Yamaha Pacifica 612 VIIFM Vs USA Standard Strat

[@briano.5746]

Yamaha guitars are so underrated it's disgusting. I have two Yammies and I love them both. Amazing quality, and one of them is over 40 years old.

[@tankdarla637]

Yamaha puts out good stuff. Period.

[@imdannymartins]

Why Yamaha guitars are so underrated?

[@kqh123]

@@tankdarla637 they make great lawmowers and snowmobiles 😂

[@thedawnoftheblackhearts2745]

The future belongs to yamaha guitars

[@SimonSmithGuitar]

I love them.

[@nitinsampaul]

I hate them.

[@Pulse2AM]

@@nitinsampaul I have a Revstar 320, awesome for the money I paid $200.00 - it's like LP junior but more modern sounding.

[@riturajsingh4385]

@@Pulse2AM where did you get a Revstar rs320 for 200$?

[@valebliz]

@@nitinsampaul well you clearly aren't very bright.

[@toneseeker87]

Strat has a very distinct tone but Yamaha is a must! You'll never regret about getting one.

[@robbyatmaja6896]

Damn! That Pacifica sounds great!!! Thanks for making and uploading this video ☺🙏

[@aimer982]

I have both a strat and a pacifica that i just purchased and let me tell you the pacifica truly blew me away. I love that guitar!! I highly recommend!!!

[@theblytonian3906]

I think the thing most people are missing in this comparison tone notwithstanding is the different neck and fretboard characteristics. The Pacifica's overall length is also shorter and CG balance different. These all add up to a better fit for me. With SDs, Wilkinson, Grovers and Graph Tech TUSQ Pacifica all the way for me.

[@boobooau]

It's the same scale length, just a different construction

[@theblytonian3906]

@@boobooau "overall length", *not* "scale length". Pay attention.

[@pmarionHOMEVIDS]

Yamaha have always made wonderful Pianos, Clarinets and Acoustic guitars. They have never let me down for craftsmanship and quality. I don’t know why I have never picked up the Pacifica when in a music store. TBH, Pacifica sounds more stratty than the Stratocaster when you strip away the layered FX players always use.

[@harrylime5147]

After reading reviews, checking out videos on KZbin, and being disappointed by a parts caster that I bought recently. I picked up a used Pacifica 312. I love the neck. It feels familiar even though I just got it.Aside from the lack of snob appeal, I like the Pacifica better than any of the strats that I have had. I bought this guitar from a guy that did not play, but he had it hanging in his game room on the wall as a decoration for about 10 years. It was close to being in tune even though no one had touched it in years, and the intonation was right on.. no fret buzz, no hi frets, although the frets and the gold hardware are tarnished, they shined write up with a little elbow grease. I love it. In this video, I like the richer sound of the Pacifica over the strat..The strat just sounds a little thin,Which is the way they normally sound.

[@AmarAlhoch]

I think Yamaha makes some of the best guitars for the money! I have their base Pacifica 012 model and it feels amazing! One of the most comfortable guitars I've played. With a pickup change, it can definitely be an amazing guitar! I have an American made Fender Stratocaster that I really enjoy playing as well. They're just different. The Yamaha feels "quicker". Would like to try this 612 model one day!

[@Николай-ъ7в6б]

На yamaha pacifica 012 учился играть очень радовала🤗

[@PMoisey]

I have both, and I love them both. I find the Yamaha neck a little more comfortable. The Yamaha also feels lighter on the shoulder. I find I play the Yamaha more than the Strat, but really I think they are both excellent guitars.

[@ДмитрийБогачев-з2м]

Всегда считал что Pacifica дешевые низкосортные гитары. Но читая такие отзывы, я понимаю что ошибался. Я и грал однажды на такой гитаре в ансамбле университета. Помню, что в моих руках она была удобной, но звук не впечатлил. Может по причине дешевой педали Daphone Distortion

[@timespacethinking]

nice playing, nice tone, and nice tattoos! despite how similar they look I think their tones are way different, each great in its own way. i personally prefer the warmer sound of the pacifica

[@augusto8821]

I had an American strat made in USA and a yamaha pacifica 612 made in Indonesia. The quality from Indonesia is much better... It is like comparing a Chevrolet with a BMW

[@NIN10DOXD]

Renato Eder What’s scary is that I heard Yamaha guitars from Japan some how sound even better.

[@donkeevney]

Vicious Spiegel they do still make guitars in Japan.

[@erictoniaschwab1009]

Don Keevney Yes, The Mike Stern signature and the high end basses. I think they also have guitars made in Japan that are only sold in Japan. When I lived in Japan in the mid 90’s they had a lot of really nice Pacifica’s with Floyd Roses and HSH configurations. Really nice guitars.

[@nathang1184]

@@erictoniaschwab1009 that aint pacifica cause pacifica only one in HSS it is probably the Yamaha rgx series

[@calderagautama7492]

@@nathang1184 nah, pacifica 311 are having P90 + Humbucker

[@garymccann8080]

I use both a 611 and a deluxe strat recently set up and fret dressed. The Yamaha outplays the fender, in fact it kills it and sounds so much better. The Yam is great for live work as it's so versatile with no unusable sounds. For the price around £500 the Pacifica is on a par with my PRS CU24 at £2.800. I don't know how they do it! I love it to bits.

[@larryh.3173]

gary mccann I have a 611 also, and I totally agree. Fabulous QC, too. Not a bad sound on board, only excellent ones. But I will admit that it tends to lend itself to a somewhat different direction than “pure” Strat tonality. IME, that is. Check out all the great various videos with great players using the PAC 611. See Bireli Lagrene and various demo guys like Jack Thammarat and Harry Maes. Also great reviews from Guitar Interactive and Music Radar on the 611. Lol, sorry for the 611 evangelism! Cheers!

[@МирославВучетић]

I actually like the shape and look of the pacifica better,and at least in my hands the yamaha is more comfortable,also the humbucker is a big factor to me

[@MehdiS-music]

Its a more quality guitar than the overpriced Fender, the yamaha costs just 600€ or even less new

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

I like the fact that there is more space between the high 'E' string and the volume control on the Yamaha to facilitate picking !

[@TickiTucki]

I have a Yamaha from '97, plays wonderful and stays in tune forever. Yamaha are just excellent guitars

[@joshuamirabal822]

I own the P90 version of the Pacifica with a hardtail and it sings and sustains forever. The note to note clarity up and down the headstock is phenomenal. If you have small hands like me, the Pacifica is the best guitar you can buy under $2000. I plan on buying atleast 3 more varities of Pacificas in the future. They're really that good. If you're already a Strat guy, I'm not sure you would like the Yamaha more just because it feels much different than a Strat. It only looks similar physically. Keep in mind that the Yamaha costs about the same as a MIM Strat ;)

[@kqh123]

Can you go for a bite while it's ringing??

[@websurfer1585]

That Pacifica looks dynamite in that colour and scratchplate, and with Duncan pickups and high end hardware, it's a lovely guitar.

[@bigdaddy5150sh71]

Yamaha! Wow what a great tone. Think that may be my son's first guitar. Been looking for wks now. Might have us a winner with the 612. Thanks for vid. helped lot. 🤘

[@SimonSmithGuitar]

No probs 👍

[@mitcharney1]

Pacifica's have always been very underrated. They set up and play amazing. All the same ingredients, alder,maple and rosewood. Duncans....all for $699.

[@vm7528]

Got my Pacifica 611 and it's amazing. Waiting for Revstar RS320 to arrive. That one will be my "tinkering" guitar and I'm going to make it kind of "Revstar Junior" - all black hw, locking tuners, new bridge pickup (alumitone), new pickguard covering neck pickup hole. Can't wait.

[@Blackbuchguitar]

i already use PAC212VFM This model need to modified for more sustain but 612 is really perfect

[@briandixon2009]

Just bought this exact Model Pacifica for £399 - can't wait for it to arrive!

[@richardpullan5343]

Really? Where? The cheapest I can find is £699.

[@froggore52]

I don't have much of a preference either way, but I sure enjoyed listening to your playing.

[@SimonSmithGuitar]

Chris House Thanks mate

[@BilalHam]

me too

[@dinosaursdoingtherobot850]

The strat sounds brighter because of the maple neck

[@hassanbayomy7566]

@@dinosaursdoingtherobot850 humbucker ?

[@theracer1969]

​@@dinosaursdoingtherobot850 all pacifica necks are maple....

[@BladeDoomer86]

Awesome playing mate, cheers from Canada

[@SimonSmithGuitar]

Cheers bro

[@ShinyRacer22]

Prefer the tone of the strat personally but the pacifica seems a great guitar too have never played one so interested to know if they feel similar up and down the neck

[@paolo-1283]

The neck is fast, easy to go up on higher frets, the overall weight is lighter. The tone can rival strat, check out Jack Thammarat or Mike Stern they both rock pacificas

[@cpamiseso]

12” radius and C slim profile neck. I had one 112VFM and liked it. This 611 is even a better guitar

[@mitcharney1]

The neck radius is 13-3/4.

[@mariocellura9018]

VOUS aimez le mot fender sur la tête ?

[@thomasthornton6886]

Pacifica sustained better...guess I need to check out Yamaha!!!

[@SimonSmithGuitar]

They're great guitars

[@joshuamirabal822]

I bought a Pacifica 611. It has the P90/humbucker set up. It's a better overall guitar than most guitars. I'd put it's QC up there with PRS guitars.

[@fretwireonfire]

Right. I have two Pacificas..the 611VFM with the P90/Humbucker set up and the 510V with the P Rails in the bridge. Both are excellent guitars. The other guitar player in my band plays high end Paul Reed Smiths and even he is impressed with the Yamahas. I have no desire for a PRS, but I do want to get a nice Revstar now.

[@John_Smith5]

Yamaha rarely disappoints

[@cesarccoronel1156]

fretwireonfire revstar rules too!

[@MDCSYD]

Nice comparo...things that came to mind... 1) the Pacifica doesn’t allow any sloppiness (not saying that your playing is bad...don’t get me wrong!) every notes jump (this could be a bad thing 😂) 2) Strat is a Strat and you just can’t replace its sounds entirely...you will always need a good Strat! 3) The Pacifica is scarily versatile! I now want one! Keep up awesome work 👍

[@jerakool]

Just ordered a Yamaha Pacifica 612. Great deal half price on rich tone music

[@SimonSmithGuitar]

Awesome!!

[@brettpope5962]

Been looking at that one or the 611for a couple weeks myself. Thanks for info at rich tone!

[@savanaviolenta]

611

[@mariocellura9018]

812 IS TERRIBLE !

[@petermalezewski4022]

Yep keep the Fender boys happy

[@Geetarhed]

Just bought the 212vfm model. Much better sound overall than my strat plus! Seems very well made with coil tap on the bridge pickup. Strat wins on switchgear, noiseless lace sensors, wikinson nut, locking tuners, floating bridge and tremsetter. But using the Yamaha more as the neck feels better to me and better output from the bridge pickup. Great value for money.

[@inverted9998]

After seeing this and many other videos like this one, tried both of the guitars, I am getting a Yamaha...

[@Chimp_Handzee]

I think that's awesome. So many people pay way too much attention to the name on the headstock and where the guitar was built. A good guitar is a good guitar, regardless of brand or country of origin.

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

" Everybody Dance " !!! BTW I think that the Yamaha came out best IMO.

[@divarsefid]

Firstly, he did an excellent job comparing under exact same conditions, same music, same everything; and more importantly unbiased. Both are respectable guitars and produce excellent music. At the end it comes to personal preference. My thoughts: 1. Yamaha tries to compete with Fender by trying to get close at more affordable price. Fender has no intention to compete with Yamaha. 2. Consciously or unconsciously we all try to persuade the idea that Yamaha at lower price is equal or better. So there is an inherent bias toward Yamaha when we listen. 2. Everybody acknowledges that Yamaha is a bit warmer and cloudier, while Fender is brighter and more clear. 3. I think Yamaha sounds great, and Fender sounds unique. 4. If somebody’s looking for great sounding guitar at affordable price, go for Yamaha, no doubt 5. If somebody’s looking for unique sound of Fender, unfortunately there’s no other choice, swallow the expensive price! I wonder if Mexican Fender which is just $50 more expensive than this Yamaha may be a more fair competitor with this Yamaha.

[@intervalkid]

I played a used Yamaha Pacifica 712 or 812 with three single coils in a consignment shop in Memphis and it was more strat then strat sounding. One of the stratiest guitars I have ever played and felt great! This one doesn't quite sound as good as the strat in the leads in my opinion. It has duncans and a hb though unlike the one I played.

[@Bobby_Digital37]

That Pacifica sounds great!!!

[@SimonSmithGuitar]

They're great guitars!

[@dantedandi]

Well I'm glad I'm not the only crazy person who thinks that Yamaha Pacificas are excellent. The 512 that I have is spectacular. I sold it once and I would never sell it again because I bought it and that's it. Forever

[@leodb3894]

That Yamaha tone is fantastic. The Fenders seems to have the edge on the character of the quack though to me, thats probably because it's a Fender and has that Fender tone. The Yamaha is way cheaper new though, so you're going to really want the Fender or get it second hand to say it was fair.

[@g2360]

U

[@Xcorgi]

Just get the 611 model instead of the 612. The P90 in the neck and humbucker in the bridge combo is incredible and the P90 sounds more Fender than any Fender on the planet. It even puts the American 🇺🇸 made Strats to shame. I know because I own one.

[@Natadangsa]

Here in Indonesia, Yamaha Pacifica is more expensive than a Fender Stratocaster due to the wood that is being used. The Yamaha Pacifica uses the finest Indonesian Sonokeling (Rosewood) as it's primary material.

[@d12e4m312]

Mosok mas,, indonesia mu mana e,, pacifica 612 masih 6-7 jt an, dibanding amstrad 20+ juta,, kecuali musuh e squier,, wkwkwk

[@adityarifqi5286]

@@d12e4m312 mahalan fender stratocaster lah di ambil barunya aja, fender itu yg mexico kaya player series range nya paling murah dan baru itu 10-11jt america di atas 20an

[@gmosesn2313]

@@d12e4m312 lu tau kan orang indo suka bangga"in diri depan orang luar dengan cara apapun ? Wkwkkwkw

[@d12e4m312]

@@gmosesn2313 ngisin2 i iyo wkwkwk

[@sepvanvaleriofficial]

Pasifica more expensive than fender... fender ape dulu gan? Fender kawe kali..

[@Phil100876]

I have stats, cort and a Yamaha pac412v. The Yamaha is a great nice clean sound for instrumental numbers and plenty of punch for rock. I find myself using my Yamaha more than the others. The Wilkinson term is well balanced and stays in tune

[@mahoganymarco9199]

I would buy the Yamaha without thinking twice. Love them so much

[@MustafaBaabad]

Very good review, directly to the most important subject, "the sound". Yes they both sound perfect. But there are more to be considered: when they come close than price and playability becomes necessary factor. I would go for the Yamaha where the "Quality exceed the Price". Cheers from Indonesia.

[@tankdarla637]

So many great guitars come from Indonesia now. Are they cheaper for you guys that actually live in Indonesia?

[@ssmedz4335]

Convinced me that it’s my next addition. Looked at a lot of S style guitars and the 612 is unbeatable at that price point. Thanks for your review

[@JorgeCastro-lo6qc]

My next guitar... "Pacífica" 😮

[@MustafaBaabad]

I am still waiting for a guitar that is invisible to my wife. 😀

[@Ausf.D.A.K.]

I love my Yamaha Pacifica 611 ! I've settled for life !

[@tomothybahamothy]

Thank you! Comparisons of these two guitars are impossible to find

[@aldrinaldrin4618]

I know the first song... can anyone tell me the title of the 2nd and the 3rd song?

[@caleshtcincredibles]

Yamaha guitars are always well built, sound great feel great and they are damn stable tuning wise ..... I own 2 ( older Pacifica and an RGXA2) along with a couple of Strats..... Love em all......

[@tomothybahamothy]

How does the neck compare to a fender?

[@caleshtcincredibles]

@@tomothybahamothy very well . It feels good in the hand, well designed

[@sactiprabowo5135]

Another important thing to compare is the neck. Yamaha Pacifica has a flatter radius and smaller neck width

[@tomothybahamothy]

That's the only thing holding me back, I can't find one to try

[@alessandro_proietti]

I started four months ago, for now my brother gave me his old electric guitar. I want to buy this Pacifica, maybe next year. It sounds great. Someone advise to buy Fender because you can resell, but I don't need to resell.

[@Rnr196970]

That switchable bridge pickup is the selling point!. Much more useful than a drop D knob.

[@charliespaz-way4073]

Thank you for using clean tones, most people on here just crank the gain to 10

[@cottoncandy1052]

Yamaha is super good.. But listening to both of them.. Fender sounds more smooth and natural to my ears .. I dont know if you agree with me.. Cheers

[@jimsteele2072]

Yeah, but who wants to be playing in a bar around drinking with their USA strat. Not me. Both are great, but the Strat would stay home or go to the studio, the Yammie would be the gigging guitar.

[@johnmckernan151]

@@jimsteele2072 why is that?

[@francesconarducci3411]

I own both guitarra. Pacífica's tone sucks.

[@mtgowns1]

I think the Yamaha stands out better in the mix, but the Fender just has that unmistakable full-bodied strat warmth. The guitars do two different jobs.

[@p911c32]

Own this Yamaha and paid 400€. Great deal. And a MIJ Fender Stratocaster for 600€. If I needed to keep only one, it would be the Fender. Not because it sounds better, but it fits perfectly to my hands, like a glove, and it is, like the Yamaha, an absolutely perfect instrument.

[@tomothybahamothy]

What size hands do you have?

[@kevgh3869]

Anyone going to mention the price difference?

[@ryosangata9]

I am Japanese. I am very proud of your comments.

[@SimonSmithGuitar]

Thank you

[@mohamedalikahia3146]

i'm tunisian and i'm proud that guitar is made in tunisia

[@mariocellura9018]

racisme quand tu nous tiens, c terrible ce genre de commentaires !

[@mohamedalikahia3146]

nn c'est pas du racisme quant tu est fière que cette guitare est fabriquer en Tunisie , merci pour votre commentaire de toute façons.

[@leszekwrobel2086]

I'm Poland and I'm so happy that i can play on Yamaha guitars. I've AC5M VN & PAC510v but after this video I'm make shure myself that i should buy 612v FM RTB :D

[@rst4641]

I got a nearly new Yamaha 612 for 400 euros, what would I have to pay for a fender USA?

[@Mindermaniac]

great playing and demos - I just found a Lake Placid Blue 112J PAC12 they came with the 15 WATT LINE6 Spider amp. I tried it with a LINE6 30 watt SpiderIII with a 12' Celestion speaker in the cabinet - really sweet , versitile and the volume and tone controls respond nicely depending on the levels they arfe set. I got a grea deal with strap gig bag strings for a mere $120 CDN at McTamney's Pawnbrokers est. 1860 in Toronto Canada - I dreamed of owning one and it will compliment by Hagstrom Super Swede (made in Sweden version) quite nicely for a simple stage rig combo. The Pacifica feels silky with the satin finish maple neck and rosewood type neck and fret board is really comfortable up and down the neck. It was missing the whammy bar, I got one at Steve's Music Queen West and Spadina for 9 bux. I've got the allen wrench out, tightened it up and will be setting the bridge harmoincs and she'll be good to go ! - Your technique is my kinda style with the great VS Strat comparison. .I also use the same model RAT Proco distortion pedal I got with the Swede in the 80's - I swear by this pedal. I have a SAMSON mini pad 8 channel mixer - great audio equipment &- will check the CO1 mic , - standard condenser I would think. their portable PA system speakers are light - with mini input and mic in 2 channels is perfect for many places. i use SM58s for all my singing stuff . I used to have the 100WATT Fender Blues Deluxe amp so the set up sounds are fantastic and I can apply them for my music. Yay! ( Fender Mustang for now ) I think I want the matching LINE 6 amp Spider - I can get good tube-like sound from it. Very helpful video!

[@Kevin.Hearty]

Never understood why Fender called those pickups Fat 50s? They're very thin sounding, especially here against the Seymours in the Yamaha. I replaced mine with DiMarzio Areas which not only sound better but don't hum either.

[@Mizzdr111]

ThoughI so wanted the Pacifica to win, I felt the strat, though seemed to have less output overall just sounded more twangy and delivered that classic characteristic tone, that to me just sounded more rounded and pleasing. I guess my ears are biased...

[@MustafaBaabad]

Yes, by nature I tend to Strat since most of my favorite singers always in poster with Strat. Cheers from Indonesia.

[@consciousness7899]

The pacifica 612VII is a good guitar but I was disappointed with the fretwork done in the factory that gave rise to many severe buzzing in many frets. and also with a loose volume knob. except for two things, it is good

[@SingPsalms]

Yes me too! Fretwork is horrible, my knob kept falling off. I can't get this guitar to play right with all the fret buzz, it's annoying and distracting. I'm not sure I will buy another Yamaha, I have a bit of buyer's remorse with it. The guitar really would be amazing except for the fretwork, I thought I was the only one.

[@tankdarla637]

That Stratocaster looks ideal for me right out of the box.

[@spathak1432]

I love the warm and bright strat tone

[@FKD06]

Can someone please tell me the song starting at 3:22? Sounds just awesome.

[@ckallaher]

Yamaha bridge lead tone in the first segment very sweet. Fender neck lead tone in the last segment equally sweet. Prolly need both! I have a Yamaha Pacifica 311 with the P90 neck and humbucker bridge and it spanks. $399 US. Can’t go wrong with Yamaha.

[@jimmyjimmy951]

I own both and love them equally. The muddier tone of the Strat for blues and Yamaha clarity for the mix. Must say that I don’t mind knocking the Strat about a little but I feel the pain if I ding the Yamaha. Testament to the Yamaha finish and quality on that point for me.

[@morganhandley1486]

The Yamaha sounds stronger, clearer, and seems to articulate better, while the Fender has a thinner, but better blended, more pleasing sound. I'm trying to decide which to get and am leaning towards the Yamaha because it seems like it would not necessarily cut but PUSH through the mix better, but the Fender seems a bit more expressive (in the last clip) and in that way might cut through better? I don't know, it's always impossible to tell without trying it in real life in a band setting. Any experience/thoughts, regarding this?

[@a.khusyairie5573]

Thinking of buying this yamaha....design and pickup combination really good. But my ears still prefers fender tone.....please help me....

[@mimirguanco6160]

Yamaha is an awesome guitar I have the same model as in this video and it sounded fantastic and the price is just right

[@pallecla]

Yamaha sounded so much better.

[@DaigoParry]

I have an AVRI Strat. Yamaha are not bad guitars. Looking at a Yamaha 311 with P90 in the neck and humbucker in the bridge. Interesting combination for a Strat. That guitar interests me so much.

[@onelegoleg]

Not sure how the amp was set up. Found the strat had a bit too much brightness, and the volume was too low to get a full bottom end. But it had the 'quackier' tone. Yamaha had a nice even EQ but less quack. Both sound great, but IRL I'd probably go for the quack and sort the EQ out on the amp.

[@nathanc6611]

I'm wondering of that graphtech nut and saddles might be taking a little off the top end? I've never thought SSL1s lacked that vintage snap but the strat just seems to have that little bit more here. Nice demo, And it's good to see yamaha getting some exposure! I've been lusting after this and the 611 for some time now!

[@edc2248]

nice vid man i have a 611 pacifica , i m watching the 612 with appetite

[@hollywoodactress]

Nice review, found it looking for pacifica reviews. Btw I think strat sounds cleaner and probably due to the Yamaha having slightly hotter pickups.

[@NIN10DOXD]

hollywoodactress I can kinda hear it too, but the great thing is that it’s half the price so you can always use the money you saved on any upgrades you want. I have a really cheap Strat that isn’t that good and I was thinking of upgrading. The Yamaha looks worthy.

[@hollywoodactress]

NIN10DOXD I agree. Not sure where you are based but eBay in US and UK have some good priced second hand yamaha's and the new models come up too

[@hollywoodactress]

Also I thought if the pickup are hotter perhaps lowering them will help give them a cleaner sound. I could be wrong but just a thought.

[@georgeflowers3730]

Great video, Yamaha Pacifica are great guitars, my first one was a 112V, with that been said, if you are looking for the Strat sound, it's Fender pick ups all the way, believe me I have tried with other ones and I always go back to Fenders. Right now I'm planing to buy a Pacifica 611, the humbucker and P90 combination is something that I want to try. Because I play many genders of music I have to have Strats, Les Paul, Tele, etc.

[@guitpizz]

What's the going price of those in the USA?

[@marccarter7844]

Play a yamaha Revstar 720b. Love the yamaha sound. So perfer the yammy. Push pull pots are great. They are also very well made, play great, for a faction of the cost. There is not much to not like about yammys!

[@abruenin236]

Very interesting comparison, many thanks. Both are great sounding guitars. For me, the Strat sounds a bit softer, the Pacifica a bit harsher (as most Pacificas). In the first part, I would prefer the Strat, in the second the Pacifica. For the last part, I am undecided, both a bit different, but neither better or worse. For me it is a draw. And btw: nice playing-

[@patrickhd34]

Fender sounded thin and a bit wooly compared to the Yamaha. I write this as a bit of a guitar snob - but can't help feeling I have been missing out. Looking at a Revstar RS502 can get it for under £500 (approximately $650).

[@henryeau]

Nile Rodgers demo. Nice!

[@fekkyb]

Cool playing. Apple and Orange comparison. Maple neck and Rose Wood neck. But they both sound good, for different applications. Thanks.

[@gazzaboy2531977]

Great vid.. I’m torn between what to get.. plus top hss or the Yamaha...

[@thecaveofthedead]

Some of the difference in the neck pickups is probably down to the different fretboards. The Strat sounded better on the bridge. My Pacifica 904 uses a two single coil bridge config so that the 'split' tone is a full powered single coil that sounds like a very good strat bridge. But apart from that the guitars are very similar.

[@larryh.3173]

Agreed. And I own a pair of great-sounding (in all positions) _Pacifica 604s_ from back in the day with the same unique *two single-coils combined* bridge "humbucker". As a Guitar Player mag shootout (the 604 was in the top 5 out of over 30 "Strats") said back then (and I'm paraphrasing): The humbucker sound here more slightly favors the single-coil personality than a 'pure' humbucker. SO versatile. I'm surprised that unique coil configuration is not more widely known or offered nowadays by pickup companies.

[@jbognap]

@@larryh.3173 Indeed, I've been a 604W player for over 20 years.

[@kristijan.1]

i'm getting a Pacifica 112V very soon

[@Mr.Nabil.Belhaj]

i have one for 7 years now, very comfortable neck & Low action. pickups are okeyech

[@jg043]

Great guitar. Tuners/nut could be better, of course, but the pickups are unbeatable for the price paid. And, as all Yamaha instruments, both cheap and expensive, super comfortable and well assembled.

[@andreil1234]

Hmm, I have an 112J and plan to change the pickups, those and the nut really seem like the weak point of 112. And the damn nut. But I guess the ones 112V are a bit better. Try Iron Gear, they ship worldwide through AxeTech and have some great inexpensive HSS combos ($75 for the set or so).

[@PedroDVC]

I'm getting the 120h!

[@andreil1234]

It's a good choice, you can also upgrade to a RWRP p90 neck and splitable powerful humbucker at least for the neck at some point, it's a very powerful combo.

[@deving3306]

Can anyone tell me about the neck “feel” of the Yamaha? For example, is it smaller compared to a Strat? Thanks!

[@mcbill7352]

Devin G it feels very nice very nice and smooth I have a “fast neck” myself

[@mariocellura9018]

yamaha esay to play

[@james.kaloki]

whats the name of the song you played at the beginning

[@DogFoodTunes]

choosing guitars like choosing wine. so many factors, but neck profile for playability and quality (quartersawn more 'alive') and pickups are the keys. I wish reviewers would say what strings are being used - maker, type and gauge. huge impact on tone and feel. I also bet the yammy fets are bigger.

[@DATskorge]

nice conparison but why add distortion when this is presumably to aid prospective buyers? why not leave it clean?

[@kqh123]

Should I get the SSH Yamaha or the HH Yamaha?? Ahh!!

[@TheOldFlyguy]

Just as an FYI. I have a bunch of guitars and a number are high end. The guitar I play the most is my Yamaha Pacifica. I have the one with the P90 in the neck and the Seymour Custom humbucker in the bridge. I'm now getting this not because I need it but want it. They are GREAT guitars not just for the money but because they are. Fantastic neck, fantastic pickups. The only thing I had to do was dress the frets ends. They were a 'little' sharp but thats it. Low string action and the body is very comfortable. I liked the Bridge humbucker so much I put it in my SG and wow! * I'd love a little help with one of the song played. What is the name of the Chili pepper song?

[@jeremydunn7444]

the yamaha is the best deal around for a strat tone lover. not to mention they look and feel better,,,imo

[@bryonmartin9221]

Thank you.. that was fascinating. No wonder, when Fender was re-birthing itself in the early 80's, they hired away from Yamaha their top guitar management to do the job!

[@linaplaza9166]

I can't believe that, but Yamaha is most better than Fender :O

[@mariocellura9018]

fender a eu beaucoup de problèmes, ils ont changés toute leur gamme !

[@Foofer23]

I have both of these tone monsters. Including the rat pedal. I prefer the single coil Strat tone (I’m a sucker for the Clapton sound) but that Yamaha feels sooo much smoother than the Strat. I wish ever guitar I own felt like it.

[@hallucinatedovens8414]

Perhaps I'm partial to strat tones but the Yamaha had a cheap sound to my ear, I had a Pacifica years ago and I swapped out the humbucker for that reason

[@coleycaldwell8787]

The Yamaha was nearly indistinguishable. I'd say the Yamaha was the best sounding. It had a forward, punchy sound. The Fender had a nice, spongy sound that is characteristic of strats, but that could be due to the fretboard wood (Rosewood vs Maple). They do make a little difference in the tone.

[@KL3NCH]

I have a Pacifica 904 and a 1973 Stratocaster. It has the grey bobbins so it is at least in part made from older stock parts. It's OK I guess. Probably better than most folk would admit for a '70s Fender. I keep the Strat for old time's sake. Looks good on the wall and saves having to change the strings. No contest here. Move along now.

[@JJames666male]

i think it would've been worth it to also compare feel and construction. Speaking of tones, the Yamaha sounds great here, but I do prefer that slightly more vintage tone the Strat has. That's a taste thing though, quality wise the Yamaha seems flawless

[@08561686592]

If it's really equipped with seymour Duncan pickup, the sound should be closer to fender strat. I didn't tell that the pacifica sound is bad, its just not an SD equipped guitar supposed to be heard. Find video pickup comparison between fender pickups and SD single coil pickups, and you will notice that the sound of both pickups is very similar to each other. What i heard from this video was that the sound difference is too far.

[@plinkbottle]

Can't hear the guitars for the bass drum pop

[@terryshrives8322]

The Yamaha! Any day!!