The Ultimate Guide To The Best Yamaha Electric Guitars Under $700!

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Introduction

Are you a music enthusiast looking to dive into the world of electric guitars? Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or a beginner, finding the perfect electric guitar is crucial to achieving the sound and performance you desire. Yamaha, a renowned name in the music industry, offers a range of electric guitars that cater to various skill levels and musical preferences. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best Yamaha electric guitars priced under $700, providing you with valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.

When it comes to electric guitars, Yamaha has established a reputation for crafting instruments that seamlessly blend quality, performance, and affordability. With a diverse lineup that caters to different playing styles and genres, Yamaha electric guitars are favored by musicians worldwide. Whether you're drawn to the classic design of the Pacifica series or the vintage-inspired allure of the Revstar models, Yamaha has something for everyone.

In this guide, we will delve into the key factors to consider when purchasing a Yamaha electric guitar, such as tonewood, pickups, hardware, and playability. Understanding these crucial elements will empower you to select a guitar that aligns with your musical aspirations and playing style. Additionally, we will shine the spotlight on three exceptional Yamaha electric guitars: the Pacifica 112V, the Revstar RS320, and the Pacifica 311H. Each of these models boasts unique features and characteristics that set them apart, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of guitarists.

Whether you're aiming to unleash soaring solos, create captivating melodies, or explore the depths of heavy distortion, the right Yamaha electric guitar can serve as your faithful companion on your musical journey. By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and insights needed to select the best Yamaha electric guitar under $700 that resonates with your musical identity and amplifies your creativity. Let's embark on this sonic adventure and explore the world of Yamaha electric guitars!

Factors to Consider When Buying a Yamaha Electric Guitar

When embarking on the quest to find the perfect Yamaha electric guitar, several essential factors warrant careful consideration. These elements not only influence the overall playability and sound of the instrument but also contribute to the alignment of the guitar with your musical preferences and playing style. By understanding and evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision and select a Yamaha electric guitar that resonates with your artistic vision. Here are the key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Tonewood: The choice of tonewood significantly impacts the sound and resonance of an electric guitar. Yamaha utilizes a variety of tonewoods, such as alder, maple, and mahogany, in crafting their electric guitar bodies. Each tonewood offers distinct tonal characteristics, with alder providing a balanced and resonant sound, maple offering bright and articulate tones, and mahogany delivering warmth and depth. Consider the tonewood that best complements your desired sound and playing style.

2. Pickups: The pickups installed in a Yamaha electric guitar play a pivotal role in shaping its sonic personality. Whether it's the versatile single-coil pickups found in the Pacifica series or the powerful humbuckers featured in the Revstar models, the type of pickups greatly influences the guitar's tonal versatility and responsiveness to different playing techniques. Understanding the sonic attributes of different pickup configurations will help you pinpoint the ideal option for your musical expression.

3. Hardware: The hardware components, including the bridge, tuners, and controls, contribute to the overall functionality and stability of a Yamaha electric guitar. High-quality hardware ensures reliable tuning stability, smooth tremolo operation, and precise control over the instrument's sound. Whether you prioritize the vintage-inspired hardware of the Revstar series or the modern functionality of the Pacifica line, examining the hardware details is crucial in determining the guitar's performance and longevity.

4. Playability: The playability of a guitar encompasses factors such as neck profile, fretboard radius, and overall ergonomics. Yamaha electric guitars are designed with varying neck profiles, catering to different hand sizes and playing preferences. Additionally, the fretboard radius influences the ease of fretting and bending notes. Evaluating the playability of a Yamaha electric guitar ensures that it feels comfortable and facilitates effortless navigation across the fretboard, enhancing your playing experience.

5. Aesthetics and Finish: While the sonic characteristics and playability are paramount, the visual appeal of a Yamaha electric guitar also contributes to its allure. Whether you're drawn to the timeless elegance of a vintage sunburst finish or the bold aesthetic of a metallic color option, Yamaha offers a diverse range of finishes to suit different tastes. Considering the aesthetics and finish of the guitar allows you to find an instrument that resonates with your personal style and stage presence.

By carefully considering these factors, you can navigate the diverse landscape of Yamaha electric guitars and pinpoint the instrument that encapsulates your musical aspirations. Whether you prioritize tonal versatility, ergonomic design, or visual aesthetics, understanding these key elements will empower you to make a well-informed decision and embark on a musical journey filled with inspiration and sonic exploration.

Yamaha Pacifica 112V

The Yamaha Pacifica 112V stands as a testament to Yamaha's commitment to delivering exceptional quality and versatility at an accessible price point. This iconic electric guitar has garnered widespread acclaim for its outstanding craftsmanship, tonal flexibility, and comfortable playability, making it an ideal choice for both aspiring musicians and seasoned players seeking a reliable workhorse instrument.

At the core of the Pacifica 112V's sonic prowess lies a well-balanced combination of tonewoods, contributing to its resonant and dynamic sound. The alder body offers a balanced tonal profile with pronounced midrange, making it well-suited for a wide range of musical styles. Paired with a bolt-on maple neck, the guitar delivers clarity and articulation, ensuring that each note rings with precision and presence. Additionally, the rosewood fretboard adds warmth and smoothness to the overall tonal character, enhancing the playing experience across the fretboard.

Equipped with a versatile pickup configuration, the Pacifica 112V offers a sonic palette that caters to diverse playing styles. The HSS (humbucker-single-coil-single-coil) pickup layout provides a harmonious blend of power and articulation, allowing players to effortlessly transition between warm, full-bodied humbucking tones and crisp, articulate single-coil sounds. This versatility makes the Pacifica 112V well-equipped to handle genres ranging from blues and rock to jazz and beyond, empowering players to explore a myriad of tonal textures with ease.

The hardware components of the Pacifica 112V are thoughtfully selected to ensure reliable performance and tuning stability. The vintage-style tremolo bridge enables expressive pitch manipulation, facilitating smooth vibrato and dive-bombing effects while maintaining tuning integrity. The die-cast tuners uphold precise tuning stability, allowing players to dive into energetic performances without fretting over tuning inconsistencies.

In terms of playability, the Pacifica 112V excels in providing a comfortable and intuitive playing experience. The C-shaped neck profile offers a familiar feel, accommodating various playing techniques and hand sizes. With a moderate fretboard radius, the guitar facilitates effortless string bending and chord voicings, empowering players to unleash their musical creativity without hindrance.

From its sleek and ergonomic design to its versatile tonal capabilities, the Yamaha Pacifica 112V embodies the essence of a reliable and inspiring electric guitar. Whether you're honing your skills in the practice room, performing on stage, or recording in the studio, the Pacifica 112V stands ready to accompany you on your musical endeavors, offering a compelling blend of quality, performance, and affordability that exceeds expectations.

With its rich sonic palette, comfortable playability, and dependable hardware, the Yamaha Pacifica 112V stands as a testament to Yamaha's dedication to providing exceptional instruments that empower musicians to explore new sonic frontiers and unleash their creative potential. Whether you're a blues aficionado, a rock virtuoso, or an eclectic player with diverse musical tastes, the Pacifica 112V beckons with its alluring blend of versatility, comfort, and sonic excellence, inviting you to embark on a musical journey filled with endless possibilities.

Yamaha Revstar RS320

The Yamaha Revstar RS320 stands as a beacon of innovation and vintage-inspired craftsmanship, embodying Yamaha's dedication to redefining the boundaries of sonic expression and aesthetic allure. This distinctive electric guitar exudes a timeless charm while delivering modern performance and versatility, making it a compelling choice for players seeking a unique instrument that stands out both sonically and visually.

At the heart of the Revstar RS320's sonic identity lies a captivating blend of tonewoods and construction, meticulously engineered to deliver resonant, expressive tones with a touch of vintage character. The nato body, renowned for its balanced tonal properties, infuses the guitar with a robust midrange and articulate presence, ideal for cutting through the mix with clarity and authority. Complemented by a sleek, set-in mahogany neck, the guitar offers a harmonious fusion of warmth and sustain, ensuring that each note sings with rich, musical resonance.

The Revstar RS320's dual humbucking pickups, outfitted with alnico V magnets, serve as the sonic powerhouse of the instrument, delivering a potent blend of power and definition. These pickups are meticulously voiced to capture the essence of classic rock tones, offering a bold, punchy character with ample sustain and dynamic responsiveness. Whether unleashing searing lead lines or crafting thick, driving rhythms, the Revstar RS320's pickups imbue every note with a captivating blend of vintage grit and modern clarity, empowering players to explore a diverse range of musical styles with confidence and expressiveness.

In the realm of hardware, the Revstar RS320 excels in providing reliable performance and intuitive functionality. The Tune-o-matic bridge and stop tailpiece combination ensures precise intonation and robust sustain, allowing players to dive into expressive bends and aggressive riffing with unwavering stability. The inclusion of a push-pull "dry switch" adds a layer of sonic versatility, enabling players to engage a filter circuit that accentuates the guitar's natural resonance and articulation, expanding the tonal palette with nuanced textures and sonic subtleties.

Embracing the concept of "eye-catching elegance," the Revstar RS320 captivates with its striking visual aesthetic, featuring a range of captivating finishes that pay homage to vintage motorcycles and classic racing cars. From the sleek elegance of "Fired Red" to the understated allure of "Shop Black," each finish option exudes a distinct personality, reflecting the guitar's fusion of timeless design and modern charisma. The unique, contoured body shape and stylish hardware appointments further elevate the guitar's visual allure, ensuring that it commands attention on stage and in the studio with its captivating presence.

In summary, the Yamaha Revstar RS320 stands as a testament to Yamaha's unwavering commitment to crafting instruments that transcend convention and inspire creative exploration. With its alluring blend of vintage-inspired tonality, modern performance enhancements, and captivating visual aesthetics, the Revstar RS320 beckons to players who seek an instrument that embodies the spirit of innovation and individuality. Whether you're crafting searing rock anthems, delving into bluesy introspection, or exploring the depths of sonic experimentation, the Revstar RS320 stands ready to accompany you on a musical journey filled with sonic discovery and expressive freedom.

Yamaha Pacifica 311H

The Yamaha Pacifica 311H stands as a testament to Yamaha's dedication to crafting instruments that embody exceptional quality, tonal versatility, and ergonomic comfort. This electric guitar represents a harmonious fusion of classic design elements and modern performance enhancements, catering to the discerning needs of musicians seeking a reliable and inspiring instrument that transcends musical boundaries.

At the core of the Pacifica 311H's sonic identity lies a carefully selected combination of tonewoods, meticulously engineered to deliver a resonant and expressive tonal palette. The alder body, renowned for its balanced tonal characteristics, infuses the guitar with a robust midrange and articulate presence, ensuring that each note resonates with clarity and definition. Paired with a bolt-on maple neck, the guitar offers a lively and dynamic response, facilitating effortless string articulation and note definition across the fretboard. Additionally, the rosewood fretboard adds warmth and smoothness to the overall tonal character, enhancing the playing experience with its inviting feel and tonal richness.

Equipped with a potent P-90 single-coil pickup in the neck position and a searing humbucker in the bridge position, the Pacifica 311H delivers a diverse sonic palette that spans from vintage warmth to modern aggression. The P-90 pickup imbues the guitar with a distinctive blend of warmth and clarity, ideal for capturing expressive cleans and bluesy overdriven textures with finesse. On the other hand, the humbucker offers a powerful and articulate voice, delivering thick, saturated tones that excel in high-gain scenarios, making it well-suited for rock, hard rock, and metal genres. This versatile pickup configuration empowers players to explore a wide spectrum of tonal textures, from soulful cleans to blistering leads, with seamless transition and expressive control.

In the realm of hardware and functionality, the Pacifica 311H excels in providing reliable performance and intuitive playability. The Wilkinson VS50 bridge, renowned for its smooth tremolo operation and tuning stability, enables players to execute expressive pitch manipulations and dynamic tremolo techniques with precision and confidence. The inclusion of locking tuners ensures steadfast tuning stability, allowing players to dive into energetic performances without compromising on pitch accuracy and string tension.

With its compelling blend of tonal versatility, ergonomic design, and dependable hardware, the Yamaha Pacifica 311H stands as a beacon of sonic excellence and musical inspiration. Whether you're crafting soulful blues licks, unleashing high-octane rock riffs, or delving into sonic experimentation, the Pacifica 311H beckons with its alluring combination of vintage warmth, modern aggression, and ergonomic comfort, inviting you to embark on a musical journey filled with sonic exploration and expressive freedom.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of Yamaha electric guitars under $700 offers a diverse array of options, each embodying a unique blend of craftsmanship, sonic versatility, and visual allure. Whether you're drawn to the timeless design of the Pacifica series, the vintage-inspired charisma of the Revstar models, or the tonal diversity of the Pacifica 311H, Yamaha electric guitars stand as beacons of innovation and inspiration, catering to the diverse musical aspirations of players worldwide.

As you navigate the landscape of Yamaha electric guitars, it becomes evident that each model encapsulates a distinct sonic personality and aesthetic charm, inviting players to embark on a musical journey filled with creative expression and sonic exploration. From the well-balanced tonal versatility of the Pacifica 112V to the vintage-inspired tonality of the Revstar RS320 and the blend of vintage warmth and modern aggression found in the Pacifica 311H, Yamaha electric guitars under $700 exemplify the brand's commitment to delivering exceptional instruments that empower musicians to realize their artistic vision.

Whether you're a seasoned guitarist seeking a reliable workhorse instrument or a budding musician eager to explore new sonic frontiers, the Yamaha electric guitars featured in this guide offer a compelling fusion of quality, performance, and affordability. With meticulous attention to tonal detail, ergonomic design, and visual aesthetics, these guitars serve as faithful companions on your musical odyssey, inspiring you to unleash your creativity and elevate your sonic identity.

In the realm of electric guitars, Yamaha continues to uphold its legacy of innovation and excellence, crafting instruments that resonate with players across genres and playing styles. The Pacifica 112V, Revstar RS320, and Pacifica 311H stand as testament to Yamaha's unwavering dedication to providing instruments that transcend musical boundaries, inviting players to embark on a sonic adventure filled with expressive freedom and creative fulfillment.

As you embark on your journey to select the perfect Yamaha electric guitar under $700, may this guide serve as a source of inspiration and insight, empowering you to make a well-informed decision that aligns with your musical aspirations. Whether you're drawn to the versatile tonal palette of the Pacifica 112V, the vintage charm of the Revstar RS320, or the tonal diversity of the Pacifica 311H, your chosen Yamaha electric guitar is poised to become a catalyst for musical inspiration and sonic discovery, propelling you toward new heights of artistic expression and musical fulfillment.