Yamaha Pacifica 112JL Electric Guitar in Yellow Natural Satin, Left Handed

Quick Product Summary

The Yamaha Pacifica PAC112JL left-handed electric guitar brings one of Yamaha's best-known electric guitar designs to left-handed players, combining an alder body, comfortable maple neck and versatile HSS pickup configuration in an instrument built to cover everything from clean pop and blues through to rock and heavier overdriven sounds.

With two ceramic single-coil pickups and a ceramic bridge humbucker, the PAC112JL gives you the clarity and definition associated with single coils alongside the extra output and fuller response of a humbucker. A five-position pickup selector makes changing between those sounds straightforward, while the vintage-style tremolo adds another creative option for chords, leads and expressive playing.

Most importantly, this is a genuine left-handed Pacifica, rather than a right-handed guitar adapted or restrung for left-handed use. Yamaha specifically identifies the PAC112JL as the left-handed version of the PAC112J.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Yamaha
Series	Pacifica
Model	PAC112JL
Orientation	Left-Handed
Body	Alder
Neck	Maple
Scale Length	25.5" / 648mm
Frets	22 Medium
Pickup Configuration	HSS
Pickups	Ceramic single-coil / single-coil / humbucker
Switching	5-position lever
Bridge	Vintage-style tremolo
Main Appeal	Versatile genuine left-handed Pacifica
Best For	Beginners, developing players and versatile left-handed guitarists

What's Included?

• Yamaha Pacifica PAC112JL left-handed electric guitar
• Screw-in tremolo arm
• ✘ No case included

Why Choose The Yamaha Pacifica PAC112JL?

A Proper Left-Handed Pacifica

The PAC112JL isn't simply a guitar that happens to be available for left-handed players. Yamaha specifically builds it as the left-handed version of the PAC112J, giving left-handed guitarists the correct control layout, cutaway orientation and playing position from the start.

Versatile HSS Pickup Configuration

The HSS layout is one of the PAC112JL's biggest advantages. The neck and middle ceramic single coils handle cleaner, brighter and more articulate sounds, while the ceramic bridge humbucker provides extra body and output when you move into distortion, rock rhythm work and lead playing.

Alder Body

Yamaha uses an alder body rather than the mahogany construction found on the more affordable PAC012. It gives the PAC112JL the same fundamental body material used across several models further up the Pacifica family.

Full 25.5-Inch Scale

The 648mm / 25.5-inch scale is a familiar full-size electric guitar format, making the PAC112JL suitable for beginners without turning it into an instrument they are likely to outgrow once their technique develops.

Vintage-Style Tremolo

The tremolo bridge gives players the option to add subtle pitch movement, chord shimmer and expressive vibrato effects while still retaining conventional six-saddle adjustment for setup and intonation.

Yamaha Pacifica PAC112JL vs Popular Alternatives

Yamaha PAC112JL vs Yamaha PAC112J

These are fundamentally right-handed and left-handed versions of the same Pacifica concept. The PAC112J is the standard right-handed model, while the PAC112JL is specifically designed for left-handed players. If you naturally fret with your right hand and pick with your left, the PAC112JL is the correct choice.

Yamaha PAC112JL vs Yamaha PAC112V

The PAC112V moves further up the Pacifica range with Alnico V pickups, push-pull humbucker coil splitting and a vintage tremolo with block saddles. The PAC112JL keeps things simpler with ceramic pickups and conventional volume/tone controls. Importantly, Yamaha's current UK range specifically identifies the PAC112JL as its left-handed 112J option, so left-handed players should not assume the PAC112V is a direct equivalent.

Yamaha PAC112JL vs Squier Sonic Stratocaster Left-Handed

The Squier Sonic Stratocaster Left-Handed uses three ceramic single-coil pickups, whereas the Yamaha adds a humbucker at the bridge. The Squier therefore makes sense if you specifically want an all-single-coil Strat-style setup, while the PAC112JL is better suited to players wanting additional bridge-pickup power for rock and higher-gain sounds.

Yamaha PAC112JL vs Ibanez GRX70QAL

The left-handed Ibanez GRX70QAL takes a more aggressive route with an HSH pickup configuration, RG-style body and two humbuckers surrounding a middle single coil. The Ibanez is a strong option for players leaning heavily towards hard rock and metal, while the Pacifica's HSS configuration provides a more traditional balance between clean single-coil tones and humbucker power.

Who Is The Yamaha PAC112JL For?

The Yamaha Pacifica PAC112JL is a particularly strong option for left-handed beginners who want to buy a proper full-size electric guitar rather than immediately facing the limitations of the cheapest starter instruments.

It also suits intermediate players who need one guitar capable of covering several styles. The combination of neck and middle single coils with a bridge humbucker means you can move between cleaner rhythm sounds, blues, indie, pop, classic rock and higher-gain material without changing guitars.

It is especially worth considering for:

• Left-handed beginners
• Guitarists progressing beyond a basic starter guitar
• Players learning rock, blues, pop and indie
• Students needing one guitar for several styles
• Home recording musicians
• Left-handed guitarists wanting both single-coil and humbucker sounds
• Players who want tremolo capability without a locking bridge system

Suitable Genres And Playing Styles

The PAC112JL is well suited to rock, blues, indie, pop, alternative, funk, contemporary worship, punk and general covers work.

The single-coil positions provide the brighter articulation needed for clean rhythm work and more detailed picking, while the bridge humbucker gives riffs and lead sounds additional weight when using overdrive or distortion.

The 22-fret neck and familiar full-scale dimensions also make it suitable for learning lead guitar, chord work, bends, vibrato and modern electric-guitar techniques.

HSS vs SSS: Which Pickup Layout Is Better For A Left-Handed Beginner?

An SSS guitar uses three single-coil pickups and generally suits players who prioritise bright cleans, blues, funk and traditional Strat-style sounds. An HSS guitar replaces the bridge single coil with a humbucker, giving you a thicker, higher-output option for distorted rhythm parts and lead guitar.

For a first electric guitar, HSS is often the more adaptable choice because it covers a wider spread of sounds without requiring additional equipment or another guitar. The PAC112JL still provides genuine single-coil neck and middle sounds, while its bridge humbucker gives new players plenty of room to explore rock and heavier styles.

Looking for advice on choosing the right left-handed electric guitar, practice amplifier or beginner guitar setup? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

Story & Context

The Yamaha Pacifica series first appeared in 1990, originating from Yamaha Guitar Development in California at a time when versatile session guitars were an important part of the Los Angeles music scene. Yamaha describes versatility, performance and individuality as central ideas behind the original Pacifica concept.

Rather than being tied to one traditional electric-guitar formula, the Pacifica platform evolved around adaptable pickup combinations, familiar scale lengths and practical modern playability.

The PAC112 family became one of the most accessible ways into that design philosophy, and Yamaha subsequently produced the PAC112JL specifically as the left-handed version of the PAC112J.

That makes the PAC112JL particularly significant for new left-handed players: it offers the established Pacifica formula without forcing them to adapt to a reversed right-handed instrument.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Construction	Bolt-on
Orientation	Left-Handed
Scale Length	25.5" / 648mm
Body Material	Alder
Body Finish	Gloss polyurethane
Neck Material	Maple
Neck Finish	Satin polyurethane
Fingerboard Radius	13-3/4" / 350mm
Frets	22 Medium
Nut Material	Urea
Nut Width	41mm
Width At 12th Fret	51.4mm
Neck Thickness At 1st Fret	20.9mm
Neck Thickness At 12th Fret	22.9mm
Neck Pickup	Ceramic single coil
Middle Pickup	Ceramic single coil
Bridge Pickup	Ceramic humbucker
Pickup Configuration	HSS
Controls	Master Volume, Master Tone
Pickup Selector	5-position lever
Bridge	Vintage-style tremolo
Tremolo Arm	Screw-in
String Spacing	10.5mm
Tuning Machines	Die-cast
Pickguard	1-ply white
Standard String Gauge	.009–.042

Specification Note

Yamaha's current specification lists the PAC112J/PAC112JL fingerboard material according to production specification as rosewood or walnut. As the exact fingerboard material of the individual stock unit has not been supplied, it has not been guessed in the specification table above.

Power Requirements

The Yamaha PAC112JL uses passive pickups and requires no battery.

Simply connect the guitar to a suitable guitar amplifier, effects processor, modeller, audio interface or compatible recording setup using a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable.

Compatibility & Recommended Pairings

Practice Guitar Amplifier

For beginners, a compact modelling amplifier is an excellent match because it lets you hear how differently the PAC112JL responds through clean, crunch and higher-gain amp sounds.

Overdrive And Distortion Pedals

The bridge humbucker makes the PAC112JL a natural partner for overdrive and distortion pedals, particularly for rock and lead guitar.

Multi-Effects Processor

A multi-effects unit can turn the Pacifica into an extremely flexible home, recording or rehearsal guitar by adding amplifier modelling, modulation, delays and other effects.

Audio Interface

For home recording, connect the guitar to a suitable instrument or Hi-Z input on an audio interface and use amplifier simulation software or external modelling equipment.

Left-Handed Guitar Case Or Gig Bag

Choose a case or gig bag that properly accommodates the Pacifica's left-handed body orientation and full-size 25.5-inch-scale dimensions.

Fair Deal Music Verdict 🎵

★★★★★ 5/5

The Yamaha Pacifica PAC112JL is one of the easiest left-handed electric guitars to recommend to a developing player because it gets the fundamentals right without limiting where their playing can go.

The alder body, full-size 25.5-inch scale and comfortable neck give it the foundations of a serious electric guitar, while the HSS pickup layout offers considerably more tonal flexibility than an all-single-coil design for somebody still discovering which styles they enjoy.

Best suited for: Left-handed beginners, developing guitarists and versatile players wanting one guitar for several genres.

Customers usually upgrade from: Entry-level starter guitars, short-scale beginner instruments or inexpensive guitars with more limited pickup options.

Most commonly paired with: A modelling practice amplifier, instrument cable, tuner, strap and padded gig bag.

Our tip: Don't assume a beginner guitar needs to be extremely basic. An HSS guitar like the PAC112JL gives you enough tonal range to explore different styles as your playing develops, potentially delaying the point where you feel the need to upgrade.

Showroom feedback: For left-handed players, having the controls, cutaways and tremolo correctly positioned makes an immediate difference. The PAC112JL offers the familiar Pacifica feel without the compromises associated with reversing a conventional right-handed guitar.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Our Birmingham showroom gives you access to a knowledgeable musician-led team who understand guitars, amplifiers, effects and complete beginner and gigging setups.

Whether you're buying your first left-handed guitar, upgrading an existing instrument or helping somebody choose their first proper electric, we're here to offer useful advice before and after your purchase.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians
• Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment
• Competitive prices on leading music brands
• Secure UK-wide delivery
• Friendly support before and after your purchase
• A trusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience
• A large Birmingham showroom
• Experienced advice on guitars, amplifiers, effects and complete setups

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Yamaha PAC112JL genuinely left-handed?

Yes. Yamaha specifically identifies the PAC112JL as the left-handed version of the PAC112J, so the instrument is built around left-handed playing rather than simply being a restrung right-handed guitar.

Is the Yamaha PAC112JL a good first electric guitar?

Yes. Its full-size scale, versatile HSS electronics and conventional control layout make it an excellent platform for learning. It also offers enough flexibility that a developing player is unlikely to immediately outgrow it.

What does HSS mean on the PAC112JL?

HSS means humbucker, single coil, single coil. The bridge position uses a humbucker, while the middle and neck positions use single-coil pickups.

Can the Yamaha PAC112JL play rock and metal?

Yes. The ceramic bridge humbucker works well with overdrive and distortion, making the PAC112JL capable of covering rock and heavier styles. Players focused almost exclusively on modern metal may eventually prefer a guitar with two humbuckers, but the Pacifica is considerably more versatile across different genres.

Is the PAC112JL full size?

Yes. Yamaha specifies a 648mm / 25.5-inch scale length, which is a conventional full-size electric guitar scale.

Can I use the tremolo for lead guitar?

Yes. The vintage-style tremolo allows you to add controlled pitch movement to notes and chords. As with any conventional non-locking tremolo system, sensible setup and string stretching help maintain tuning stability.

What is the difference between the PAC112JL and PAC112V pickups?

The PAC112JL uses ceramic pickups, while Yamaha equips the PAC112V with Alnico V pickups and adds coil splitting to the bridge humbucker.

Is the PAC112JL suitable for home recording?

Yes. Connect it to an audio interface with a suitable instrument input and it can be used with amplifier-modelling software, plugins or external guitar processors. Its HSS pickup configuration gives you several useful starting tones for layered recordings.