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Tokai HistoryWell known as a Japanese builder of very high quality guitars, the Tokai Gakki Co. Ltd was established in the late 1940s, originally producing keyboard harmonicas. In the 1970s Tokai won an OEM contract with CF Martin to produce Martin guitars in Japan. This success was followed shortly in 1977, when Tokai launched a classic series of electric guitars which included the Springy Sound, Love Rock and Breezy Sound models. These guitars were copies of famous Fender and Gibson electric guitars. With regard to the Fender models, Tokai built the replica "Springy" and "Breezy" models as high quality tributes of the classic "Pre-CBS" guitars, at a time when Fender was focused on new versions of their own products. Fender had all but ignored the market for their own classic instruments from the 50s and 60's. Tokai seized on this opportunity and lovingly and faithfully produced the Fender Replicas with minor variations to the originals, and in some cases, improvements to the originals. This was the birth of the "re-issue" concept, and Tokai can be credited for creating this concept. The original "Springy Sound" (50s' / 60's Strat) and "Breezy Sound" (50's Telecaster) were recognised as very high quality instruments and even sported the original small Fender pre-CBS headstock shapes and spaghetti style logos abandoned by Fender in favor of their large late 60s' / 70's headstocks. In early 1980, Fender began to take notice of the success of Tokai and the excellent reputation they had earned producing guitars. In many cases, Tokai quality was considered to be at a higher level of quality than Fender was able to produce. Contrary to urban legend, there was never any "lawsuit" against Tokai for trademark violation, however pressure from Fender influenced Tokai to make changes to the guitar headstocks and Tokai logo's to avoid more serious trademark violation challenges. Changes to the Fender replica's took place in 1984 - with minor variations to the headstock shape and changes in the logo script. Also around this time frame, Fender finally launched their own highly successful "Vintage Reissue" series. Tokai continues to be highly regarded as a quality instrument and has been endorsed by artists such as Stevie Ray Vaughn and Joe Walsh. Tokai produces quality guitars to this day and in fact, they were eventually selected by Fender to produce Fender Guitars for the Japanese market. Japanese built Tokai guitars are very desirable and they have a very strong musician and collector following. Vintage Tokai guitars are sought after as a collectible and playable instrument. Tokai quality is regarded as superb, and Tokai is a great investment when you consider they are appreciating in value. Fortunately for now they still remain affordable, while comparable US vintage guitars are now out of reach of the average player.
Real relics from Fret City - Our Vintage Guitars are "real relics" from the past. These Japanese built (MIJ) relics have seen the smoke, sweat and wear from years of REAL honest playing, not some "pretend" wear created by a factory worker! In our books, the hallmark of a good vintage instrument is one that plays well and has the magic to inspire it's owner. They are the instruments with the scars of the stage and studio - play wear, scratches, dents, paint chips, faded nickel - even rust. You'll find our relics are not "closet queens", nor are they museum quality. They are for the player who wants some real vintage vibe at a reasonable price! Fret City offers a unique opportunity for you to find your perfect affordable vintage guitar, one that will sound great, feel great - each uniquely individual, and one with potential to appreciate in value through the years. Each guitar is a piece of history. We guarantee the originality of each instrument as presented and we back this up with a comprehensive refund policy. All photos are actual photos of the guitar being offered for sale. Non original parts are clearly identified. We encourage questions and we are happy to provide additional information if requested.
Fret City is not affiliated with Tokai, Fender or Gibson. Any trademarks or trademark names used are properties of their owners
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