Yamaha Electric Guitars Naming System

Oh Yamaha. They make great guitars but their naming scheme is a bit complicated. Not as much as Ibanez, luckily, but still.
Since my very first guitar was a PAC311H BK (still have it, love it to death) I thought I'd write the naming system guide to Yamaha guitars.

Just a warning, Yamaha doesn't always provide the best sources for their naming schemes. I did a lot of digging and found almost everything. If you have more insight, please let me know here.

Thanks!

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Understanding the Pacifica Series

The first part of the model number, like 'PAC' in Pacifica guitars, identifies the series. The digits that follow reveal the guitar's relative quality and features. For example, a higher first digit generally indicates a higher-end model. The suffixes added to the model numbers further detail specific features. For instance, 'J' might indicate a rosewood fretboard, while 'V' denotes Alnico-V pickups. Other suffixes like 'S', 'W', 'H', 'D', 'FM', 'QM', 'CX', and 'L' denote single-cutaway, Wilkinson tremolo, hardtail, alternative body shape, flame maple, quilted maple, fancy pickguard, and left-handed versions, respectively.

Over the years, Yamaha has expanded its range, introducing new models and discontinuing others. The Pacifica series, for example, has seen the addition of various models like the PAC904, which combines an ash slab top on an alder back, and the USA1 and USA2 models with alder bodies and figured maple tops.

Yamaha has also released signature models, such as the PAC311MS and PAC1511MS Mike Stern signature models, which feature specific customizations to suit the artist's preferences.

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Naming System of the Pacifica Series

E.G. PAC112V

PAC - Identifies the series the guitar belongs to: PAC = Pacifica
112 - Identifies how “high end” the guitar is: 1 indicates basic parts
112 - Identifies how many humbuckers the guitar has
112 - Identifies how many single coils the guitar has
V - Indicates other features: V = Alnico-V pickups.

The first number loosely refers to the class/features of the guitar:
0 = Agathis wood
1 = Alder wood
2 = Alder, 2 Pc
3 = Alder, 2 Pc, Better Hardware
4 = Alder, 2 Pc, Better Hardware (Similar to 3, unsure)
5 = Alder, 2 Pc, Better Hardware, Better Contours
6 = Alder, 2 Pc, Better Hardware, Better Contours, Aftermarket Pickups
7 = Alder, 1 Pc, Better Hardware, Better Contours, Aftermarket Pickups
8 = Alder, 1 Pc, Better Hardware, TANJ (Total Access Neck Joint), Aftermarket Pickups
9 = Alder, 1 Pc, Better Hardware, TANJ, SD Pickups, MIA, Warmoth Neck
10 = no one knows
11 = no one knows
12 = Alder, 1 Pc, Better Hardware, TANJ, SD Pickups, MIA, Set Neck
13 = no one knows
14 = Alder, 1 Pc, Better Hardware, TANJ, SD Pickups, MIA, Neck-Thru
15 = (1511 Mike Stern Model)

J = Rosewood Fretboard (where Bubinga is also used)
V = Alnico-V pickups (2nd Generation Pacifica)
S = Single cut
W = Wilkinson tremolo
H = Hardtail (2nd Generation)
D = Alternative Body Shape
FM = Flamed Maple
QM = Quilted Maple
CX = Fancy Pick-guard
X = Ltd. Edition Yellow Satin
CP = Ltd. Edition Mirror Pick-guard and Decals
L = Left Handed
R = Reverse Headstock
MS = Maple Singlecut (311MS) or Mike Stern Model (1511MS,1611MS)
USA 1 = MIA models with single cutaway (i.e. tele style)
USA 2 = MIA models with double cutaway (i.e. strat style)
-12 = 12 String

The Yamaha Pacifica Standard Plus series, designed for guitarists seeking to discover their unique sound, features models with exceptional sound quality and playability. Here are some key characteristics and specifications:

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Understanding the Revstar Series

The Revstar series is distinguished by its three tiers: Elemant, Standard, and Professional. Each tier is designed to cater to different levels of playability, tone, and style preferences. These guitars come in various configurations, mainly differing in body materials, neck construction, electronics, and special features.

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Naming System of the Revstar Series

E.G. RSP02T

RS - Identifies the series the guitar belongs to: RS = Revstar Series
P - Identifies how “high end” the guitar is: P = Professional
02- Identifies how many humbuckers the guitar has
02 - Identifies how many single coils the guitar has
T - Indicates other features: T = Custom Tailpiece

RS = Revstar Series
E = Element - representing the entry-level tier in the Revstar lineup
S = Standard - indicating the mid-tier models in the Revstar range
P = Standard - indicating the high-tier models in the Revstar range
First number = How many humbucking pickups
Second number = How many single coil pickups

L = Left hand
X = Cosmetic Variation
T = Custom Tailpiece

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Understanding the SG Series

While the Yamaha SG series shares its 'SG' designation with Gibson's similarly named classic — both using 'SG' to denote 'Solid Guitar' — there are notable differences in design between the two. Yamaha's SG models typically feature a thicker body depth and a double cutaway, which is distinctly different from Gibson's slightly offset SG design. In terms of overall style and feel, Yamaha's SG series actually bears a closer resemblance to Gibson's other renowned solid-body guitar. This distinction highlights Yamaha's unique approach to the solid guitar concept, blending classic design elements with their own innovative touches.

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Naming System of the SG Series

E.G. SG1820A

SG - Identifies the series the guitar belongs to: SG = Solid Guitar
1820 - Identifies the current model number
1820 - Identifies how many humbuckers the guitar has
1820 - Identifies how many single coils the guitar has
A - Indicates other features

SG = Solid Guitar
SBG = Solid Body Guitar
18 = The current model number
Third number = How many humbucking pickups
Fourth number = How many single coil pickups
A = unsure, likely a unique feature (like finish or color)

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Understanding the RGX Series

The RGX series typically features sleek, modern designs with a focus on playability and versatility, catering to a variety of music genres but often favored by players in rock and metal due to their aggressive styling and versatile electronics. The so called "shredder guitars" or "superstrats".

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Naming System of the RGX Series

E.G. RGX420DZII

RGX - Identifies the series the guitar belongs to: RGX = unsure
420 - Identifies how “high end” the guitar is: 4 indicates decent parts, mid-range
420 - Identifies how many humbuckers the guitar has
420 - Identifies how many single coils the guitar has
D - unsure, potentially 24 frets
Z - unsure, potentially tremolo
II - unsure, potentially a satin finish

RGX = The Series
The first number = loosely refers to the class/features of the guitar: Ranged from 1 - 12 (similar to the Pacifica Series)
Second number = How many humbucking pickups
Third number = How many single coil pickups
D = unsure, potentially 24 frets instead of 22
Z = unsure, potentially tremolo
II = unsure, potentially a different finish

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Understanding the SA Series

SA stands for Super Axe. Which is an odd name because te SA Series are hollow body guitars. Similar to the Gibson ES line of guitars.

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Naming System of the SA Series

E.G. SA2200

SA - Identifies the series the guitar belongs to: SA = Super Axe
2200 - Identifies the current model in the series
2200 - Identifies how many humbuckers the guitar has
2200 - Identifies how many single coils the guitar has
2200 - Unsure, likely just because we've gone from the hundreds to the thousands now in the model numbers

SA = Super Axe
The first number = identifies the current model in the series (500, 700, 800, ... - 2200)
Second number = How many humbucking pickups
Third number = How many single coil pickups
Fourth number = Unsure, likely just because we've gone from the hundreds to the thousands now in the model numbers
D = unsure, potentially 24 frets instead of 22
Z = unsure, potentially tremolo
II = unsure, potentially a different finish
GS = unsure
D = unsure
W = unsure