LS200 J VF - key features

[Andycaladail]

I recently acquired this Tokai Love Rocks. The certificate states its a LS200 J VF. What distinguishes this model from say a LS 160? I know some of the hardware has been modified but I checked the long neck tenon and the top is two piece solid maple. Any clues please?

 

[guitar hiro]

The J in LS200 J VF could signify 'Jacaranda' but that is a guess.

Difficult to tell from your photos but the fingerboard looks like it could be Jacaranda.

Also, doesn't seem anyone here knows what Jacaranda actually is and the point has been debated to death.

Nice guitar tho' and good luck

 

[Sigmania]

Here is the 2018 catalog.



Possibly the same guitar being called an LS196. With inflation is could become an LS200 in 2 years. Just a guess.

Looks like your knobs, tuners, pickups, etc. were probably changed.

And as for the "J", could you post a pic of the COA? Might help clarify what it means.

 

[Andycaladail]

Thanks for the response. Attached CoA. Can decipher serial number? Has anyone ever translated the text on the back?

 

[Andycaladail]

The J in LS200 J VF could signify 'Jacaranda' but that is a guess.

Difficult to tell from your photos but the fingerboard looks like it could be Jacaranda.

Also, doesn't seem anyone here knows what Jacaranda actually is and the point has been debated to death.

Nice guitar tho' and good luck

Thanks. Tried to photo the fretboard. Very interesting debate. I asked elsewhere about J and was told it meant “Junior”. Have you heard of that before?

 

[Sigmania]

The serial number is date based. First two digits are the year , 2020.

The rest of the numbers are a count. I’m not sure if this is total arch tops made. I haven’t been following it.

In the beginning in 1978 there was a continuous count.

As for the back of the certificate I assume it is just legal language of a warranty, etc. Try using Google lens to translate.

 

[Sigmania]

Warranty regulations
●We will repair the product free of charge if it breaks down under normal use within one year from the date of purchase. However, please note that in the following cases, the actual cost of the repair will be charged.
1. Failure caused by improper handling, modification or repair of each part of this product.
2. In the case of wear and tear of parts.
3. In the case of damage or failure due to transportation, dropping, etc. after purchase.
4. Failure or damage caused by fire, earthquake, flood, or other natural disasters.
5. If there is no presentation of the warranty card, or if there are no entries on the warranty card. This warranty is valid only in Japan.
●If this warranty card is lost due to reasons other than force majeure such as theft or fire, it will not be reissued, so please keep it in a safe place. In addition, this warranty is not transferable to others. service center
●Inquiries about after-sales service 〒430-0835 2-26-10 Enshuhama, Minami-ku, Hamamatsu City Tokai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd. TEL(053)425-2800
HOW TO CARE Since most guitars are made of wood, they require regular maintenance to keep them in top condition. Observe the following points to enjoy excellent sound. please
●Use a dedicated hard case to protect your precious guitar from the effects of shocks and the outside air. After playing, use a polish or cloth to wipe off dirt from the guitar and strings. You don't need to loosen the strings unless you're not playing for months. Keep your guitar in good condition with a desiccant or humidifier.
●Use good strings, and when replacing strings, replace them one at a time to keep the neck in good condition. If you are unsure about the neck sled or other conditions, please contact the store where you purchased the instrument or Tokai Gakki. The most important thing is to know and use the guitar thoroughly. A good guitar is not necessarily an expensive guitar. A good guitar is made by the player playing it himself. Your model has passed strict quality inspections.
Date of purchase Year Month Day

 

[Sigmania]

In the Reborn Old line JFB stands for jacaranda fret board.

"Reborn Old" Reborn

It could also be that the mods on your guitar were part of a special or custom order, and the J is part of that?

Special Limited Run Tokai LS Models

Custom Orders

 

[guitar hiro]

Here is the 2018 catalog.

View attachment 11401

Possibly the same guitar being called an LS196. With inflation is could become an LS200 in 2 years. Just a guess.

Looks like your knobs, tuners, pickups, etc. were probably changed.

And as for the "J", could you post a pic of the COA? Might help clarify what it means.

Interesting that the 2018 catalog is showing Madagascar Rosewood for the LS390.

I imagine the OP's LS200 is a 2020 example so, it would seem odd to have 'Jacaranda' on a 2020 LS200 example when the 2018 info is showing a LS390 with a maddy board. Just looking at this logically but then the MIJ stuff is always throwing curve balls.

 

[guitar hiro]

Thanks. Tried to photo the fretboard. Very interesting debate. I asked elsewhere about J and was told it meant “Junior”. Have you heard of that before?View attachment 11406

Don't know why the J would designate 'Junior' because your LS looks like a copy of a LP Standard but then I'm not up to speed on the more recent LS line, circa 2020.

MIJs are a strange breed and that's one reason I like 'em.

 

[Andycaladail]

Don't know why the J would designate 'Junior' because your LS looks like a copy of a LP Standard but then I'm not up to speed on the more recent LS line, circa 2020.

MIJs are a strange breed and that's one reason I like 'em.

Thanks for all of your considered input. It helps my education

 

[Andycaladail]

In the Reborn Old line JFB stands for jacaranda fret board.

"Reborn Old" Reborn

It could also be that the mods on your guitar were part of a special or custom order, and the J is part of that?

Special Limited Run Tokai LS Models

Custom Orders

Sigmania thank you for your responses.