1960s and Early 1970s Tokai Classical Gallery

[Sigmania]

The very first Tokai guitars are believed to have been classical guitars.

Hoping to log examples here as they surface.

Without a way to date these, I am guessing. Hoping more info comes to light over time.

Serial numbers:
04067
06227

Model Numbers:
70
98




(early brushed ink Tokai label)

 

[Sigmania]

Model 98 ?

TOKAI トーカイ 98 クラシックギター シリアルNo... - Yahoo!オークション

 

[Sigmania]

Model 70 ?

Item description:
Tokai musical instrument
"Tokai No. 70"
1960s Japanese classical guitar

This is Tokai Gakki's 60's classical guitar, "Tokai No. 70". Although it is a popular price range guitar made of plywood, it has been used for many years, and it has a dry tone and good sound. The top is made of pine wood, and the sides and back are made of zebra wood with a characteristic heather. Since the paint is lacquer, cracks (weather check) have occurred over time, giving it a dignified look.
As for the exterior, scratches and deterioration over time can be seen, but there is no major damage such as cracks or scratches.
Thank you.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/TOKAI-Aco...2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0

 

[Sigmania]

Zebra wood?

Text on the internal paper label translates as:

Tokai
06227
No. 70
Tokai Musical Instrument Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/353903772082

 

[Sigmania]

Tokai Shiosai Classical Guitar

1971 ?

tokai しおさい クラシックギター ハードケース ... - Yahoo!オークション

 

[Sigmania]

セ堀8) クラシックギター 水仙 75号 ギター 音楽... - Yahoo!オークション

 

[Homer J. Simpson]

The very first Tokai guitars are believed to have been classical guitars.

That checks out:

In May 1965, we began producing and selling classical guitars. The beginning of the history of Tokai guitars

 

[Sigmania]

This is another new label for me.

I sure wish it had the model number and or date of mfr on that label.

(NS) TOKAI GAKKI 東海楽器 HAMAMATSU JAPAN ア... - Yahoo!オークション

 

[Sigmania]

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[Sigmania]

潮騒 クラシックギター しおさい 東海楽器製造 ... - Yahoo!オークション

 

[Sigmania]

仙4 東海 50号 クラシックギター 6弦 TOKAI 年代... - Yahoo!オークション

 

[Sigmania]

Looks like there is a number starting with 703... on the neck block.

Art No 66

And a big red “B” stamp. Grade stamp?

TOKAI Tokai Musical Instruments No.66 Classical Guitar with Case Musical Instrument/160 Size

 

[Sigmania]

Vintage 1970s Tokai Gakki Classical Acoustic Guitar - Very Good Condition & OHSC

 

[Sigmania]

[Rare] Tokai Gakki Manufacturing Narcissus No. 76 Classical Guitar 1960s-1970s Vintage Acoustic Guitar Bonus Pick Included (H 854)

 

[Sigmania]

Tokai Kyomoto K-75 Classical Guitar

Tokai Gakki Manufacturing Tokai
Kyomoto K-75

Tokai Gakki Manufacturing in 1947 Since our founding, we have begun a variety of initiatives to pass on the technology and passion we have been working on as a manufacturer of domestic guitars to the next generation. It is also famous as a subcontract manufacturing company, and currently manufactures Schecter and other products. In the past, CF Martin's acoustic guitars for the Japanese market were manufactured in the 1970s and 1980s, and Fender Japan was also manufactured after Kanda Shokai acquired the trademark.

The model name, Kyomoto, is a guitar supervised by guitarist Sukinori Kyomoto, who also published a guitar instruction book. The wood grain on the back of the body is beautiful.