Mystery Model 1998 LC Custom

[Sigmania]

This has the split diamond logo with the inner split rectangle (1991-1999) design, possibly for Japanese Domestic market?

Headstock Design Preferences

Abalone inlay fret markers.

Fretboard wood looks very red as well. Possibly Brazilian?

Fret over binding, not FEB.

Wondering if the fret markers are an aftermarket mod or a custom order?

SN 9803057

Tokai レスポール カスタムタイプ エレキギター... - ヤフオク!

 

[Sigmania]

Oddly I am seeing the same inlays on this TEA55 acoustic which I believe is Korean built? Circa 2000-2004 headstock shape on this one.

tokai エレアコ ＴEA-55-ＢLS 美品 - ヤフオク!

 

[Montana]

I also wonder about the abalone inlays. Seems to me that manyjapanese Les Pauls have custom "tweeks" made to them, by factory I believe. By no means an expert some might be wrong. What does the late 90's Tokai's go for?

 

[Sigmania]

I also wonder about the abalone inlays. Seems to me that manyjapanese Les Pauls have custom "tweeks" made to them, by factory I believe. By no means an expert some might be wrong. What does the late 90's Tokai's go for?

 

[ragthetime]

I just won that bid and I was finding information on it. Overall, I wasn't able to find any information or similar guitars to it. I would assume it is made in Japan in 1998 according to its headstock and inlays. But nothing else.

Whatever model it is, this is something really rare.

 

[Montana]

Nice to know who I bid against. Congratulation! You got your self a very nice guitar. Price wasn’t bad either. Post some pictures once you get it.

 

[Sigmania]

I just won that bid and I was finding information on it. Overall, I wasn't able to find any information or similar guitars to it. I would assume it is made in Japan in 1998 according to its headstock and inlays. But nothing else.

Whatever model it is, this is something really rare.

Congrats. Yes, 1998 MIJ Tokai LC.

The odd thing are the fretboard markers. As I posted above, they are similar to the ones later used on that Korean acoustic.

I have to wonder if that was a demo, or a custom order of some kind?

And please post more pics after you get it. I am curious to know what sort of markings are in the pickup cavities.

 

[ragthetime]

It is also possible that the previous owner changed a new fretboard. I’ll def post more pics once I receive it.

 

[Sigmania]

Zoomed in pics.

 

[Sigmania]

That acoustic has the same black outline around the edge. Interesting.

 

[ragthetime]

The fretboard material seems different. But the inlay does look similar. Yet according to the serial number, this is def manufactured in japan... I personally really likes this type of inlay, probably the only tokai I would saw with this inlay.

 

[Sigmania]

Might be one of a kind. Pretty cool.

 

[Sigmania]

Reminds me a little of the inlay on my old Yamaha SG3000.