Yamaha PAC611VFM Pacifica Electric Guitar Translucent Black

Pros (functional):- self-lubricating nut- threadless vibrato arm (won't break)- metal plug-in plate (won't break like the plastic on lower models)- quality build and electronics (including more substantial pickup switch than lower models)- outstanding tremolo system- impeccable playability- good sustain- stays in tune like nothing else I have ever seen (for weeks on end)Pros (nice touches over the base Pacificas and EG 112C):- tiger's eye type shimmer with the tobacco burst finish- Yamaha brand inscription on the neck plate- three ply pickguard- chrome knobsCons:- crummy strings that break right away- not set up for perfect intonation out-of-box- high-pricedI have been tremendously happy with a sub-Pacifica Strat guitar type Yamaha makes called ... MorePros (functional):- self-lubricating nut- threadless vibrato arm (won't break)- metal plug-in plate (won't break like the plastic on lower models)- quality build and electronics (including more substantial pickup switch than lower models)- outstanding tremolo system- impeccable playability- good sustain- stays in tune like nothing else I have ever seen (for weeks on end)Pros (nice touches over the base Pacificas and EG 112C):- tiger's eye type shimmer with the tobacco burst finish- Yamaha brand inscription on the neck plate- three ply pickguard- chrome knobsCons:- crummy strings that break right away- not set up for perfect intonation out-of-box- high-pricedI have been tremendously happy with a sub-Pacifica Strat guitar type Yamaha makes called the EG 112C which I got for Christmas fifteen years ago as part of a 120 kit including an amplifier. I purchased this looking to take my recording to the "next level" with that guitar's "big brother". Maybe Yamaha has the same problem as Toyota...they put so much quality into the entry-level that Lexus is hardly given a shake with the wary and wise type.I am thrilled with the guitar, don't get me wrong...see the HUGE list of pros above. But I am just not convinced that the price point is correct. It might just be because of the Seymour Duncan pickups...the non-tremolo guitar is several hundred less, and although they look similar, if you pay close attention the non-tremolo has Alnico (Yamaha's imitation pickups). I can testify to the high quality of Yamaha's pickups from my experience with the EG 112C.Problems upon receipt were that the strings were so crummy that the high E-string broke upon initial tuning; also, one of the three installed vibrato springs was half out of its hole. And finally, it took a professional tune-up to get the intonation correct. These things should not happen with a guitar so expensive. I hope Yamaha listens.The Seymour-Duncan tone is great...but so costly?

Read a review and then saw one at GC. The tones are fantastic. Better than many of the higher end guitars I tried side by side with it. The P90 & Humbucker is a GREAT combination. Plenty of chimmy cleans and rhythms. The bridge plenty of snarl and coil splits. I've got a number of higher end guitars but I keep picking this up over and over. The necks is one of the most comfortable necks I've played. The fret edges need some work but aside its as good as it gets. Don't take my word. Try one and you will see for yourself.

I saw pics specs and vids on the net all looked great so ordered it without acually seeing one in the flesh, it arrived very well packed and the quality was better than I expected it really is a very well made guitar and sounds absolutely superb. there is no doubt about it for the price it cannot be beaten imho.