Squier Affinity Stratocaster vs Yamaha Pacifica 112 (Battle of the Strats)
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- čas přidán 10. 07. 2024
- Squier Affinity Stratocaster vs Yamaha Pacifica 112 (Battle of the Strats)
Squier and Yamaha both make affordable Strats of different types. Today I take a look at two guitars which fall into the 200-300€ price bracket. The Yamaha Pacifica is slightly more expensive, but in terms of price they're still fairly close. So which is better? Find out in this video.
Check out the reviews I did of these guitars.
The Squier Affinity Strat: • Squier Affinity Strato...
Yamaha Pacifica 112: • Yamaha Pacifica 112 (A...
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I am Japanese and I am proud that so many people around the world share their love for Pacifica, a product from a Japanese manufacturer.
I also own Pacifica (012&611HFM).
In fact, in Japan, the main character recently changed his guitar to a Pacifica (611VFM) due to the influence of animation, so the Pacifica is very popular (in fact, all models are selling well).
Certainly it may be cheaper than Fender or Gibson. It may even look inferior.
However, I think it perfectly expresses Yamaha's behind-the-scenes policy of ``providing great music experiences for everyone.''
I would like to share with many people that ``the value of a guitar is not proportional to its price; it only has value if it produces a good sound.'' I like Yamaha's attitude of seriously facing music.😊
Bocchi the Rock!
The Pacifica 112VMX now even has a splitable humbucker. It's complete madness for such an affordable guitar.
My first electric was a Pacifica tele, and I still have it, 26 years later. I have friends that have had Squire strats come and go, but the Pacifica still plays like an almost new guitar.
Don't believe your own lies.
@@luismangiaterra1031 what?
@@thisguy2973 Pacifica is uncool.
The bullet squire is unplayable out of the box, that's why they make it so cheap so you have money leftover to customize it.
@@luismangiaterra1031 okay???
@@thisguy2973 Pacifica. Had my bullet strat for over 20years now. Took a lot of work to make it playable.
The Pacifica's pickups sound 10x better than the Squier.
Bridge humbucker has coil tap too which I don't think was mentioned.
@@chasmorris4331 Does individual tone knobs for the pick-ups make the Squier/Fender better? I mean you get versatility yes but will that make you switch to Squier to Yamaha?
@@chasmorris4331 I'm looking to get my first guitar at age 60. In researching the Pacifica, it looks like the base 112J does not have a split coil, but the slightly more expensive 112V does have that. That's from memory, so don't quote me!
That's true recently got both and the Yamaha punches way above its weight the squire already has problems after 2 months play.
Humbucker vs single coil?
The Pacifica has always been way underrated. They play Great!
They sure are good.
For me, just to record, this axe is great.
To play out, I'd replace the tuners and bridge and get three more just like it as back ups.
I really like this axe.
I have both guitars. The Pacifica is far and above the Squire Affinity. The Affinity feels and plays like an 80's cheap department store pos, it is terrible. The Pacifica is a guitar I happily gig and play for hours. Squire have not kept up with the quality now available in this price range. Buy the Pacifica, folks.
Well done. With school season starting, many will be getting their first guitars. Good advice here.
Cheers :)
Great video. I picked up an older Pacifica for $75 and I love the feel of the neck but the electronics weren’t great. I put some Wilkinson alnico pickups, new pots, switch, and jack. It’s now one of my favorite guitars. I wanted something with a flatter neck and different feel than my Strat and this thing nailed it.
Cool bananas :)
If you're a beginner player like me, odds are you won't really be able to tell or appreciate the differences in tones and whatnot between many of the "entry level" guitars. I just ordered a Squire Affinity FMT HSS in Black burst and I can't wait for it to arrive. I looked at the Pacifica's but I liked the design an color scheme of the affinity more, so that's what I got!
I got an Squire Affinity with a maple fingerboard and it was clean and flawless. No fret sprout. Low action. I think the finish keeps the fingerboard from drying out, and maybe also on the frets themselves, keeping it free from corrosion (I did replace the pickups).
Just opened my new*/used 50$ yamaha pacifica 112....and it feels amazing! Neck and fretboard feel perfect, as well as the whole guitar feels solid/well built. Great video man!
Subbed. Love your reviews. Great humor. And you really lit up the neck on that Pacifica.
Much appreciated!
How did I not notice before that little Elmo sitting on the Vox amp over Elmo's shoulder?
Quality content, once again!
Kiitosta :)
Nice to see you Elmo! Ciao
Ciao :)
Elmo Karjalainen ps: I have bought a strat player series , I think it’s really good for an affordable price. I just put dimarzio’s hs ...
check it out if you have the opportunity
From the colour scheme, that has to be a 112VM. All current model 112V Pacificas are made in Indonesia. Comparing a Squier Affinity Strat with ceramic pickups with a Yamaha Pacifica with alnico V pickups isn't a like for like comparison any other pros or cons (splittable humbucker bridge vs single coil) notwithstanding. What should be mentioned is that the radius and neck profiles are radically different. In terms of finish and quality, the Squier is a very poor cousin even if that coat of polyurethane clear blings it up a little. Yamaha's PAC112V is a quality instrument presented at low price point. Fender's Squier Affinity Stratocaster is a cheap beginners guitar and feels like it.
Great review!
Thanks!
I have both the Pacifica and an Affinity both HSS and love both❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Nice t-shirt, great vid, thx! Just a thought... did you consider comparing the 112 vs the Squier CV or you don't have it anymore? I think due to price etc.. maybe the natural nemesis of the Affinity would be the Pacifica 012.
You might be right. I went for this though. I still have the Affinity and the CV, so I might compare the two at some point.
sometimes you just have to choose an instrument that will inspire you ... the Yamaha makes the Squier look even more beautiful... I mean, Stratocasters are not my favourite guitars , but they are strangely beautiful, specially with the big headstock , Fender really did an amazing design job , you can just look for hours at a Fender Stratocaster and they are so beautiful, so balanced ... and that makes you want to play .
Just bought a Pacifica 311H. Paid $100 more for a better bridge and tuners (stays in tune) with a P90 and Humbucker (which can split to a single coil). I don't see many beginner guitar videos mention the 311H. Only a week old, but loving it so far (especially the P90 pickup)
Agree that the PAC311H is a hidden gem. I have one, and a 112V along with a Revstar with a Tune-o-matic bridge and PAC612VII with a Wilkinson vibrato. 311H's bridge isn't "better" than the 112V per se just fixed. You can lock down the vibrato bridge on the 112V and achieve the same thing effectively. That's what a majority of 112J & V owners do, and play it locked down with the trem arm removed.
If there's anything on the 311H making a difference to the tuning stability vs the 112V it's its Grover locking tuners, GraphTech self-lubricating TUSQ nut and string trees. If the 112V's Urea nut is cut right ex factory and lubricated, the 112V stays in tune pretty well even with bending. I've not experienced any tuning instability issue with its OEM tuners. If you float the bridge and use the vibrato, well you are going to experience lesser tuning stability with it no question. That bridge was never intended for other than occasional or light vibrato use IMV.
I saw a PAC112V on sale for £200 and a 311H on sale for £240. No brainer, though I think I'd have been perfectly happy with the 112.
I really find your videos helpful.
Much appreciated :) Glad you like them!
Great Video..Thank you for your valuable time and guitar recommendations. I live in Maine looking for local Guitar teacher/shop for lessons in Rock and POP.
What is your thought on flatter fret radius on pacifica compared to stratocaster? I don't really know how to play a guitar (maybe someday) but initially liked the strat neck over heavy maister axes (which has a flatter fingerboard)... Some say bends are harder on shorter radius (more round fret board) like strat but I can't really feel that...
I don't really have an opinion on it. Sorry :(
Hey Elmo I totally love that Peter Gunn theme I’ve listen to it at least 100 times they should’ve got you to do it for the Television program
Haha :D Thanks! :)
Pacifica 112vm better than squier . FYI pacifica 112 vm made in from INDONESIA 🔥
Aslinya ini bro?
Indonesia makes some great guitars these days. I have several from there.
My Squier was made in Indonesia depends on color on Squier's. If Squier say's ICS on serial # it is made in Indo. Usual because of a certain color. I have a lake placid blue Yamaha and the Squier Lake Placid Blue is also made in Indo.
I don’t know much about guitar manufacturing but if you see made in indonesia it usually is better than the made in china ones
Do you guys have any recommendations on which pickups to upgrade to in the Pac 112V and why?
anyone could see; u were digging the pacifica...fabulous work
Great content bro. I subscribe😁
Thanks!
Thank you so much for the video!!
I can push the budget for the Squier CV. would you say the "upgrade" is better? I'm starting now
I'd say that you should try before you buy, regardless of which one you pick.
@@MrPolevaulter okay thank you!
Amazing review, totally agree on the verdict! ... I was wondering if you are working on a mid-range guitars video ... just right if somebody wanna push above the yamaha price... thanks:))
Just did one on the Fender Player Series Strat. Don't know when it will be out.
hEhEhE I’m happy because my budget is currently $230 and I just figured out that I can do 4 monthly payments and that will work for me. If you were wondering, I am a middle schooler with an allowance of $5 a week. Which is shitty, but hey. I’m lucky I’m getting that at all.
Yeah, that might not be much, but it's more than nothing.
As someone who had both. I still have the Yamaha if that tells you which one, I like best. I did mod it.
Do not buy a cheap Squier ever!! thats my advice , pay extra get a classic vibe as they are much better quality controlled and have better pickups , smoother frets , better nut , better everything lol , the Pacifica has always been the best budget guitar even 20 years ago you could not get a better guitar for £120 here in the UK brand new.
If i want to upgrade my pac 112j pickups what kind of pickups should i upgrade to make it sound more like fender strat american standard ?
Look up which pickups the American Standard has and try getting those.
doner 152 r yamaha karşısında fiyatlarınıda göz önüde bulundurduğumuzda tercih edilmelimi. yoksa aradaki fiyat farkına rağmen yamahamı tercih edilmeli ? (edit: yeni başlıyorum gitara)
I am one of those new (old) guys who picked up a Pac 112v about a month ago and I am really feeling it. I definitely made the right choice.
How is it holding up sir should I get
@@PrettyUglyR6, I love mine.
I have seen reviews of the Squires, they say the affinity is the one that is the worst. The one review I saw said to not ever buy the affinity, especially if you are a brand new beginner because, you will spend so much time trying to keep your guitar in tune, that it will sound like you’re never getting it because it’s gonna be out of tune all the time, harder to play, and the pick ups don’t sound very good at all..
The Yamaha is so much better than the Squire.
One little thing, you can eliminate the single coil pick up hum By using the middle positions on the five way selector
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it
I got a Pacifica 112 used for $69 Canadian. Neck feels great. Pickups are nothing special. I will upgrade eventually. I got the guitar to take to open jams and doubt anyone would try to steal it. People steal Fenders
LOL and steal gibson too
Hmm... The Yamaha is less in the states and I do appreciate the humbucker in the bridge position
And the one in the middle of both would be the Ibanez GIO 2 humbucker guitar
Guitars are guitars. The lowprice-ones are immencely better than they were two decades ago. I played a Tele of the Affinity-brand this week, one that resides in my school's music-class. Played pretty well. I would state that this day in age it's impossible to go wrong in low-price guitar-business. You might aswell go by look. My opinion obviously.
As Always, well played. Hyvä on, Elmo The Miyagi of guitars Karjalainen 😊
Looks can be a valid reason to pick one over another.
It’s incredibly easy to go wrong in the cheap market wym?
Ohhh, no wicked whammy bar test this time? I was hoping for it. Can anyone pls tell me if Yamaha Pacifica stays in tune after fun with whammy bar?
There's no doubt the Pacifica is the better choice- but my issue is that I already bought an Affinity and if I buy this Pacifica now- the Affinity is just going to collect dust. Selling it is a major pain in keester right now- shipping costs a fortune and everything is jammed up for the holidays. Plus- even though the 112 is better than the affinity- I was about to upgrade to a Classic Vibe. If this thing could hold its own against a CV strat- now we might be talking- what do you think? Or do I have tom go up to the 311 to find the CV's equal? Because from what I'm hearing- the 311 isn't much better than the 112 really. Locking tuners, Tusk nut and string trees, fixed bridge- but that's about it, everything else I hear is about the same. I could add both of those later to the 112 and you can lock down the 112 bridge- easily.
Just bought the 112V in United Blue with a line 6 Spider v mk2 30 today for my birthday on Saturday.
What would be the best upgrades for the 112V as I progress from beginner to intermediate level ?
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated Kiitos 🤙🏽
Happy birthday! Do you mean in terms of guitar?
@@MrPolevaulter Yes I was going to modify it with new pick ups, machine heads, pots and bridge etc but I've already got my eye on the 611VM and all the other high end yamaha guitars.
Kiitos for the birthday wishes brother 🤙🏽
Which Pacifica model is being played in the video 112j or 112v? Sounds good.
v.
112vm (maple fingerboard)
For built quality and spec yamaha is best for the money.. cons is about feel and personal taste
Oh man, I love the Peter Gunn Theme. (Aka. Spy Hunter)
I think you really should try the squier affinity telecaster. And I agree, yamaha is great, got two rgx 420 ("normal" and baryton) and aes 820 bariton (and two yamaha bass, bbg4a and bbg5a), have more fun with my affinity than with my G&L tribute 500 ...
Greaat demo! Can you compare the Yamaha pacifica 112v to the Squier 70s HSS stratocaster ?? Thank youu 🙌💯 or what is your opinion
Haven't tried it. Might do at some point, but can't promise anything.
im looking for the 112V, but can't find anywhere so the 70's HSS squier seems like something i might go for. i wish there was such a comparisson too :)
Good, wat do you think about epiphone cheap gibson .? Better than pascific??
Haven't tried one.
I have an Epiphone Les Paul Jr and it needs “set up” every time I tune it; the guitar itself is beautiful but it doesn’t “inspire me” to play because of all of its issues
Sorry if this has already been covered, but are the 2020 Affinty's full size bodies now?
Dunno.
Yes, only the Bullet series is thinner.
Pacifica is made in Indonesia. Squire bullets are also made in Indonesia, better than the Affinity at less coin.
Resumen: Squier Affinity vs Yamaha Pacifica 112v. Ganadora de las guitarras para principiante: Yamaha Pacifica 112V.🎸🤟
Actually you should compare the Pacifica with the HSS affinity strat. BTW Pacifica is much more batter for me👍
You can't be more better. You can only be mo betta.
His Pacifica produces many more pancakes for him
Listen to him, second hand guitars are a good option, because you can save as much as 40% on money in your first guitar if it is mid to low series guitar .
Yep :)
I’ve been looking for a used Pacifica but I can’t find one in my area. I’ll probably pick up a used squier affinity today. I’m sure it’ll meet my needs.
Playability aside, the Pacifica sounds like a good instrument (well, as much as those components can do), the Squier affinity is a mess when you crank it even a bit. I wouldn't mind having one of these - very interesting.
Funny, there is an another comparison video and Squier was recommended and all comments ranks Squier up a bit. :) Hard to choose.
@@gyurxi551 probably classic vibe series.
Pacifica112V just keeps getting better and better. New colours and a maple fretboard. However for a bit more one can buy a Squier Classic Vibe , which is where serious Strat territory begins. And the CV is not a beginner's guitar.
Classic Vibe series is insane. Played both Classic Vibe and Fender American and couldn't tell the difference
There is no such thing as a beginner guitar, only beginner guitarists.
People still talking about "Beginner" Stuff LMAO
between the pac112 and Cort g250 which one do you prefer?
Probably Cort.
I have the pacifica 112v modded with a seymour duncan sh6... sounds and plays like something a lot more expensive! If you go for the 300 and 600 series it's even better. Yamaha's quality is generally better than squier, epiphone, etc.
Tell Eric Clapton, SRV, Yngvai Mainstem, jimi Hendrix that.
@@luismangiaterra1031 they dont play squiers. 🤷♂️
@@deathdealer8185 squire is a fender, cheaper so you have money to customize it the way you want it.
If you play a Pacifica you definitely don't know what rock and roll is all about.
Can't believe you would have the Ramones,Yngvai Malmsteen And S.R.V. play a pacifica.
I can just see it now,Jimi Hendrix playing a pacifica.
@@luismangiaterra1031 nope, it is not a fender. Actually the pacifica is even closer to a fender strat since they are made of alder, unlike most squiers.
@@deathdealer8185 don't even compare a Yamaha to a fender.
The wood itself doesn't make that much difference, it's the body design the neck and the electrical.
Just like it doesn't make a difference if you have a plastic or bone nut.
The Pacifica of course.. was may first one and still the best..of other “ brand names “ I bought in the mean time
Hi, I was wondering, is it a Yamaha Pacifica 112J or 112V ?
VM if I remember correctly.
Pacifica hands down !
Same here.
Can you swap a fender neck on to a pacifica? Are there models with strattier radius?
Not sure.
Why didn't you just find a luthier and custom your own neck for pacifica, request them to make fender style neck.
Or maybe, yamaha custom shop can make you one from scratch with fender style radius as an example😂
@@ochd1502 maybe Yamaha custom shop will put an f on it for me too
For the record the neck pockets are different enough you cannot do this without significant work
How did you get a maple neck in Yamaha pacifica 012 ?
Bought it. It's a 112: www.thomann.de/fi/yamaha_pacifica_112vm_sp_rl.htm
Pacifica is better than many Fender (I own Good Fender)
Absolutly and changing the nut for a bone or horn model and the strings, as well as polishing the frets greatly improves the sound quality of this guitar.
Fender squier affinity stratocaster HSS VS Yamaha rgx121z which one is best ?
Plz make video about it 😊
Haven't tried them, so I can't say. Not sure about that comparison, as I have so many other things in the works.
Yamaha rgx 121 z is best. sustain long
Which one ? the Kramer Beretta special Is the number one only cost around $200 even the best of the $3oo -$400 guitars imo
What would you say about squire affinity stratocaster with hss compared to yamaha pacifica?
Pacifica is a noticeably better quality but the hand feel isn’t quite Stratocaster
Haven't tried the HSS.
That model of the Pacifica is the least expensive one with Alnico 5 pickups. If you get a cheaper model it will sound more like the Squier.
OK.
Definitely Yamaha in this one.
I think so too.
The hard tail bullet stays in tune much longer than the affinity, other than that any guitar player of your caliber can take a fisher price guitar and make it sound amazing; for us guys just starting out though I would much rather a Squire than a Yamaha personally.
We will upgrade long before either of these guitars would become “bad” by any means; in my opinion people should just buy what the like especially if they are just starting out
Can you imagine the Ramones playing a pacifica?
Buy a player strat second hand, they're awesome. I bought mine new and upgraded to YJM fury and bam! It's a guitar that plays and sounds like a million bucks.
Player strats are about 699 new. So lets say pick one up second hand also at 300 to 400 used, good deal, but then changing pickups to yjm buying them just brings your buying level back up. Not considered affordable compared to these guitars costing around 200 and still very useable guitars
Yep. That way you have a good guitar.
I LOVE IT...
I was kind of partial to the Squier tone myself...
A fair comparison with the pacifica 112v would have been a squier standard strat instead of the affinity.
No 112v cost more than Standard🙄🙄
@@Oron354 In the country where it's made (Indonesia) 112v only cost $190.
hi elmo, you should try the schecter nick johnston strat ...
OK. How much is that?
it depends on the model, but also where it's made, you can check out the specs and the price also on thomann :)
Wich model of 112 Pacifica is it? I would buy it?
Can't remember.
Sir which is better electric Yamaha pacifica or fender squier affinity Hss
I'd say Pacifica probably. But try before you buy.
@@MrPolevaulter thank u very much sir
Strat's advantage over Pacifica. Just got my Pacifica. After playing it, I noticed one good quality of Leo Fender's Strat over this Pacifica. It's Leo's input jack design. No potruding plug. It's recessed into the body. This Pacifica's design is bad coz my plug is exposed to bumps, etc.
All my guitars have body side output jacks. Really, it's a non-issue, but if it irks you just buy a cable with an L jack on the output end or feed the TS cable through your guitar strap.
That's a first world problem at best buddy😆😆
Thank you for the demo. i'll go with the Yamaha (2nd hand). I'm totally new in guitar. I love the sound of the Squier Affinity Tele. Strat is more polyvalent, but does the Yamaha strat can have the sound of the Télé ? Thank you !
I'd say the Yamaha won't do a Tele, but it's a good guitar. Second hand you'll probably get better value for money as well.
@@MrPolevaulter Ok, thank you very much !
A 112V is now in my hands !! ^^ Thank you !
Thom Yorke having the time of his life here
The pecfica have coli split too.....
ADVANTAGE on pacifica, humbucker, and construction, but some affinitys are good make it.
Cheers!
Why would you play that twice? Subscribed!
👍
These guitars are around the same price where I live (200 euros) and the Pacifica sounds better to me too, even from other video comparisons I've watched.
Since it will be my first electric guitar and I'm not looking for anything crazy, would you recommend going even lower in price and going for a Jackson JS11 Dinky which is €150? I also found a WASHBURN WDD-10 (which there are no reviews of ANYWHERE) for €130 (down from €270 supposedly) but I don't know what to do. :p The used guitars market isn't that great locally so I can't follow your advice.
I just want a guitar that won't get out of tune after each song, that will be durable and easy to play, along with being easy to downtune here and there. I'd appreciate any recommendations from anyone reading this!
In that price range I think it's mostly down to luck. There are huge differences in quality in this range. You could basically get a really good guitar, or a complete piece of rubbish, or anything in between, regardless of brand.
I just got a white Yamaha 112v.
Best ever.n
I would have compared the Affinity to the Yamaha 012 and the Yamaha 112 to Squier classic vibe HSS. Good review though, thanks.
Cheers!
112v or 112vm ? Which is better
I can't remember.
Those Squier pickups sound like trash. Those would get changed out straight away. The single coils sounded good on the pacifica but the humbucker was lacking in clarity. Can't really expect much more on a budget guitar. I picked up a brand new second hand Squier bullet Tele for $100 that was actually a really nice quality instrument. The guy was going to mod it but decided to go another route. I swapped out the pickups and bridge, polished the frets and adjusted the action. Now it's a very nice playing and sounding guitar that I didn't have to sink a lot of money into.
Yeah, cheap pickups most often don't sound good.
Hense to say these are lower end guitars with decent pickups. You can't expect high end in low end. And with good amps, pedals, etc these guitars with their stock pickups can still sound very good. I have a Squier Affinity Tele, have used it many times playing out live, and haven't done a damn thing to it.
Pacifica 100 series is made in Indonesia
Not shure about guitar, but player is amazin!
Cheers!
Good luck!
Cannot judge about the playability of course but from what I hear I like the strat a lot more than the pacifica, more character, maybe because of single coils or because i like stratty sound :) great demo tho
Thanks!
@@MrPolevaulter Pacifica? Likes the Pacifica sound, Pacifica is about as uncool as you can get.
How about pacific 012?
Haven't tried one.
I’ve been listening to you play for a couple of years now and what I noticed even though you can play YM style when you jam you don’t sound like him...
True that :)
im jealous for new guys coming in guitar world. 20 years ago budget guitars were horrible
Yep.
I am one of those new (old) guys who picked up a Pac 112v about a month ago and I am really feeling it. I definitely made the right choice.
What about pacifica 012 ?
Haven't tried it.
Cosa pensi della pacifica 012?
Do you speak English?
@@MrPolevaulter what do you think of pacifica 012?
@@pierpiero5932 Not tried it.
Pacifica 112v vs Stratocaster Classic Vibe?
Both