Tokai Super Edition Photos

[monofever]

I've posted some photos of my Super Edition, interested in anything anyone knows about these models.

You can see from the photo of the back of the neck that the model sticker has been partially eroded, not sure why, is it normal?


http://web.me.com/mr_andy_jones


please let me know if the link is not working.[/url]

 

[marcusnieman]

I've posted some photos of my Super Edition, interested in anything anyone knows about these models.

You can see from the photo of the back of the neck that the model sticker has been partially eroded, not sure why, is it normal?


http://web.me.com/mr_andy_jones


please let me know if the link is not working.[/url]

It's a paper sticker. If someone is playing way up on the neck constantly, it'll wear off eventually. Could also be that someone tried to peel it off and did a lousy job.

 

[Anonymous]

Can you read the number on the sticker? Or can you remember what it said before it got worn down?

Mike

 

[leadguitar_323]

Looks like an 8 something, so it could be an 80 or 85 model.

Mick

 

[monofever]

The sticker was worn that way when I got hold of it.

I've never seen the 80 sticker unworn, does anyone have a photo, I could compare the worn vs unworn?

I'm fairly sure it's a copy of a 63 model strat right ?

 

[Anonymous]

I'm fairly sure it's a copy of a 63 model strat right ?

Not really, it's more of a modern (i.e. modern for the 1980s!) update of the Strat. Although it has the pre-CBS headstock shape, the locking nut, trem type, & black scratchplate are all "wrong" for an early 60s copy. Which is fine, as Tokai weren't trying to do a straight copy with this model.

If that sticker said "80", does that mean it's nitro finished? Here's the sticker from my 1980 Springy ST80 (definitely nitro finished):

and my 1984 Goldstar ST50:

 

[monofever]

Thanks for the detailed answer stratman. Just had a closer look and it is an 8 which fits with the original owners description. Had no idea they were white writing on a black background, makes more sense now.

I see what you mean about it not being a copy of a pre-cbs, that would affect it's value in the future I guess.

I probably paid over the odds but it plays and feels great, and the E.T. system works well.

Anyone got any experience of the E.T. vs the more normal trem type.

Your 80 looks in good condition, safe to say mine has seen some harder times, bit like the owner.

 

[Anonymous]

Yeah my ST80 has been looked after, very nice Strat.

The model numbers on paper stickers is one of Tokai's more stupid ideas. Many of the stickers (along with the MADE IN JAPAN sticker) were peeled off when the guitars were new - well they're not exactly attractive are they? It makes identification much easier if they are still in place though.

 

[monofever]

Most likely the original owners didn't think about life in the 21st Century.

 

[Anonymous]

More likely they just didn't think! Why else would they come up with model numbers that change every time the price goes up?

Imagine launching a range of cars, and then changing the model number (but nothing else) evry time the price changes.

:-?

 

[monofever]

So how did the model number work out, they started with TST40 and went up to 120 with the price changes ?

 

[Anonymous]

Well, with Goldstars in 1984/85, there was an ST40 (cheaper tuners & pickups), the ST50, the ST55 (custom colour ST50), and also the ST60 & ST80. Goldstar ST60s & 80s seem to be very rare indeed. I believe you got nitro on the 80s, but I'm not sure what extra you got with the 60s.

Pickups usually improved as you went up the range, & the higher models had a tendency to have nicer looking body wood. 60s & 80s were more likely to have 2 piece bodies, lower models quite likely to be 3 piece.

The same sort of pattern applied to most Tokai models, though details varied a bit from model to model. In most cases (though possibly not all cases) anything numbered 80 or above is likely to be nitro finished, & these are the most desirable guitars, so they sell for more.

Hope this helps.

8)

 

[monofever]

Certainly helps. Thanks for the comprehensive answers.