Differences between Non-Sunburst LS50/LS60/LS70/LS80 Models

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denki109

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As a recent convert to Tokai (via a lovely Gold Star Sounds 'strat'), I've recently made my 2nd purchase and now am a proud owner of a '80 LS60 Love Rocks. This guitar has got me wondering about the differences between Tokai's non-sunburst LS50/LS60/LS70/LS80 models.

Do all pre-85 Love Rocks non-sunburst guitars in the LS50-80 range use the same wood? Were the differences in cost based on the bridge assembly and machineheads used? Or did finish come into the equation.

I've looked at previous threads and they've gone into detail about the maple-tops on the 100+ models but the 'cheap but cheerful' range has not really been covered in depth.

Many thanks in advance to everyone in this parish for their help.

Kind regards,

Andy
 
You can't have looked too hard :wink:

Half way down this page:

http://www.tokairegistry.com/tokai-info/tokai-gibson-models.html
 
The real dividing line is below the LS-80 model. Below that point some less desirable features are present, which makes the LS-50 and LS-60 more affordable. Headstock angle is shallower, no fret binding, more pieces of wood for top and back, and sunburst and finish are somewhat "less convincing" on the lower end models, which are still quite satisfactory.

Post some pics of your guitar, I am sure we would all enjoy it.
 
I would also add that 78-82 Love Rock period is considered by many to be the golden era. I have 1978 LS80 Reborn and a 1980 LS50 Love rock. The LS80 is without doubt the better guitar in every respect. However the LS50 is a fine instrument and I would certainly recommend one if you can't afford an LS80 (or higher)
 
Hi Andy!

Sorry for being suspicious.

The way you formulate your sentences is all too familiar. Baker&Mac?

Cheers. Rup

:evil: :eek:
 
Hi Andy - sorry for being mistaken, just read through some old docs.

Camerron&McKenna?

Rupert
 
Although I'd love to be linked to a double act, none of the names that you mentioned above are ringing any bells from my past. Are they advertising companies. Law Firms? Comedy Acts? Or, perhaps, Tokai owning hit-men from the East End.

Thanks for all your help and the links. Although I had read the original grid on Tokai features on the registry - there are a lot of blanks in the 50/60 ranges and you lot have filled them in for me. I'll post some pics of the new beast right here very soon.
 
There is nothing wrong with an -84 TLS-50 Love Rock either, I don't think the earlier ones are that much better. And the headstock angle on my TLS-50 is 17/18 degrees, not 14, maybe that was changed after -82, I don't know.

The reason for me to buy my first Tokai was that I couldn't find a good Les Paul. I was looking for one but most of the LP's I tried were 70's/early 80's models and none of them were that good. The Tokai beat all of them, that was the reason I bought it. And remember, the price difference back then wasn't that big, a used Gibson cost only slightly more than the TLS-50 (at least in Sweden anyway).

Yes, the TLS-50 has a three piece back but that doesn't bother me (almost impossible to see where the pieces are joined together), I can not see any joints in the top (which is a thick solid maple top) so I don't know if it's made of two- or three pieces. The finish is excellent (gold top) and the guitar is light and very resonant. As mentioned in another thread it came from the factory with the PAF's that you normally found in the TLS-80 model. I guess that's the reason why I never replaced them.

So, don't underestimate the 80's TLS-50/60 models, at least some of them are really good. I know mine is :) !

Mike
 
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120158993172&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSA:UK:31

Some may have seen this link in an earlier 'ebay sightings' thread. Apologies if this seems refreshingly familiar to some members of the parish.

Andy
 
Andy, whazz up??
Do you like to start the same thread again???

http://www.tokaiforum.com/viewtopic.php?p=55315&highlight=#55315
 
"Some may have seen this link in an earlier 'ebay sightings' thread. Apologies if this seems refreshingly familiar to some members of the parish".

- Rather than trying to start the same thread again (the original was about trying to identify the year of what was a pending ebay purchase at the time), I wanted to get more information about the subtle differences between the LS 50/60/80 models. As some members of the parish wanted to see pics, I posted the ebay link. In no way was I trying to repeat the thread. And, once again, sorry if this looked refreshingly familiar.
 
One of the main differences is the price, for an LS80 of that age you are looking at at least 800 quid, for 360 you have yourself a very nice guitar!
 
The 1980 LS60 in question (featured in the ebay link above) was purchased for ?360 - I am dead chuffed about it. An LS80 of the same vintage would probably go for something around ?800.

Money-why care about it? :0)
 
I have a plain-top '79 Les Paul Reborn LS80. I simply will not sell her. She clearly has been through rough times and deserves some peace....


Why bother about money? Unless you need it... :p

026.jpg
 

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