North America, I decided to offer the customer something special...a lower cost Korean Tokai guitar made with Japanese specs. Together with the distributer of Tokai, I designed the 2001 Limited Editions in three separate models. The Gold Top with P90's, the Vintage Burst and the Cherry burst both with PAF's. I also wanted these guitars to have real flamed tops rather than photo flames found on Korean guitars. The major difference is in the wood selection. For the 2001 LE's we used solid Mahogany throughout (Neck and Body).
I kept the 2001's secret until about a month before their release. The competition immediately started saying that it was unfair that I was allowed to do this...hence all the slagging.
I respect all the other Tokai dealers and have never said a bad word about any...its not my style. I simply wanted to offer a great guitar at a great price. Numerous bands (famous and not-so famous) are out using these guitars nightly and love em...I have had lots of re-orders and referrals.
I never wanted to write on this message board, especially responding to ANONYMOUS messages. I would love to see who is behind the slagging messages.
The guitars have 2 piece mahogany neck, real flamed tops, solid mahogany body, pearl inlays, Klusson style tuners, Pearl Tokai Logo and yes, a MM2001 Limited Edition Truss cover that was put on AT THE FACTORY, NOT AT MY STORE.
These guitars were modeled after the Japanese mainly in the wood selection and Real Flamed tops...as well as the serial numbers.
Most of my customers are happy, you cannot please everyone, but I try. I HAVE NEVER ADVERTISED THESE GUITARS AS JAPANESE MADE. Modeled after the Japanese, yes.
Thanks for listening and happy playing.
Mike
[Anonymously Posted by: 'jido']