Souping up a Yamaha Pacifica 112J?

[Frankinator]

I have had this Yamaha Pacifica 112J handed down from my uncle for quite some time now, since 2007 and it's still in good nick! Soundwise it's very warm compared to my Jimmie Vaughan Strat. The 112J is a hefty lump of alder with a rosewood fretboard. However, the electronics are lacking and could do with an upgrade. Not wanting to let this big chunk of wood go to waste, I'm wanting to upgrade the scratchy pots, and cheap ceramic pups.

Since the body is a swimming pool route, I'm thinking of replacing the pickguard with a HH tortoiseshell one as I would like to have an alternative option to my single coil equipped JV Strat.

The neck pickup in question is a Baby 71 PAF sized wide range humbucker from The Creamery as it has sufficient brightness and clarity to compensate for the warm alder body ( https://www.creamery-pickups.co.uk/baby-71-wide-range-standard-gibson-humbucker-sized.html )

For the bridge pickup I am thinking of either a SD 59 Custom Hybrid or a Railhammer Billy Corgan Humcutter. Both pickups are bright and fairly hot.

I know nothing about pots but I assume they'll both need 500k.

In conclusion have I made the right assumptions and choices for electronics and in the end will this be a good investment? :help:

 

[Silence Kid]

Re: Souping up a Yamaha Pacifica 112J?

I have an RGZ112P, which is the early 90s/late 80s equivalent to that guitar; nice score. Googling pics it's funny how little is actually different.

I'd suggest a Duncan Demon or Jazz if you want something brighter, based on experience. I'd also look at upgrading the nut; mine came from the factory with paper shims under it, that really dampened the high end until I removed them and built up the nut slots to compensate. The hollow plastic can probably be improved on anyway.

That said, I would never call replacing pickups an 'investment' but you have very little to lose for very little money by doing it. I'd experiment away.

 

[elelpe]

Re: Souping up a Yamaha Pacifica 112J?

Unless it's a signature guitar, (upgraded) Pacifica isn't an investment in term of resale value. It's a player. So if you turn it into a better sounding instrument and that inspires you to be a better player, that's the investment.

About the pickup, I think you have a solid choice.

My cheapest guitar is a 120SJ that I modded quite heavily. It's a keeper.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Souping up a Yamaha Pacifica 112J?

Yeah, at this point, it is an investment in tone- don't like the current guitar? Modify the tool! I dig the Hybrid, personally, but ultimately it is up to you. Pacificas are excellent guitars, so be sure to post some pics of it, too.

 

[Hank-]

Re: Souping up a Yamaha Pacifica 112J?

59/C bridge would be awesome in there.

JB would work too

 

[Adieu]

Re: Souping up a Yamaha Pacifica 112J?

Ymmv, but... HSS is more fun