1981 ls120 Headstock veneer/logo replacement

[moodyedge]

I have an ls120 with a solid flame top and somebody had previously changed the headstock logo to gibson (I know) It has spent some time in America where I assume this was done. I'd like to have it replaced with the proper one. I looked into this years ago but didn't really get far. Managed to get a headstock veneer with Tokai logo inlay already done but never had it fitted. I am not sure it would look right.

Any advice on where to look for the proper logo would be appreciated,

Cheers

I am in the UK.

 

[Sigmania]

I looked at this a while back because I had different materials on the face of my LR headstocks.

Check out this thread. Might help if you are looking to restore it.

Love Rock Headstock Veneer?

 

[moodyedge]

Cheers. It has ticked me off for years. The veneer I have is wood. It's been well done but I just don't know if I should bother. Was done by some girl in Russia of all places.

I even contacted Tokai in Japan and they send it I sent it to them they would replace it. Not sure if something may have been lost in translation there but I didnt want to take that risk and perhaps never see it again.,

 

[Old Puppy]

Can you find a damaged or modified LS-50 and take the headstock veneer off that to put on your LS-120? It won't devalue a broken LS-50 that much. Certainly less than round trip shipping to Japan.

 

[Sigmania]

Can you post a picture of what it looks like now?

 

[moodyedge]

Can you post a picture of what it looks like now?

 

[moodyedge]

Can you find a damaged or modified LS-50 and take the headstock veneer off that to put on your LS-120? It won't devalue a broken LS-50 that much. Certainly less than round trip shipping to Japan.

I think the chances of finding one would be slim.

 

[Sigmania]

Looks like a holly veneer. I was wondering if they had gone over or modified the original. Looks like they took it off.

What I noticed on the older ones before 1982 is that the material would either shrink or was cut slightly smaller than the headstock then applied. It’s weird because the gap is finished on them. That tells me that they probably cut them slightly smaller to begin with. Interesting.

 

[moodyedge]

Not getting anywhere with this. Had it a decade now.. Might give it up as a bad job.

 

[Sigmania]

It sure is a beautiful LS120.

I wonder if the new management at Tokai would send you a new veneer to put on it? One that has Love Rock silkscreened on it already?

You have probably noticed there are variations in the logos if you look closely. Early MIJ versus Korean, and Chinese.

"Tokai" Headstock Logo Variations

 

[moodyedge]

It sure is a beautiful LS120.

I wonder if the new management at Tokai would send you a new veneer to put on it? One that has Love Rock silkscreened on it already?

You have probably noticed there are variations in the logos if you look closely. Early MIJ versus Korean, and Chinese.

"Tokai" Headstock Logo Variations

I don't see why they wouldn't but having contacted them they havent even replied so not looking likely.

I've contacted a place that does custom inlays in the States I found on the mylespaul forum to see if they would make an accurate one in holy wood...that may be my best option and probably expensive.

 

[moodyedge]

It's a cool bit of wood. Definitely has some mojo going on, whatever the f*** that means.

 

[Sigmania]

Beautiful. You may want to post it on this thread:

1978-1985 vintage LS solid flametop gallery

 

[moodyedge]

Beautiful. You may want to post it on this thread:

1978-1985 vintage LS solid flametop gallery

Seems somebody beat me to it. That's the one.

 

[Sigmania]

Your guitar reminds me of a well known guitar owned by member villager. A 2002 LS320.

Tokai Love Rock LS-320 VF 2002

 

[moodyedge]

Your guitar reminds me of a well known guitar owned by member villager. A 2002 LS320.

Tokai Love Rock LS-320 VF 2002

View attachment 19320

I got this one off him a decade ago.

 

[Sigmania]

Small world!

 

[moodyedge]

Do you have and very high res images of the correct 81 logo? I've found a guy in the USA who said can make me one using a holy wood veneer which would be period correct right?

I'd need a accurate drawing or traced image with some accurate dimensions to send him. Should be able to find a waterslide love rock decal somewhere too. Not too bothered if that's 100% or not.

Tokai Japan were useless. Said they cant send me one I said I'd sell it and guy a real Gibson

 

[Sigmania]

I have a 1981 LS100S. I would be happy to take some hi res pictures.

Here’s a low res one of its headstock.

 

[chuckyz2]

Do you have and very high res images of the correct 81 logo? I've found a guy in the USA who said can make me one using a holy wood veneer which would be period correct right?

I'd need a accurate drawing or traced image with some accurate dimensions to send him. Should be able to find a waterslide love rock decal somewhere too. Not too bothered if that's 100% or not.

Tokai Japan were useless. Said they cant send me one I said I'd sell it and guy a real Gibson

How do you know it is a real Tokai?
And if it is, how do you know it is a 120 and not a 150?
Have you had the pickups out to confirm it is a solid top and not veneer?
What pickups are in it?