zbillster
Well-known member
Noob-Boy here with some general questions about buying a Tokai LP from Japan. I searched around the forums for a couple of hours (isn't getting paid to surf at work fun?) but many of the links and info are out of date on the following questions, so pardon my noobosity if the answers are hidden elsewhere.
(This seems like a friendly helpful group so far, so I feel safe in asking.)
I downloaded the latest Tokai Japan catalog as a model/pricing guide. Let's say I'm interested in a Les Paul Custom copy with set neck, no fancy flames or finish, just a solid color (and excellent player). I'm buying from the U.S., Texas to be exact.
Using the catalog as an example:
Made in Japan:
LC125SEB 131250 Yen = $1120 USD
LC180S 189000 Yen = $1610 USD
Made in either Japan or Korea(???)
LC85S 89250 Yen = $760 USD
Made in Korea
ALC53 55650 Yen = $474 USD
Here are the questions:
1. Are these catalog prices "street" market prices or should I consider them MSRP and expect a discount, and about what percentage off? Or perhaps (shudders) paying MORE?
2. Any latest/greatest online resources for buying these items? (Many links I looked up from posts here no longer handle new Tokai LPs.)
3. What methods have people used and been happy/successful with?
a) Buying services?
b) Non-U.S. eBay?
c) Japanese shops?
d) Sticking it in your pants and limping through customs?
4. What kind of shipping/handling fees should I expect?
5. What kind of neck thicknesses are the new models sporting? Slimline or baseball bats ... or something in-between? (I prefer slim.) Do the neck profiles vary by model or country of origin?
Thanks to all for letting me tap into your guru-ness.
(This seems like a friendly helpful group so far, so I feel safe in asking.)
I downloaded the latest Tokai Japan catalog as a model/pricing guide. Let's say I'm interested in a Les Paul Custom copy with set neck, no fancy flames or finish, just a solid color (and excellent player). I'm buying from the U.S., Texas to be exact.
Using the catalog as an example:
Made in Japan:
LC125SEB 131250 Yen = $1120 USD
LC180S 189000 Yen = $1610 USD
Made in either Japan or Korea(???)
LC85S 89250 Yen = $760 USD
Made in Korea
ALC53 55650 Yen = $474 USD
Here are the questions:
1. Are these catalog prices "street" market prices or should I consider them MSRP and expect a discount, and about what percentage off? Or perhaps (shudders) paying MORE?
2. Any latest/greatest online resources for buying these items? (Many links I looked up from posts here no longer handle new Tokai LPs.)
3. What methods have people used and been happy/successful with?
a) Buying services?
b) Non-U.S. eBay?
c) Japanese shops?
d) Sticking it in your pants and limping through customs?
4. What kind of shipping/handling fees should I expect?
5. What kind of neck thicknesses are the new models sporting? Slimline or baseball bats ... or something in-between? (I prefer slim.) Do the neck profiles vary by model or country of origin?
Thanks to all for letting me tap into your guru-ness.