“Its cutting-edge pickups put it beyond any guitar in its class”: Yamaha Pacifica Professional P12M review

Forget everything you know about the Pacifica: Yamaha’s new Japan-built flagship is a stunning, pro-spec electric guitar that has to be played and heard to be believed

Yamaha Pacifica Professional
(Image: © Yamaha Guitars)

Guitar World Verdict

The Yamaha Pacifica Professional is the most sophisticated Pacifica to date. It’s a flagship model with advanced chambering to enhance resonance, and cutting-edge pickups for a super-clear and ultra-wide response that put it beyond any guitar in its class.

Pros

  • +

    Japanese-made.

  • +

    Advanced chambering design maximizes resonant qualities.

  • +

    Pickups offer an ultra-wide and clear tonal response.

  • +

    Slim modern C neck shape.

  • +

    Compound radius provides comfort and pitch-perfect bending. Stainless steel frets will last for a lifetime of durability.

  • +

    Rosewood or maple fingerboard options.

  • +

    Colorful finishes.

Cons

  • -

    Expensive.

You can trust Guitar World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Looking for huge savings on guitars and more? Take a look at our Black Friday guitar deals page for all the latest and greatest offers.

If there’s one thing that’s overshadowing the stellar Yamaha Pacifica Professional guitar, it’s the startling price tag. It’s difficult to shake the fact that the Pacifica – which many consider the benchmark in budget electric guitars – now arrives in a Professional version at a cost that might be slightly out of reach for most players. 

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month**

Join now for unlimited access

US pricing $3.99 per month or $39.00 per year

UK pricing £2.99 per month or £29.00 per year 

Europe pricing €3.49 per month or €34.00 per year

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Prices from £2.99/$3.99/€3.49