Help Identifying Model - Tokai Jazz Sound Bass

[beebop1983]

Hello,

For about 30 years, I have had a Tokai Jazz Sound bass, which was gifted to me by my dad when I was a kid (it wasn't new, but second hand at the time, so I don't know when it was originally bought). It was my first instrument I ever played with and has a lot of sentimental value, but through years of gigging as a youngster, it got bashed up, scratched and generally neglected, ending up in a guitar bag stored away for years. I recently started trying to play it again after many years, but the electrics have gone, and the nut next to the E string has been cracked.

I essentially wanted to know whether or not its worth putting any money into it to fix it, or whether or not its just a poor quality model that's not worth investing anything in. When I used to play years ago, it always seemed a decent bass, but I don't really know anything about other basses, I only ever owned this one. If its worthless, I would just buy another one.

The serial number on the neck plate is L14077. It says made in Japan - these are the only things I can see that help identify it.

See pictures below.

Thank you in advance for any help.

 

[ATO]

Hi - it's a JB45 from 1983. It's a great guitar and definitely worth a new nut and the electrics fixing.

 

[beebop1983]

Hi - it's a JB45 from 1983. It's a great guitar and definitely worth a new nut and the electrics fixing.

Thanks for taking the time to respond, ATO. I guess a trip to the guitar repair store is in order then.

I'd never sell it, as I said it has a lot of sentimental value to me.... but any idea on how much these went for back in the 80s? Just for my own curiosity?

 

[ATO]

Thanks for taking the time to respond, ATO. I guess a trip to the guitar repair store is in order then.

I'd never sell it, as I said it has a lot of sentimental value to me.... but any idea on how much these went for back in the 80s? Just for my own curiosity?

In 83 in the UK, a JB45 retailed at £225.25 or $285USD. It was the lowest spec but it's still excellent quality.

Thread '1983 Tokai Prices' 1983 Tokai Prices

 

[beebop1983]

In 83 in the UK, a JB45 retailed at £225.25 or $285USD. It was the lowest spec but it's still excellent quality.

Thread '1983 Tokai Prices' 1983 Tokai Prices

That translates apparently to about 900€ nowadays with inflation, so will definitely get it repaired.

Thanks a lot for the help, much appreciated.

 

[Sigmania]

1983 & 1984 catalog shot.

 

[Sigmania]

TJB

View attachment 17625

TJB Series

TJB45 / 1964 MODEL / ¥45,000: Body, neck and hardware inheriting the functions of the high-class model. Jazz sound regardless of music genre is ideal for middle class players.

TJB60 / 1964 MODEL / ¥60,000 A contemporary model boasting unrivaled playability and rich sound variations that challenge the limits of solid bass. Tight and lively heavy bass is exactly the jazz sound.

TJB70-F/1960 SPECIAL MODEL / ¥70,000 Long-awaited model for fretless bass freaks. Sticky deep bass and exquisite tone full of jazz flavor are attractive. Flat rose fingerboard narrow neck, alder body, high grade specification of special parts.

TJB50 / 1964 RARE MODEL / ¥50,000 A headstock color finished base known as the most enthusiastic rare model of the '60s. The striking color combination is perfect for individualistic bassists. (This model is based on the

TJB80 / 1960 MODEL / ¥80,000 '60 Tradition The TJB80 is a perfect reproduction of the original materials of the '60s. The all-discretionary sound of the newly developed pickup responds to the sensibilities of professional bassists.

TJB70-J / 1960 SPECIAL MODEL / ¥70,000 A chopped fretless model recommended for professional bassists who play an active crossover role.The newly developed JB vintage pickup is a professional bass player. Specifications: A super base full of jersey feel.


View attachment 17465
(From left) TJB50MRR - TJB70JYSR - TJB80YSR - TJB70FYSR(Bottom) - TJB45OWR - TJB60-BBR

View attachment 21211
View attachment 21210

That is the 1984 catalog, same specs as the 1983 one.

 

[beebop1983]

Thanks for the info, Sigmania