There are broadly three releases of the 800 series as follows:
1991 to 1993 The 821, 821R and 812S
1998 to 2003/4 The 821D, 821DX, 812W and 812WX
2004 to 2009 The 812V
All made in Taiwan except the 812V which is Korea
All very similar guitars the 821R being the Reverse Headstock Version and the 812S being a Telecaster shaped
body and HSS
Specifications
Body Alder Gloss Finish strat on the 821 models and tele on the 812S
Neck Maple with Total Access Joint
Fretboard Rosewood 13.75" radius 24 frets
Headstock Plain old Yamaha logo Pacifica Model Number Yamaha and Tuning Fork logo (reversed on the 821R)
Tuners Black Yamaha Diecast
Pickups USA made Dimarzios Black HSH on the 821 HSS on the 812S
Controls Black I Volume 1 Tone 5 way switch (coil split?)
Nut 43mms locking height adjustable
Hardware Black
Bridge TRS pro trem Floyd Rose type
Pickguard Black Laminated
Colours 821 models Black, Dark Red Metallic, Lightning Blue Silver Flake
Colours 812S Black, Dark Red Metallic, Lightning Blue Tangerine Flake
Years available
Four models 812W, 812WX, 821D and 821DX as usual the X just indicates extra features on a model. The 812 models are Strats the 821 models are Superstrats
The 812W and 812WX
Specifications
Body Alder with Figured Maple Top Gloss Finish
Neck Maple with Total Access Joint
Fretboard Rosewood 22 frets 13.75" radius
Headstock Plain Old style logo Pacifica Yamaha and Tuning Fork Logo 1 Roller string tree, Model number on back
Tuners Sperzel Locking
Pickups White Seymour Duncans 2 single coil Vintage SL1s 1 59 Humbucker with black surround
Controls White 1 volume 1 tone 5 way switch incorporates coil tap
Nut Non locking
Hardware Chrome
Bridge Wilkinson VS100
Pickguard White Laminated
Colours Natural, Old Violin Sunburst or Trans Blue
Years available 1998-2003
The WX has additional/differing features Quilted Maple Top, Gold Hardware and comes in
Aquamarine or Cherry Red Burst
The last of the 800s the 812V was launched in 2004 and lasted until 2009, since when no other 800s have been made.
Specifications
Body Alder with a Flame Maple Top
Neck Maple Satin Finish
Fretboard Rosewood 13.75" radius 22 medium frets
Headstock Plain old logo Pacifica Yamaha Tuning Fork Logo 1 butterfly string tree
Model and serial number on back
Tuners Chrome Diecast
Pickups Seymour Duncans 2 SSL 1 single coils and a JH Humbucker with a chrome surround
Controls Silver 1 volume incorporating coil tap, 1 tone and a 5 way switch with white tip
Nut 41mms non locking
Hardware Chrome
Bridge Yamaha R1000v low profile with stainless steel saddles
Pickguard Black Laminated
Colours Old Violin Sunburst, Trans Dark Red or Trans Blue
