Hello Tokai enthusiasts, I just registered to see if anyone can help solve a mystery. I purchased a new Tokai TJ70 "Love Rock" guitar, serial number 0610733, in 2006 from Ishibashi Music, Japan. I changed the MIJ Gotoh pickup to a Lollar and have loved playing this beautifully-made Les Paul Jr. copy guitar over the years. But is it actually Made in Japan as the salesman at Ishibashi claimed? (I still have the emails saved.)
Positives: bookcase headstock, 2 screw truss rod cover, MIJ Gotoh pickup and pots, one piece mahogany body, and guitar is very well made (I own a bunch of guitars and know the difference.)
The glaring negative: there is no Made in Japan on the back of the headstock.
Did they not add Made in Japan for the guitars made for the domestic market?
Additional info: in the pickup cavity, written by hand it says "2 - 58" over "SYW". I've enhanced the color in attached photo for easier reading.
Thanks much for your help, I look forward to checking in on the forums regularly.
Hank S.
Positives: bookcase headstock, 2 screw truss rod cover, MIJ Gotoh pickup and pots, one piece mahogany body, and guitar is very well made (I own a bunch of guitars and know the difference.)
The glaring negative: there is no Made in Japan on the back of the headstock.
Did they not add Made in Japan for the guitars made for the domestic market?
Additional info: in the pickup cavity, written by hand it says "2 - 58" over "SYW". I've enhanced the color in attached photo for easier reading.
Thanks much for your help, I look forward to checking in on the forums regularly.
Hank S.
Attachments
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1. whole guitar front.jpeg245.6 KB · Views: 0
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2. back headstock wide.jpeg174.6 KB · Views: 0
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3. serial number close.jpeg123.9 KB · Views: 0
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4. headstock front.jpeg114.7 KB · Views: 0
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5. original PUP.jpeg179.1 KB · Views: 0
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6. original pup.jpeg166.6 KB · Views: 0
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7. pots.jpeg271.2 KB · Views: 0
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8. pickup cavity, enhanced color.HEIC.jpeg208.6 KB · Views: 0
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9. original case.jpeg285.4 KB · Views: 0
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10. plate on case.jpeg467.7 KB · Views: 0
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11. neck to body joint back.jpeg166.6 KB · Views: 0
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12.warranty:instructions.jpeg336.9 KB · Views: 0