Should I buy this guitar?

[Mr. Air]

A week ago I got a text message from an old girlfriend. She remembered that I was interested in her Tokai Love Rock back when we were dating. So she says that if I want it I can buy it for approx. 215£. I don't know what model it is, but I'm pretty sure it's from the mid or late 90s. Anyway it seems like a good price to me or am I wrong? Worst case scenario it's one of the AL48 models and the price would be reasonable (I think). Best case scenario it might be a better model and I could be in for a good deal.

What do you guys think?

[AnnunakiMassacr]

I say get an Epi LP Custom secondhand for that price :)

[tekbow]

I say get an Epi LP Custom secondhand for that price :)

I say don't, you'd probably still be getting a better guitar in the tokai, plus the tokai doesn't have the Epi headstock shape. It has the gibson shape.

I you have fond memories of it, try it out, if it still gets your blood going then thats not a massive amount of money for a guitar you feel it with

[AnnunakiMassacr]

The Tokai shape is actually closer to the Gibsons'. The epi's have more of a grand curved image.

But then if you love the guitar, only you will know if it's right for you.

[dave_mc]

if it's a japanese one go for it

if it's not i'd probably pass

[Philly Q]

It has a 2-screw trussrod cover, which suggests it's Japanese (unless someone has mucked about with it).

On that basis , it's a good price, I'd go for it (assuming you like the guitar, obviously....!)


Edit:  That said, the pickup rings and hardware don't look like the parts they use on MIJ Tokais.  :?   They look a bit cheapo, to be honest.  Are you sure it's only a '90s model?  Could it be older?

[Telerocker]

if it's a japanese one go for it

if it's not i'd probably pass

+1. If it's Japanese and the neck is ok, you have a bargain.

[Mr. Air]

It has a 2-screw trussrod cover, which suggests it's Japanese (unless someone has mucked about with it).

On that basis , it's a good price, I'd go for it (assuming you like the guitar, obviously....!)


Edit:  That said, the pickup rings and hardware don't look like the parts they use on MIJ Tokais.  :?   They look a bit cheapo, to be honest.  Are you sure it's only a '90s model?  Could it be older?

It could be older. I'm pretty sure that my ex bought it used and I we met each other in 2001. Technically it could be a model from 2000 or 2001, but I'm pretty possitive it's  not. I think I'll ask her if she knows how old the guitar is and if she bought it herself.

[Brow]

Doesn't it say where it was made on the back of the headstock at all?

If it's MIJ then that's a bit of a steal!  :lol:

[Mr. Air]

Doesn't it say where it was made on the back of the headstock at all?

If it's MIJ then that's a bit of a steal!  :lol:

I have made some new inquiries so now I'll have to wait for an answer.

It has a 2-screw trussrod cover, which suggests it's Japanese (unless someone has mucked about with it).

In the 90s Tokai catalouges all the Love Rock models have a two screw trussrod cover. It changes to a three screw one in 2000.

[TheyCallMeVolume]

I'd say go for it, I think Tokai is better than Epiphone in most cases. Especially when you know that this guitar is decent if you've already spent time with it.

[Mr. Air]

I'd say go for it, I think Tokai is better than Epiphone in most cases. Especially when you know that this guitar is decent if you've already spent time with it.

I can't really remember how the guitar plays and sounds as it's a little more than 10 years since I played it, but I remember liking it back then. That might have changed, but why should it...

[Mr. Air]

A little update on this most ellusive guitar. The ex couldn't find a serial number on the guitar, but she bought it used in 1997. Anyone who knows anything about Tokai models without serial numbers?

[TheyCallMeVolume]

I'm pretty sure I see only 2 TRC screws, but SN'less Tokai's should have 3 TRC screws. Was one taken out?

[Mr. Air]

I'm pretty sure I see only 2 TRC screws, but SN'less Tokai's should have 3 TRC screws. Was one taken out?

I don't know if the trussrod cover is original ot if it has been changed. I've looked through some old Tokai catalouges and it seems that the company have used both 2 and 3 hole models.