Texas Swamp
New member
Does anyone know if they are made in Japan still or not? Also, for those who got to play them, how do they sound?
The new Tokai clones
- Thread starter Texas Swamp
- Start date
the guy who invented fire
Fuzzy. Guitars
Re: The new Tokai clones
Some Tokais are MIJ, some are not...all the ones I have played have been really good guitars.
Some Tokais are MIJ, some are not...all the ones I have played have been really good guitars.
Fender_Punk
BerriesAndCreamologist
Re: The new Tokai clones
All the Tokais sold in stores here in Canada are MIK, unless someone ordered a MIJ and sold/consigned it to a shop. I've only come across a couple MIKs and the two I briefly played both felt and sounded a lot like what they mimicked.
All the Tokais sold in stores here in Canada are MIK, unless someone ordered a MIJ and sold/consigned it to a shop. I've only come across a couple MIKs and the two I briefly played both felt and sounded a lot like what they mimicked.
Uk Ant
New member
Re: The new Tokai clones
If ya after a Tokai there are places like Richtonemusic but I'm not sure if they ship outside of europe.
Yes, they still make some of them in Japan but they start at around £600 (best part of a thousand bucks?).
The cheaper ones are now usually made in China but I've not played one so I can't comment on those. My MIJ LP is a great instrument and most definately on a par with a Gibson Standard at half the price and they tend to come much better set up straight from the box.
The easiest way to spot the difference between a MIJ rather than a MIK or MIC is that the trus rod cover has two screws (like a Gibson) on the MIJ whereas the MIK and MIC have three. Also the MIJ will have a serial number stamped into the back of the headstock and the MIK/MIC will be inked if it's even there at all.
There are other differences as well, but those are the obvious ones.
Tokai are one of the reasons I'll probably never buy a Gibson.
If ya after a Tokai there are places like Richtonemusic but I'm not sure if they ship outside of europe.
Yes, they still make some of them in Japan but they start at around £600 (best part of a thousand bucks?).
The cheaper ones are now usually made in China but I've not played one so I can't comment on those. My MIJ LP is a great instrument and most definately on a par with a Gibson Standard at half the price and they tend to come much better set up straight from the box.
The easiest way to spot the difference between a MIJ rather than a MIK or MIC is that the trus rod cover has two screws (like a Gibson) on the MIJ whereas the MIK and MIC have three. Also the MIJ will have a serial number stamped into the back of the headstock and the MIK/MIC will be inked if it's even there at all.
There are other differences as well, but those are the obvious ones.
Tokai are one of the reasons I'll probably never buy a Gibson.
astrozombie
KatyPerryologist
Re: The new Tokai clones
This is amazing! I'd rock one of these any day.
Oh, this is mine
This is amazing! I'd rock one of these any day.
richard parker
New member
Re: The new Tokai clones
Tokais can be variable in quality. I remember getting my hands on one the early strat copies thinking it was going to be great and it was one of the very worst guitars I've ever played. I was recently considering a used Tokai LP but it was very hard to establish which actual model it was and they do vary a lot in price. Also, it had terrible pups that were going to have to go, even the neck bucker sounded shrill and piercing. I know they make good guitars but don't believe the fans who say they're ALL good coz they're not.
Tokais can be variable in quality. I remember getting my hands on one the early strat copies thinking it was going to be great and it was one of the very worst guitars I've ever played. I was recently considering a used Tokai LP but it was very hard to establish which actual model it was and they do vary a lot in price. Also, it had terrible pups that were going to have to go, even the neck bucker sounded shrill and piercing. I know they make good guitars but don't believe the fans who say they're ALL good coz they're not.
Uk Ant
New member
Re: The new Tokai clones
You must just be destined to always get the bad apple.
One thing I can say about the stock Tokai pups I've had (and replaced) is that the one thing they weren't was shrill and piercing. A bit lame and muddy was closer to the truth.
They are a make I'd happily order over the net without playing, then again I'd never get one of the chinese ones.
They do have a bewildering wide range of models covering all prices from quite cheap to several thousand pounds and pretty much ever notch in between.
There build quality is one of the most consistant out there but I will admit I'm not a big fan of thier pups. The high end ones come with long neck tenons, better hardware etc but do get into Gibson/PRS/Hamer money.
I'm a big fan of them, but I'm a cheapskate and 'proper' US made guitars are just too expensive in the uk.
You must just be destined to always get the bad apple.
One thing I can say about the stock Tokai pups I've had (and replaced) is that the one thing they weren't was shrill and piercing. A bit lame and muddy was closer to the truth.
They are a make I'd happily order over the net without playing, then again I'd never get one of the chinese ones.
They do have a bewildering wide range of models covering all prices from quite cheap to several thousand pounds and pretty much ever notch in between.
There build quality is one of the most consistant out there but I will admit I'm not a big fan of thier pups. The high end ones come with long neck tenons, better hardware etc but do get into Gibson/PRS/Hamer money.
I'm a big fan of them, but I'm a cheapskate and 'proper' US made guitars are just too expensive in the uk.
Re: The new Tokai clones
Really, REALLY depends on the model. Top of the line ones come with Seth Lovers and there's a very VERY limited run right now that's about 128.000 Yen...I guess around $1200-$1300 that comes with Tom Holmes pickups. At least that's what I understood. Yeah...Tom Holmes pickups.
Really, REALLY depends on the model. Top of the line ones come with Seth Lovers and there's a very VERY limited run right now that's about 128.000 Yen...I guess around $1200-$1300 that comes with Tom Holmes pickups. At least that's what I understood. Yeah...Tom Holmes pickups.
kherman
New member
Uk Ant
New member
G
Grandturk
Guest
Re: The new Tokai clones
I guess so. I've never played one that outplayed a good Strat or Les Paul. I did play one that had a lot of cool factor - it was a flat top strat, flame maple top, binding with two hums - very old school Charvel vibe. The neck was the failing - playing it was like trying to strangle Treebeard.
Every other Tokai strat I've picked up felt like an anchor - uncool. Only had my hands on two or three "Love Rocks" and they didn't really do much for me either.
I did play a hot Tokai Tele that was the bees knees, at least as far as Teles go.
I guess so. I've never played one that outplayed a good Strat or Les Paul. I did play one that had a lot of cool factor - it was a flat top strat, flame maple top, binding with two hums - very old school Charvel vibe. The neck was the failing - playing it was like trying to strangle Treebeard.
Every other Tokai strat I've picked up felt like an anchor - uncool. Only had my hands on two or three "Love Rocks" and they didn't really do much for me either.
I did play a hot Tokai Tele that was the bees knees, at least as far as Teles go.