Yamaha Pacifica modifications

contiContiCONTI · Dec 28, 2017

Hello!

So I have a Yamaha Pacifica 112xj (pretty much a 112j released in a metallic line of colours) for the past 10 years, first electric and still one of my favourites. Everything in it is stock except for the pickup switch and input hole part (that keeps the lead in place) which were switched out because they stopped working.

Although I love the sound, it still has a slightly stock and cheapy vibe to it sometimes, especially the bridge pickup. So I thought about changing out some parts for some modifications. One thing led to another and i found myself thinking about changing almost everything on it from a new neck, nut, pegs, bridge to nee electronics, pots and pickups. I dont know much about mods so I have a few questions.

If I change these parts, even if the body is the same, will it have much affect on the acoustic sound of the guitar, or only the sound of it when it is plugged in? In other words, would it really be worth the money spent?

I was thinking about putting 2 custom shop 69s in the middle and neck and a Seymore Duncan Pearly gates in the bridge. For the neck and middle pickups Im looking for a David Gilmour strat type tone, Shine on you crazy diamond etc.. while i would like it to be fatter and punchier in the bridge. Any advice for this?

Thanks in advance!!!

Chistopher · Dec 28, 2017

Re: Yamaha Pacifica modifications

I believe Shine [...] Diamond was done with EMG SA's. But the 69s are pretty much the best set you can get for a Gilmour tone. The Pearly Gates would match pretty well output and tonewise, but its important to know exactly what your looking for in that slot.

As for the other parts you are looking to change, is there anything you don't like about them? Everything you could change on it would change the guitars character, some more than others. For example, changing the tuning keys will make a more minor difference whereas changing the neck might make it seem as if you have a whole new guitar.

It's served you well stock for 10 years, so I think you need to consider how essential it is to make the more radical changes. Notice how I said changes, not improvements, better hardware doesn't always make a better guitar.

contiContiCONTI · Dec 28, 2017

Re: Yamaha Pacifica modifications

I guess i am just looking for improvements while keeping the sound of the pickups i mentioned. I would like to sustain more if possible, and read that a better nut and bridge would help that, which is why I got the idea to chnage those. Any thoughts on this?

The idea to change the neck came from the fact that i tried a flame maple neck on a musicman guitar and absolutely adored it. I guess while the guitar as-is is an incredible guitar for me, I would like to try and put together the perfect guitar for me. But yeah, i'm quite skeptical as i dont have very advanced knowledge on parts etc..

Chistopher · Dec 28, 2017

Re: Yamaha Pacifica modifications

Trust me, most everyone in here is in the process of trying to put together the perfect guitar. If you want a better neck there's nothing wrong with that so much as you find a better one, Warmoth will sell you an amazing neck, but it'll be rather expensive and still require some work to get it where you want it. There are also many other ways to get a good neck that require little extra effort. I know the Stratosphere sells American Standard (among other) replacement necks. There is also the chance you could make your current neck better by getting it sanded down to a more comfortable finish, but get someone who knows what they are doing to do it if you aren't comfortable doing it yourself.

As for the pickups, what exactly do you want to do that your current pickups can't?

elelpe · Dec 28, 2017

Re: Yamaha Pacifica modifications

Keep in mind that Pacifica has specific dimensions such as narrower nut/neck, narrower bridge/saddles spacing. Yamaha make their own parts. You need to select the replacements carefully (higher model Pacifica use Wilkinson bridge, for example). I'd say change the pickups, electronics, saddles, and nut. Maybe the guitar needs refret too.

contiContiCONTI · Dec 28, 2017

Re: Yamaha Pacifica modifications

So mainly I would like the neck and middle pickups to sound more crisp, thin but still with punch mids, and very clear. From the bridge pickup i would like a fat and punch sound almost like the bridge pickup on an SG but not as dark as that. With all that I would like to increase the sustain on the high string at high frets which seem to die out quite quickly. And finally I wohld like to make the unplugged sound of the guitar louder and brighter.

Putting it like that just sounds like it would be easier to buy a new guitar hahaha but i feel like my pacifica is really close to all these things it just needs a little help and adjustment to get to wjat I am looking for.

Undone · Dec 28, 2017

Re: Yamaha Pacifica modifications

I have 15 different Pacificas and would not hesitate for a minute to "invest" more love (money) at any of them. If it's a 112 then the tuners should be fine. I block all of the tremelos on mine (except one) with a nine volt battery so the bridge is not really an issue. I have swapped the saddles on a couple with block style saddles but other than comfort there was no real change in tone. Have always gotten along with the stock single coils but the humbuckers leave something to be desired. Namely Seymour Duncans.........

Undone · Dec 28, 2017

Re: Yamaha Pacifica modifications

Sounds like you may need a new and non plastic nut.

Chistopher · Dec 29, 2017