Help request for model identification

[JimNasium]

Good morning. New member here who has dabbled in MIJ guitars, but primarily Matsumoku brands. I had an opportunity to purchase a Tokai guitar at an auction, but have had trouble figuring out exactly what I have. I think it’s one of the mid-to-lower level strats, probably from the late-1989s, but hopefully someone here can help me get some more details.

 

[JimNasium]

A couple with the guitar restrung and playable.

 

[Sigmania]

Looks like a 1984 AST40 YSOR.

Pot dates it to 1984.

Ceramic pickups, headstock shape and tuners say AST40.

 

[JimNasium]

Thank you for the rapid response

 

[Sigmania]

I am going to add it to this thread.

Six Digit Serial Numbers Starting With 11xxxx

Btw, your neck plate is upside down.

 

[Sigmania]

Kind of a weird added wrinkle....

You have two different production codes in the body...

I need to think about this.

The one with the 5 seems right. I am not sure why that other one with the 3 is in there?

Pot date of May 1984, then the May date on the body works.

The 3 (March) is bizarre....

I would say at the moment that it was made in May of 1984.