Tokai
- Thread starter Darg1911
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Re: Tokai
Thanks. What are the neck profiles like on the MIJ Tokai LP copies? Are they on the chunky side or are they more like the slim tapers? Or do they vary?
Thanks. What are the neck profiles like on the MIJ Tokai LP copies? Are they on the chunky side or are they more like the slim tapers? Or do they vary?
NecroPolo
New member
Re: Tokai
I have no idea but I guess they are slimmer as most Gibsons feel like a baseball bat to my small hands and any Love Rocks I've tried so far were more comfy to me, I'd pick a Love Rock over a Gibson any day because of the better playability - it is not a generalization, it's just my small hands. Othat than that I can say that even the lower range Tokai instruments are awesome.
I have no idea but I guess they are slimmer as most Gibsons feel like a baseball bat to my small hands and any Love Rocks I've tried so far were more comfy to me, I'd pick a Love Rock over a Gibson any day because of the better playability - it is not a generalization, it's just my small hands. Othat than that I can say that even the lower range Tokai instruments are awesome.
Re: Tokai
I have small hands as well but I still prefer a neck that's a bit chunky. Doesn't have to be 50's huge. I do really dislike the Gibson slim tapers though.
I have small hands as well but I still prefer a neck that's a bit chunky. Doesn't have to be 50's huge. I do really dislike the Gibson slim tapers though.
cayle_6
New member
Re: Tokai
It's been a while since I posted here.
Chinese Tokai aren't on par with the Japanese made ones. Visually, you can tell them apart by their truss rod cover. Chinese Tokai Love Rock models have a 3 screw trc, while the Japs have a 2 screw trc which a Gibson standard trc can fit in. I've had a 2010 LS92 and I currently own a 2014 LS115F. They're great guitars for the money. Build quality is better than Epiphones and even some Gibsons.
The neck profile is a bit on the thicker side, and feels like a 58 neck profile. I've tried a few Gibson R9s and the Tokai profile is definitely thicker. The only mods I've done on my LS115F so far are the Faber ABR, Alum tailpiece and locking studs. The pickups are Tokai Mk 2 PAFs (not the same with the old sought after 1980s Mk2 PAFs).
My old LS92 plain top
. by Cicayle Nico Pua, on Flickr
My current LS115F in brown sunburst with my PRS Bernie Marsden SE
2016-09-14_09-33-18 by Cicayle Nico Pua, on Flickr
It's been a while since I posted here.
Chinese Tokai aren't on par with the Japanese made ones. Visually, you can tell them apart by their truss rod cover. Chinese Tokai Love Rock models have a 3 screw trc, while the Japs have a 2 screw trc which a Gibson standard trc can fit in. I've had a 2010 LS92 and I currently own a 2014 LS115F. They're great guitars for the money. Build quality is better than Epiphones and even some Gibsons.
The neck profile is a bit on the thicker side, and feels like a 58 neck profile. I've tried a few Gibson R9s and the Tokai profile is definitely thicker. The only mods I've done on my LS115F so far are the Faber ABR, Alum tailpiece and locking studs. The pickups are Tokai Mk 2 PAFs (not the same with the old sought after 1980s Mk2 PAFs).
My old LS92 plain top
. by Cicayle Nico Pua, on FlickrMy current LS115F in brown sunburst with my PRS Bernie Marsden SE
2016-09-14_09-33-18 by Cicayle Nico Pua, on FlickrRe: Tokai
Thanks for the input. I have no interest in the Chinese models. My interest is in the quality of recent MIJ Tokai's. Sounds like they are still making quality guitars in Japan. That's positive news. I have my eye on a couple. I don't like buying guitars without playing them first but sometimes you have no choice.
Thanks for the input. I have no interest in the Chinese models. My interest is in the quality of recent MIJ Tokai's. Sounds like they are still making quality guitars in Japan. That's positive news. I have my eye on a couple. I don't like buying guitars without playing them first but sometimes you have no choice.
richard parker
Active member
Re: Tokai
How does your Bernie compare with the Tokais ?
It's been a while since I posted here.
Chinese Tokai aren't on par with the Japanese made ones. Visually, you can tell them apart by their truss rod cover. Chinese Tokai Love Rock models have a 3 screw trc, while the Japs have a 2 screw trc which a Gibson standard trc can fit in. I've had a 2010 LS92 and I currently own a 2014 LS115F. They're great guitars for the money. Build quality is better than Epiphones and even some Gibsons.
The neck profile is a bit on the thicker side, and feels like a 58 neck profile. I've tried a few Gibson R9s and the Tokai profile is definitely thicker. The only mods I've done on my LS115F so far are the Faber ABR, Alum tailpiece and locking studs. The pickups are Tokai Mk 2 PAFs (not the same with the old sought after 1980s Mk2 PAFs).
My old LS92 plain top
My current LS115F in brown sunburst with my PRS Bernie Marsden SE
How does your Bernie compare with the Tokais ?
Rand-O-Monium
New member
Re: Tokai
Dig that Tobacco/Vintage-Burst!!!
Dig that Tobacco/Vintage-Burst!!!
cayle_6
New member
Re: Tokai
Yeah. Tokais are very rare in my country. From what I've read, the LS128, LS160 and the more expensive ones are of top notch quality. So far I've only tried about 4 of them, including an LS105Q and a Jap Telecaster model. I don't think you can go wrong with them. Just don't go for the Chinese Love Rock models.
Both Tokai Love Rocks I've owned were lighter than the PRS SE. My current Tokai (brownburst) is lighter, sustains longer and resonates better than the PRS. The finish on the PRS is definitely thicker than the Tokai's poly. Neck profile on the PRS is relatively thinner compared to the Tokai. I have A2Pro neck and Seth Lover bridge installed in the PRS and I love that combo. The Tokai's Mk2 PAFs are hot but lacks some of the tight midrange bite than I want. Overall, they're both great guitars for the money.
Thanks!
Yeah. Tokais are very rare in my country. From what I've read, the LS128, LS160 and the more expensive ones are of top notch quality. So far I've only tried about 4 of them, including an LS105Q and a Jap Telecaster model. I don't think you can go wrong with them. Just don't go for the Chinese Love Rock models.
Both Tokai Love Rocks I've owned were lighter than the PRS SE. My current Tokai (brownburst) is lighter, sustains longer and resonates better than the PRS. The finish on the PRS is definitely thicker than the Tokai's poly. Neck profile on the PRS is relatively thinner compared to the Tokai. I have A2Pro neck and Seth Lover bridge installed in the PRS and I love that combo. The Tokai's Mk2 PAFs are hot but lacks some of the tight midrange bite than I want. Overall, they're both great guitars for the money.
Thanks!
Drunken Bowling
New member
Chris of Arabia
Desert RATT
Re: Tokai
I've got three Tokai's in the collection; two LS116f models and a DCII. All are Japanese made and have a chunkier neck than most, but not stupidly so, and they all play very well indeed. The DCII is probably the most powerful guitar I have, despite retaining the original pups. The other two came with SD 59's, but one now sports a Slash set, and the other the original Bonamassa set. Nice guitars...
The pics below were taken before the pup swaps.
I've got three Tokai's in the collection; two LS116f models and a DCII. All are Japanese made and have a chunkier neck than most, but not stupidly so, and they all play very well indeed. The DCII is probably the most powerful guitar I have, despite retaining the original pups. The other two came with SD 59's, but one now sports a Slash set, and the other the original Bonamassa set. Nice guitars...
The pics below were taken before the pup swaps.
Re: Tokai
Not normally a fan of double cuts, but thats a beauty!!!
Cant buy em in the US unless you have em imported. The ones that are easiest for us to get are from Canada and last I inquired, they were Chinese made. So, I assumed they were MIC for the most part now. No idea on current quality of those, but for years and years, have always heard the Tokais are great.
Not normally a fan of double cuts, but thats a beauty!!!
Cant buy em in the US unless you have em imported. The ones that are easiest for us to get are from Canada and last I inquired, they were Chinese made. So, I assumed they were MIC for the most part now. No idea on current quality of those, but for years and years, have always heard the Tokais are great.
astrozombie
KatyPerryologist
Re: Tokai
I've wondered about these myself. They make a nice version of an older Gibson signature model a little before my time.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I've wondered about these myself. They make a nice version of an older Gibson signature model a little before my time.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Pontiac Jack
Member
Re: Tokai
I currently have 3 Tokai's. An ALC-50S-BB (Catchy name,huh! )LP Custom copy,an FV-53N an natural finish 59 Flying V copy and an EX-50-NVT natural finish Explorer copy. All were purchased as NOS. The V and LP are from 2008,the EX is 2010. All are Chinese and all are great players and will make great workhorses.
The fit,finish and hardware is very good.
The only issue I have is with the pickups.
They're all usable,but will be replaced with Duncan's in the next couple of weeks.
Cheers,PJ
I currently have 3 Tokai's. An ALC-50S-BB (Catchy name,huh! )LP Custom copy,an FV-53N an natural finish 59 Flying V copy and an EX-50-NVT natural finish Explorer copy. All were purchased as NOS. The V and LP are from 2008,the EX is 2010. All are Chinese and all are great players and will make great workhorses.
The fit,finish and hardware is very good.
The only issue I have is with the pickups.
They're all usable,but will be replaced with Duncan's in the next couple of weeks.
Cheers,PJ
