamaha Pacificas.
It was nice to see it apart and hearing what you thought of it.
Cheers, mate !
👍🎸 no problem
the fact that you still reply to comments to this day is so awesome
also loved the radiohead songs you played on the guitar!
I'll do it as long as I can!
I have a Pacifica 112V. Bought it second hand. It is amazing. Very easy to play, holds tune perfectly and split coil on bridge PU is a plus.
The three tuning forks in Yamaha's logo stand for Melody, Harmony and Rhythm. You don't become the world's largest music instrument company purely by luck. Everything wearing their badge does so proudly. Thanks for posting this cool video!
Thanks for the info!
I bought a Yamaha Pacifica pac112v ($309 US) with the split coil humbucker back at the beginning of January. One month or so into my guitar learning journey and really enjoy playing the Yamaha. I did change out the strings recently with D'Addario NYXL 9-42 and cleaned fretboard, polished frets and did a complete setup. I did have to set the relief....it was about 0.014 so I changed it to 0.010 or so...lowered action and adjusted intonation. Plays like a dream.
I highly recommend it especially for new/beginner/intermediate players.
have fun!
It's been said in the comments, but I can attest to the fact that every Yamaha product I've ever bought has been top quality. I have just bought a Yamaha LL16 ARE acoustic guitar, all solid body and amazing sound. It will give any Martin a run for the money.
Always hear great things about Yamaha guitars. Love their pianos and effects🤘🎸
Production on this one is absolutely through the roof!!
ya it's great
i bought a Yamaha SE 1212 in 1990. Neckthrough, Floyd Rose Style Trem, ebony fretboard, neck binding, coil split, gold hardware. The best guitar I ever played. And I still play it.
Very nice!
My sister-in-law got my brother an entry-level Yamaha acoustic I recommended when he wanted to try playing again. I went to GC and checked out all of the acoustics in that price range, and you really just can't beat their tone and QC. If I had the budget, I would buy all-new Yamaha band instruments for my school. Just the best overall quality and reliability.
Yamaha knows how to make really good guitars.
My parents gave me a Yamaha FG acoustic when I was a kid. I’ve had it for almost 30 years. It’s been to hell and back and still plays and sounds great. I recently picked up a Yamaha NCX1 classical and so far I’m pretty impressed. Always enjoyed Yamaha stuff.
The acoustics are excellent value for the money.
ya agreed
First electric guitar was a Yamaha Pacifica, kept it though upgraded pots and switches and modded to SSS with Fender Tex-Mex pickups (my first mods). Tuning stability is amazing, though I don't use the wiggle stick. Have entry level Yamaha acoustic also won't sell it sounds and plays great (16 years old and still going strong). Highly recommend.
Revstars are great guitars for money, and great in general. My quibble is they can be on the heavy side.
Thanks for the great review, Landon. I've got the sunburst one with black pickguard on the way. Super excited.
you know the video is great if you cant sense time passing by.
Really good editing/production everything.
The blackout time is a bit much though
Glad you enjoyed it!
I have one as well for about two years now. I got it off the big "A" too during the 1st or 2nd..er lockdown... as a versatile "strat'esk" guitar I could keep close and it handy in my studio/office/living room so it gets played allot . It is versatile and I really like it. I would get an upgrade but I don't see the need it is that good. I have allot of the main stream known brands as well so I don't look at entry level , I look at quality for bucks spent... Yamaha is underrated ... It is comfy, feels good and no scratchy noise from pots, selector works every time ( cant say that about every guitar I have; some require a second or even third cycling some have been replaced already...) and controls are very decent . I have a Yamaha TransAcoustic as well and HOLY smoke bud, you should take one of those puppies fer a rip ! . Great review !
Happen to have the same baby in the same colour! I bought it in 2019. Also, it happens to be my first electric guitar, so definitely something special!
Even if I love it the way it is, adding some upgrades can definitely turn it into an absolute beast! I prefer metal music, and the stock Humbucker pickup does give certain feedback while on high gain. But it can be resolved using a Noise Gate to some extent. Replacing the pickups and wiring can be the first and best upgrade one can do on this guitar, in my opinion. The body felt a bit heavy to my taste (well, it's personal preference), but it's not super, shoulder-breaking kinda heavy.
I agree with everything you said, and I'm happy that my first electric guitar is not a junky piece of crap which I could have got in this price range if I started learning a few years or a decade back. Music becoming accessible to everyone is something I wholeheartedly support, and Yamaha is making it possible (also Harley Benton).
Why not just buy a different guitar with all the bits you want already on it?
@@bobpratt4816 It's difficult to find the exact piece of axe that's tailor-made for you in company stock guitars. You might want to go for custom shop guitars. There are lots of options here as well, from 10s to PRS, but the major issue is importing, and the cost associated with it.
Yamaha is quality across the board!
I've owned various Yamaha products including motorcycles, drums ,and guitars. All fantastic and I wouldn't hesitate to purchase more. Ha , I have a Revstar in my sights!
✌👽👍🎸🧠🌌♾
👍🎸
Old good yamaha, nice video, as always!)
Thanks again!
Got this one few months back and i just love it! The look is awesome and honestly the playability is very good!
nice!
I bought a Pacifica 012 and a 15w Marshall practice amp for $100. Since then I bought a Fender mim telecaster and most recently I picked up a Gibson Les Paul Studio. I love the neck on the Pacifica the most. The overall tone is good too. It's amazing how good entry level guitars are these days.
Yamaha makes good stuff. I've had 3 of their guitars, all were of excellent quality but there were some quirks. Sold my 112J strat because the fingerboard felt cramped because it had a 41mm nut. It was a handsome guitar, fit and finish was top notch, I just couldn't get on with the neck so I sold it. Have a LS6 acoustic that I will never part with. It's an earlier rosewood none ARE model that sounds so good it could go toe to toe with a similar Martin or Taylor. I think it's a huge value. Also have a Revstar RS320. It needed the frets leveled before it could be setup the way I wanted it. While I was at it I replaced the stock plastic nut with a new Tusq XL nut, installed a new Gotoh nickle bridge and stop tailpiece to get rid of some buzzing I was getting from the stock bridge and to improve intonation. Installed a set of Hipshot locking tuners and new strings. The electronics work well and the pups sound pretty good so I left them as is. I like this Revstar now and plan on keeping it for the long haul. The thing about this Revstar is that it has what I find to be an excellent playable neck with one of the nicest rosewood fingerboards I've ever seen. The guitar has a red copper gloss finish, black plastics, black open gear tuners and nickel hardware. Together with the beautifully grained dark rosewood fingerboard I'd keep it just to hang on the wall as a work of art. The fact that it's also a fine instrument that plays and sounds great is icing on the cake.
Great review as always, Landon! I have a Pacifica 611VFMX and it's amazing, plays really well. I do find the 13.75" radios a bit flat but it's easy to get use to it.
Aye. Me too mate. I got the pacific blue one
Wow, street spirit sounded incredible on it…. Also LOVE your Johnny Greenwood guitar art!!.. fantastic 🙏☘️☘️☘️
👍🎸
Hi Landon, enjoying your reviews man, lots of humour! I have a Yamaha Pacifica 510V. Very well built as you would expect from Yamaha. I think it's a very special guitar. It has only 'one' pickup which is a Seymour Duncan P-rails, trembucker thingy. You can split it and have either a rails single coil or a P90 or combine them into humbucker. Lots of fun!
cheers!
I think it is good entry level guitar and pretty nice quality without any real issues. If one wants to upgrade it ... easy to do later on.
🎸👍
My son has that guitar and it is a very good guitar. I have a Harley Benton SB-62 and my other son has a Fender Bullet Strat. All of the guitars are good, but we all agree that my HB is the best all around, the Yamaha next, and the Bullet last. The necks on my HB and the Yamaha are very similar as they are wide and flat. Any of the three are great guitars.
The 112V model and up are even better, way better actually. I still have my 112V which was my first guitar before getting a higher end Pacifica. I still use it all the time and will never ever get rid of it
👍🎸
Played a Yamaha Pacifica 611VFM in a store once. I really liked it. Had a cool combination of pickups in it. 🎸
Paul Davids recently did a ranking of electric guitars in the 200 Euro range and this one tied for first, I believe.
I have a Pacifica PAC612VIIX . It has a Seymour Duncan Custom TB-14 humbucker. 2 Seymour Duncan single pickups, 5-position blade, master volume, and master tone with push-pull control, and a Wilkinson VS50 tremolo bridge. At the time I gave $553.00. I have sold many of my guitars but this one I keep. It's one of the best buys ever for me.
I have two Yamaha Acoustics that I play all of the time-a FSX800C and a CSF3M. My daughter is learning, so I bought her APX600. At the start of the year, I decided to give a Revstar 502t a try after not so quietly lusting after one for the last three years. I’m on a waiting list of about 7 months at Guitar Center. I’m a big fan of Yamaha.
Thanks for the advice and info. I’ve watched a few videos about this model but I think this one sold me.
Glad it was helpful!
I got the same box yesterday....different guitar though..!! First guitar has arrived and I could not be happier ☺ Thanks for your inspiration and humour 😀
I've been happy with every Yamaha product I've had.
My first electric guitar; in the 90s, was a natural finish rosewood fingerboard Pacifica with a black pickguard. Served me well!
Hi Landon, mi first electric guitar was a Eg112 before pacificas, and it was great, solid guitar, always in tune, very comfortable, even being the basic one. A very good brand, electric and acoustic guitars, pianos, amps, even bikes. Take care.
From Leo: From the bottom to the middle price point, Yamaha is the only company I like both the acoustic and the electric offerings. I have one of the beginner pack Yamaha guitars in the shop right now. It does not even say Pacifica, just Yamaha. That was the discount house model that sold for about $150. I cannot believe what a nice neck it has with vintage sized frets. I also have a later Pacifica with the mellower sounding Alnico 5 pickups. No disappointment, even at the bottom price.
My first electric was a Yamaha ERG 112 C I got in a starter kit 20 years ago at Costco. I actually just sold it this past spring. I had to move it on to make room for more guitars which is now a collection of 14.
Love that you were playing radiohead for the samples
you will find that in most of my videos :)
It's interesting to me that they're not a more respected guitar brand, when they're such a big presence in the piano and brass/woodwind markets.
Because many guitar players care about things like "mojo" and branding. Yamaha simply makes quality no-frills instruments . They're seen as less cool or with less heritage than Fender or Gibson, unfortunately. Maybe because they also sell entry-level instruments, whereas Gibson and Fender have spin-off brands for that. So people associate Yamaha guitars with entry level or music schools.
@@TheEchelon Yeah, Once I save up money I'll be looking for either a Yamaha Revstar or a PRS SE.
For now I'm using a strat knockoff that I bought for under £100
Had a few Yamaha guitars in my house for repair and stuff, had a Yamaha motorcycle too, they all look a bit cheap but are big fun, in the twisties :) and rock and roll . Live up, greatings from Belgium.
Started on a Yamaha EG 112. Great guitar!
Thanks @Landon for sharing this, this is the video that has helped me make up my mind, ordering a Yamaha!
Much appreciated! 😎👍🏼
Glad I could help!
Very Cool. Picked up a Yamaha PAC012 second hand with a Vox VT40+ Amp for bargain Price. Had little expectations on either but have a 1980's Yamaha Acoustic that I love. The PAC012 has become a favorite guitar. So Awesome. Cheers
Very nice!
Refreshing to see a review of an entry level guitar that sees it for what it is, not what it could be. It's annoying when a guitar like this is reviewed with the caveat that it would be so much better if this, that or the other was replaced or upgraded, what is the point? I have scraped together enough to buy this guitar and I am over the moon with it and it will be a long time before I'm good enough to start questioning its hardware or performance. Thanks for the straight up review, I bought one on the strength of it - white ones practically non existent in Spain where I live but lucky enough to find one in Germany.
Yamaha makes great stuff!
07:59 I need this. Thanks, Landon. Good job, siryougotthis
I played one of these in GC a few weeks ago...it was the higher end one and it was old and beat up, but it was still one of the nicest playing guitars in the store!!!
The more expensive Pacifica's are really good guitars. Unfortunately besides acoustics like you mentioned,Yamaha like Cort do not get near the credit they should.I'm guilty of it also.
agreed, the revstar series sounds absolutely fantastic for the price too
Good review Landon. One thing I'd appreciate, and I'm sure others would as well, is if you could add bold font to the screen giving us the viewer the measurements you've taken on the neck. Also which pickup you have selected and it's ohm reading would be great as I found it difficult to see.
Been thinking about scooping one of these up for a travel guitar. I love yamahas, such great quality even in their lower priced models
Noted! I do that for the weight, I'll do that for other specs. cheers!
Really like the neck profiles and workmanship of Yamaha guitars. I grew up playing my dad's FG-160, I owned an FG 411 from the 90s (which was stolen), I have a 70s F-110 concert size and just recently picked up an FS-850. Solid company.
My first guitar was a yamaha jr2 junior, and I can say that I never had any problems with it. It was a really good entry level acoustic. So, I naturally hope that Yamaha electric guitars will be just as good, if not better.
I have a chance to get one soon, and I think I will based on this review. I've had a THR10 practice amp for years, and that little thing is my go to amp for bedroom levels. If you have a chance to get one, snag it!!
Yamaha gear is great
Sounds really good! Go team Yamaha!
I started with this one, bought guitars that cost 2x + the price, but always went back to the Pac! Recently sold it to a friend, fender strat is next and Revstar 820cr & LP. Awesome guitars grossly under rated.Thanks for sharing Landon!
I'd be proud to own one of these
Not bad a all. I like that they have products at all sorts of price points,
Maybe a little off topic. I’d be curious and would love a short video on your guitar set up preference assuming you have a preference. But a little more in-depth than oh I like my necks thin and action low!! Lol. More along the lines of I shoot for 4/64 at 12 fret or 1.8 mm at 17th etc. Not a how to set up your guitar as there are tons on line but this is my sweet spot for my playing. Cheers. Another great vid.
i own my Yamaha Pacifica 112j last year, a second series from pacifica, for me it sounds good as an entry level guitar, and be my favourite until today 😁😁
I came thisclose to buying a Pacifica because I know very well the quality of Yamaha instruments. I ended up with a Squier Classic Vibe Strat (and I love it) but I know the Pacifica would have been great too. Very versatile instrument!
This is an entry-level superstrat from Yamaha, I have the same one in black I like it it's my first guitar
I thought I share a few thoughts on this. As I just got a Yamaha Pacifica 120H Natural Satin about a month ago. I tried to learn to play guitar for a few years (I am 43, wtf?!) with a crappy epi Les Paul that was not worth fixing (twisted neck on a 30 dollar guitar that is maybe worth 100 new.) Made me almost give up as I could not ever play a bar chord and allot of notes sounded out of tune.
But the Yamaha that I now have is soooooooooooooo much better in everyway. For a 300 dollar guitar (The 120 is just a step above the entry level Pacifica) it is amazing the difference it has made. The Yamaha is lighter (7lbs on the nose), plays and feels great, sounds really good (it has Alnico V pickups, with coil splitting) and makes me want to play. And even though the 120h has regular tuners, it stays in tune pretty dam well. Every time I picked up my guitar it is almost always in tune with only a slight adjustment maybe on the low E string. Don't have to re-tune the guitar after 2 mins like with the Epi. Really happy with the Yamaha, there are somethings I might upgrade like the nut or saddles. But really it is really good as is so there is no rush at all to upgrade.
For a beginner/intermediate player, it is a great instrument.
I got one I paid 180 bucks out the door didn't play it till I got home wasn't expecting much and was blow away basically blows ant fender products out of the water till the 1000 dollar range very great guitar
i play a pacifica 812 W for 15 years. I only put a Dim. air norton in the bridge ( instead of the SD 59), because i wanted a fatter tone. It is a fantastic guitar !
Owned a Yamaha bass years ago. Was a great instrument
Great video, the single coils aren't bad at all, but that humbucker really cuts through to the next level. All up it is not a bad guitar
I'm a big fan of yamaha guitars. Have had an LL11 acoustic for nearly 30 years, sometimes I consider buying a top end make to supercede it but really I am not sure what I would gain, by spending that 2,3,4000$£€ on a "top quality" instrument. More recently i picked up a used revstar 502 (p90s), vintage feel, retro looks but not directly mimicking (other than a previous yamaha model). Vastly underrated guitars by the majority of players.
In my opinion Yamaha make great instruments no matter the price point
The SX guitars that I have bought have all been amazing. Yes, they are very inexpensive, but they play great, look great, and sound great. I don''t know what more you'd want in a guitar... you may want to check into reviewing one.. cheers!
I am amazed by the blue 07 pac012 I have, so I am just seeing in others have discovered how good it is. as well. It is my favorite , out of a dozen other guitars that were my sought-after ones or at least all more expensive . I still go for the pac012. I ask why!? I shrug . Its great , so, I too, wonder about the more expensive models. But it does everything i need. I smiled when you said thanks for being a nice guitar. I heard it in a jimmy fallon voice but its true. Thank you pac012.
I've got the Yamaha Pacifica 212vqm Tobacco brown and love it.
Good choice for review. Yamaha is a very underrated product line. The electronics are on the low end, and the fingerboard seems on the skinny side. But a budget workhorse. "Allegedly" lol
Thanks, Landon. The lower-priced Pacifica's generally seem to be better than the sum of their parts. On the matter of the Revstars, I had an RS420 model last year but sent it back after a day. It was well built & finished, not set-up too well, but it just left me underwhelmed. Hard to explain, "bland" perhaps, but it's not a feeling I've had with many guitars.
My experience is the same as yours. It is a very well made guitar! But somerthing has to be cheap.. the hardware is about the lowest grade there is taking this fine guitar down. That is a honest trick, it will do for an beginner as it stands but it is also a perfect guitar for modding.
🎸👍
There might be no bad Yamaha anywhere...I have an rgx hss from 1993, had a very nice erg 121z hsh from 2000, a same with this 012 from 2008, an rgx 420 dzii with emg hz hh, superstrat. All in all, this company is one of the very few to resist the Fender/Gibson domination. I have sold nothing. I gave the 012 and the erg 121 for presents to my friends, both happy ever after.
I bought one of these off the back of this review. Best god damn I’ve got. Thanks Bro.
nice! Yamaha makes great stuff
I think Yamaha is a great company. I played my fathers later 60’s acoustic for years.