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Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX
Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS
VS
Playability
70
Sound
79
Build
70
Value
78
Score
73
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Playability
70
Sound
79
Build
65
Value
71
Score
71
FIND IT ON:
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Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX vs Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS Specs Comparison
Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS
General
Brand: Yamaha Fender
Year: 2020 2019
Configuration: HSS HSS
Strings: 6 6
Made in: Indonesia United States
Series: Pacifica American Performer
Colors: Red Sunburst, Black, Green, Red
Left-Handed Version: No No
Body
Type: Solid Body Solid Body
Body Material: Maple/Alder/Flame Maple Laminated Alder
Bridge: Wilkinson VS50 6 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo
Neck
Neck Joint: Bolt-On Bolt-On
Tuners: Grover locking American Performer
Fretboard: Rosewood Rosewood
Neck Material: Maple Maple
Decoration: Dots White Dot
Scale Size: 25.5" 25.5"
Shape: Pacifica C Modern C
Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.823'' (20.9mm) - 12th Fret: 0.902'' (22.9mm) 1st Fret: 0.82'' (20.8mm) - 12th Fret: 0.87'' (22.1mm)
Frets: 22 Medium Nickel Silver 22 Jumbo Nickel Silver
Fretboard Radius: 13.78" 9.5"
Nut: Ivory Tusq Synthetic Bone
Nut Width: 41mm (1.614'') 42.8mm (1.685'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickups: Seymour Duncan TB-14 (Humbucker / Passive) Fender Double Tap Humbucking (Humbucker / Passive)
Middle Pickup: Seymour Duncan SSL-1 RwRp (Single Coil / Passive) Fender Yosemite Single-Coil Stratocaster (Single Coil / Passive)
Neck Pickup: Seymour Duncan SSL-1 (Single Coil / Passive) Fender Yosemite Single-Coil Stratocaster (Single Coil / Passive)
Switch: 5 Way 5 Way
Knobs: Dome Bell
Pickup Mods: Coil Split Coil Split
Volume Controls: 1 1
Tone Controls: 1 2
Hardware
Strap Lock: No No
Hardware Color: Chrome Chrome
Show Diagrams Comparison
Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX and Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS pickups switch selector and push knobs diagram
Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX and Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS's switch options

Reasons to Get
Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX over Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS

Decorative Top
Flame Maple vs None
Finished with beautiful natural wood patterns
Release Year
2020 vs 2019
From a more recent year
Type of Frets
Medium vs Jumbo
You'll feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings
Locking Tuners
Yes vs None
Easier to change strings
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.823'' (20.9mm) vs 0.82'' (20.8mm)
More comfortable open chords for big hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.902'' (22.9mm) vs 0.87'' (22.1mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for big hands
Nut Width
1.614'' (41mm) vs 1.685'' (42.8mm)
Favors small hands, easier bar chords and other shapes
Fretboard Radius
13.78'' (350mm) vs 9.5'' (241.3mm)
Flatter fretboard makes it easier to play single notes and bend
Value Score
78 vs 71
Better price/quality relationship

Reasons to Get
Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS over Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX

Country of Manufacturing
United States vs Indonesia
Built with higher quality standards
Frets Height
Taller vs Shorter
Easier to press down strings and bend them
Type of Frets
Jumbo vs Medium
You won't feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings
Tone Knobs
2 vs 1
More tone control
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.82'' (20.8mm) vs 0.823'' (20.9mm)
More comfortable open chords for small hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.87'' (22.1mm) vs 0.902'' (22.9mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for small hands
Nut Width
1.685'' (42.8mm) vs 1.614'' (41mm)
Less likely to mute strings by accident and more space for fingerstyle
Fretboard Radius
9.5'' (241.3mm) vs 13.78'' (350mm)
Easier to play chords without muting strings

Other Key Differences
Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX vs Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS

Bridge Pickup
Seymour Duncan TB-14 vs Fender Double Tap Humbucking
Different Bridge Pickup
Middle Pickup
Seymour Duncan SSL-1 RwRp vs Fender Yosemite Single-Coil Stratocaster
Different Middle Pickup
Neck Pickup
Seymour Duncan SSL-1 vs Fender Yosemite Single-Coil Stratocaster
Different Neck Pickup
Body Wood
Maple vs Alder
Different Body Wood
Nut Material
Ivory Tusq vs Synthetic Bone
Different Nut Material

Shared Features
Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX vs Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS

Neck Wood
Maple
Same Neck Wood
Fretboard Wood
Rosewood
Same Fretboard Wood
Headstock
6
Same Headstock
Strings
6
Same playing style
Body Type
Solid Body
Feedback free
Switch Positions
5
Same pickups versatility
Volume Knobs
1
Same volume control
Pickups
HSS
High output with beautiful cleans and tone versatility
Number of Frets
22
Same maximum octave
Paint Finish
Poly
Resistant paint that ages well
Bridge
Tremolo
Simple vibratos without too much maintenance
Scale Length
25.5'' (647.7mm)
Same string tension and fret separation
Pickups Power
Passive
Cleaner sound and no battery needed
Neck Profile Type
C
Comfortable neck that works for most people
Neck Joint
Bolt-On
Allows you to detach and swap the neck

Common Strengths

  • Pickup Alter Switch/Knob
  • High-Quality Nut
  • Top Pickup Brand
  • Expensive Wood

Common Weaknesses

  • Neck-Through Build
  • Weight Relief
  • Stays in Tune (Evertune)
  • High-Quality Frets
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Luminescent Sidedots
  • Strap Lock
  • 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • Active/Passive Preamp

Price History Comparison

Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX Prices

SET PRICE ALERT
SET PRICE ALERT

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Hand Size Comfortability

After taking into account the scale length, nut width, neck profile and fretboard radius, we can conclude that both favor small hands .

Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX:
Big Hands
Small Hands
Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS:
Big Hands
Small Hands

Beginner Friendliness

Both meet 6 out of our 8 criteria items for beginner friendliness. This takes into account the type of frets, scale length, nut width, bridge type, fretboard radius, and neck profile to determine the easiest combination for new players. If you're looking for your first guitar to learn how to play, you can't go wrong with either of them.

New Player Friendliness

Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX
  • Comfortable shape
  • Easy-to-use bridge
  • Locking tuners
  • Tall frets
  • Narrow nut
  • Comfortable neck
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Short scale

New Player Friendliness

Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS
  • Comfortable shape
  • Easy-to-use bridge
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Tall frets
  • Narrow nut
  • Comfortable neck
  • Short scale
  • Locking tuners

Sound Quality Comparison

The wood used in an electric guitar or bass is not as important to determine the final tone. However, some people prefer specific wood types, so we'll take a look at those first. Then, we'll take a look at the electronics to determine the versatility and sound quality of each instrument.

Woods Used in Both

Maple wood pattern used for guitar building
Maple
Rosewood wood pattern used for guitar building
Rosewood

Maple is one of the most popular necks for good reasons. It is a strong wood that is relatively cheap to make and looks beautiful. The highest quality maple is the hardest that comes from North America. Find out more about Maple.

Rosewood is an almost purple-looking wood that is used mainly for fretboards since it's heavy, rare, and expensive. It's sometimes used on acoustic guitar bodies to create stronger warm tones. Find out more about Rosewood.

Woods Used in the Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS

Alder wood pattern used for guitar building
Alder

Alder is the most popular wood that Fender uses in most of their guitars nowadays. Even though they say it's because of its balanced tone with an emphasis in the upper midrange, it probably is because it isn't too expensive, and it's also pretty lightweight—more than Mahogany. Find out more about Alder.

Winner: Tie.

Pickup Configuration

Both pickup configurations are HSS. HSS provides a great balance if you like to play with a lot of distortion, but also love to use clean tones. You'll get a lot of output at the bridge position, but you'll be able to play bright clean tones at the other positions.

Pickups Quality

Both come with very good pickups from at least one of the specialized brands in the market. With pickups like these, you probably won't need an upgrade anytime soon.

You can purchase similar pickups to the Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX's and use them on any guitar:

We found the same or similar pickups to the Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS's online:

Both use Passive pickups. This is what's used for most music genres. They have a regular output and will serve you for both high-gain and clean tones. The alternative (Active pickups) offer a higher output that is mostly used for heavy music.

Winner: Tie.

Versatility Comparison

Some instruments offer you more ways to explore your creativity than others. Below you'll find how both compare when it comes to versatility.

Switch Options

Both are equal when it comes to the pickup switching option.

Both offer you the same type of pickup mod: Coil Split.

Coil Split lets you disconnect one of the pickup coils. When used with humbuckers, it turns them into single-coil with lower output and cleaner tone.

When evaluating versatility, we also take into consideration bridge and neck joint type, number of frets, switch options, amount of pickups and more.

Winner: Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS.

Final Sound Quality Scores

Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX
Pickups 90
Sustain 70
Versatility 80
Tuning Stability 75
Sound 79
Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS
Pickups 90
Sustain 80
Versatility 82
Tuning Stability 65
Sound 79

Build Quality Comparison

When it comes to build quality, we like to take into account everything used to build the instrument. This includes materials, hardware and the quality control expected depending on the country where it was built. Let's see how the Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX compares to the Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS.

Country of Origin

The manufacturing country can tell a lot about the build quality of an instrument. The Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX is built in Indonesia while the Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS is made in United States.

Indonesia is becoming the most popular country for guitar building because they can make good instruments for a low price. Some people think that they're 'the new China' when it comes to build quality. But the truth is that Indonesian guitars are more consistent, although Chinese quality has improved a lot in the last few years.

The United States is considered one of the best electric guitar manufacturers in the world. A guitar made in this country is supposed to have world-class quality control. Nowadays, guitars made in other countries can beat some of the ones made in the US, but most of the time, this country offers the best you can get. Of course, that comes at a price.

Winner: Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS

Nut Material

If you want your guitar to stay in tune and sound good, you need a well cut nut. Nut quality can be inconsistent even when comparing two copies of the same model. The best way to make sure you're nut will be well done is by getting a nut made by an expert company like TUSQ or Micarta.

The Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX has a Ivory Tusq nut. Ivory used to be considered the best material for guitar nuts due to its beauty, durability, and the rich harmonics and sustain you could get from a guitar with it. However, the way to obtain it is simply unethical. Enter TUSQ ivory nuts, which are made synthetically to imitate ivory. Technically, it's better than ivory because it is consistent piece-to-piece, while natural materials can vary a lot, even if they're made from the same.

On the other hand, the Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS comes with a Synthetic Bone nut. Bone is the best natural material for guitar nuts. However, its tonal properties can be inconsistent. That's the problem that synthetic bone fixes. This is much better than using a plastic nut because the nut is more slippery—which helps with tuning stability—, and it gives your open strings rich harmonics.

Winner: Tie.

Fret Material

Most fret wire is made of nickel silver. This material eventually wears down after a lot of use and most instruments end up needing a complete fret replacement. However, some expensive models come with stainless steel frets. This is what you should aim for if you can afford it.

Unfortunately, none of them come with stainless steel frets.

Winner: Tie.

Bridge

The perfect bridge for you will depend on your playstyle because they all have advantages and disadvantages. However, some bridges are more expensive—like Floyd Roses and Evertunes—and thus add more value to a guitar.

Both come with a similar bridge: Tremolo. Tremolo bridges give you more versatility than fixed bridges. They let you perform the intense vibrato effects that would be impossible with a fixed bridge. However, since the bridge floats and there's less contact with the body, the strings lose sustain slightly faster. They can also be a bit harder to restring and set up correctly than fixed bridges.

Since we need to be objective, the most expensive type of bridge will be the winner of this section. In the end, this doesn't matter if you're not going to use the bridge for its original purpose, so choose the bridge that fits your playing style better.

Winner: Tie.

Tuners

The Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX has the best tuners of the two because they are locking tuners. They'll help to keep your guitar in tune because they allow you to tune it without wrapping the strings around the posts. This avoids variations in the tuning due to the strings changing position at the post after a bend. They come at the disadvantage of being slightly heavier than regular tuners. Also, it makes it a lot easier to restring.

Winner: Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX.

Neck Joint

Contrary to popular belief, the difference in sustain and tone that some neck joints give to a guitar is simply unperceivable—if they're all well built. However, some of them do have advantages over the others.

Both have a Bolt-On neck joint. This neck is joined to the body by 4 bolts that you can simply unscrew. This allows you to replace the neck or take it off for travel. It's the most common and cheapest way to build a guitar.

Winner: Tie.

Here is the list of features that were considered when choosing the winner in the Features subcategory:

Strengths & Weaknesses
Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX
  • Locking Tuners
  • Expensive Wood
  • Ivory Tusq Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Coil Split Pickups
  • Tremolo
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • Made in Indonesia
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock
Strengths & Weaknesses
Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS
  • Made in United States
  • Expensive Wood
  • Synthetic Bone Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Coil Split Pickups
  • Tremolo
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

Final Build Quality Scores

Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX
Quality of materials 70
Features 70
Quality Control 70
Build Quality 70
Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS
Quality of materials 51
Features 60
Quality Control 85
Build Quality 65

Playability Comparison

Let's now compare their playability. Bear in mind that the instrument will feel different depending on your hand size and play style. That's why you should always test before buying. But if you can't or want a second opinion on it, we can still take a look at each of the important measurements of the instrument for you. This way, we can predict how easy a guitar might be to play, or how different it will feel compared to the other.

Remember that, even though the difference might seem small, every inch counts when it comes to feeling of the instrument in your hands. Any variation can completely change how comfortable a guitar feels in your hands.

Nut Width

Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX Nut Width
Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX Nut Width
Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS Nut Width
Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS Nut Width

The nut width will affect the separation between strings at the nut. In this comparison, the Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS has the wider nut with 42.8mm (1.685'') vs 41mm (1.614''). This is a 1.8mm (0.071'') difference

This means that it will be more difficult to do bar chords on the Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS, especially closer to the nut. However, it's also easier to play without muting strings accidently. This favors people with big hands.

Scale Length

Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX and Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS's Scale Length
Both have the same scale length

The scale length is one of the things that influences playability the most. This is the distance between the nut and the bridge and will affect everything from low action allowance, difficulty to perform bends, fret separation, and even tone.

In this case, both have a scale length of 25.5".

This is the scale used in most Stratocasters. It's slightly longer than the typical 24.75'' size found in Les Pauls, and it's one of the main reasons why Stratocasters have such a bright sound in general. A longer scale also means that the strings will have higher tension. This will help you get lower action without suffering fret buzz, which will also be helpful when playing in lower tunings without having to increase your string gauge.

However, this also means that there will be more separation between frets, which can make it more difficult to play. Also, bending the strings will require more strengths due to the increased tension, but remember that a tremolo guitar will offset this difficulty.

Lastly, remember that you can also affect the tension of the strings by changing your string gauge. You can use a thicker gauge for more tension and a lighter one for less tension.

Neck Profile

Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX Neck Profile
Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX's neck profile
Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS Neck Profile
Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS's neck profile

No single neck shape is better than others. However, most people tend to prefer a thinner necks because it doesn't get in their way when playing fast and most hand sizes can adapt to it pretty well. However, some people still prefer thicker necks for a better grip, especially if they have big hands.

Both the Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX and the Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS have a C-shaped neck. This is what you'll find in most modern guitars. Most people feel like the thickness of a C neck is simply the less intrusive one for playing fast, while at the same time allowing you to grab the neck easily for resting if you want to.

Fretboard Radius

Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX Fingerboard Radius
Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX's Fingerboard radius
Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS Fingerboard Radius
Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS's Fingerboard radius

Most guitar fretboards are not flat; they usually have a curve or arc across their width. A curved fretboard will make it easier to perform chords without muting strings, while a flatter one will make it easier to play single notes, which is good for bending and soloing in general. The best fretboards have a compound radius that varies across the fingerboard, but they're not common since they take a lot more work to build.

In this case, the Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS's fingerboard radius is smaller, which means it's more curved than the Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX's. This extra arc will make playing chords easier in this model. You won't be as likely to mute the strings, especially if you have big hands. However, playing single notes and bending will be easier on the Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX.

Fret Size

Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX Frets Size
Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX's Frets Size
Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS Frets Size
Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS's Frets Size

The Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS has Jumbo frets, which should be taller than the Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX's Medium frets.

Some people prefer taller frets because they result in more sustain since the strings get pressed cleanly without interference from the fretboard. However, if they're too tall—like Jumbo frets—, you might change the pitch of the strings accidentally if you press too hard because you won't be touching the fretboard with your fingers. This is also why some guitarists with a heavy grip prefer smaller frets. They like to feel the fingerboard to avoid pressing down too hard and getting out of pitch.

Final Playability Scores

Yamaha PAC612VIIFMX
Bending & Vibrato Ease 70
Chord Playability 70
Solo Playability 70
Playability 70
Fender American Performer Stratocaster HSS
Bending & Vibrato Ease 70
Chord Playability 70
Solo Playability 70
Playability 70