So I've played budget Pacifica's in the past and have always thought they were good guitars, but never really thought about actually buying one. I remember seeing a USA model a few years back and that made me aware that they did higher end models. Anyway, about a year or so ago, I was browsing eBay and the like and I spotted one of these - a 904 model - and instantly fell in love. Unfortunately, I dithered and lost out. Ever since then I've been looking out for one and finally, FINALLY, one turns up. Although it was outside my budget, the need was too strong, and so it was bought. So what's it like?
It's absolutely stunning in every way and the build quality is second to none.
It has:
An alder body with a lovely ash cap (not veneer)
The abalone inlay on the headstock is a nice touch.
A truly wonderful Warmoth neck - which has a compound radius of 12 to 15" - is a joy to play
Fitted with Sperzels
Has an excellent tremolo and is very useable
Great set of pickups, push/pull on the bridge
Overall it sounds great clean and leans towards vintage strat teritory. Overdrive sounds very good but I think it's a case of finding the right pedal/amp, which is my next task. The only problem is, because it sounds quite straty, it's made me want a strat!...
Anyway, I'm very happy with it. Definitely a good purchase.
Comments
I had a 510v for a while- brilliant guitar, I just couldn't manage the skinny neck on it. EVERYTHING else about it was great.
I love Strats, by the way...
I find those higher end Pacificas really interesting, I'd love to play one.
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@Chuffola that's probably very wise. Thanks for that.
@Bucket if you're anywhere near Yorkshire, either living or visiting, you're welcome to come and have a go.
That is a beautiful guitar, I have also one which I hunted for for the best part of 2 years. Mine is old violin burst, ill try and get some pictures in the thread at some point.
Another nice feature which shows the attention to detail on these models is the angled headstock which negates the need for sting trees.
To split the bridge pickup a push push isn't it, not a push pull which is neat.
The neck/fret board on these feels huge compared to other Pacifica's (and other brand guitars) I've had but it's not an issue it just gives you plenty of room to work with.
I paid £550 for mine which I think was spot on (in fact I think it was a steal!). also came with the original Yamaha gig bag.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z186/spiritoftheage/DSC_2692_zps61070397.jpg
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z186/spiritoftheage/DSC_2699_zps7e28aff6.jpg
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z186/spiritoftheage/DSC_2695_zps081902db.jpg
Thanks for the welcome. I had a 912J with the same finish as your 904, always reminded me of a tiger but I fell out of love with it because of the floating Floyd rose style floating bridge so it had to go. The 904 however is a keeper.
Incidentally I had mine re-fretted to original specs by a very nice chap who it turns out was a guitar tech for Yamaha when these were being imported, he told me that there are only a few in the country (relatively speaking) so mine (and no doubt yours) had already been through his hands as he would inspect and set these up before going out for sale.