LS390 vs LS360

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ryeburst

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Hi everyone,

I am trying to decide between two guitars which are advertised as an LS390 and LS360.

Ive tried to do some research and from what I have found the LS3XX models are not standard production models, they appear to be designations assigned to 'special orders' from dealers. As such there appears to be differences in their specs, as the dealers customize based on their preferences.

From what I can tell, they all appear to be made using Honduran Mahogany. Some are 2 piece backs, while are some are 1 piece backs.

From what I can tell the LS390 guitar I am interested in appears to have a 2 piece back.However, I can not tell what type of mahogany it is.

The LS360 appears to have a 1 piece back, and I am also unable to tell what type of mahogany it is.

They both appear to be from 2014.

Can someone please clarify if Tokai only used Honduran mahogany for the LS360 and above ?

and can someone tell me the differences in specification between the two models - an LS360 and LS390 from 2014 ?

The model numbers are slightly confusing to me, as I would have thought the LS390 to be higher spec in terms of woods. However, I find that the LS360 has AAA flame top, 1 piece back and the LS390 has a rather plain top with some light flame, and 2 piece back. The LS360 is also the more expensive of the two.

Thanks in advance!
 
The number simply reflects list price in 000s of Yen, not a special order. As such older models with lower numbers can have higher specs than you might think.

An LS320 from 1999 for example would have Honduras mahogany, Brazilian rosewood and Seymour Duncan pickups.
 
links please.. never seen these models, and anything that high should be a 1 piece back.... like this 320 from 20o3

https://www.flickr.com/photos/146163744@N08/albums/72157689319256300
 
Thanks for the info on the naming convention.

Would it be correct to say that the LS360 and LS390 are the same model, with the change in name due to a price increase from year to year ?

Ive been able to find the LS390 from Tokai's more recent catalogues.
In Vol30 the LS390 appears to the top of the line model with:

2 piece flamed maple top
2 piece honduran mahogany back
Madagascar rosewood fingerboard

https://theguitarshop2.jp/catalogue-vol-30/

This lines up visually with the guitars Im looking at. I think it has a 2 piece back and AA flame top.

I havent been able to find any reference to the LS360 in previous catalogues. The closest guitar Ive found was an LS370 in the Vol 24.

2 piece AAAA flamed maple
1 piece honduran mahogany back
Madagascar fretboard.

https://photobucket.com/gallery/user/stratman323/media/bWVkaWFJZDo1OTM5ODM1MQ==/?ref=

This also lines up visually with the guitars Im looking at, having what I think is a 1 piece back and huge amounts of flame.

What throws me off is that both guitars have a 14XXXXX serial number that is only 4 number apart. That would seem to indicate a 2014 production year with both guitars from the same year.

Was there a time when Tokai made the LS360 and LS390 in the same year ? or are they the same guitar just different years ?

Also interested to know what people would regard as better specs. A heavier guitar with a 1 piece back and nicer flame but has a darker tone, maybe a tad less sustain or a 2 piece back guitar that is very light and very resonant and amazing sustain.
 
villager said:
links please.. never seen these models, and anything that high should be a 1 piece back.... like this 320 from 20o3

https://www.flickr.com/photos/146163744@N08/albums/72157689319256300

Sorry no links as these guitars are sold through a local shop and are not online.
 
villager said:
links please.. never seen these models, and anything that high should be a 1 piece back.... like this 320 from 20o3

https://www.flickr.com/photos/146163744@N08/albums/72157689319256300

I agree in regard to the 1 piece back; I can't see paying that kinda scratch unless it has a 1 piece 'hog body back

to the OP; if you are patient you may be able to obtain an older Tokai in very good/excellent condition, with top specs, for an additional cost of course.
 
villager said:
specs are specs and tone is tone... :)

+1, way to many people get caught up specs instead of feel and sound, sometimes the best way to test a guitar is to be blindfolded.
 
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