Yamaha Guitars... Any good?

[Jellyfish]

The main ranges I'm curious about are the RGX and Pacifica's. I'm in a lucky position that I can get these at cost price and have wanted to purchase one (a guitar) for a long while. However as a total guitar noob, I have no idea if the Yamaha guitars are really as good as their bass counterparts. I know they're probably not bad but is there anything I should be looking for in terms of a 'bad guitar'?

[Dandelion]

As far as I know they make very good guitars, especially for the price.

[Doddy]

I was really impressed with the Pacifica 611hfm and the Mike Stern signature.

[lettsguitars]

Rather old looking Pacifica in Menphys hinckley road leicester. £35.

[Len_derby]

I've bought two Yamaha electro-acoustic guitars from the CPX range. They're both excellent value for money.

[Jellyfish]

Thanks, at least I know I won't be let down whichever guitar I buy. On a slightly unrelated note, I have a couple of guitars in mind and as I'm a beginner, I could do with some pointers!

I have my eye on either the [url="http://uk.yamaha.com/en/products/musical-instruments/guitars-basses/el-guitars/pacifica/pacifica112v/?mode=model#tab=product_lineup&page=2&mode=paging"]Pacifica 112V[/url], [url="http://uk.yamaha.com/en/products/musical-instruments/guitars-basses/el-guitars/pacifica/pac120h/?mode=model#tab=product_lineup"]Pacifica 120H[/url] or the[url="http://uk.yamaha.com/en/products/musical-instruments/guitars-basses/el-guitars/pacifica/pacifica212vfm/?mode=model#tab=product_lineup"] Pacifica 212V[/url]. They all seem like good guitars of course, but I'm not sure whether the slight variations would make a difference.

[Mykesbass]

[quote name='Jellyfish' timestamp='1355825946' post='1903118']
Thanks, at least I know I won't be let down whichever guitar I buy. On a slightly unrelated note, I have a couple of guitars in mind and as I'm a beginner, I could do with some pointers!

I have my eye on either the [url="http://uk.yamaha.com/en/products/musical-instruments/guitars-basses/el-guitars/pacifica/pacifica112v/?mode=model#tab=product_lineup&page=2&mode=paging"]Pacifica 112V[/url], [url="http://uk.yamaha.com/en/products/musical-instruments/guitars-basses/el-guitars/pacifica/pac120h/?mode=model#tab=product_lineup"]Pacifica 120H[/url] or the[url="http://uk.yamaha.com/en/products/musical-instruments/guitars-basses/el-guitars/pacifica/pacifica212vfm/?mode=model#tab=product_lineup"] Pacifica 212V[/url]. They all seem like good guitars of course, but I'm not sure whether the slight variations would make a difference.
[/quote]

They've really been playing around with the pick-up configurations - used to all be the same, two single coil and one humbucker. That is probably the version you want, humbuckers on a Strat style guitar is a bit of an acquired taste. The 212 just looks like another £39 for some fancy finish - may be a photo flame top, so I'd go with the 112V. Great guitars for the money, shame they've messed up the range as the old more expensive models were fantastic, not very popular so therefore often could be bargains. (I used to own a guitar shop and sould uqite a few of these just to let you know where and how I formed my opinion).

[OldG]

for a beginner, I'm tempted toward the 120H, with the hardtail for tuning stability - and the choice of humbuckers or (tapped) single coils make for a great rhythm machine...

If you want to play lead, get the 112V or that tasty 212V with which you get a trem - but you gotta be a lot lighter when strumming a floating trem guitaras it's easy to sharpen just by resting on the bridge.

Try them all - see what suits...

Edited December 18, 2012 by OldG

[Ancient Mariner]

They're all essentially the 112, but with a prettier finish on the 212 and 2 humbuckers on the 120 instead of single coils. Personally I'd take the 112 as a basic instrument to learn on, or the 212 if you'd fallen in love with the finish and didn't mind spending a little more. The mix of humbuckers and single coils is good for learning, since it will give you a taste of both pickup types, and will help you work out what you want. All of those should be good enough for pro-level gigging, and I'd be happy to play out with a good one.

[Lozz196]

I`d probably go for the 120, as am not keen on trems, plus do like humbuckers.

[Bigjas]

I've got a Pacifica 112, had it for 15+ years, its a great guitar for the money and has stood the test of time. It plays well and sounds great. If you can pick up an old one that has been looked after you will pick up a bargain as they don't sell for much these days.

Jas

[fretmeister]

I gigged a Pacifica 812 and 412 for ages.

You really can't go wrong with them at all.

If you can find an old 812 it comes with a very good trem and SD pickups as standard. Superb instruments

[pete.young]

Fabulous guitars. Terrible resale value. Buy second-hand.

[uncle psychosis]

The Yamaha Pacifica is probably the best beginner's guitar of all time. I don't find them very "exciting" but they are great quality, reliable instruments at a silly price (especially second hand). The resale value on them is terrible though.

[OldG]

[quote name='uncle psychosis' timestamp='1355904286' post='1904121']
. I don't find them very "exciting" but they are great quality,
.
[/quote]

That's what i found with my old 112. very polite sound which was hard to get enthusiastic about... I guess I'm just a Fender guitar fan,but I found my cheapie Affinity Squier had more expression/soul/mojo or whatever you want to call 'it'.

[mike257]

My brother has a 112 he's owned for years - they're probably the best built 'starter' guitars you can pick up, it's an exceptionally well made instrument for the price.