Tokais Made In Korea

Tokairic · Mar 22, 2023

Looks very nice. Neither of mine had any serial number anywhere to be found, and no label in the sound hole either. I managed to identify the first one as Korean through contact with the Tokai importer at the time, about 9 years ago.
At that time the real 12 string Rickenbackers were being heavily discounted at the Ric dealers. I did wonder about buying one and taking six strings off.

Sigmania · Mar 22, 2023

Korean versions are hard to identify without being marked.

These ones with serial numbers that have a letter prefix seem to be at the end of the Tokai/Korea relationship. Some if not all being possibly unauthorized.

Just curious what factors seemed to be Korean? Mini pots? And hardware like tuners marked Korea?

Tokairic · Mar 22, 2023

Sigmania said:
Korean versions are hard to identify without being marked.

These ones with serial numbers that have a letter prefix seem to be at the end of the Tokai/Korea relationship. Some if not all being possibly unauthorized.

Just curious what factors seemed to be Korean? Mini pots? And hardware like tuners marked Korea?

I sent photos and detail to the importer and he told me that the one with the Tokai truss cover and toaster pickups woulld be Korean made. It did look all round a slightly better made and finished guitar than the Rockinbetter.

Tokairic · Mar 22, 2023

Sigmania said:
Korean versions are hard to identify without being marked.

These ones with serial numbers that have a letter prefix seem to be at the end of the Tokai/Korea relationship. Some if not all being possibly unauthorized.

Just curious what factors seemed to be Korean? Mini pots? And hardware like tuners marked Korea?

I've been thinking about this - its been a while but I am sure the pots on the Tokai truss cover badged one were full size. Your other post mentions stamped neck plates but there isn't one on the Ric copies. I can also remember looking at the catalogues on this site to try to date the Tokai Ric.

Sigmania · Mar 22, 2023

Yeah, on the set neck Korean Tokais there was rarely a serial number until we get into the sketchy period after 2005 when licensed production was moved to China.

Apparently some of the factories that had been making guitars for Tokai continued to do so on their own and put the Tokai name on the headstock.

Some of these mfrs likely already had relationships with Tokai dealers and it looks like some orders were made without the knowledge or consent of Tokai in Japan.

It surprises me how bold they were if they would add serial numbers to guitars that were not legitimate. I am thinking specifically of the Fakais with the stickers that proclaim they are "Manufactured under licence for Tokai Gakki Co. Lid*.

Manufactured Under License For... Fakais

Others have these letter prefix serial numbers like the 12 string Ric copy I linked above may have been made before 2005 and may be unauthorized. Possibly a reason they moved to China?

Letter Prefix Serial Number Korean

If yours didn't have a serial number then that argues for it being a legitimate Korean Tokai. Chinese versions had serial numbers. Fakais had serial numbers.

Sigmania · Apr 18, 2023

Not sure what this is?

Second one I have seen t=with this sort of number low down on a neck plate.

Probably unauthorized?

TOKAI トーカイエレキギター LOVE ROCK MODEL ... - ヤフオク!

Feeling of use, scratches and stains can be seen.

Defective product with considerable damage Toggle switch) knob is damaged.

Volume knob is damaged.

There is a hole for mounting the pickguard. No pickguard removed.

There are other scratches. *

In the case of an E-ranked item with considerable damage and defects, operation unconfirmed, or a junk item, we cannot accept returns in the unlikely event that there is a problem.

Brand/Manufacturer: TOKAI
Product Name: Tokai Electric Guitar LOVE ROCK MODEL Love Rock Model Les Paul Brown