Suggestions for pickups similar to stock Tokai

[whatshisname]

As the title suggests, I'm on the hunt for pickups like I have in my LS80. I have everything from Custom Shop Duncans, to OX4s, to locally built PAFs, and everything in between. But the unbranded stock pickups are my favourite. If anyone can confirm what they are, and I can find a set, I'd love to grab some. If that's not possible, does anyone have any suggestions as to what would get me there? (I think they might be Gotohs, but, as far as I know, those are stamped "Gotoh" on the baseplate. At least the ones I've had were...) Thanks!

 

[brokentoeswalker]

You might show us some pictures ? At least tell us the year of your LS80 ?

 

[rich85]

Just buy some new Gotoh pickups? They are like $40 each

 

[whatshisname]

Sorry. I forgot the picture. It's an '85. The bottom plates are unmarked brass.

 

[whatshisname]

Just buy some new Gotoh pickups? They are like $40 each

If that's what these are, I will. That's why I asked.

 

[AJK1]

I’m pretty sure that Tokai in the 80’s used Dimarzio pickups

 

[whatshisname]

I’m pretty sure that Tokai in the 80’s used Dimarzio pickups

Is it possible that some of them were unbranded?

 

[AJK1]

Is it possible that some of them were unbranded?

Maybe they did, as Dimarzio used brass backplates at that time and still do on some models
The 80’s Tokai’s had Dimarzio PAFs from memory and they were very good pickups, probably why you want to replicate them now

 

[whatshisname]

My collection is otherwise missing a set of Dimarzio PAFs, so I may need to grab some regardless. I've been thinking about a set of PAF Masters, if I go with new.

 

[AJK1]

My collection is otherwise missing a set of Dimarzio PAFs, so I may need to grab some regardless. I've been thinking about a set of PAF Masters, if I go with new.

Funny you say that, because I had a set of PAF Masters in a Tokai LS95 a few years ago and they sounded great
Highly recommended

 

[Greg Dunn]

They are Gotoh or Dimarzio pickups, which aren't that bad really. Try the Epiphone Probuckers, aside from the goofy quick connects they really aren't that bad.

 

[brokentoeswalker]

There are Gotoh Pups and there are Goto pups. Not the same brand. i'm not sure what would be in a 1985 Tokai LS80 myself. I doubt any of Larry's pups would be unbranded.

Perhaps ask in our "Other Single Cut" section.

 

[jlee]

I have a set of Dimarzio PAFs from my ‘81 LS120. Thought they sounded thin.

 

[whatshisname]

@Greg Dunn I do have a set of Probuckers in my Epi '50s Standard. They sound surprisingly good, but I'm still not sure if they're keepers. Once I get the frets fixed, it'll be easier to tell. @jlee These are anything but thin. To my ears, anyway. They just sound like a really good PAF clone. (For the record, I have played several real PAFs over the years, for reference.)

 

[Leumas]

I have a set of humbuckers out of a 2010-ish tokai collecting dust. I have no idea if they’re anything close to what you’re looking for but I would have no problem parting with them.

 

[whatshisname]

@Leumas This is a Japanese Tokai? If so, I may take you up on that! What would you want for them?

 

[Leumas]

@whatshisname I don't really need anything for them. I could just send them to you and you could shoot me $10 or $20 for shipping. I don't even have the guitar anymore, I think it was Korean. The pickups are covered and, like you said, unmarked (other then my sharpie notes of what they came out of) with a brass plate.

 

[jlee]

Found some info on the Tokai forum. Members Reborn Old and Luis, both extremely knowledgeable, said the LS-80 came with Gotoh 57 PAFs until late ‘85.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a 57 PAF with a brass baseplate though.

 

[brokentoeswalker]

I've never seen a '57 PAF with brass plate either.

Perhaps you should pull the pups and take a few pictures of the back and the wire. Is it braided ?? White ?? Black ?? Are the pots and pups even original to the guitar ??

'85 was a strange year for Tokai.

 

[GBLEV]

There are Gotoh Pups and there are Goto pups. Not the same brand. i'm not sure what would be in a 1985 Tokai LS80 myself. I doubt any of Larry's pups would be unbranded.

Perhaps ask in our "Other Single Cut" section.

Is this true? I read somewhere one time that Goto was Gotoh before they added the 'H' to their name sometime in the late 70's to mid 80's.