Yamaha Pacifica 112J MKII Red Metallic Electric guitar

Yamaha Pacifica 112J MKII Red Metallic — A Workhorse ST-Style Guitar

Yamaha Pacifica 112J MKII Red Metallic is a bolt-on ST-style electric guitar built for players who want a single instrument covering clean rhythm, blues leads, and harder rock tones. Built around a solid alder body, maple neck, and walnut fingerboard, it has earned a reputation as one of the most dependable guitars in its segment. Finished in polished red metallic gloss, the HSS pickup configuration and 5-way switch provide the tonal flexibility that has made this line a favorite for over two decades.

What Sets the Pacifica 112J MKII Apart

What makes this guitar stand out is the combination of a ceramic bridge humbucker with two ceramic single-coils, all wired through a 5-position lever switch — a layout that gives players five distinct voices without extra controls. The vintage-style tremolo bridge with screw-in arm offers expressive pitch modulation, while die-cast chrome tuners keep the guitar stable through long sessions. Most examples arrive from the box with low action and accurate intonation.

Body and Construction — Balanced and Stage-Ready

Body shape and wood choice shape both tone and comfort. The alder body provides balanced frequency response, while the comfort-contoured shape reduces fatigue during long sessions.

• Alder body material provides a balanced response with clear lows and warm mids.
• Body Finish: Gloss Polyurethane — durable polished surface
• Construction: Bolt-on neck — bright attack favored in rock and pop
• Pickguard: 1-Ply White — clean contrast against the red metallic finish

Neck and Fingerboard — Built for Speed and Comfort

Neck profile and fingerboard material shape how a guitar feels under the hand. This model pairs a satin-finished maple neck with a walnut fingerboard, delivering smooth playability and a slightly warmer, drier tone than rosewood.

• Neck Material: Maple — bright, articulate attack with stability
• Fingerboard Material: Walnut — warmer, drier tone with tight grain feel
• Fingerboard Radius: 350 mm — flat enough for easy bending up the neck
• The scale length of 648 mm is the standard measurement for familiar string tension.
• Number of Frets: 22 — extended range for lead playing

Electronics and Hardware — Five Voices, Stable Tuning

Pickup configuration and hardware determine how versatile and reliable a guitar is in real playing situations. The HSS layout covers everything from sparkling clean tones to thick rock sounds, while the vintage-style tremolo keeps the instrument stable through heavy use.

• Pickup Configuration: HSS — covers clean, blues, and rock from one guitar
• Bridge Pickup: Ceramic Humbucker — thick output for rock and heavier genres
• Controls: Master Volume + Master Tone — simple, intuitive layout
• Pickup Switch: 5-Position Lever — five distinct tonal voices
• Bridge: Vintage-Style Tremolo — expressive pitch modulation
• Die-cast chrome tuning machines ensure stable tuning even through aggressive playing.

Who Should Play the Pacifica 112J MKII

This model is the right choice for beginner and intermediate players who need a single guitar covering multiple musical styles without breaking the budget. Its HSS pickup layout suits a student learning first chords, a gigging musician needing a reliable backup, or a returning player wanting a familiar-feeling instrument. The comfortable alder body, smooth satin neck, and stable hardware work for bedroom practice and small venue performances alike.

Yamaha Pacifica — Two Decades of Value and Reliability

The Pacifica line was introduced by Yamaha in the 1990s as an affordable electric guitar that brought pro-level build quality to entry-level pricing. The 112J has been a cornerstone of the range for over two decades, often cited by professional players and teachers as a purchase that rivals guitars costing several times more.