Honestly pick up a Pacifica, Katana, looper pedal and a headstock tuner and call it a day, you’ll keep all of them for the rest of your playing life, won’t cost a fortune, great starter rig and make a cracking backup for when you get bitten by the gear bug.
@@TheCentral.Scrutinizer either the 100 watt head if you want to get into the world of cabs down the line (it comes with a small speaker for practice) or 100 watt 1x12 combo if that doesn’t take your fancy, the dearer head and seperate cab combo can save money down the line if you get into valve amps (heads on their own are cheaper than combos) and speaker swaps are really simple if you want a different flavour. Edit* pick up the GAFC foot controller and you’ll be fine for pedals for a long time.
I've had BOTH. I personally like the Yamaha Pacifica better. I love the neck, like the versatility of the bridge humbucker, also like just one volume and one tone control.
Which one would you choose? Time Codes: Squier Affinity Stratocaster: ►Sweetwater - imp.i114863.net/SquierStrat ►Thomann - bit.ly/2C1PKUD ►Amazon UK - amzn.to/31HaRqb ►Amazon Canada - amzn.to/2ZD8Ecr ►Sky Music Australia - alnk.to/c022T3w Yamaha Pacifica: ►Sweetwater - imp.i114863.net/yamaha-strat ►Thomann - bit.ly/3avk8mA ►Amazon UK - amzn.to/2CZ4YtZ ►Amazon Canada - amzn.to/31J1ndS ►Sky Music Australia - alnk.to/8tITgLb Time Codes: 0:00 - Jam Track 1:39 - About this video 2:28 - Clean Tones 4:01 - Lead Tones 5:32 - Dry Blues Tones 6:30 - Squier or Yamaha?
May I suggest you take a look at the Yamaha Revstar RS320. I have one and it is great for rock and hard rock the pickups are very hot and bright but not perfect, The build quality is very good and it is sturdy well suited for modifications. Re-stringing with some D'Addario EXL110s and try an E flat tuning.
The Yamaha every time, the model you have reviewed is the old model, there is a newer model the 112V with Alnico pickups and improved trem, i have one in Blue a great guitar, better than the Squire in my opinion.
Ttttttyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyt i yyyyyyytttyyyyyiyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyytyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy y uytyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy oil ooyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyttyyyyyyyyty re yyyyyyytyt yyyy r yyyyt re yeyyyyytr r rytrtt ter trust tr re r rrr tt r yr t rtteioryy reeierpdss
I'm still a beginner but I use clean tones 90% of the time, so thank you for this video. I was originally set on the Squier since I already had their Mini strat, but that Pacifica dropped my jaw with it's tone. Definitely getting the Pacifica now!
Both guitars are a great value, it is just a matter of what you need. If it’s a more traditional Strat sounds, the Squier has it beat both clean and dirty tones. The Pacifica has that humbucker that adds a stronger tone profile especially from the bridge position. I’ve never owned a Yamaha guitar before so I’d try the Pacifica straight out of curiosity 😆😆! Cheers!!!🎸🎸🎸
They’re surprisingly good especially for the money, got both my girls a Pacifica each you can play pretty much anything on them, the neck was the biggest surprise felt pretty nice in the hand.
The Pacifica will be here from Sweetwater in a couple days and I'm glad I chose it above the others in the same price bracket. Thanks for the accurate review.
In the late 80's I was playing a USA Standard Strat. Had a few reissues as well. Grabbed a 1990 model Yamaha Pacifica 512 at a used gear shop and played it. That's all it took. Sold all my expensive Strats and never looked back. FYI, the new Pacifica's are very good but, they don't compare to the early 90's Yamaha's. Great review and demo Shane!
Music teacher here. I went to a shop recently looking for a SSS pickup config in something that wasn't a Fender and didn't look exactly like a Strat, because I am a filthy hipster contrarian who likes to go against the grain even in situations where it doesn't make sense. The guy in the shop told me that for the first several years he was running the shop, he tried to stock less common stuff, like not Fender or Gibson but stuff that he felt matched or exceeded the quality for the same or less money. He told me that people would come in, test play rigs by the likes of ESP/LTD, Schecter, Carvin, Ibanez, and Yamaha, and say things like "Oh, man, this plays so well, and it feels great in the hands, and it looks so cool, and it sounds really good... but I think I'm gonna go to Guitar Center and get a Fender." Paraphrasing: this is vaguely remembered conversation from two weeks ago. Eventually, he said to me, he just gave up on trying to give people what actually met their needs and resigned himself to just selling them what they wanted, which was less than they needed for more than they needed to spend, and cut way down on his options for the types of rigs he wanted to be moving. And now, he said, here you are, looking for exactly the stuff I just got rid of. Ain't that just the greatest luck for both of us? Anyway, long story short, I found a used Pacifica 112J and am having that same guy do a bunch of upgrades on it. Good times all around.
Well music teacher, how are you liking the guitar? I’m thinking of getting it. Most of my guitars are HH so I thought a HSS would be awesome for versatility.. I think it’s this or the Ibanez Gio GRX70QA… which is a HSH 😅 maybe defeats the purpose a bit…
@@SingPsalms It’s awesome! I swapped it to SSS pups that a friend gave me, and it plays like absolute class. Recorded it on a couple of tracks so far, haven’t released them yet but it sounds mint and the videos look absolute class on the editing table 🎸
Great comparison! I totally agree I own the Yamaha Pacifica 112v, which is the model up from the 112j and it’s awesome. Definitely at this price point Yamaha take the lead and feels a little more premium with the alder body.
112v is not a "model up" from 112j. They are exactly the same, except for the pickups. Alnico vs Ceramic is a matter of preference. Neither is better than the other. I absoultely love ceramic pickups in my 112j.
I agree. Every Pacifica comparison video I've seen compares the cheapest model in the range. I'd like to see the 611 and/or 612 compared to a Fender or Squire in the same price range
I would have loved to hear the comparison of the Pacifica with a Squire Classic Vibe (not the Affinity Series). The Classic Vibe series plays better, and is a great alternative to the more expensive line The Classic Vibe was chosed by Ron Thorn master builder of Fender as an excellent guitar
Classic Vibe is awesome. Best value for money imho. But plays better? Not really. They play like any good Strat but Pacificas play so much easier. Like butter.
My experience with the cheap Fender pickups is that they squeal once you push the gain and the volume. I thought the Pacifica sounded great and, importantly for me, had that 22nd fret. I have several Fenders with 21 fret necks and although I play them regularly I often find myself reaching for that extra fret so I can easily bend to a high E.
The Yamaha sounds better I think not so tinny. I like Squires I own a Classic Vibe 60s thinline Tele . I also have a Yamaha Revstar 620 it's hard to beat a Yamaha in the bang for the buck department.
There is a reason why people buy squier because they want the tone of a fender guitar in an affordable price where as Yamaha definitely gives you a better built quality but when it comes to tone ....Squier Hands down ..... We actually associate ourselves with the great guitar players and their tone.i remember I wanted a les Paul and a Marshall just because I loved Slash
My experienced with Yamaha Pacifica I always get bad solder on the electronics (volume, tone, and switch) specifically for Yamaha Pacifica 112, 012, and 212 my suggestion if you want to buy just get the 311 and up models (no need to upgrade). You're lucky if got tidy solders or nice cable arrangement.
Yamaha just make them right, first time. I have a natural finish Pacifica 112J in my stable, always feels good to play. I had an Affinity Tele once, hated it, it got sold.
Ahh, but I love my BULLET Telecaster! Can't explain why, but I have 18 guitars, including some in the $1500 range, and I reach for my bullet tele ALL THE TIME! It's a ton of fun to play. Go figure! I guess we just like what we like.
@@caseylee12 I can relate! I have 20 guitars and most attracted to the Tele (a G&L ASAT Classic in butterscotch modded with Seymour Duncan Alnico 2 Pro Tele pickups)
Very Cool Demo Review. Thankyou. Scored a 2nd hand immaculate Yamaha Pacifica with a Vox Valvetronix Amp for bargain price. Really was only interested in the Amp but found The Pacifica has become one of my favorite guitars. Such an awesome Comfortable and Fun Guitar to play.
I have a Yamaha 611hfm I got a smoking deal on and LOVE it. Plays as well as my American fenders and lots of tones with neck SD P90 and SD coil split humbucker in bridge.
Obviously the Yamaha has a little more kick with the humbucker, but it just comes down to what you are playing. I've never really heard anyone say anything negative on the Yamahas and overall it would be my pick.
I picked up a used Pacifica 112 for a crazy low price and I love this guitar. My MIJ strat is on the wall. I play my Pacifica every day. I do plan on upgrading the trem and the pickups, but the neck and frets are sweet, and I love the styling / alder body. I could get by with the stock pickups, but I want to customize it. Weak link for me is the trem and the small block. The 112 has better tuners than the 012 series. If I was buying new, I'd look at the 212 or 612 series. Yamaha makes good stuff.
I also have a Japan strat that sounds great but unfortunately is very heavy, the Pacifica 112v is all stock and sounds almost good. I feel more comfortable with the Pacifica neck than the fender one. And with a humbucker in the bridge the Pacifica is more versatile. I want to buy the 612 anyway
Yes, but if you buy the Pacifica 112V you can split the bridge hummie, so even more versatile. And its big brothers like the 311 and 611 are the same - splittable bridge hummie and a P90 in the neck - awesome combination, and way better than 3 single coils IMHO.
I've been watching many review videos and I really enjoy watching your videos. Trying to decide on what to buy as a lefty and watching your videos are very informative and helpful. So a big thank you Shane!
I picked up a lefty Pacifica a few years back for $50. Traded it for a pedal and instantly regretted it lol. But I should add that I hated Strat style guitars at the time. Now all I own are strats and teles.
Easy choice, owned a Squier in the past and didnt like the neck at all, ditched it and got the Pacifica. Loved the Pacifica fromn the moment I picked up the guitar and felt the neck, and it just gives you more tone options with the HSS configuration.
I definitely preferred the Squier cleans. The Squier had more of a vintage, low output sound with a bit of a mid scoop. The Pacifica had a lot of midrange and more overall output. It sounded almost P90-ish.
I would like to know which guitar you exchanged the pacifica for? If there is an error in the text it is because it was translated by Google, I am Brazilian and do not speak English.
Agree the Revstar is a great piece of kit. I picked one of the 502t’s after Chris Buck recommended it to me on the socials. If it’s good enough for him then it’s a no brainer for me. Pitty they don’t do the lefty.. 👍
I bought a Yamaha EG-112 (Pre-Pacifica) for my son about 13 years ago. He never played it and gave it back a few weeks ago. I cleaned it up and sold it on, but I played it and the cheap ceramic pickups had aged and sounded great, it had a real vintage Fender tone.
I like the Squire better since it sounds like a Strat. The pickups have that single coil tone with that sounds a bit hollow to me. The Pacifica sounds like a generic guitar. It's fine but nothing special. I'm sure as the price goes up in the Pacifica series, the sound improves. If I were going to replace the pickups, I'd go with the Pacifica, since the body and hardware are probably better.
I have both, PAC 112J and a hardtail strat. As far as sound, a modeling amp (I have a Mustang) before messing with pickups. Quality is way far better, do you want a strat jack and rounder neck, if not Pac 112 is the way to go.
I have the Pacifica. And I'm getting a CV 50's Stratocaster. I think now I will keep the Pacifica, for the variety of tones that I will get from both guitars.
I play pretty clean so the pacifica for me, and also I had a HSS Ibanez and when you went to position 2 it would split the coil in the humbucker and just wondering if that happened with the Yamaha too
There is a REASON why Pacificas out sell low to medium Squiers! Yamaha just does a better job for a similar price point! Both sounded good, but the Strat had a more scooped sound to their pick ups, (ceramic?) The Yammy had way more mid presence & projection. As you said the Yammy was better to play and more stable, the Pacifica is the WAY to go! Rock on Shane!
I like the Yamaha more. I had one of their semi hollow body guitars years ago, and it was very good. They make good guitars, all of them mostly. I have an old 69 FG 110 acoustic that's almost as good as anything much higher priced.
@Seamus O'Dork This is the Pacifica 112J which does not have coil splits, and yes in theory you can do anything to a guitar but we are talking about stock guitars. Also I'm not saying that the Pacifica is inferior in anyway.
People obssess over guitars when in general for most people it means very little. Both are nice sounding guitars, but the Pacifica just sounds so much nicer, overall. I spoke to someone who toured with rock bottom Pacficas. They stayed in tune and sounded great. Pacficia all the way. The higher end Pacificas (500 series and up) are simply stellar, beautifully made, and hang with any other brand and half the price.
From Leo; They both have a good sound. The Yamaha pickups are a little more rock. I do like the feel of the necks on the Pacifica series. Yamaha makes a model that ends in "V", which designates Alnico 5 magnets. They are far mellower sounding than the hard rock sound of he ceramics in the lower end models.
You are spot on. I would (and did) save about half on the Squier by getting the "Bullet Hardtail", if you can buy (try) local, as the quality is much less consistent on the Squier. As a sit on the bed player, I really love the Strat Jack, and the rounder neck seems easier for me to do bar chords. My PAC 112J is by far higher quality, good to go out of the box.
I am looking at the 112v. Wonder how much of a difference the Alnico V vs. Ceramic pickups are in tone. I also like the idea of the coil tap for the humbucker...
The photo on the preview shows the more expensive Pacifica. I was hoping to see what he thought of it - not the cheaper one. There are lots of videos on the lesser Yamaha models.
Great test. I like the sound test and your honest and fair comment. They are both great guitars the difference not really significant. I tend to agree with you that Yamaha is more fine in their finish. Cheers from Indonesia.
For those of us who can only listen to the video, it would be great if you could use the name of the guitar rather that saying “this” and “this”. Keep up the great work 👍
Wife here. Question for you or anyone here who know. I am beginner know some chords. Have very small hands and built (like a 4th grader really) ha. Arthritis in hands . So neck size and small scale important for me. I have not been able to find a Pacifica 112V in my area to try so makes me lean towards the small scale option. Thoughts and advice appreciated. Thanks
Pick up a pacifica and mod it. I got one £40 from cash converters. I have made a few guitars from scratch so know the ropes. My pacifica can hold it's own with any american strat, which are so over rated and don't justify being so expensive. In total my pacifica cost no more than £150. Work and mods were: Frets leveled, new electrics pots & everything, new pick ups alnico 5, locking tuners, new saddles and heavy trem block, tortoise shell scratch plates, and a complete body re-carve and natural finish. In all plays like a dream and quacks like a strat should. People don't be afraid to have a go, take your time and you'll be surprised what you can do, there are also plenty of youtube videos to put you right along the way. Go on build your dream guitar and save a few £1000
I have a pacifica 112v, i love it but do wonder what better quality pickups could do for it? The 612v and 812v versions look really great, but are a lot more expensive.
Great review and many thanks for sharing however you missed an arguably minor point!; which Guitar is going to look the best sitting on your stand !!!!!
iirc Ernie Isley played a Pacifica for a period....that tells you it's a very good guitar. Pacifica sounded cleaner to me, but I'm not keen on the look of the long upper horn (I understand why it's like that.)
Good work Shane. These days there is no where near the 'risk' in sub $A450 range guitar. in the last few years,you don't have the excuses/barriers to find a reasonable giutar to play now. Artist Guitars have some good options as well - for the Oz contingent. "Stay Calm - play gutar" . It's not rocket science to get some help with a set up if you need it - even with lockdowns & distant socialling! It just seems like all the Covidiots that bought a guitar & lost the plot - all think they they can sell a year old guitar at a $10 discount off RRP. "Tell 'em he's dreamin' ..." I say.
I played a Yamaha Pacifica 112 for years even though I owned many expensive guitars. It just worked and I never had an issue. In fact I still own it along with a more high end Pacifica, 2 SG-1000’s and Revstar 620 and an SA-2200 which is a beast of a guitar even when comparing it to my 2010 Gibson ES 335. Shane, you need to test drive a Yamaha SA 2200.
Great video comparison... I am just wondering how come no one is noticing the lovely Dire Straits tunes he was playing so flawlessly.... ❤ (so far away) - what a classic song!
Hi Shane, Hope you can shed some light for me. I'm wanting to get into electric guitars and been looking at the following: 1. Fender Squire Stratocaster Pack $359 2. Fender Squire Affinity Stratocaster Pack $530 3. Yamaha Gigmaker10 Pack $430 (this has the Pacifica 012) Though these are ALL sold out and delayed till early December due to Covid. or Yamaha Pacifica 112J but not too sure which extra gear I need (amp? Cord?).
If the guitar comes with a cable it will be not very good. I would suggest getting any cable with a decent Neutrik connector on it and an amplifier that suits your needs. It's hard to know what to get if you haven't purchased one before but depending on your budget a Boss Katana, Vox Pathfinder, or Bugera V5 would be a good few to look into. :)
The Pacifica "ticks all the boxes for me", as it has more clean power, and has a HSS configuration to boot.
Honestly pick up a Pacifica, Katana, looper pedal and a headstock tuner and call it a day, you’ll keep all of them for the rest of your playing life, won’t cost a fortune, great starter rig and make a cracking backup for when you get bitten by the gear bug.
Listen to this guy
Can the bridge be fixed and played without the tremelo ?
Exactly what I did. 👍
which Katana?
@@TheCentral.Scrutinizer either the 100 watt head if you want to get into the world of cabs down the line (it comes with a small speaker for practice) or 100 watt 1x12 combo if that doesn’t take your fancy, the dearer head and seperate cab combo can save money down the line if you get into valve amps (heads on their own are cheaper than combos) and speaker swaps are really simple if you want a different flavour.
Edit* pick up the GAFC foot controller and you’ll be fine for pedals for a long time.
I've had BOTH. I personally like the Yamaha Pacifica better. I love the neck, like the versatility of the bridge humbucker, also like just one volume and one tone control.
"The branding and all that crap"....Nailed it!!! It doesn't matter what the name is...it matters how it feels and plays...end of!!
Which one would you choose?
Time Codes:
Squier Affinity Stratocaster:
►Sweetwater - imp.i114863.net/SquierStrat
►Thomann - bit.ly/2C1PKUD
►Amazon UK - amzn.to/31HaRqb
►Amazon Canada - amzn.to/2ZD8Ecr
►Sky Music Australia - alnk.to/c022T3w
Yamaha Pacifica:
►Sweetwater - imp.i114863.net/yamaha-strat
►Thomann - bit.ly/3avk8mA
►Amazon UK - amzn.to/2CZ4YtZ
►Amazon Canada - amzn.to/31J1ndS
►Sky Music Australia - alnk.to/8tITgLb
Time Codes:
0:00 - Jam Track
1:39 - About this video
2:28 - Clean Tones
4:01 - Lead Tones
5:32 - Dry Blues Tones
6:30 - Squier or Yamaha?
May I suggest you take a look at the Yamaha Revstar RS320. I have one and it is great for rock and hard rock the pickups are very hot and bright but not perfect, The build quality is very good and it is sturdy well suited for modifications. Re-stringing with some D'Addario EXL110s and try an E flat tuning.
Can't go wrong with Yamaha usually
The Yamaha every time, the model you have reviewed is the old model, there is a newer model the 112V with Alnico pickups and improved trem, i have one in Blue
a great guitar, better than the Squire in my opinion.
Ttttttyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyt i yyyyyyytttyyyyyiyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyytyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy y uytyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy oil ooyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyttyyyyyyyyty re yyyyyyytyt yyyy r yyyyt re yeyyyyytr r rytrtt ter trust tr re r rrr tt r yr t rtteioryy reeierpdss
Agree. For a first decent guitar having HSS is a big plus, also quality seems better overall. Yamaha would be my recommendation here too.
I'm still a beginner but I use clean tones 90% of the time, so thank you for this video. I was originally set on the Squier since I already had their Mini strat, but that Pacifica dropped my jaw with it's tone. Definitely getting the Pacifica now!
Upgrade slightly to the 112v it's a lot better for not much more money.
@@Mustaine1ify Did just that. I learned about the V shortly after this comment lol
Both guitars are a great value, it is just a matter of what you need. If it’s a more traditional Strat sounds, the Squier has it beat both clean and dirty tones. The Pacifica has that humbucker that adds a stronger tone profile especially from the bridge position. I’ve never owned a Yamaha guitar before so I’d try the Pacifica straight out of curiosity 😆😆! Cheers!!!🎸🎸🎸
They’re surprisingly good especially for the money, got both my girls a Pacifica each you can play pretty much anything on them, the neck was the biggest surprise felt pretty nice in the hand.
I've had a Yamaha Pacifica but the Yamaha RGZ or RGX is much better. But both
good guitars for the money.
You won’t regret it.
The Pacifica will be here from Sweetwater in a couple days and I'm glad I chose it above the others in the same price bracket. Thanks for the accurate review.
I've bought the Pacifica 112j as the first electric guitar and it rocks!
squier has that more classic sound
In the late 80's I was playing a USA Standard Strat. Had a few reissues as well. Grabbed a 1990 model Yamaha Pacifica 512 at a used gear shop and played it. That's all it took.
Sold all my expensive Strats and never looked back.
FYI, the new Pacifica's are very good but, they don't compare to the early 90's Yamaha's.
Great review and demo Shane!
I've had several Yamaha RGZ's and RGX's both great guitars and I love the thin necks they have.
Music teacher here. I went to a shop recently looking for a SSS pickup config in something that wasn't a Fender and didn't look exactly like a Strat, because I am a filthy hipster contrarian who likes to go against the grain even in situations where it doesn't make sense. The guy in the shop told me that for the first several years he was running the shop, he tried to stock less common stuff, like not Fender or Gibson but stuff that he felt matched or exceeded the quality for the same or less money. He told me that people would come in, test play rigs by the likes of ESP/LTD, Schecter, Carvin, Ibanez, and Yamaha, and say things like "Oh, man, this plays so well, and it feels great in the hands, and it looks so cool, and it sounds really good... but I think I'm gonna go to Guitar Center and get a Fender." Paraphrasing: this is vaguely remembered conversation from two weeks ago.
Eventually, he said to me, he just gave up on trying to give people what actually met their needs and resigned himself to just selling them what they wanted, which was less than they needed for more than they needed to spend, and cut way down on his options for the types of rigs he wanted to be moving.
And now, he said, here you are, looking for exactly the stuff I just got rid of. Ain't that just the greatest luck for both of us?
Anyway, long story short, I found a used Pacifica 112J and am having that same guy do a bunch of upgrades on it. Good times all around.
Well music teacher, how are you liking the guitar? I’m thinking of getting it.
Most of my guitars are HH so I thought a HSS would be awesome for versatility.. I think it’s this or the Ibanez Gio GRX70QA… which is a HSH 😅 maybe defeats the purpose a bit…
@@SingPsalms It’s awesome! I swapped it to SSS pups that a friend gave me, and it plays like absolute class. Recorded it on a couple of tracks so far, haven’t released them yet but it sounds mint and the videos look absolute class on the editing table 🎸
The Pacifica 112 has been the best bang for buck starter guitar for what must be about 30 years now.
I prefer the squier pickups a lot more, because I like the brighter, lower output spankin pickups in a strat
Great comparison! I totally agree I own the Yamaha Pacifica 112v, which is the model up from the 112j and it’s awesome. Definitely at this price point Yamaha take the lead and feels a little more premium with the alder body.
is it still good to play now?
112v is not a "model up" from 112j. They are exactly the same, except for the pickups. Alnico vs Ceramic is a matter of preference. Neither is better than the other. I absoultely love ceramic pickups in my 112j.
You should try pacifica 612 and compare it with mexican strat.
212 v mim. 612 is a different beast in custom shop class. I love mine.
I agree. Every Pacifica comparison video I've seen compares the cheapest model in the range. I'd like to see the 611 and/or 612 compared to a Fender or Squire in the same price range
Yep, Yamaha always feel more top end. Recently bought the Revstar 502T and love it. Sits nicely along side my 510v. 👍🇦🇺
@Ben Carpenter I am looking forward to buying one this or next year!
Yes
You definitely do the best comparisons on guitars. Very helpful in trying to chose my next instrument. Well done.
I bought a lefty Yamaha with a Floyd 26 years ago. Not a single problem with it, knock wood. Great company.
I would have loved to hear the comparison of the Pacifica with a Squire Classic Vibe (not the Affinity Series). The Classic Vibe series plays better, and is a great alternative to the more expensive line The Classic Vibe was chosed by Ron Thorn master builder of Fender as an excellent guitar
Classic vibe is more expensive than the Pacifica though and Yamaha don’t make any others for us lefties sadly
Classic Vibe is awesome. Best value for money imho.
But plays better? Not really. They play like any good Strat but Pacificas play so much easier. Like butter.
Pacifica................I got both and it is always the Pacifica when it counts.................. Thanks Shane !
Strat is a strat,even it's a Squier,Yamaha is also great,especially with higher gain
My experience with the cheap Fender pickups is that they squeal once you push the gain and the volume. I thought the Pacifica sounded great and, importantly for me, had that 22nd fret. I have several Fenders with 21 fret necks and although I play them regularly I often find myself reaching for that extra fret so I can easily bend to a high E.
Great vid! My first guitar was exactly that Yamaha, I will never regret to select it as my first guitar, it's awesome!!!
The Yamaha sounds better I think not so tinny. I like Squires I own a Classic Vibe 60s thinline Tele . I also have a Yamaha Revstar 620 it's hard to beat a Yamaha in the bang for the buck department.
They both sound good for the price, but I'd prefer a traditional strat if I was getting one. I give it to the Squier
There is a reason why people buy squier because they want the tone of a fender guitar in an affordable price where as Yamaha definitely gives you a better built quality but when it comes to tone ....Squier Hands down ..... We actually associate ourselves with the great guitar players and their tone.i remember I wanted a les Paul and a Marshall just because I loved Slash
If you get a yamaha 112v, you can split the humbuckers ( my favorite feature) I absolutely love my maroon yamaha 112v!
My left handed Squire affinity is 26-year-old double of yours, 26 years ago there wasn’t a lot of left-handed affordable decent guitars and I like it
My experienced with Yamaha Pacifica I always get bad solder on the electronics (volume, tone, and switch) specifically for Yamaha Pacifica 112, 012, and 212 my suggestion if you want to buy just get the 311 and up models (no need to upgrade). You're lucky if got tidy solders or nice cable arrangement.
Yamaha just make them right, first time. I have a natural finish Pacifica 112J in my stable, always feels good to play. I had an Affinity Tele once, hated it, it got sold.
Those natural ones are nice, the only ones I would be looking at getting.
Ahh, but I love my BULLET Telecaster! Can't explain why, but I have 18 guitars, including some in the $1500 range, and I reach for my bullet tele ALL THE TIME! It's a ton of fun to play. Go figure! I guess we just like what we like.
@@caseylee12 I can relate! I have 20 guitars and most attracted to the Tele (a G&L ASAT Classic in butterscotch modded with Seymour Duncan Alnico 2 Pro Tele pickups)
Very Cool Demo Review. Thankyou. Scored a 2nd hand immaculate Yamaha Pacifica with a Vox Valvetronix Amp for bargain price. Really was only interested in the Amp but found The Pacifica has become one of my favorite guitars. Such an awesome Comfortable and Fun Guitar to play.
I have a Yamaha 611hfm I got a smoking deal on and LOVE it. Plays as well as my American fenders and lots of tones with neck SD P90 and SD coil split humbucker in bridge.
Obviously the Yamaha has a little more kick with the humbucker, but it just comes down to what you are playing. I've never really heard anyone say anything negative on the Yamahas and overall it would be my pick.
Both! They sound different enough that at that price I'd do both! That's just me. From Kansas
I picked up a used Pacifica 112 for a crazy low price and I love this guitar. My MIJ strat is on the wall. I play my Pacifica every day. I do plan on upgrading the trem and the pickups, but the neck and frets are sweet, and I love the styling / alder body. I could get by with the stock pickups, but I want to customize it. Weak link for me is the trem and the small block. The 112 has better tuners than the 012 series. If I was buying new, I'd look at the 212 or 612 series. Yamaha makes good stuff.
Agreed I love the RGZ's and RGX's.
I also have a Japan strat that sounds great but unfortunately is very heavy, the Pacifica 112v is all stock and sounds almost good. I feel more comfortable with the Pacifica neck than the fender one. And with a humbucker in the bridge the Pacifica is more versatile. I want to buy the 612 anyway
I'd take the Yamaha just for the headstock.
For real
Fr the squier one is awful.
Yes, but if you buy the Pacifica 112V you can split the bridge hummie, so even more versatile.
And its big brothers like the 311 and 611 are the same - splittable bridge hummie and a P90 in the neck - awesome combination, and way better than 3 single coils IMHO.
I've been watching many review videos and I really enjoy watching your videos. Trying to decide on what to buy as a lefty and watching your videos are very informative and helpful. So a big thank you Shane!
So what did you buy???
The Yamaha tones took the cake across that board for me, though the crunch tones were certainly the closest.
The Yamaha sound better to me in this video....I own several affinitys...all of them have been modded to my sound...thnx Shane...cheers
I picked up a lefty Pacifica a few years back for $50. Traded it for a pedal and instantly regretted it lol.
But I should add that I hated Strat style guitars at the time. Now all I own are strats and teles.
I have a bullet start and interestingly, it sounds like the pacifica in the video
It's the THUG the bullet stuff is good stuff. I have a butterscotch fsr bullet tele and I love it.
That was pretty Dire Strait-y at @3:30 .. i like the bridge saddles on the Squire !
Easy choice, owned a Squier in the past and didnt like the neck at all, ditched it and got the Pacifica. Loved the Pacifica fromn the moment I picked up the guitar and felt the neck, and it just gives you more tone options with the HSS configuration.
They both sound good. The Squier has a sweetness to the top end with gain added.
Pacifica killed that squire stone dead in every tone. Both good guitars.
I definitely preferred the Squier cleans. The Squier had more of a vintage, low output sound with a bit of a mid scoop. The Pacifica had a lot of midrange and more overall output. It sounded almost P90-ish.
I have a Pacifica I've had it a few years now and it still play's brilliant it used to be my gigging guitar
I would like to know which guitar you exchanged the pacifica for? If there is an error in the text it is because it was translated by Google, I am Brazilian and do not speak English.
6:30, so I'm confused, are you saying the strings are too high on the squier affinity?
Sky Music should lend you a revstar, Yamaha is solid and worthwhile for all levels of players
They don't make a lefty in that model sadly. (or I have never seen one anywhere)
Agree the Revstar is a great piece of kit. I picked one of the 502t’s after Chris Buck recommended it to me on the socials. If it’s good enough for him then it’s a no brainer for me. Pitty they don’t do the lefty.. 👍
I bought a Yamaha EG-112 (Pre-Pacifica) for my son about 13 years ago. He never played it and gave it back a few weeks ago. I cleaned it up and sold it on, but I played it and the cheap ceramic pickups had aged and sounded great, it had a real vintage Fender tone.
Aw sorry to hear that your son didn't play it
I like the Squire better since it sounds like a Strat. The pickups have that single coil tone with that sounds a bit hollow to me. The Pacifica sounds like a generic guitar. It's fine but nothing special. I'm sure as the price goes up in the Pacifica series, the sound improves. If I were going to replace the pickups, I'd go with the Pacifica, since the body and hardware are probably better.
I have both, PAC 112J and a hardtail strat. As far as sound, a modeling amp (I have a Mustang) before messing with pickups. Quality is way far better, do you want a strat jack and rounder neck, if not Pac 112 is the way to go.
The Yammy gets the winner trophy here .
Great content as usual Shane👍
I have the Pacifica.
And I'm getting a CV 50's Stratocaster.
I think now I will keep the Pacifica, for the variety of tones that I will get from both guitars.
Thank you Sky Music ! Shane, as always, awesome video. Blues On....💙 Tone wise Squire.
I honestly reckon the Yamaha sounds much better. “So Far Away” from the thin sounding Squier. 😆
MK lover too
The obvious difference between a humbucker and single coil. I prefer the Pacifica btw.
I play pretty clean so the pacifica for me, and also I had a HSS Ibanez and when you went to position 2 it would split the coil in the humbucker and just wondering if that happened with the Yamaha too
I've got the pacifica and my mate has got the squire. The pacifica is a very good and well rounded guitar, very nice to play with the 14" fretboard
There is a REASON why Pacificas out sell low to medium Squiers! Yamaha just does a better job for a similar price point! Both sounded good, but the Strat had a more scooped sound to their pick ups, (ceramic?) The Yammy had way more mid presence & projection.
As you said the Yammy was better to play and more stable, the Pacifica is the WAY to go!
Rock on Shane!
I like the Yamaha more. I had one of their semi hollow body guitars years ago, and it was very good. They make good guitars, all of them mostly. I have an old 69 FG 110 acoustic that's almost as good as anything much higher priced.
I have an older Yamaha ,black with a maple neck and maple fret board. replaced the humbucker so I could split it to single coil ! great guitar!
Squier has that chewy, drity, spanky Strat tone. Pacifica is more cleaner.
@Seamus O'Dork This is the Pacifica 112J which does not have coil splits, and yes in theory you can do anything to a guitar but we are talking about stock guitars. Also I'm not saying that the Pacifica is inferior in anyway.
People obssess over guitars when in general for most people it means very little. Both are nice sounding guitars, but the Pacifica just sounds so much nicer, overall. I spoke to someone who toured with rock bottom Pacficas. They stayed in tune and sounded great. Pacficia all the way. The higher end Pacificas (500 series and up) are simply stellar, beautifully made, and hang with any other brand and half the price.
Both are cool! I think the Squier did a better job capturing the authentic Strat sounds!
This video is 4 years old what's your recommendation for now ??
That Yamaha Pacifica sounds excellent
From Leo; They both have a good sound. The Yamaha pickups are a little more rock. I do like the feel of the necks on the Pacifica series. Yamaha makes a model that ends in "V", which designates Alnico 5 magnets. They are far mellower sounding than the hard rock sound of he ceramics in the lower end models.
You are spot on. I would (and did) save about half on the Squier by getting the "Bullet Hardtail", if you can buy (try) local, as the quality is much less consistent on the Squier.
As a sit on the bed player, I really love the Strat Jack, and the rounder neck seems easier for me to do bar chords.
My PAC 112J is by far higher quality, good to go out of the box.
I am looking at the 112v. Wonder how much of a difference the Alnico V vs. Ceramic pickups are in tone. I also like the idea of the coil tap for the humbucker...
It’s been 3 years I know but just read this and wondering what you got and what you think now. I like them both but I like the Alnicos a bit more.
Strat all the way here for me..each note is more dynamic and flavourful than the Pacifica.. Settles it for me..grrrreat vid!
If you want hendrix ,srv etc go for squier but more modern rock stuff go for yamaha considering low action and without fret buzz for both.
The photo on the preview shows the more expensive Pacifica. I was hoping to see what he thought of it - not the cheaper one. There are lots of videos on the lesser Yamaha models.
Great test. I like the sound test and your honest and fair comment. They are both great guitars the difference not really significant. I tend to agree with you that Yamaha is more fine in their finish. Cheers from Indonesia.
the Yamaha seems to have this really nice upfront & smearing sound to it, especially on the top end, like it’s more musical and full.
For those of us who can only listen to the video, it would be great if you could use the name of the guitar rather that saying “this” and “this”. Keep up the great work 👍
I liked the Yamaha all around, I just miss a bit of the spank that the Squier had. Perfect world, the Yamaha's tone with yhe Squier's spank.
Curtis Chavez yeah that's my thoughts, exactly. Maybe a pickup change in the Pacifica could get it closer or even better...
I like bright and clean tone, the Pacifica is perfect, the yamaha when you consider price, it's the best and with a few mods it's great,
Pacifica 112J is a better guitar. It should be compared to Squier standard model.
The 212V would be the comparison for the vibe series. And fyi the 112j is the bullet comparison. The 112V is the affinity equiv.
Wife here. Question for you or anyone here who know. I am beginner know some chords. Have very small hands and built (like a 4th grader really) ha. Arthritis in hands . So neck size and small scale important for me. I have not been able to find a Pacifica 112V in my area to try so makes me lean towards the small scale option. Thoughts and advice appreciated. Thanks
Pick up a pacifica and mod it. I got one £40 from cash converters. I have made a few guitars from scratch so know the ropes. My pacifica can hold it's own with any american strat, which are so over rated and don't justify being so expensive. In total my pacifica cost no more than £150. Work and mods were: Frets leveled, new electrics pots & everything, new pick ups alnico 5, locking tuners, new saddles and heavy trem block, tortoise shell scratch plates, and a complete body re-carve and natural finish. In all plays like a dream and quacks like a strat should. People don't be afraid to have a go, take your time and you'll be surprised what you can do, there are also plenty of youtube videos to put you right along the way. Go on build your dream guitar and save a few £1000
I have a pacifica 112v, i love it but do wonder what better quality pickups could do for it? The 612v and 812v versions look really great, but are a lot more expensive.
Great review and many thanks for sharing however you missed an arguably minor point!; which Guitar is going to look the best sitting on your stand !!!!!
iirc Ernie Isley played a Pacifica for a period....that tells you it's a very good guitar.
Pacifica sounded cleaner to me, but I'm not keen on the look of the long upper horn (I understand why it's like that.)
Pacifica necks are just amazing.
Nice Vid Shane, I prefer the sound of the Yamaha. More of an all round Good sound from it!
Good work Shane. These days there is no where near the 'risk' in sub $A450 range guitar. in the last few years,you don't have the excuses/barriers to find a reasonable giutar to play now. Artist Guitars have some good options as well - for the Oz contingent. "Stay Calm - play gutar" . It's not rocket science to get some help with a set up if you need it - even with lockdowns & distant socialling! It just seems like all the Covidiots that bought a guitar & lost the plot - all think they they can sell a year old guitar at a $10 discount off RRP. "Tell 'em he's dreamin' ..." I say.
Good honest review
Hope you had a good New year's shane..👍👍
I played a Yamaha Pacifica 112 for years even though I owned many expensive guitars. It just worked and I never had an issue. In fact I still own it along with a more high end Pacifica, 2 SG-1000’s and Revstar 620 and an SA-2200 which is a beast of a guitar even when comparing it to my 2010 Gibson ES 335.
Shane, you need to test drive a Yamaha SA 2200.
did you ever change the pickups i've got one and every time surprised how well it plays after putting it away for awhile
@@666dynomax no I never changed the pickups. They seemed to have worked fine tonally for me from day one.
I was able to try both.. i'll go Pacifica all day.. 👍😉 but dont get me wrong, the squier is an amazing guitar as well
Sorry if this has already been covered, but are the 2020 Affinty's full size bodies now? That's the rumor on the street.
Great video comparison... I am just wondering how come no one is noticing the lovely Dire Straits tunes he was playing so flawlessly.... ❤ (so far away) - what a classic song!
Squier sounded good, Yamaha sounded head and shoulders above, really makes me want to get one! What model Pacifica is it?
A 112J
I have a Yamaha EG112. I didn't know that it has great reviews.
Squier is my weapon of choice between these two .😎🎸 Nice demo and review mate ! Have a great weekend !
very sharp playing form shane
Hi Shane,
Hope you can shed some light for me.
I'm wanting to get into electric guitars and been looking at the following:
1. Fender Squire Stratocaster Pack $359
2. Fender Squire Affinity Stratocaster Pack $530
3. Yamaha Gigmaker10 Pack $430 (this has the Pacifica 012)
Though these are ALL sold out and delayed till early December due to Covid.
or
Yamaha Pacifica 112J but not too sure which extra gear I need (amp? Cord?).
If the guitar comes with a cable it will be not very good. I would suggest getting any cable with a decent Neutrik connector on it and an amplifier that suits your needs. It's hard to know what to get if you haven't purchased one before but depending on your budget a Boss Katana, Vox Pathfinder, or Bugera V5 would be a good few to look into. :)
I"m thinking of buying a Yamaha Pacifica 112V but was wondering what AMP would you recommend to buy, preferable a budge.
I've been deliberating for ages but after watching this I'm defo going for the yamaha, thanks!