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

[OuttaspaceMan]

Hello everyone! Long time off-set and tele user here, but this time I'm interested in exploring a Les Paul and unfortunately I have not much knowledge and much idea how to spot a bonafide Les Paul since I've never had one before. I found a Tokai Les Paul online and I'm considering on pulling the trigger on my 1st Tokai but I decided to post this to seek for your inputs before anything else.

So here goes. I saw this Tokai Love Rock Standard Goldtop posted online and according to the seller, it's Korean-made. He said he can't tell for sure on what type of wood used and most probably it's the standard mahogany with maple top. Here's the description on his ad:

"This guitar weighs 4.25 kilos has no serial number so was probably Made in Korea for the domestic japanese market.

In excellent used condition. (see pics) The front is clean with justa couple of tiny marks. The back has some scratches and a couple of small chips but nothing major. The back of neck has a number of small dinks/chips but nothing noticeable when played and the headstock has a couple of small chips. The original hardware is in excellent order and all working well. The electrics are original and working fine. The fretboard is fine with the frets showing minimal wear. Its playing nicely and includes a gigbag."

I have no expertise in determining whether if it's Korean or China made.. And as much as I would like to own the MIJ ones since they're the one with quality and legacy, at the moment my budget works really well with the price of a Korean made and the last thing I want to end up with a Chinese Tokai. I hope to learn from what everyone can share.

Thanks and best regards to all! =)

Rob

[OuttaspaceMan]

Here are the pics:

[OuttaspaceMan]

[OuttaspaceMan]

[OuttaspaceMan]

[OuttaspaceMan]

[whitehall]

Looks Chinese from the pointed cutaway. Most important pix is missing ... front and rear headstock shots.

[OuttaspaceMan]

[OuttaspaceMan]

[OuttaspaceMan]

[OuttaspaceMan]

Are these the same with the one I'm considering?

http://www.dhgate.com/Tokai-LS48-Ele...807151472.html

http://www.richtonemusic.co.uk/guita...ld-top-38.html

Advance thanks for everyone's time and advice on this =)

[OuttaspaceMan]

Originally Posted by whitehall

Looks Chinese from the pointed cutaway. Most important pix is missing ... front and rear headstock shots.

Yup, that's my suspicion as well. I just wanted validation from a Tokai user/owner.

More headstock shots:









Bonafide Fakai?

[Jazzydave]

Are you dead set on a Tokia? You might check out the Epi Elites as well - I've been seeing them for pretty cheap lately and I've heard they're great guitars!

I wouldn't go with anything other than a real Gibby or a Japanese built...

[OuttaspaceMan]

Originally Posted by Jazzydave

Are you dead set on a Tokia? You might check out the Epi Elites as well - I've been seeing them for pretty cheap lately and I've heard they're great guitars!

I wouldn't go with anything other than a real Gibby or a Japanese built...

Thanks for your response! No.. Not really, but this seemed like a possibility especially with the price tag on it. But I have a feeling it's a "Fakai" and I just wanted some validation if it was a fake or not. The AD ends in 6 hrs but looks like I'll pass at this anyway.

Thanks again for your insights Jazzydave =)

[Jazzydave]

Originally Posted by OuttaspaceMan

Thanks for your response! No.. Not really, but this seemed like a possibility especially with the price tag on it. But I have a feeling it's a "Fakai" and I just wanted some validation if it was a fake or not. The AD ends in 6 hrs but looks like I'll pass at this anyway.

Thanks again for your insights 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!