The Export, Transitional or "7okai Fat-Script" Logo

[Sigmania]

SN 2024292

1982 Tokai EX Electric Guitar | eBay

 

[Sigmania]

SN 3029913

Tokai Electric Guitar Flying V - FVD Red Orignal Series Japan MIJ | eBay

 

[Sigmania]

Looks like this logo is a recycled logo used on acoustic guitar labels from the early to mid 70s, just as the script logo was.

Tokai Classical Guitar 1960's | Reverb

 

[Homer J. Simpson]

Aw I saved the same label pic some time ago for the strange logo (not knowing of this thread and that it was "recycled" later). What's interesting too is that the label seems to have a date: 46 7 28 would be July 28th, 1971.

 

[Sigmania]

I am still not sure about the sequence an numbering system in the 1970s.

Here is a thread I started to gather these to see if anything emerges.

Earliest Tokai Guitars

The first catalog I have is from 1969



then 1973



then the Cart's Eyes catalog in 1975 I believe.



Let me know if you find anything that ties a date to any models in that early 70s period.

 

[Sigmania]

1983 USA Ad

7okai
IT'S HIGH TIME

The premier guitars of Europe and Japan available now in the USA. The serious choice for serious players a select group of vintage and contemporary styles from $375.00.

Tokai
Design excellence
IMC International Music Corporation
PO. BOX 2344
FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76113
PHONE: (817) 336-5114

 

[Homer J. Simpson]

Here's another example with what looks like a date rather than a serial number (in continuation of the 1971 Japanese dates?), but this time in Gregorian calendar format (and sporting the 7at-script logo on the label and the script logo on the headstock).

No idea if and how unusual that is but it's also a Tokai that has what looks like a Sigma model number (GCS-6):

 

[Sigmania]

This one seems to have a showa date on the paper label from 1972 with the 7okai logo.

TOKAI ART No.120 クラシックギター 1947年 トー... - Yahoo!オークション

 

[Sigmania]

So showa dates into 1972 and then Gregorian in 1973?

Need more data points obviously, but interesting.

 

[Sigmania]

Here's another example with what looks like a date rather than a serial number (in continuation of the 1971 Japanese dates?), but this time in Gregorian calendar format (and sporting the 7at-script logo on the label and the script logo on the headstock).

No idea if and how unusual that is but it's also a Tokai that has what looks like a Sigma model number (GCS-6):

View attachment 31012
View attachment 31013
View attachment 31011

Here is another one with a SIGMA type model number written in...

Tokai acoustic, Steel strings, Adjustable action. S/N ? 740143, Tokai Gakki Hamamatsu Japan.
Year unknown. Attaching photos. Thankyou. I have not found catalogue reference for this guitar. I hope you can help. Cheers.

 

[Sigmania]

Early 7, Export, or Transition Logo Gallery

 

[Sigmania]

Sold 10/11/82

Tokai Flying V Tokai Musical Instruments Tokai Flying V Type Electric Guitar FVD45SWR