In error I have omitted the 612J from the early models so I am including it here even though it was launched in 1987. The other two models are the 612 JS and 612V launched 1990 and 1991 respectively. All models are Made in Japan
I have been unable to find any pictures of the 612V so if anyone has any I would appreciate you letting me have them
| Model | 612J | 612JS | 612V |
| Body | Basswood or Basswood and Exotic Woods | Basswood | Alder |
| Neck | Bolt on Maple | Bolt on Maple | Bolt on Maple |
| Fretboard | Rosewood 350mm radius 628mm scale 24 Jumbo Frets Dot Markers 2 on 12th and 24th Fret | Rosewood 350mm radius 628mm scale 24 Jumbo Frets Dot Markers 2 on 12th and 24th Fret | Rosewood 350mm radius 628mm scale 24 Frets Markers not known |
| Hardware | Black | Black | Black |
| Tuners | Black Diecast | Black Diecast | Black Diecast |
| Bridge | RM Pro | RM Pro II | RM Pro II |
| Pickups | 2 YGS Alnico V SCs and 1 YGH Alnico V HB | 2 Alnico V single Coils and 1 Ceramic Humbucker | 1 Ceramic SC 1 Alnico V SC 1 Alnico V HB |
| Controls | 1 Volume 1 Tone 5 way switch coil tap | 1 Volume 1 Tone 5 way switch no coil tap | 1 Volume 1 Tone 5 way switch coil tap |
| Colours | Black, white, power red sunburst, navy blue sunburst | Metallic black, crimson red, purple burst, silver metallic, dark green metallic | Metallic black, silver metallic, lightning red, marine blue metallic |
| Produced | 1987-91 | 1990-91 | 1991 limited edition |
The 612J is basswood on the Black or White models and Basswood with exotic woods on the Power Red or Navy Blue Bursts
Update May 2020
Nathan Mafan has sent me pictures of the 612JS he owned which had the free art pickguard
this model doesn't appear in any catalogues so it's difficult to know if this was a standard offering, a one off order
or an aftermarket modification but it looks original here it is
Further Info from Seamus O'Brien in Ireland
Seamus confirm that the 612JS Free art is an original model he has just bought one and has kindly sent me some pictures. Thank you Seamus.
Update August 2020
Sergei Bondarenko from Russia has very kindly sent me pictures of his 612V see headstock above and further details below. Thank
you Sergei
Essentially the same guitar the only difference is the Maple board on the M. The Archives say 1993 to 1995 but they are
in the 1996 Western catalogue but not in the 1997. These are the longer 648mm scale
Specifications
Body Alder
Neck Bolt on Maple
Fretboard Rosewood or Maple 648mm scale 350mm radius 24 Jumbo Frets Dot Markers 2 on 12th and 24th Frets Scallopped on the 20th to 24th Frets
high strings
Headstock Matching Yamaha in large letters model no. on the back
Tuners Black Diecast
Pickups 2 Ceramic Humbuckers and Alnico V single coil
Controls 1 Volume 1 Tone 5 way switch with coil tap in the 5 way
Nut 43mms locking
Hardware Black
Bridge TRS Pro
Pickguard None
Colours Black, blue metallic, red metallic, antique sunburst satin
Years available 1993 to 1996
These guitars appear in the western catalogues only, the Z in the 2002 catalogue and the DZ in the 2006 catalogues, so we are at the time when the tuners are now 3 a side. The Z is made in Taiwan and the DZ in Taiwan or Indonesia depending on date
| Model | 620Z | 620DZ |
| Body | Alder FMT | Alder FMT |
| Neck | Bolt on Maple | Bolt on Maple |
| Fretboard | Rosewood 24 Frets 350mm radius 648mm scale dot markers | Rosewood 24 Frets 350mm radius 648mm scale no markers on the face |
| Headstock | Matching Yamaha written on front tuning fork logo 3 a side recessed tuners | Matching Yamaha written on front tuning fork logo 3 a side recessed tuners |
| Nut | 43mms not locking | 43mms locking |
| Tuners | 3 a side diecast black | 3 a side diecast black cylindrical knobs |
| Pickups | 2 Alnico V HBs | 2 Alnico HBs |
| Controls | 1 Volume 1 Tone 3 way switch | 1 Volume 1 Tone 3 way switch |
| Produced | 2002 to 2003 | 2005 to 2006 |
| Colours | Amber Burst, Deep Blue Burst or Trans Dark Red | Trans Dark Red or Charcoal Grey |
| Bridge | Yamaha R100V | Finger Clamp Locking Bridge |
