Yamaha

Yamaha PAC112J Metallic Red Pacifica Electric Guitar

4.7 (273 reviews)

The Yamaha Pacifica PAC112J delivers versatile tone and reliable playability in a striking metallic red finish.

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Overview

The Yamaha Pacifica PAC112J in Metallic Red is a guitar that has earned its reputation as one of the most reliable and versatile instruments in its class. Built around an alder body — a tonewood prized for its balanced frequency response — and paired with a bolt-on maple neck and rosewood fingerboard, the PAC112J delivers a playing experience that feels polished and refined. The neck profile is comfortable for extended playing sessions, and the rosewood fingerboard offers a smooth, warm feel under the fingers.

Where the PAC112J truly shines is in its pickup configuration. The combination of a bridge humbucker and two single-coil pickups, controlled by a 5-position selector switch, gives players access to a broad sonic palette — from warm, full-bodied rhythm tones to bright, articulate cleans and punchy lead sounds. The vintage-style tremolo bridge adds an extra layer of expression, allowing for subtle pitch bends and vibrato without drastically compromising tuning stability. Whether you are just starting your guitar journey or looking for a dependable backup instrument, the Pacifica PAC112J offers serious value and performance in a visually striking package.

Key Features

Alder Body

Maple Bolt-On Neck

Rosewood Fingerboard

Vintage Tremelo

5 Position Switch

Specifications

Brand
Yamaha
Model
PAC112J
Series
Pacifica
Body Material
Alder
Neck Material
Maple (Bolt-On)
Fingerboard
Rosewood
Tremolo
Vintage Tremolo
Pickup Selector
5-Position Switch
Color
Metallic Red

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Versatile pickup layout with humbucker and single-coils covers a wide range of genres
  • Alder body and maple neck deliver a well-balanced, resonant tone
  • Vintage tremolo adds expressive vibrato capability
  • Five-position pickup selector provides distinct tonal options
  • Strong build quality at an accessible price point

👎 Cons

  • Stock tuning machines may require upgrading for players who use the tremolo heavily
  • Rosewood fingerboard may feel different to players accustomed to maple fretboards
  • Does not include a gig bag or case
  • Single humbucker limits high-gain tonal variety compared to dual-humbucker guitars

Frequently Asked Questions

The PAC112J features a humbucker in the bridge position and two single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions, selected via a 5-position switch.
Yes, the Pacifica series is widely regarded as one of the best beginner-to-intermediate electric guitars due to its comfortable neck profile, reliable hardware, and versatile pickup configuration.
It uses a vintage-style tremolo bridge, which allows for subtle vibrato effects while maintaining reasonable tuning stability.
The body is alder, which provides a balanced tonal response, and the neck is a bolt-on maple construction with a rosewood fingerboard.