There are 5 guitars in this range
with the same specs except for the body shape, the pickup confiurations
and the colours
The colours shown are those that are published in the catalogues etc. there are many of these guitars in other
colours. It happens all the time with Yamaha they produce guitars in non catalogued colours.
Where are they made
The short answer is who knows but what I really know is:
Some of them definitely have Made in Taiwan written on them
Several sources say they are made in Japan
Some sources say that they are Made in Japan and assembled in Taiwan
It seems likely that a combination of all these is true Yamaha have several models especially the Superaxe range
that are produced in both countries.
Specs common to all of the range
Specifications
Body American Basswood* Gloss finish
Neck Maple see details below
Fretboard Rosewood (Maple on the 1221M)24 Jumbo Frets Slash Z Inlays 25.5 Scale see below
Headstock Plain with Old Logo Pacifica Yamaha and Model Number written on and Tuning fork logo no string trees
Tuners Black Yamaha Diecast
Pickups Combinations of Yamaha Q100 Humbuckers and Yamaha Stacked Single Coils all Made in USA by DiMarzio
Controls Black Knurled Controls 1 Volume 1 Tone 5 way switch incorporating a coil tap
Nut 43mms locking and height adjustable
Hardware Black
Bridge RM pro ii Black
Pickguard Black Laminated
Years available 1990 to 1993 some models may be for a shorter period in that date range
*American Basswood tends to be lighter than the other 40 or so species of Basswood.
The Neck and Fretboard
The neck on all these guitats in a super thin C shape reinforced by Carbon Fibre rods. It has
a biflex truss rod, the toatal access neck joint and body are joined with Aircraft Grade Aluminium.
There is a compound Radius from 240mms to 400mms (9.5" to 15.75")
Specifics of the models
1212
Strat shaped body SSH configuration colours Deep Blue Metallic, Deep Red Metallic, Ruby Red and Silver Flake
1221 and 1221M
Strat Shaped body HSH configuration colours Crimson Red, Deep Blue Metallic and Yellow Pearl
1221MS
Telecaster Shape body HSH configuration colours 3 colour flake? Black, Ruby Red or Yellow Pearl
1230
Strat shaped body HHH configuration colours Black, Deep Red Metallic, Lightning Blue, Ruby Red and Silver Flake
1230S
Telecaster shaped body HHH configuration colours Crimson Red, Light Violet Deep Blue Metallic and Yellow Pearl
Update 20th May 2020
A correspondent called Nathan from the USA has just purchased a beautiful 1221MS in 3 colour flake made in Taiwan. He
has provided me with a link to the sale so here's some pictures. Thanks Nathan
