Strip it downQuote:
Originally Posted by TheEvilForcesOfSkeletor
Multi piece back, Veneer top, pickup choice , Made in Japan on back of headstock, two or three screw truss rod cover and some simple ID marks in the pickup cavity will tell you which model you have.
I must stress there are no model number ID's on current Tokai Loverocks. A lot of people do get ripped off when buying Tokai's ( ie buying an LS150 that is really an LS75 or an MIJ that is really a MIK - MIC ). It's the one single thing Tokai get 100% wrong.
Loverocks and ES
The model number denotes the price in Yen !, so an ES100 is the same as an ES130, ( LS75 - LS85 for example ) except there was a price rise at some point. When Tokai started out the Yen never moved ( zero inflation ), so it was a good idea at the time, but has since hindered model progression.
You can check a few things inside the pickup cavity's, the type of ABR1 and stop bar. Is it a solid maple cap with a veneer ?, two or one piece body, number of rings on tuners etc.
But the best way is to talk to someone who has owned Tokai's for a bloody long time and knows them inside out. I have over 25 year experience with Tokai's. I owned the very first ones that come into the UK and along with my brother, we have owned and played nearly every model since.
LS150's and above are pretty easy to ID, one piece back, solid caps, CTS pots, Switchcraft jacks, Nitro finish , Ali Stop bar, brass saddles, Orange drop caps, Western wiring. The LS230 has a few more refinements like Brazilian Fingerboard, other brand of caps.
MIJ LS75's etc should be easy to ID, the cheap end MIJ range up to the LS150 are sold all over the place and the Tokai forum will ID one in seconds.
However ! Early 1970-1980 Tokai's need to be very carefully looked at.
Is it Korean, Chinese or Japanese or a Canadian Fake.....
MIK, MIC. three screw truss rod covers, made from Alder ( unless there Canadian special order ) Serial numbers ( if any ) start with FC of CH. Some MIJ have Made in Japan on the back. The serial number system can be a minefield for older Tokai's.
Best test is to pick one up. You can feel the difference between MIC, MIK and MIJ in seconds if you know the basics of guitar quality.
Now we get onto Strats, ST's etc.........no thanks, it would take a book !
