Head to head
Cort G290 FAT II vs Yamaha Pacifica PAC112J
The short answer is that they sit in different price brackets ($500 - $1,000 against Under $300), and the pickup layouts differ (HH against HSS). Below, every specification we hold for both instruments is lined up, with the 24 rows that actually differ marked out.
G290 FAT II
Bright Blue Burst
Two humbuckers and a five-way switch — far more sounds than the layout suggests
Pacifica PAC112J
Black
The beginner guitar teachers actually recommend, and an alder body at Squier money
As an Amazon Associate we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through our links, at no additional cost to you. We do not publish prices, because Amazon prices change constantly and a stale figure helps nobody. Follow the link for the current price and availability.
Score profile
Six editorial axes, overlaid. Where one shape sits outside the other, that is where the instrument gains ground.
- Cort G290 FAT II8.8
- Yamaha Pacifica PAC112J8.5
Scores are Fretline editorial ratings on a 1-10 scale. They are our own assessment and are not supplied or endorsed by Amazon or by any manufacturer.
Specification by specification
| G290 FAT II | Pacifica PAC112J | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Cort | Yamaha |
| Model | G290 FAT II | Pacifica PAC112J |
| Finish | Bright Blue Burst | Black |
| Instrument | Electric guitar | Electric guitar |
| Fretline score | 8.8 / 10 | 8.5 / 10 |
| Value for money | 9 / 10 | 10 / 10 |
| Amazon rating | 5.0 / 5 (1) | 5.0 / 5 (1) |
| Price | $500 - $1,000 | Under $300 |
| Type | Solidbody electric guitar | Electric guitar |
| Body | G-series double-cutaway | Pacifica double cutaway |
| Body wood | Alder | Alder |
| Top | Flamed maple veneer | — |
| Neck joint | Bolt-on | Bolt-on |
| Neck wood | Roasted maple | Maple |
| Neck profile | Ergo-V | 20.9 mm at 1st fret, 22.9 mm at 12th |
| Scale length | 25.5" (648 mm) | 25.5" (648 mm) |
| Fingerboard | Roasted maple | Rosewood or walnut, depending on production run |
| Radius | 12"-15.75" compound (R305-R400) | 13.75" (350 mm) |
| Frets | 22 | 22 |
| Fret size | Medium-jumbo, nickel silver | Medium |
| Nut | Graph Tech Black TUSQ | Urea |
| Nut width | 1.65" (42 mm) | 41 mm at the zero fret |
| Bridge | Cort CFA-III tremolo | Vintage-style tremolo with block saddles |
| Tuners | Cort staggered locking | Die-cast |
| Neck pickup | Cort Voiced Tone VTH77 humbucker | Single-coil, alnico V |
| Bridge pickup | Cort Voiced Tone VTH77 humbucker | Humbucker, ceramic |
| Configuration | HH | HSS |
| Electronics | Passive | Passive |
| Controls | Volume, tone | Master volume, master tone |
| Switching | Five-way super switch | Five-position lever |
| Orientation | Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Skill level | Intermediate, Advanced, Professional | Beginner, Intermediate |
| Styles | Rock, Blues, Metal, Funk, Pop, Indie | Rock, Blues, Pop, Funk, Indie, Metal |
| In the box | — | — |
A marked row is one where the two differ. A highlighted cell is the stronger figure where one can be judged objectively. Empty cells are specifications the manufacturer does not publish — never estimates.
Which one should you buy?
Computed from the specifications and our editorial scores for these two instruments only. It is not a general ranking.
Best value
Yamaha Pacifica PAC112JHighest editorial value-for-money score of the instruments compared.
Most versatile
Cort G290 FAT IIHighest editorial versatility score, backed by pickup layout and switching.
Most comfortable
Cort G290 FAT IIHighest editorial comfort score: neck profile, radius and body ergonomics.
Best for beginners
Yamaha Pacifica PAC112JStrongest overall score among the instruments we rate as beginner-friendly.
Best for the studio
Cort G290 FAT IIBuild and tone scores combined, with credit for tuning-stability hardware that matters when tracking.
Scores are Fretline editorial ratings on a 1-10 scale. They are our own assessment and are not supplied or endorsed by Amazon or by any manufacturer.
Want a third opinion?
The comparator takes as many instruments as you like, not just two, and recomputes the whole table and every conclusion as you add them.
Other comparisons
Affinity Series Stratocaster vs Pacifica PAC112J
Squier · Yamaha
G290 FAT II vs X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS
Cort · Jackson
X Series Dinky DK3XR HSS vs Pacifica PAC112J
Jackson · Yamaha
G290 FAT II vs Pro Plus Series Signature Misha Mansoor Juggernaut ET7
Cort · Jackson
G290 FAT II vs JS Series Dinky JS11Q
Cort · Jackson
JS Series Dinky JS11Q vs Pacifica PAC112J
Jackson · Yamaha