I bought an '81 LS50 from Dana (a tokairegistry forumite and all around nice guy). Paid $731 plus $50 shipping. It came with a good quality real Gibson HSC (which was maybe $100 right there?)
The guitar is immaculate (seriously, it's almost cosmetically perfect), plays wonderfullly (slight bit of fret buzz with moderate action but nothing I can't live with) and has excellent sounding pickups (if microphonic at higher volumes...which, by the way, I can say the same thing about the unpotted expensive "boo-teek" pickups I've been through). This guitar just has a cool vibe to me. I love it. It doesn't have the "50" engraved on the last fret which I've been told since I bought it that it makes it "lower grade" and less desirable. Suits me fine...if this is lower grade I'll take it if it keeps the cost down. BTW, there is nothing low grade about the guitar. It is truly one of my favorites. I'll sell the Gibsons before I sell it.
The only reason I'm keeping my Gibsons now that I've gotten this Tokai is that, with the way Gibson is jacking their prices up, these will probably see a price rise in the future also (not that I'm in this for the money...it's just that I don't want to just give them away to someone who is).
I have no idea how the '78 LS50 Reborn compares to a later Love Rock. I only know that "myth" about Tokai guitars came true for me with this one particular guitar that I feel fortunate to have got. Thanks again Dana.
I'm trying to goose Ochay (Mackelkea?) into working with me for one of the pride of his stock
I know he's somewhat of a hoarder :evil: Man, I'd love to personally see his stable but unfortunately I don't live in So. California anymore.
Clay Jones