I just noticed an auction by the Guitar Shop (http://www.theguitarshop.jp/auction/ls-proto.html) which is Tokai's shop in Hamamatsu. The auction is for a prototype that was made in Korea and finished in Japan, but otherwise has the usual MIJ characteristics.
The auction address is here: http://page8.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/h160512751
According to the auction description the production up to the guitar finish was done in Korea and then everything else including the nut, fretboard, frets and wiring was done in Japan.
In any case, I am sure it is a typically fine Tokai guitar, but a sign that maybe they are thinking about a cheaper production system now. If the prices are cheaper, so much the better I guess.
The auction address is here: http://page8.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/h160512751
According to the auction description the production up to the guitar finish was done in Korea and then everything else including the nut, fretboard, frets and wiring was done in Japan.
In any case, I am sure it is a typically fine Tokai guitar, but a sign that maybe they are thinking about a cheaper production system now. If the prices are cheaper, so much the better I guess.
