Yamaha Review: Pacifica 312

History:

Purchase: After playing acoustic guitar for 15 years, I wanted to learn electric/lead guitar. I found this guitar at a local pawn shop for $159.00 about 2001/2002. It was cheaper than a low end Ibanez I was considering at the local music store. The fretboard felt much better and more easily playable than the Ibanez. It also was a better looking guitar, except for some evidence of wear and tear. I wanted to buy inexpensively in `case I didn't stick with it, I wouldn't be out too much money.

What I Like About This Yamaha Pacifica 312: This guitar is a translucent blue with a pearloid pickguard, rosewood fretboard, S/S/H, gold hardware and tremolo. It is a very nice looking guitar. The neck felt really comfortable. It frets easily. The pickups appear standard. There is nice distinction between each pickup selection. The tone control gives a nice graduation of tone that is noticeable. The longer I have it the more I am in love with it. It is not a Paul Reed Smith, but plays as well as many other higher dollar guitars I have played.

What I Do NOT Like About The Yamaha Pacifica 312: The gold hardware looks nice, but was already tarnished when I bought it. Other than that I don't have any comlaints.

Yamaha Pacifica 312 Quality Rating: I don't know what kind of wood it is made of. It has the traditional strat shape. No binding. Everything on it has held up so far. I did add a string tree to the head that was probably more out of preference than actual need.

Review Summary: I will never get rid of this guitar. The amount of bang you get for the buck, it is a great guitar. I am presently in the early stages of a band development and plan on gigging with it. I have a Samick AV6 Les Paul Copy that I will use also. The Samick Greg Bennet series is also a great inexpensive guitar. I am presently purchasing my 9 year old son his first guitar, the Pacifica 112 because they are such great guitars for the money. Try one, you will be pleased.

Rating of this Yamaha product: 5

This Yamaha Pacifica 312 Electric Guitars Review Submitted By: Paul

Review Date: 2004-09-23