This is the Pacifica home page to access the various Pacifica pages. The rest of the site is accessed via the main Home Page
These pages are an ongoing constantly changing project If you can add to or correct any of
my information please contact me by E-mail from my contact page or home page.
There are over 100 models or variations of Pacificas. They are all Telecaster or Stratocaster like guitars
but do differ in specifications from their Fender equivalents. They were first launched in 1989 partly as a replacement
for the Sessions but have endured for a lot longer than Yamaha's other Fender style guitars.
Country of Origin
An email from Ben Smith includes Photos of his 412v which is made in Korea there are also 412v guitars which are
made in Indonesia. I now think several models of Pacifica were made in more than one country and perhaps it depends on the
age of the guitar in that production could have moved at a certain point in time.
An outline of the meaning of model designations etc
Most Pacificas have either a 3 digit or 4 digit number the first number or first 2 numbers in the
case of a 4 digit number determine their place in the range, the higher the number the more expensive the guitar.
The last number indicates the number of single coil pickups, the second to last number is the number of Humbuckers.
So Pac 012 cheap guitar 1 humbucker 2 single coils pac 1411 expensive guitar 1 single coil 1 humbucker.
Some models have a combination of letters or a single letter after the number.
J is second generation 2003 onwards
J can also indicate a Rosewood board
V third generation 2008 onwards
V can also indicate Vibrato bridge
H Hardtail bridge
H can also indicate a High Density Finish
FM and QM flame or quilted Maple top
M Maple board
L Left handed
S Telecaster Shape but MS together can mean Mike Stern or Maple board Telecaster
X Usually some special edition or feature
C Indicates a special pickguard
The made in USA models don't use this numbering system
The 012 has an Agathis body the rest are Alder except the very high end which vary.
As always any thoughts, suggestions, additions or corrections are welcome.