Discussion
Right, found it - it's in the July 2008 issue, Vol 19 No 7.
Tokai was founded in 1947 producing harmonicas then, in 1965, acoustic guitars. They also produced designs and parts for C.F. Martin acoustics in the States.
Their first electric guitar appeared in 1977, a Gibson Les Paul Standard replica with the Tokai logo a close copy of the Gibson one, and the words 'Les Paul Reborn' in exactly the same script as 'Les Paul Model' on the original!
The first Fender clone followed in 1977, modelled on a 1957 Stratocaster - a '62 version was to follow. Again the Fender 'sphagetti' logo was copied for the Tokai name as was all the other lettering. 'Stratocaster' became 'Springy Sound,' 'Original Contour Body' became 'Oldies But Goodies' and 'With Synchronized Tremolo' became 'This is the exact replica of the good old strat.' From 1977 to 82 the instruments became more and more accurate. In 1982 they were imported into the UK by Blue Suede Music, aided by their ad featuring a very attractive (and very naked) young lady cuddling a Springy Sound and the legend "Tokai Is Coming." (!!)
In 1984 threats of litigation forced a few changes: The Les Paul Reborn became the REborn Old, then the Love Rock as it is today. The Springy Sound became the Goldstar Sound and certain aspects of their shapes were toned down, headstocks particularly, also the Tokai logo was changed, firstly to black gold capitals then to a gold italic logo that couldn't be mistaken for anything. Many Tokais are now made in China but it's the earlier Japanese-made ones the collectors want. (I believe the Japanese made ones are only for the domestic market so you'd have to order one direct.)
There was also a Silver Star, a replica of the 70's larger-headstock Strat, and a Breezy Sound which was a Telecaster. Tokai also did Firebirds, 335's, Explorers, Flying V's, SG's (including a twin-neck!), Les Paul Juniors, Gold Tops and Customs as well as Standards, and Precision, Jazz and Thunderbird basses. Plus a few of those huge jazz things and even a PRS. I believe there were some Rickenbackers as well.
For more details try:
www.japanguitars.co.uk
or
www.tokairegistry.com
Tokai was founded in 1947 producing harmonicas then, in 1965, acoustic guitars. They also produced designs and parts for C.F. Martin acoustics in the States.
Their first electric guitar appeared in 1977, a Gibson Les Paul Standard replica with the Tokai logo a close copy of the Gibson one, and the words 'Les Paul Reborn' in exactly the same script as 'Les Paul Model' on the original!
The first Fender clone followed in 1977, modelled on a 1957 Stratocaster - a '62 version was to follow. Again the Fender 'sphagetti' logo was copied for the Tokai name as was all the other lettering. 'Stratocaster' became 'Springy Sound,' 'Original Contour Body' became 'Oldies But Goodies' and 'With Synchronized Tremolo' became 'This is the exact replica of the good old strat.' From 1977 to 82 the instruments became more and more accurate. In 1982 they were imported into the UK by Blue Suede Music, aided by their ad featuring a very attractive (and very naked) young lady cuddling a Springy Sound and the legend "Tokai Is Coming." (!!)
In 1984 threats of litigation forced a few changes: The Les Paul Reborn became the REborn Old, then the Love Rock as it is today. The Springy Sound became the Goldstar Sound and certain aspects of their shapes were toned down, headstocks particularly, also the Tokai logo was changed, firstly to black gold capitals then to a gold italic logo that couldn't be mistaken for anything. Many Tokais are now made in China but it's the earlier Japanese-made ones the collectors want. (I believe the Japanese made ones are only for the domestic market so you'd have to order one direct.)
There was also a Silver Star, a replica of the 70's larger-headstock Strat, and a Breezy Sound which was a Telecaster. Tokai also did Firebirds, 335's, Explorers, Flying V's, SG's (including a twin-neck!), Les Paul Juniors, Gold Tops and Customs as well as Standards, and Precision, Jazz and Thunderbird basses. Plus a few of those huge jazz things and even a PRS. I believe there were some Rickenbackers as well.
For more details try:
www.japanguitars.co.uk
or
www.tokairegistry.com
Forgot to mention - tokai registry has a link to the original Guitar And Bass article:
http://www.tokairegistry.com/tokai-info/Andrew%20M...
http://www.tokairegistry.com/tokai-info/Andrew%20M...
Gassing Station | Music | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff