Tokai users: Newbie needs your advice. Korean or Chinese?

[OuttaspaceMan]

Hey guys!

I did more research on this and it appears to be Korean-made. The headstock apparently is the newer style just as what this has. As some have mentioned.. the giveaway is the studs for the bridge.

Also contacted others for feedback and it turns out that seller is a legit seller for guitars, and the one that has responded has dealt with him on numerous times. Upon checking his other items, all seemed authentic Japanese guitars. Btw the seller is from Japan as well. But I still need more confirmation if this is truly Korean and not a Chinese knock-off with a Agathis body.

If anyone could share more info on this Tokai Goldtop, validation and insights would be truly be appreciated.

I have one more day before the AD ends. Hope to learn more from what everybody can share. =)

[OuttaspaceMan]

Originally Posted by Jazzydave

Hey, no problem brother. Hold out for what you want - there are too many great guitars out there right now to settle for anything less!

Hey Dave, you're definitely right on that note. Thanks for your advice. After a month of sniping guitar forums, guitar shops and ebay.. And just recently, I think I've finally found the goldtop for me.

Will update you all if it pushes thru! For now, all I can do is cross my fingers =)

Many thanks again!

[tokiswartooth]

I have played the Korean Tokau, and they are not in the same League with the Japanese models. I would Suggest a MIJ Tokai, Burny, Orville, or MIJ Epiphone Elite models. theswe compete with Gibson Custom Shop, forget Gibson Standard models. Best value out there for real Les Paul Tones.

[NWOBHM]

Originally Posted by OuttaspaceMan

Hey guys!

I did more research on this and it appears to be Korean-made. The headstock apparently is the newer style just as what this has. As some have mentioned.. the giveaway is the studs for the bridge.

Also contacted others for feedback and it turns out that seller is a legit seller for guitars, and the one that has responded has dealt with him on numerous times. Upon checking his other items, all seemed authentic Japanese guitars. Btw the seller is from Japan as well. But I still need more confirmation if this is truly Korean and not a Chinese knock-off with a Agathis body.

If anyone could share more info on this Tokai Goldtop, validation and insights would be truly be appreciated.

I have one more day before the AD ends. Hope to learn more from what everybody can share. =)

That's an early 90's Korean made, no serial number, 2 screw truss rod cover, large post bridge, pointy headtsock. That headstaock isn't new, it actually first appeared on 85' Japan made models for export. I have an 85' MIJ, I also had one of those early 90's ones, it was o.k. but, nowhere near as nice as a MIJ model. Also, some models from the early 90's were made of plywood! I had a ALC53 or LC53 and it was definately made of plywood.

[OuttaspaceMan]

Originally Posted by NWOBHM

That's an early 90's Korean made, no serial number, 2 screw truss rod cover, large post bridge, pointy headtsock. That headstaock isn't new, it actually first appeared on 85' Japan made models for export. I have an 85' MIJ, I also had one of those early 90's ones, it was o.k. but, nowhere near as nice as a MIJ model. Also, some models from the early 90's were made of plywood! I had a ALC53 or LC53 and it was definately made of plywood.

Hey NWOBHM, thanks for your insight and pardon the long reply I just got to check in here. Thanks for the confirmation that it's Korean. The seller said he was uncertain of the wood so it could also just be plywood! Good thing I had the opportunity to ask for some insights and advice on this before pulling the trigger! GAS is deadly and I'm glad I made a pass on this goldtop.

Looks like MIJ is a much better option!

Thanks again, much appreciated =)

[Stringz]

If you're set on a Tokai and you can afford one, I'd hold out for a "real" Japanese Love Rock.

[rwijaya]

or look out for a used Burny, nice guitars, would be tricky to find a decent weight though. most of them pretty heavy.

[OuttaspaceMan]

Originally Posted by Stringz

If you're set on a Tokai and you can afford one, I'd hold out for a "real" Japanese Love Rock.

I completely agree with you, I must admit sometimes I tend to get impulsive and I'm really glad for everyone's guidance and advice on matters like this. I've learned a lot and hopefully this will help other guitarists in the future when they stumble upon these kind of deals/guitars online. I'm grateful I got to hold this goldtop GAS off and with patience, eventually the right one always comes to us. Again thanks for everyone's insights and I'm very thankful to have asked in the right forum. =)

[whitehall]

Well anything that comes from DH gate is gonna be fake Chinese guitar because that's all they sell. And they are in China.

[OuttaspaceMan]

After hearing everyone's insights, thoughts and advices, I did more searching and testing of lp guitars and I'm fortunate to have found the goldtop for me. Here's a pic from the seller:







Many thanks again to everyone's help on making me see the light! =)