Upgrading stock Yamaha Pacifica 112J

[McNebb]

I have owned a 112J model for some 8 years, it's my first electric guitar. I would call myself an average (normal) guitar player.
I want to keep the guitar because I like the color, finish, overall feel of the instrument. Also, I don't have money to buy a more expensive guitar. I like the Yamaha, but I don't like the sound very much. It's decent, but I would like to improve it. (If that's possible?)


I like to play blues most of the time. And love to have good clean sound. Distorsions aren't that much important. Maybe some effects for rock music.
I am still a student, so my budget is limited, but I would like to do an upgrade with new Seymour Duncan pickups before new year since the shop in my town is giving discounts.
I want to buy a new amp also. The choice is between:

1) Fender 25R new 140 USD
2) VOX VT30 used 180 USD
3) VOX AD15VT used 135 USD
4) AD30 VT used 250 USD
5) Peavey Studio Pro 110 used 180 USD
6) Peavey Backstage 110 used 190 USD

BUDGET MAX 250 USD

Some of the SC pickups from the store that I would like to buy:

1) Seymour Duncan APS1 Alnc II Pro for Strat Stag 60 USD
2) Seymour Duncan SSL-1 Vntg Staggered for Strat 60 USD

BUDGET MAX 75 USD PER PICKUP (want to buy one or two max)


If the moderator doesn't mind I will leave a link of the stores website with the list of the pickups. (the site is in my language)
http://www.mitrosmusic.com/proizvodi/p:46-Seymour-Duncan.b:1.s:4

Could you guys help me with the choice and details for my upgrade?

 

[Ashurbanipal]

Re: Upgrading stock Yamaha Pacifica 112J

Dobrodošao na forum .

The pups - depends on what you want, they're both nice pups. The Pacifica is an alder guitar with rosewood board, so it'll be fairly balanced sounding by default. The A5 magnet has plenty of presence - in a single coil this translates to a brighter, more brilliant tone, with tighter bass. The A2 is a bit warmer overall, smoother top and softer bass response. Both have nice cleans. So, it depends on whether you want something a bit warmer or brighter.

I have two SSL2 (flat pole version) in my main guitar (alder, ebony fingerboard) and love them. They don't lack for warmth, and hold up well with gain; very dynamic. I use 500k pots as well, which people say you shouldn't with single coils, but what the hell. It's possible to wire 500k resistors in parallel on the switch terminals where the single coils are soldered so they 'see' 250k when they're switched on.

So, I personally like a bit of cut/brilliance of the SSL1/2. Here's a good demo.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Upgrading stock Yamaha Pacifica 112J

Your money will go further if you buy pre-owned pickups. SSL-2 single coils are a good match for the Yamaha's fingerboard radius. (My own taste would be for the smoother sounding APS-1 or SSL-52 models.) If you source two single coils for well under $100, you have the rest of your budget for a humbucker.

To be honest, the single biggest improvement that you could make to the 112J would be to replace the vibrato bridge.

 

[idsnowdog]

Re: Upgrading stock Yamaha Pacifica 112J

I would just replace the neck and bridge. Pearly Gates bridge and SSL1 neck or Screamin Demon bridge and SSL1 neck.

 

[McNebb]

Re: Upgrading stock Yamaha Pacifica 112J

Bolje vas našao. Hvala puno na dobrodošlici!
Awesome, very cool to see some "our folks", as they like to say it in our homeland.

Thank you all for your advice. First of all, one question, should I get an amp before investing in pickups?
Thing is that my amp is s*it... has very dull tone. I was a beginner at the time I bought it, so I didn't know what to buy. I just needed an amp.

@Ashurbanipal
Ok, got it... but, for now, the part with resistors is unknown territory for me. I understood that you changed the pots on your SSL2 pickups... But the effect you get with that, and how you change the pots... no idea... for now. But I assume that I can just leave the pups as stock? Will they fit in my guitar without any modifications? I am able to solder stuff myself, and did do a lot of repairs to home appliances. But if it is a very delicate job, I can leave the guitar at the store to be fitted with the pickups.

@Funkfingers
Ok, thanks, good advice. I did look up some pickups in the local and online ads, but the choice isn't very good. My country is neither big, nor do the people have the money to buy good new pickups, so the choices are poor. Also, there are some stupid laws that prevent us from buying stuff from ebay and similar websites. :banghead:... stupid politics.

Could you explain me why is a bridge replacement important? The problem with the bridge is also the fact that there isn't any good choice.

@idsnowdog

I like you suggestion, since it is something I had in mind at the first place. I should be able to buy those two.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Upgrading stock Yamaha Pacifica 112J

Mcnebb - Welcome!

One of the best strats I ever owned period was a PAcifica 712. I am familiar with that guitar. Ignore the "cheap" factor. It is a righteous piece of gear. Here is what we are gonna do:

#1 Crap guitar + Great amp = Good, Great guitar + Crap amp = Crap. Save the money and buy the best amp you can. None of those amps listed really impress me. I suggest you channel ALL your funds into a good amp. Think Fender Blues Jr. and go used if you have to. I will mention I had a Studio Pro that was just amazing as solid state goes. But if I was a dedicated Blues guy, it wouldn't have been my choice. $2590 for a Blues Jr. You won't regret it and the guitar will sound amazing. Or at least a lot better!

#2 Spend the TIME getting to know how to set up the instrument yourself. It takes a screwdriver, time, patience and some knowledge. That will also do a lot. We'll get pup heights right, pole pieces in a good place, and adjust that trem to within a inch of it's life.

#3 In the mean time, before we get out of hand with pickup swaps, we are going to do two things;

A) You are gong to tell us a lot more about what kind of sound you want, or what is missing from the guitar. Personally, I say don't do this before getting the amp. You may not need to after amp + adjustments.

B) We are (can't believe I'm saying this) going to do some mag swapping on that hum bucker for super cheap. Like $5 cheap.

Finally, once you get us to the sound you want, with a decent amp, then we'll talk pups. I agree that you should hit ebay for this. Get used. Off the cuff, I say Pearly Gates or A2P - but way to early for that. And I'd wire that bad boy with a push pull pot to tap the bucker.

Sound like a plan? Are you in? We will walk you through all of this. You came to the right place bro.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Upgrading stock Yamaha Pacifica 112J

Could you explain me why is a bridge replacement important? The problem with the bridge is also the fact that there isn't any good choice.

My Yamaha had a Wilkinson with Schaller locking tuners. Could play Eruption it. That's why. SOunded fantastic. Trust us on this. But a weell set up trem will do a lot overall, even that one, which is probably as good as any strat from the 60's had.

Start shopping for Wilkinson....and saving.

 

[Chris of Arabia]

Re: Upgrading stock Yamaha Pacifica 112J

Mcnebb - Welcome!

+1

And I'd wire that bad boy with a push pull pot to split the bucker.

fixed

You came to the right place bro.

At least he got that right...

Seriously though, Pacifica's a good place to learn how to do a whole bunch of upgrades, as the basics of the guitar are well made, have fun with it.

 

[Dr. Vegetable]

Re: Upgrading stock Yamaha Pacifica 112J

Mcnebb - Welcome!

One of the best strats I ever owned period was a PAcifica 712. I am familiar with that guitar. Ignore the "cheap" factor. It is a righteous piece of gear.

...

$2590 for a Blues Jr. You won't regret it and the guitar will sound amazing. Or at least a lot better!

...

Sound like a plan? Are you in? We will walk you through all of this. You came to the right place bro.

Welcome to the forum! Aceman has some great advice. Yamaha instruments are first class, and a great platform to build your tone on.

I'm not sure what currency he is using, or maybe that's a typo, but that price seems a bit high for a Blues Jr. They are great amps for a blues/rock sound and I highly recommend one. Put everything into a decent amp before you get out the soldering iron. If you combine your amp and pickup budgets you should be able to get a BJr. and a screwdriver and you'll be in good shape from there.

Have fun!

 

[idsnowdog]

Re: Upgrading stock Yamaha Pacifica 112J

Another good combo would be a Alnico Pro II bridge and a APS1 neck.

 

[McNebb]

Re: Upgrading stock Yamaha Pacifica 112J

Thanks a lot for the warm welcome!

I am very happy that I came to the right place. I can see that you are willing to help, and are experienced with gear setup.
Ok, than first thing on Aceman's list is getting a good amplifier. Also, my guitar definitively needs some adjustments after years of use.

Aceman, Blues Jr is 700 USD new (checked all the stores in the country, actually there are about 4 big ones and that's it). That's (at the moment) a lot over my budget because I am still a student, and only have part time jobs... (plus the factor that I live in a stupid underdeveloped country). But I'll try and find an used one. Thing is that if importing from another country will be expensive.
If the Blues Jr. is impossible to get, I would appreciate it a lot if you could advise something a bit cheaper. (I am aware that good stuff is pricey)
But at least, for now, I would be happy to get any kind of upgrade.

A) You are gong to tell us a lot more about what kind of sound you want, or what is missing from the guitar. Personally, I say don't do this before getting the amp. You may not need to after amp + adjustments.

I will. I'll try describing it.. but also... My idea was that I could link some videos or songs with guitars sounding like something I would like to get from my gear.

 

[MrSpudz1234]

Re: Upgrading stock Yamaha Pacifica 112J

Yeah I agree with Aceman save up for a good amp first, even the best pickups will not make a crap amp sound good. I believe that the Pacificas already have a push pull for the 'bucker but I may be wrong but the best advice is to go and listen to and read reviews of as many pickups as you can and then go with what is best for you.

 

[McNebb]

Re: Upgrading stock Yamaha Pacifica 112J

My current amp is this thing:
Yamaha F-20


I don't like it. To me, it sounds dull, doesn't give me the control to adjust the sound. The treble, middle and bass knobs somehow don't change the sound a lot. You can hear the change, but it is not much. Always the same sound, and it is somehow "grouped"... "mashed"... Somehow there, at least for me, there isn't any clarity with the tones. I would say that the F20 amp can't give you sharp, clear and precise tone without ruining it. It is either depressingly mashed and warm and dull, or very hard and sharp.
The second channel is s*it, gain is also nothing special. Maybe very, very little gain, but nothing more.
I think that it lacks the quality to reproduce good sound.
Maybe it's just me not knowing how to adjust it, but I have tried... Thing is, I am not satisfied with that little box.
For example, even my friends basic Fender 25R is better, and even the 25R is a low cost amp.

For example, this sounds nice:
http://youtu.be/uxqjifv0ZzQ
I know that it is a different guitar and all, but that kind of sound would be pleasant for playing.

Also, this is an old band from my country, I like them a lot, also this song

Check out the guitar at the beginning.

I'll have to try playing on some amps with my guitar in the shop and then I'll be able to give you a better answer.

@Aceman... I would be playing some rock music also. Slight distorsion, and usually clean sound. I do listen to harder sounding music (metal), but enjoy playing more normal music.

 

[playas]

Re: Upgrading stock Yamaha Pacifica 112J

I reckon Aceman´s advice on concentrating on the amp first etc. is solid advice too.

Something like the Vox AC4TV or Laney Cub may be more accessible pricewise. Although I´ve never played either they seem to get good comentaries and are probably easier to get hold of (maybe even second-hand). Either way you can ask on here or elsewhere for opinions and you´re also better off listening to an amp yourself before you buy one.

You may end up appreciating and enjoying an amp more if you wait and save for something better - depending on your needs.

Once you get the amp sorted you can always change out pickups one at a time if necessary to get you closer to what you´re after.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Upgrading stock Yamaha Pacifica 112J

Why upgrade the bridge? Because it is robbing the guitar of sustain.

I have worked on Pacificas, RGXs, RBXs and, of course, my beloved Attitude Plus basses. The woodwork on all of these budget instruments is exemplary. Sadly, the hardware and most of the electronics are not. Slap on a Gotoh 201B bridge and an American pickup and the Att+ is ready to rumble. Similar modifications will bring the very best out of a Pacifica guitar.

Needless to say, without a serious amplifier, you would not hear much difference.

 

[Ashurbanipal]

Re: Upgrading stock Yamaha Pacifica 112J

You've got some good advice here (esp. Aceman). I'd also think about going for an amp first; I talked about pups because I've got more experience there, but you can file away the information we offer on that for later.

What Funkfingers is talking about is regarding the tremolo block, which plays significant part in the girth of the tone and sustain. I think Pacificas like the 112 have a small cast zinc one. Strats traditionally have big steel blocks - bold tone and plenty of attack. A brass block is warmer and smoother sounding. A Gotoh trem (they make Wilkinson as well) would be a direct replacement because it's metric, like the hardware on the Yamaha. US hardware is imperial, so the measurements differ. Anyway, Gotoh/Wilkinson isn't too expensive, and the quality is top notch.

Bolje vas našao. Hvala puno na dobrodošlici!
Awesome, very cool to see some "our folks", as they like to say it in our homeland.

Thank you all for your advice. First of all, one question, should I get an amp before investing in pickups?
Thing is that my amp is s*it... has very dull tone. I was a beginner at the time I bought it, so I didn't know what to buy. I just needed an amp.

@Ashurbanipal
Ok, got it... but, for now, the part with resistors is unknown territory for me. I understood that you changed the pots on your SSL2 pickups... But the effect you get with that, and how you change the pots... no idea... for now. But I assume that I can just leave the pups as stock? Will they fit in my guitar without any modifications? I am able to solder stuff myself, and did do a lot of repairs to home appliances. But if it is a very delicate job, I can leave the guitar at the store to be fitted with the pickups.

Neznam jer 'nas' ima još tu - jedini sam (do sad) vokalan, haha. Ah, politika na Balkanu, da ne idemo tamo! Anyway, this is a cool place to hang out.

Oh no, the original pots in my guitar were 500k as well, I got some replacements of the same value because the old ones were trashed. 500k is recommended for humbuckers and 250k for single coils, though ultimately let your ears guide you (as Aceman says).

So, the pups will drop right in. If the original pots work fine according to your taste, no reason to change them.

The resistor trick is something I've seen some people do who are using a mixture of single coils and humbuckers in their guitars, or are splitting humbuckers in a number of switch positions – fine tuning/experimentation stuff. Haven't seen any big guitar company do it, and I haven't done it on mine because I'm happy with the way things are.

I think you'll be fine tinkering with a guitar's guts given your experience. Plus, there's plenty of schematics on this site, elsewhere, and people offering advice.

So, to sum up the advice so far: 1) Amp. 2) Trem. 3) pups, if necessary.

 

[McNebb]

Re: Upgrading stock Yamaha Pacifica 112J

Ludi Balkan, ne bi ga mogli ovakvog izmisliti ni u filmu.
Svaki dan isto sranje, drugo pakovanje... Niko neće da se menja, da se solidariše. U zgradi se jedva dogovorimo da se promeni sijalica u hodniku! Ne šalim se.


Ok, for now, you guys gave me very good and clear advice and suggestions. Next step is an amp definitely. I mean, honestly, I can' wait to get rid of the little Yamaha.
Then, second step is adjusting the stock hardware. And after that shopping again if needed and depending on my budget.
When I get an amp.. I'm gonna get back at this thread and start improving the details you guys told me about.

I'm definitely gonna hang out here for some time... Probably for a looong time. Getting desired sound and results is going to take time, work, experience, money and patience.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Upgrading stock Yamaha Pacifica 112J

Mcnebb - Welcome!

B) We are (can't believe I'm saying this) going to do some mag swapping on that hum bucker for super cheap. Like $5 cheap.

Wow! I can't believe that you are suggesting mag swaps, lol. I thought you were more of a "purist".

Nevertheless, I agree with everything you have suggested (except for the amp). Not that the Blues Jr is not a great amp, but we need to think in more practical terms to fit in his budget.

A really good sounding/performing tube amp is the Bugera V-22. Can be found used for under $300. Is it a great amp? I don't know, but so far (I've had mine for 4 years) it holds its own against my Marshall, Bogner, and Egnater amps. No reliability problems. Just great tone (yes, I did replace the speaker with a Swamp Thang, but the stock spkr really isn't so bad).

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Upgrading stock Yamaha Pacifica 112J

My current amp is this thing:
Yamaha F-20
View attachment 36188

I don't like it. To me, it sounds dull, doesn't give me the control to adjust the sound. The treble, middle and bass knobs somehow don't change the sound a lot. You can hear the change, but it is not much. Always the same sound, and it is somehow "grouped"... "mashed"... Somehow there, at least for me, there isn't any clarity with the tones. I would say that the F20 amp can't give you sharp, clear and precise tone without ruining it. It is either depressingly mashed and warm and dull, or very hard and sharp.
The second channel is s*it, gain is also nothing special. Maybe very, very little gain, but nothing more.
I think that it lacks the quality to reproduce good sound.
Maybe it's just me not knowing how to adjust it, but I have tried... Thing is, I am not satisfied with that little box.
For example, even my friends basic Fender 25R is better, and even the 25R is a low cost amp.

For example, this sounds nice:
http://youtu.be/uxqjifv0ZzQ
I know that it is a different guitar and all, but that kind of sound would be pleasant for playing.

Also, this is an old band from my country, I like them a lot, also this song

Check out the guitar at the beginning.

I'll have to try playing on some amps with my guitar in the shop and then I'll be able to give you a better answer.

@Aceman... I would be playing some rock music also. Slight distorsion, and usually clean sound. I do listen to harder sounding music (metal), but enjoy playing more normal music.

Of course that amp, the TWIN REVERB, is THE classic example of great clean tube amp tone. Can't get much better than that. But way out of your price range, even used.

 

[McNebb]

Re: Upgrading stock Yamaha Pacifica 112J

GuitarDoc, thanks... I checked the prices of the Bugera. New one is 460 USD... and there is one ad selling an used one for 400 USD. Looks in really good condition, but I think that I could push the price down to 350 USD (Maybe even lower? I mean, 400 USD, that's something like 15% off a new amp price, and we are talking about used stuff) So, something like that would be ok.

Also, for the Fender Twin, you are right. Checked the pricetag... something like 1200 USD new . Waaaay to expensive.