Review

Since 1993, the Pacifica has been the archetypal first guitar, used for countless clunky renditions of Smells Like Teen Spirit, and offered here in its cheapest-yet 012 form.

Yamaha amps aren’t as revered, but the GA-15 compensates for lack of pedigree with 15 watts and twin channels, suggesting it might stretch to proper jams if you haven’t got Dave Grohl on drums.

The 012 is exceptional - for the price. The flat neck and versatile pickup layout means it copes with all styles, it’s plenty good enough to learn on, and combining the middle single and bridge ’bucker unlocks a sweet Strat-like quack that breaks into Hendrix-style fuzz when you pump the gain.

Point the pickup selector elsewhere, though, and the tone is a little flat, and with the amp’s features on the minimalist side, there’s no way to tart it up. As a result, while it’s possible to play pretty loud (and flip easily between the clean/filth channels), you’ll need to plug away at the instructional DVD for a few weeks before you get this partnership sounding good.

Next:Yamaha Pacifica 012 Starter Pack verdict