Is this Tokai LC70S real or fake?

Skunizzi · Plucker Joined: 31 Oct 2016 Posts: 11

I've spotted a Tokai LC70S in decent condition. The fellow selling it claims it is made in Japan. There was no "made in Japan" stamped behind the headstock so I have doubts. The tuners do say made in Japan however. Also it has two screws on the truss rod cover. What else should I be looking for in order to identify it as a true made in Japan Tokai?

Here are a few photos for comments!

Thanks!

http://a64.tinypic.com/er0mld.jpg
http://a68.tinypic.com/2crrk2f.jpg
http://a63.tinypic.com/2ah8ufd.jpg
http://a63.tinypic.com/dmz404.jpg
http://a65.tinypic.com/2889mqg.jpg
http://a67.tinypic.com/119cspj.jpg

mattim · Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2016 9:30 am Post subject:

This one looks totally a real Made In Japan Tokai LCxx. The bridegposts are directly attached to the body without metal pushings. Also note te square shaped routings in microphone cavity. https://www.dvdplaza.fi/forum/media/albums/skittaroita.350/

Matti
_________________
Backyard of Parliament

Tokai HES180 2013
Tokai LS-150 VF 2009
Tokai FA 235 VF 2009
Also other 4-6-string instruments

Paladin2019 · Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2016 10:36 am Post subject:

Genuine. Two screw truss rod cover, open book headstock, thin bridge posts, stop bar close to the bridge, stamped serial number. There would have been a made in Japan sticker on the back of the headstock at one point but everybody took those off.

Looks like the seller made a few minor modifications, the truss rod cover and control knobs look aftermarket so it might be worth asking if anything else has been changed. I can't see anything in the photos that would be undesirable.

It's a 1999 model and has the more sought-after "open book" headstock so if the price is right it looks like a good buy!

Skunizzi · Plucker Joined: 31 Oct 2016 Posts: 11

Paladin2019 · Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2016 12:03 pm Post subject:

Not sure what the market is like in Canada, but 600CAD comes out at £350GBP which I would say is a bargain considering the condition and inclusion of a case.

brokentoes · Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2016 10:42 pm Post subject:

Thats a good deal. Scoop it up.

Skunizzi · Plucker Joined: 31 Oct 2016 Posts: 11

Well I bought the Tokai guitar!

I took it home changed the strings, did a setup and cleaned it up a little. I was initially worried that it might be a fake but all the japan markings seem to be in the correct places.

The guitar plays great. It had pretty low action but I decided to raise it up a little because I sometimes tend to strum a little harder. I initally expected to have to swap out the pickups but they seem to be decent. I may leave them in for a while and see how they perform in a live situation.

Overall I am very pleased with this guitar considering its age. The only tiny defect is a small chip in the finish near the binding that was probably caused by the lock of the case coming down on it. It seems easy enough to repair.

I will probably be posting some sound clips on Youtube on my channel addictedtogear if any of you are interested you can check it out.

Does anyone have specific information on the pickups in this guitar? I am curious to find out what type of magnets are in them. I haven't measured the output rating on them so if anyone knows please post.

Here are some photos of the guitar. Maybe they will help others in identifying a proper Japanese Tokai.

Thanks!

http://a66.tinypic.com/vcwdhv.jpg
http://a65.tinypic.com/2edtnvo.jpg
http://a68.tinypic.com/256hdax.jpg
http://a68.tinypic.com/2mewqr5.jpg
http://a68.tinypic.com/24zyxqe.jpg
http://a66.tinypic.com/34i4p05.jpg
http://a64.tinypic.com/29nfciv.jpg
http://a67.tinypic.com/jk7dvs.jpg
http://a68.tinypic.com/2rnev02.jpg
http://a64.tinypic.com/11r6vib.jpg
http://a68.tinypic.com/v80geb.jpg

brokentoes · Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2016 9:30 am Post subject:

Looks like you picked up a winner !! Whats the serial number on the back of the headstock say ?

Skunizzi · Plucker Joined: 31 Oct 2016 Posts: 11

I think the guitar was built in 1999.

Also I want to change the input jack over because its starting to crack, but I can't find any suppliers for the 3 ply jack covers anywhere. Does anyone here have a source?

I may have no choice but to go with a metal gold cover if I can't find one...

Paladin2019 · Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2016 3:07 pm Post subject:

Search BWB jack plate and there are quite a few if you're prepared to buy from overseas. Otherwise I'd just go for the gold... I used to have a chrome one that worked well and looked great, but I managed to scratch it up when I swapped the jack socket itself for a Switchcraft model. Back to old fashioned plastic!

EDIT: black chrome is, of course, another option...

Skunizzi · Plucker Joined: 31 Oct 2016 Posts: 11

Yeah I decided to get a gold metal input jack plate. Looks better and lasts longer too.

fetiracing · Plucker Joined: 20 Oct 2016 Posts: 5

Great guitar and... nibs! Great deal man, congrats.

Skunizzi · Plucker Joined: 31 Oct 2016 Posts: 11

Thanks!

I'm really loving it. Made in Japan Tokais have never let me down.

Great guitars.

Paladin2019 · Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2016 2:39 pm Post subject:

Skunizzi · Plucker Joined: 31 Oct 2016 Posts: 11

I ordered a gold metal one as well as it was the same price as the plastic ones and I couldn't find a 2 ply version I wanted. It's coming from china so it may take a while.

In the meantime I just fixed the one I have by supergluing it, sanding it flat again and then buffing it. It works like a charm and should hold me over till the new parts arrive.