Pacifica is the name Yamaha gave to a line of electrics designed by Rich Lasner and Leo Knapp. Several different models

of Yamaha Pacifica guitars were manufactured during the nineties and the first few years of the millennium. Double and single body cutaways and twelve string versions were produced, most with solid alder bodies and rosewood frets although some featured maple frets or necks.

Unfortunately, many of the mid to high end models of Yamaha Pacifica guitars are no longer in production. Some models can be found at local or online dealers who sell used guitars, or at online auction sites. Some of the early Yamaha Pacifica guitar models are collector’s items, such as the PAC 1421 and PAC 1412. Few of these models were produced, and the demand remains quite high.

Many consider the low end Yamaha Pacifica guitar PAC 012 to be an excellent choice for beginners, providing good quality at a low price. The PAC 112J is also quite popular. Opinions on the treble qualities are split, and probably have more to do with the type of music being played and the guitarist’s style than the quality of the guitar. Available in several colors, the PAC 012, for example, has a single humbucker and double coil pickups. The current high end Yamaha Pacifica guitar, the PAC 1511MS, has an ash body, humbucker, a single coil pickup, and a non-vibrato bridge.

Currently, the body color of a Yamaha Pacific guitar can be selected from translucent green, black, red, blue, sunburst, and natural. Hardware can also be customized.

The double cutaway style is often referred to as a Stratocaster type body, while the single cutaway is reminiscent of a Telecaster style. The similarities between Fender models and the Yamaha Pacifica guitar models pretty much end with the basic body style, however.

The Yamaha Pacifica guitar PAC 012DLX HSS Deluxe model is considered by many to be one of the best choices for a beginner’s guitar. It features maple for the neck, rosewood for the fret, and an agathis body. (Agathis is a type of conifer valued for guitar production due to its straight grain and excellent resonance.) It has 1 humbucker and 2 single coil pickups. Furthermore, the hardware and pickups can be upgraded as the skill of the guitarist advances. Like all Yamaha Pacifica guitars, the wood is of a reasonably high quality and it is very durable.

Many models of the Yamaha Pacifica guitar can be found bundled for about the same price as other manufacturers charge for just the guitar. While it is true that all items will not be of top end quality, they are more than adequate for beginners who may or may not continue with lessons. Package or bundle combinations may require upgrading both the amp and the guitar as skill levels advance.

Economy has been one of the hallmarks of the Yamaha Pacifica guitar since the line was introduced, which is why some of the more expensive Yamaha Pacifica guitars were discontinued. While they were excellent guitars, Yamaha felt they were too expensive for their target market.