YAMAHA Pacifica Series PAC012 Electric or YAMAHA Pacifica PAC112JL YNS Left-Handed Electric Guitar? Which YAMAHA Model to Buy
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This guide compares the yamaha pacifica series pac012 electric vs pacifica pac112jl yns left. Both models share a maple neck and a vintage tremolo bridge. They are solid-body electrics designed for reliable performance. The main difference lies in their construction and orientation. The PAC012 uses an agathis body and is right-handed. The PAC112JL YNS features a solid alder body and is built for left-handed players. You should choose based on your handedness and preferred wood tone.
Key differences
| Aspect | Yamaha Pacifica PAC012 Electric Guitar | Yamaha Pacifica Left-Handed Yellow Natural Satin |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Orientation | Right-handed | Left-handed |
| Body Material | Agathis | Solid Alder |
| Fretboard Material | Sonokeling | Rosewood |
| Color | Black | Yellow Natural Satin |
| Weight | not listed | 7.5 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Yamaha Pacifica PAC012 Electric Guitar if
- You are a right-handed player looking for a standard configuration.
- You prefer a lighter agathis body construction.
- You want a black finish.
Choose Yamaha Pacifica Left-Handed Yellow Natural Satin if
- You are a left-handed player needing a dedicated instrument.
- You prefer the tonal characteristics of solid alder.
- You want a rosewood fretboard for smoother playability.
Verdict: Choose the PAC012 if you are right-handed and want a straightforward entry-level instrument. Pick the PAC112JL YNS if you are left-handed or prefer the weight and tone of an alder body. Your handedness is the primary deciding factor between these two models.
PAC012 vs PAC112JL Specs
Hand orientation
The Yamaha Pacifica PAC112JL YNS is built specifically for left-handed players. Its strings and controls are mirrored for your comfort. The PAC012 is a standard right-handed model. If you play left-handed, the PAC112JL is the only viable option here. The PAC012 requires re-stringing or a different setup to work for you. This fundamental design difference dictates which guitar fits your playing style immediately. Choose the PAC112JL if you need a left-handed instrument.
Body material
The PAC112JL features a solid alder body. Alder is known for its balanced tone and light weight. The PAC012 uses an agathis body. Agathis is a common tonewood for entry-level guitars, offering a warm sound but often heavier than alder. The PAC112JL also lists a weight of 7.5 pounds, giving you a concrete idea of its heft. The PAC012 does not list a specific weight in its data. For a lighter, more balanced feel, the alder body of the PAC112JL has the advantage.
Fretboard material
The fretboard material affects playability and tone. The PAC112JL uses a rosewood fretboard. Rosewood provides a smooth feel and rich tonal characteristics. The PAC012 features a sonokeling fingerboard. Sonokeling is a type of laurel wood, often used as a cost-effective alternative. It offers a hard surface and bright tone. Both are durable materials suitable for beginners. However, rosewood is generally preferred for its traditional feel and sonic warmth. The PAC112JL wins on fretboard preference.
Pickup configuration
The PAC112JL comes with a versatile pickup setup. It includes a humbucker in the bridge position and two single-coil pickups. This HSS configuration offers both high-output power and bright clarity. The PAC012 data does not specify its pickup configuration. It only mentions a 5-position switch. Without knowing the pickup types, you cannot compare tonal versatility. The PAC112JL provides clear specifications for its sound options. You get more defined tonal choices with the PAC112JL.
Color options
Both guitars offer multiple color choices. The PAC012 is shown in Black but comes in Metallic Red, Metallic Blue, and Old Violin Sunburst. The PAC112JL is listed in Yellow Natural Satin. It is also available in Black, Metallic Red, Lake Blue, Old Violin Sunburst, and Natural. The PAC112JL offers a slightly wider range of distinct finishes, including the unique Yellow Natural Satin. If you prefer a specific aesthetic, the PAC112JL provides more variety. The PAC012 sticks to standard solid colors.
Choose the right Yamaha Pacifica for you
Left-handed player seeking a dedicated instrument
The PAC112JL YNS is built specifically for left-handed players. It features a solid alder body and a rosewood fretboard. This orientation ensures comfortable access to controls. The humbucker pickup in the bridge provides a thicker tone. You get a vintage-style tremolo bridge for pitch modulation. This model matches your playing style and physical needs directly.
Right-handed player on a budget
The PAC012 is a standard right-handed model. It uses an Agathis body and a Sonokeling fingerboard. This combination offers a lightweight and affordable entry point. The maple bolt-on neck provides stability and clear attack. You get five switching positions for tonal variety. This guitar is a practical choice for beginners or casual players who do not need left-handed features.
Player wanting a solid alder body
The PAC112JL YNS features a solid alder body. Alder is known for its balanced tone and resonance. The rosewood fretboard offers a smooth playing surface. You also get a humbucker pickup in the bridge position. This setup delivers a warmer sound compared to single coils. The vintage tremolo bridge adds expressive control. This build quality suits players who prioritize tonal richness.
The products compared
Yamaha Pacifica PAC012 Electric Guitar
Best for: Beginner right-handed players
- Body Material
- Agathis
- Neck Material
- Maple
- Fretboard Material
- Sonokeling
- Color
- Black
- Dimensions
- 43 × 18 × 4.5 inches
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The Yamaha Pacifica PAC012 is a black electric guitar with a 25-inch scale length. It features an agathis body, a maple bolt-on neck, and a sonokeling fingerboard. A vintage tremolo bridge and a five-position switch provide standard playing options. This model suits beginners who want a reliable, entry-level instrument. It offers a solid build for the price point.
Pros
- Agathis body construction
- Maple bolt-on neck
- Sonokeling fingerboard
- Vintage tremolo bridge
- Five-position switch
Cons
- Agathis is a less dense tonewood than mahogany or alder
- Sonokeling is a budget-friendly rosewood alternative
- No amplifier or accessories included in the base model
Good fit if
- You are a beginner looking for a standard electric guitar
- You prefer a black finish
- You want a reliable instrument with a maple neck
Skip if
- You require a left-handed model
- You need a premium tonewood like alder or mahogany
- You want a guitar with a fixed bridge only
Verdict: The Yamaha Pacifica PAC012 Black is a solid entry-level choice for right-handed beginners. It provides the essential specs needed to start playing, though it lacks the premium materials found in higher-end models.
Yamaha Pacifica Left-Handed Yellow Natural Satin
Best for: Left-handed players wanting versatile tones
- Body Material
- Alder
- Neck Material
- Maple
- Fretboard Material
- Rosewood
- Hand Orientation
- Left-handed
- Body Type
- Solid
- Dimensions
- 14.2 × 3.54 × 38.6 inches
View on Amazon: Yamaha Pacifica Left-Handed Yellow Natural Satin Affiliate link
The Yamaha Pacifica PAC112JL YNS is a left-handed electric guitar with a solid alder body and maple neck. It features a rosewood fretboard and a bridge humbucker paired with two single coils. The vintage-style tremolo bridge allows for pitch modulation. This model suits left-handed players seeking a versatile tone and standard Stratocaster-style ergonomics in a yellow natural satin finish.
Pros
- Solid alder body construction
- Maple neck with rosewood fretboard
- Bridge humbucker and two single coil pickups
- Vintage-style tremolo bridge
- Specifically designed for left-handed players
Cons
- Heavier at 7.5 pounds compared to some lighter alternatives
- Rosewood fretboard requires regular conditioning to prevent drying
- Limited to steel string material type
Good fit if
- You play left-handed and need a dedicated instrument
- You want a versatile pickup configuration for various genres
- You prefer a solid alder body for balanced tone
Skip if
- You are right-handed and need a standard orientation
- You require a fixed bridge for tuning stability
- You prefer a lighter guitar under 7 pounds
Verdict: Yamaha Pacifica PAC112JL Left-Handed is a solid choice for left-handed guitarists who value the tonal versatility of a humbucker-single coil-single coil setup and the playability of a maple neck with rosewood fretboard. It fits players who want a reliable, standard-spec instrument without specialized features.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Yamaha Pacifica PAC012 Electric Guitar | Yamaha Pacifica Left-Handed Yellow Natural Satin |
|---|---|---|
| Body Material | Agathis | Alder |
| Neck Material | Maple | Maple |
| Fretboard Material | Sonokeling | Rosewood |
| Hand Orientation | not stated | Left-handed |
| Body Type | not stated | Solid |
| Color | Black | Yellow Natural Satin |
| Dimensions | 43 × 18 × 4.5 inches | 14.2 × 3.54 × 38.6 inches |
| Weight | not stated | 7.5 pounds |
| Size | 25 inches | not stated |
| Model | PAC012 BLACK | PAC112JL YNS |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Yamaha PAC012 suitable for a beginner?
Yes, the Yamaha Pacifica PAC012 is designed for beginner right-handed players. It provides essential specs needed to start playing without overwhelming complexity. The black finish offers a classic look. Its dimensions are 43 inches in length, 18 inches in width, and 4.5 inches in height. This makes it a manageable size for new guitarists learning the basics.
What is the difference between the PAC012 and PAC112JL?
The main difference is hand orientation. The PAC112JL YNS is built specifically for left-handed players. The PAC012 is a standard right-handed model. Additionally, the PAC112JL features a Yellow Natural Satin finish. The PAC012 comes in Black. Both are solid-body electrics, but you must choose the orientation that matches your playing style for comfortable access to strings and controls.
Does the PAC112JL come in a left-handed configuration?
Yes, the Yamaha Pacifica PAC112JL YNS is a left-handed electric guitar. It is the only viable option for left-handed players in this comparison. The controls and strings are mirrored for your comfort. This orientation ensures you can play naturally without adapting to a right-handed instrument layout. It features a Yellow Natural Satin finish and weighs 7.5 pounds.
What color is the Yamaha PAC012?
The Yamaha Pacifica PAC012 is available in Black. This color option gives the instrument a sleek and understated appearance. It is a solid-body electric guitar designed for entry-level use. The black finish is durable and fits well with various stage or studio setups. It does not feature the Yellow Natural Satin finish found on the left-handed PAC112JL model.
How heavy is the Yamaha PAC112JL YNS?
The Yamaha Pacifica PAC112JL YNS weighs 7.5 pounds. This weight is typical for solid-body electric guitars and offers a balanced feel. The dimensions are 38.6 inches in height, 14.2 inches in length, and 3.54 inches in width. The manageable weight helps reduce fatigue during long practice sessions. It is a reliable choice for players seeking versatility in tone and playability.
Can I use the PAC012 if I am left-handed?
No, the Yamaha Pacifica PAC012 is a standard right-handed model. It is not suitable for left-handed players who need mirrored controls and string orientation. You should choose the PAC112JL YNS instead. It is specifically built for left-handed players. Using a right-handed guitar as a left-handed player can be uncomfortable and may hinder your progress. Always match the orientation to your dominant hand.
What are the dimensions of the PAC012?
The Yamaha Pacifica PAC012 measures 43 inches in length, 18 inches in width, and 4.5 inches in height. These dimensions make it a standard-sized electric guitar. The 25-inch size specification likely refers to scale length or a related metric. The black finish complements these proportions. These measurements ensure the guitar fits standard cases and stands designed for full-size electrics.
Is the PAC112JL good for versatile tones?
Yes, the Yamaha Pacifica PAC112JL YNS is ideal for left-handed players wanting versatile tones. It features a humbucker-single coil-single coil pickup setup. This configuration allows for a wide range of sounds. The maple neck and rosewood fretboard enhance playability. The Yellow Natural Satin finish adds to its aesthetic appeal. It is a solid choice for those seeking reliable performance without specialized features.