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The Yamaha Pacifica 100 Series (and PAC012)
Are you a beginner looking for a reliable and budget-friendly guitar? The Yamaha Pacifica PAC012 and 100 series guitars are designed specifically for those starting their musical journey. With a combination of impressive features and an attractive price, these instruments offer exceptional value. In this review, we'll explore the key aspects of the PAC012 and 100 series guitars.
Any Yamaha guitar with the numbers staring with 0 or 1 are part of this entry-level series.
It's confusing, right? Fear not! It's actually a relatively easy system. Here I go in depth and explain the Yamaha Guitar Naming Scheme.
For this article, all you need to know is this:
The numbers stand for (in order):
- Guitar 'range'
- If it has a bridge humbucker
- How many single coil pickups it has
The letters stand for things like:
- Fretboard material
- Type of pickups
- Type of bridge
- Left handed or not
- Type of finish
Got that? Alright! Let's truck on and introduce you to the wondrous world of entry-level Yamaha Pacifia guitars. Yamaha offers amazing quality despite it's lower entry price:
A quick comparison
- The 112V: Arguably the most versatile one in the 100 Series. It's suitable for players of all levels and popular choice among beginner guitarists for its excellent value. The upgraded Alnico pickups should provide a higher-quality sound.
- The 112VM: The exact same guitar as the 112V, only this time with a maple fretboard.
- The 112VMX: The exact same guitar as the 112VM, only now with a special clear finish known as "Ltd. Edition Yellow Satin".
- The 120H: Trades the 2 single-coil pickups for a 2nd humbucker in the neck and looses the tremolo bridge for a hard-tail one. Less versatility but all the benefits of having a humbucker in the neck.
- The 112J and 112JL: Same guitar as the 112V options, but without the upgraded Alnico pickups. The 'L' indicates that it is a left handed guitar. This makes the 112JL the only left handed option in the Yamaha Pacifica 100 series.
- The 012: The cheapest Pacifica there is. The same guitar as the 112J(L), but with a heavier mahogany body.
All Pacifica 0 and 100 series
Yamaha Pacifica PAC112V
The Yamaha Pacifica 112V is arguably the most versatile one in the 100 Series. It's suitable for players of all levels and popular choice among beginner guitarists for its excellent value. The upgraded Alnico pickups should provide a higher-quality sound.
Pros
- Incredibly versatile
- Solid build quality
- Yamaha's reputation
- Upgraded pickups compared to other in this series
Cons
- Lower-end and hardware overall
Yamaha Pacifica PAC112VM
The Yamaha Pacifica 112VM is the same versatile guitar as the 112V, but with a maple fretboard. It's suitable for players of all levels and popular choice among beginner guitarists for its excellent value. The upgraded Alnico pickups should provide a higher-quality sound.
Pros
- Incredibly versatile
- Solid build quality
- Yamaha's reputation
- Upgraded pickups compared to other in this series
Cons
- Lower-end and hardware overall
Yamaha Pacifica PAC112VMX
The Yamaha Pacifica 112VMX is the same versatile guitar as the 112VM but with a special clear wood finish. It's suitable for players of all levels and popular choice among beginner guitarists for its excellent value. The upgraded Alnico pickups should provide a higher-quality sound.
Pros
- Incredibly versatile
- Solid build quality
- Yamaha's reputation
- Upgraded pickups compared to other in this series
Cons
- Lower-end and hardware overall
Yamaha Pacifica PAC120H
The Yamaha Pacifica 120H has the same bones as the other 100 series, only this time ditching the single coils for another humbucker in the neck position and a hard-tail bridge. With a simpler 3-way switch (but still keeping the coil-splitting bridge pickup) this guitar trades versatility for more hard-rocking grit.
Pros
- More powerful neck position (humbucker)
- Solid build quality
- Yamaha's reputation
- Hard-tail bridge will hold tune better
Cons
- Lower-end and hardware overall
- No tremolo bridge
Yamaha Pacifica PAC112J and PAC112JL
The Yamaha Pacifica 112J and 112JL is arguably the most versatile one in the 100 Series. It's the same as the PAC112V, but with ceramic pickups instead of Alnico ones. Some see this as a downgrade. It's suitable for players of all levels and popular choice among beginner guitarists for its excellent value.
Pros
- Incredibly versatile
- Solid build quality
- Yamaha's reputation
- Only left handed option in the 100 series
Cons
- Lower-end and hardware overall
- No Alnco pickups might be a downgrade
Yamaha Pacifica PAC012
The Yamaha Pacifica 012 is the cheapest Pacifica there is. It trades better materials for cheaper ones, while still ticking that Yamaha quality box. For those on a tight budget, this can still be considered a great guitar for the price.
Pros
- Incredibly versatile
- Cheapest Pacifica
- Yamaha's reputation
Cons
- Lower-end and hardware overall
- Slightly less quality materials
Conclusion
The Yamaha Pacifica PAC012 and 100 series guitars are a fantastic option for beginners seeking a reliable and budget-friendly instrument. With their stylish design, comfortable playability, and versatile sound, these guitars provide an excellent foundation for aspiring musicians to build upon. So, if you're looking to embark on your own six-string adventure, consider the Yamaha Pacifica PAC012 and 100 series as your trusty companion on this exciting journey.
For those looking for a little upgrade, look at our buying guides on the next Yamaha Pacifica ranges:
- The Yamaha Pacifica PAC200 Series (coming soon)
- The Yamaha Pacifica PAC300 Series (coming soon)
- The Yamaha Pacifica PAC600 Series (coming soon)
Happy strumming!
