Need help buying first Tokai

[dimi3]

Hi all,

I'm new to the forum, been looking lately for Gibson guitars, been strat player till now, then found Tokai, since I cant find any bad review on the net I'm willing to try one.

I was struggling trough the forum for few days understanding all model numbers etc, and come down to conclusion that I most probably want LS98F or LS160 current model is I think LS195.

I'm from Europe and I was checking UK Tokai, but didn't like the headstock, so I went to Tokai Germany, they have totally different model numbering,and they come with FABER hardware was looking at LS2-F this i think compares to LS98F with exception of different hardware, I'm not sure if the top is veneer or not?.

I found German ebay selling those models and price for LS-2F is 1300 EUR, thats 1700 US dollars.

Now I'm confused, I could also order guitar directly from Japan, LS98 for lower price, than German version, or higher end model LS195 for that price?

Does someone know if its worth buying Tokai made for Germany or I should go to Japan directly? Or could I get better price in Europe then mentioned above.

Thank you for all your help.

Regards,

[bassbo530]

TOKAI'S ROCK !! I n every way.. BUY IT!!!

[GRuggier]

Personaly I think if your buying brand new then I would go for the Tokai LS98F from Japan.

There are a few nice ones on Ebay. Some guys on the forum may suggest Yahoo Japan and other places and I would listen to them as they can help you get great deals

OR

there is a MIJ for sale thread and you will not go wrong taking a look and buying from one of the fine members on this forum.

Good luck and plenty O pics when you get your new AXE!

[SingeMonkey]

Check the MIJ FAQ on this sub-forum. It'll start to answer some of your questions about model numbers.

[GRuggier]

Some info I cut and paste from the MIJ F&Q. Hope no one minds:

Tokai

1978-1985

All Japan made models have 7 digit numeric serial numbers. with the 1st number(s) indicating model year.
There are 3 different headstock scripts:
"Les Paul Reborn" - 1978-early 1980
"Reborn Old" - early to late 1980
"Love Rock" - late 1980 to Date

There are 3 different TRC styles:
Bell shaped TRC - 1978-1980 (some re-appeared in 1983-1984)
Pointed Bell TRC - 1981 - mid 1998
Arch shaped TRC - mid 1998 - date

LC-60: 2 piece top,2 piece back, poly finish

LS-50: 3 piece top, multi piece back, poly finish
LS-60: 2 piece top,2 piece back, poly finish

LS-80: Gotoh 57 PAF pickups
LS-100: dimarzio pickups
LS-120: veneer flametop
LS-150: solid flametop
LS-200: special order model

All LS-80 to LS-200 models feature nitro finish, 1 piece backs, 18* heastock angle, FEB to 1983
Tokai models did not begin using inflation corrected higher model numbers until the LS-55 in 1985.
LS-70 GT + LS-75 GT limited edition models were introduced in 1981

Current production line:

As of 2011, models below LS-92 are no longer made in Japan.
ALS prefix models are made in China (ALS-47, ALS-48, ALS-53 etc)
current MIJ models:
LS-92: plain top, 2 piece back, long tenon, poly finish
LS-98: veneer flame top, 2 piece back, long tenon, poly finish
LS-140 F:veneer flame top, 2 piece back, long tenon, lacquer
LS-160: plain top, 1 piece back, long tenon, US electrics, lacquer
LS-165 S: GT, P-90s, 1 piece back, long tenon, US electrics, lacquer
LS-260: solid flame top, 1 piece back, long tenon, US electrics, lacquer
LS-420: LS-260 specs but with Brazilian fret board, higher grade flame top
LS-540: LS-420 specs with Brazilian back + premium flame top

LC-98: Wine red + BB finish, 2 piece back, long tenon, poly
LC-195 S: BB,ebony fretboard, 1 piece back, long tenon, US electrics, lacquer
LC-200: as above in Wine red finish

[dimi3]

thanks guys, a lot of info here, I'm more or less new to lp's, and no guitar
geek, i rather spend more time playing, but this Tokai's give me some serious GAS..must have one. I also had some bad luck once buying used guitar without playing it before, so this is the reason to buy new, and at least have the chance to send it back if not ok.


I think that LS98 would be enough of guitar for me..now I just need to find how to get hold of it. If ordering from Japan i can get it with shipping+ all legit import duties for a little less than 1000 EUR. I could buy German version with FABER HW for 1300, its 300 EUR price difference? But for 300 EUR can throw in Gibson pickups + some more.


What do you think?



Additional question, how flexible are Japan stores if I would like to order
guitar with different tuners installed from factory instead of Kluson Vintage tuners?


Thanks again for helping out.

Cheers

[jezbobb]

Originally Posted by dimi3

thanks guys, a lot of info here, I'm more or less new to lp's, and no guitar
geek, i rather spend more time playing, but this Tokai's give me some serious GAS..must have one. I also had some bad luck once buying used guitar without playing it before, so this is the reason to buy new, and at least have the chance to send it back if not ok.


I think that LS98 would be enough of guitar for me..now I just need to find how to get hold of it. If ordering from Japan i can get it with shipping+ all legit import duties for a little less than 1000 EUR. I could buy German version with FABER HW for 1300, its 300 EUR price difference? But for 300 EUR can throw in Gibson pickups + some more.


What do you think?



Additional question, how flexible are Japan stores if I would like to order
guitar with different tuners installed from factory instead of Kluson Vintage tuners?


Thanks again for helping out.

Cheers

Hi, reading your thread with interest. I have just bought an amber Tokai love rock. It has a printed serial number on the headstock CH08081173. I have tried various sites trying to date it but they say it should start with a number. I'm beginning to think I've bought a fake, any help much appreciated help guys.

[wulfman]

Originally Posted by jezbobb

Hi, reading your thread with interest. I have just bought an amber Tokai love rock. It has a printed serial number on the headstock CH08081173. I have tried various sites trying to date it but they say it should start with a number. I'm beginning to think I've bought a fake, any help much appreciated help guys.

If you can post some pictures that may help. You may simply have a Korean or Chinese-made Tokai from the description of the serial number.

[Zenzeypher]

Where abouts are you Dimi3 ?

[slapshot]

Originally Posted by dimi3

Additional question, how flexible are Japan stores if I would like to order
guitar with different tuners installed from factory instead of Kluson Vintage tuners?

about as flexible as a steel girder
that's why the aftermarket parts industry is there

[GRuggier]

Originally Posted by slapshot

about as flexible as a steel girder
that's why the aftermarket parts industry is there

Yeah better off buying the parts your self and doing it on your own.

[dimi3]

Originally Posted by Zenzeypher

Where abouts are you Dimi3 ?

I'm from Europe\Slovenia

[dimi3]

short update on the topic..I've been in contact with Tokai direct, and they offered me good price + unlimited custom options, the bad thing is 3-4 months waiting time..

I placed my order, now I must decide on color ... ...any suggestions?

[reborn old]

VF Vintage Finish is probably the most popular choice.

If you haven't deposited money on your Tokai order yet,
I have an LS-195 solid top Japan model that may
become available shortly, in new condition with no issues,
much less than new pricewise, but not quite within your above budget.
I can't contact you until you have 10 posts on MLP,
but if you would like more info, perhaps you can leave an
email address in a follow up post ?
I can send you pics and further info if you wish.

[dimi3]

Originally Posted by reborn old

VF Vintage Finish is probably the most popular choice.

If you haven't deposited money on your Tokai order yet,
I have an LS-195 solid top Japan model that may
become available shortly, in new condition with no issues,
much less than new pricewise, but not quite within your above budget.
I can't contact you until you have 10 posts on MLP,
but if you would like more info, perhaps you can leave an
email address in a follow up post ?
I can send you pics and further info if you wish.

Already send my money..

Currently I'm deciding between violin finish, see trough dark red or brown sunburst...