WeTCGAKKIWe propose a new way to enjoy used instruments. Rather than simply refurbishing and selling them, we enhance their inherent quality with entirely new concepts, presenting them as innovative "Refined Products."

High-quality, well-made domestic electric guitars manufactured by Fuji String and Matsumoku in the 1970s and 1980sBassWe meticulously refresh each instrument (including repairs and refinishing), select premium hardware like pickups and electronics, and set them up for professional use.

 

Our respect for the craftsmen and other individuals involved at that time,TCGAKKIThe appeal of tuning by our renowned repair division "TC-TUNE" has been incorporated, launching as the new project "ReFINE".

RiFINE Project


　TCGAKKIFor over 30 years as a used musical instrument specialist, we have handled a vast number of instruments—from valuable vintage pieces to reasonably priced used items—totaling as many as 10,000 items annually.

Noteworthy are domestic products, which have now established the globally renowned MIJ (Made in Japan) category and gained high acclaim and popularity due to their exceptional manufacturing quality, showcasing the brilliance of skilled craftsmanship.

And to the younger generation who still don't know that world, we aim to spread the appeal of Japan Vintage. For the seasoned veterans who experienced vintage in real time,TCGAKKIWe hope you'll enjoy our unique know-how and playful spirit.

 

Skilled professional techniques
TC Original Instrument Series,
The veteran workshop T.S factory, known for crafting the TACHIKOMA GT and ATD-GT, has generously applied its skilled woodworking and painting techniques.

Unique and eye-catching colors you won't find anywhere else
A visually enhanced model featuring striking and distinctive colors.

Made with premium materials
Amid concerns over declining wood quality due to recent timber regulations, the luxurious wood materials used in domestic instruments of that era hold particular appeal.

Respect for Japan Vintage
We respect the high woodworking skills of domestic factories like Fujigen and Matsumoku, which now enjoy high recognition and popularity even among overseas enthusiasts, and aim to pass this tradition on to the modern era.

Professional-grade setup
Setup isTCGAKKIThe renowned setting wizard TANAKA oversees the design, achieving player-oriented playability that meets professional standards.

BassOur Commitment to Model Selection
BassFor domestic models, the selection primarily focuses on units with significant wear and tear and low originality—essentially, those that fail to satisfy collector demand.TCGAKKI(as we do not wish to lose valuable vintage items).

Vintage that can be used
We aimed to create an appealing product that would satisfy even those who previously avoided used items, by dispelling common impressions such as "used items are dirty" or "they're inconvenient to use."

Greco (TC-TUNE)
1980 EG800PR ReFINE

Features a P.U. Cartridge Replacement System!!
Greco (TC-TUNE) 1980 EG800PR ReFINE

Comments
We envisioned a guitar that offers diverse sounds through interchangeable pickup cartridges, creating several variations (3 humbuckers, 3 single-coils, 3 P90s, etc.). Custom socket wiring for easy cartridge swapping is also available upon request.
Pulling up the rear volume knob activates the center pickup (in reverse phase), creating a phase-out sound with the rear pickup. The top has been refinished in a subdued color to match the wooden pickup mount.

Refined areas
・Drop-in mount for P.U. cartridge carved from black persimmon wood
・Top refinish (urethane)
・Center P.U. ON/OFF switch (Pull Up rear VOL knob for reverse-phase center)
P.U. is ON)
VOL Knob Down Position: Pickup Selector [Front/Front & Rear/Rear]
VOL Knob Up Position: Pickup Switch [Front / Front & Center & Rear (Phase)
Out)/Center & Rear (Phase Out)]
・Electrical system upgrades, CTS pots, oil capacitors, Switchcraft
Hired Jack


Specifications
BODY: Solid Maple 2-piece Top / Mahogany Back
NECK: Mahogany 1pc
FINGERBOARD: Striped Ebony 22F
P.U.: Original U-2000 x3
BRIDGE: Original
TUNERS: Waffle Back Type
SCALE: 628mm
WEIGHT: 4.92 kg
CASE: "hundred" Softcase

The actual machine before modification

It is carved from thick black persimmon wood planks.

The P.U. cartridge section is precisely mounted to the body.
It has been dropped to the top.

This is an image of the P.U. variation.

This is an image of the P.U. variation.

Fender Japan (TC-TUNE)
1986-1987 ST57-55 ReFINE

This is a versatile, high-performance machine!!
Fender Japan (TC-TUNE) 1986-1987 ST57-55 ReFINE

Comments
Inspired by studio-grade high-end guitars. Features a psychedelic, high-visual finish body with new-technology Lace Alumitone pickups installed. Refret with medium-high frets and a slightly reduced fingerboard radius. Equipped with a Wilkinson VG300 bridge and rear direct switch—a true high-end orthodox guitar that strictly adheres to the rules. We wanted to build authentic high-end quality based on a domestic Japanese guitar.
With a flashy appearance matched by a wide, well-balanced sound, it's refined for ease of use.

Refined areas
Drop-in mount for P.U. cartridge carved from black persimmon wood
Special Psychedelic Finish
Neck grip with a smooth, matte finish
Rearham processing
The pickup features a wide-range, low-noise aluminum tone from Lace.
Featuring a single coil and the same Deathbacker that delivers a loud sound
Electrical System Upgrade, TAP Switch (Rear)
Replace with Goto Pegs

Specifications
BODY: Alder
NECK: Maple 1pc 21F
Pickups: Lace Alumitone Single-Coil x2, Lace Alumitone Deathbucker x1
BRIDGE: Wilkinson VG300 Chrome
TUNERS: Gotoh SD91 Nickel
SCALE: 648mm
WEIGHT: 3.20 kg
CASE: "hundred" Softcase

The actual machine before modification

Through meticulous painting work (confidential?!), a finish with a suspicious color scheme is gradually completed.

TC-TUNE's commitment extends to soldering too!

Fender Japan (TC-TUNE)
1989 PB75-70 ReFINE

A stylish Mary Kay-inspired preppy look!!
Fender Japan (TC-TUNE) 1989 PB75-70 ReFINE

Comments
A PB model refined with a 1950s Mary Kay-style blonde finish and gold hardware. It's a rare find—a truly vintage-feeling guitar!! Featuring Lindy Fralin pickups, renowned for their vintage sound with a modern twist and user-friendly tone, combined with upgraded electronics, it delivers a truly "usable" vintage vibe.BassIt has been finished.

Refined areas
Lacquer Blonde refinish
Upgraded to gold hardware
Lindy Fraelin's Pickup
Electrical System Upgrade

Specifications
BODY: Sen
NECK: Maple 1pc 20F
Pickup: Lindy Fralin P-Bass
BRIDGE: Vintage-style Gold
TUNERS: Gotoh Bold
SCALE: 864mm
WEIGHT: 3.98 kg
CASE
"hundred" Softcase

The actual machine before modification

Precise and beautiful routing work

The custom pickguard fits perfectly without a single flaw.
Fit!

The cavity in the back is a remnant of the original machine.

Fender Japan (TC-TUNE)
1987 ST57-140 "EXTRAD" ReFINE

Got a problem with that? This is the real deal!!
Fender Japan (TC-TUNE) 1987 ST57-140 "EXTRAD" ReFINE

Comments
This guitar embodies the classic hard rock sound of the '80s. It's a manly single-coil! (lol) BassFor the body, I chose the Fender Japan Extra Strat, the top-of-the-line domestic model at the time. The flame-figured neck is incredible! It's a bit embarrassing to admit my age, but I started playing electric guitar in my teens during the late '70s. I got my start on a Greco made by Fuji Stringed Instruments, and I had such fond memories of it that I absolutely wanted to build this guitar using Fuji Stringed Instruments components.


For the tremolo unit, I chose the early Floyd Rose FRT-3, which had a huge influence on the hard rock scene at the time. I deliberately avoided using a locking nut, opting instead for Sperzel locking tuners.The key point is the single VooDoo humbucker pickup, slanted and direct-mounted at the rear. The fingerboard was changed to a 305R radius per preference and refretted with jumbo frets. Extended to 24 frets, the high positions were scalloped for added playfulness.
I love the rich midrange and the sound's stickiness and punchiness that are characteristic of alder bodies.

Refined areas
24F edge beveling, scalloped edge (21-24F)
Fingerboard radius changed to 305 (12")
Jumbo fret replacement, refinishing
Installation and machining of FRT units
Rearham processing
Features VooDoo pickups
Electrical System Upgrade
Replaced with Sperzel locking tuners
Replaced with F.C.G.R. Tone Shift Plate (2mm)

Specifications
BODY: Alder 2-piece
NECK: Maple 1pc 24F
P.U.: VooDoo HB59's x1
BRIDGE: Floyd Rose FRT-3 Gold (Early Version)
TUNERS
Sperzel Trim-Lok Satin: Gold
SCALE: 648mm
WEIGHT: 3.39 kg
CASE: "hundred" Softcase

The actual machine before modification

Installing humbucker cutouts

Humbuckers feature a meticulously crafted direct mount!

The fingerboard extension is carefully handcrafted.
It will be scalloped.

This is an image of the P.U. variation.

FERNANDES (TC-TUNE)
E1980s BO-50 ReFINE

I gave shape to that longing for high-end things I felt back then.Bass

Comments
5-piece through-neck Precision Bass—this is clearly a modern high-end model.BassRight!
I've always thought that.
I refined it to give shape to my long-held aspirations.
The smooth sound of the through-neck pairs perfectly with the ebony fretless, delivering exactly the result we aimed for.


The pickup features the classic Bartolini 8S, and the meticulously assembled electronics deliver a rich, responsive modern sound.
The fingerboard, extended to the very edge of the pickup, is deliberately left without fret lines. This refinement embodies the desire for players to freely express beautiful, elegant sounds across the long fingerboard, unbound by fret lines.

Refined areas
Fretless ebony fingerboard
Replace on board, extend
Neck back with a matte finish
Upgraded to Bartolini 8S pickups
Electrical System Upgrade
Gotoh 201B-4 Bridge
Grover Tuner

Specifications
BODY: Sen
NECK: Maple + Mahogany 5-piece: Thru-neck
FINGERBOARD: Ebony
Pickup: Bartolini 8S
BRIDGE: Gotoh 201B-4 Black
TUNERS: Grover Black
SCALE: 870mm? 34 inches 864mm
WEIGHT: 3.89 kg
CASE: "hundred" Softcase

The actual machine before modification

Here is the fingerboard after removal.

A new ebony fretless fingerboard will be installed.

Clamp firmly with a vise.

Greco (TC-TUNE)
1989 EGC-600 ReFINE "Samurai"

A guitar that cuts through rock like a Japanese sword!!
Greco (TC-TUNE) 1989 EGC-600 ReFINE 'Samurai'

Comments
Rock-inspired black customBassFeaturing custom gold-colored aluminum engraved parts with a Japanese aesthetic, refined for a substantial feel. The matte neck finish delivers a great playing experience!! This is one of two paired models: gold (Samurai) and silver (Ninja).

Refined areas
Remove the back neck finish and apply a matte finish.
BW&R Custom-Made Aluminum Engraved Pickguard (Samurai)
BW&R Custom-Made Aluminum Engraved PU Ring
BW&R Custom-Made Aluminum Engraved Rod Cover (Samurai)
Pickup & Electrical System Upgrades, Oil Capacitor Adoption

Specifications
BODY: Solid Maple Top / Mahogany Back NECK
Mahogany L.A.C. Joint Fingerboard: Rosewood 22 frets
P.U.: Original Screamin' x2
BRIDGE: Original
TUNERS: Original Rotomatic
SCALE: 628mm
WEIGHT: 4.55 kg
CASE: "hundred" Softcase

The actual machine before modification

The back of the neck features a matte natural finish.

Orville by Gibson (TC-TUNE)
1992 Les Paul Standard ReFINE

This is a refinement of "I want an LP in this color!"
Orville by Gibson (TC-TUNE) 1992 Les Paul Standard ReFINE

Comments
The globally acclaimed Orville by Gibson LPS has been refined for a lighter touch! Its eye-catching surf blue top with glitter evokes the shimmering oceans and skies of the tropics. Combined with S. Duncan's S-Cess rubber pickups and upgraded electronics, it delivers a premium, rich humbucker sound.

Refined areas
Top Refinish (Surf Blue Sparkle)
Seymour Duncan SH-55 S-Style Pickup Replacement
Upgrade electrical components to CTS or Switchcraft parts

Specifications
BODY: Solid Maple Top / Mahogany Back
NECK: Mahogany
FINGERBOARD: Rosewood 22 frets
Pickup: Seymour Duncan SH-55n/b Seth Lover Model
BRIDGE: Original
TUNERS: Original
SCALE: 628mm
WEIGHT: 3.93 kg
CASE: "hundred" Softcase

YAMAHA (TC-TUNE)
1970s SB-700 ReFINE

A unique model with a completely revamped look and soundBass!!
YAMAHA (TC-TUNE) 1970s SB-700 ReFINE

Comments
Yamaha has refined its world-renowned SuperBass into a modern single-humbucker configuration. The bubinga pickguard, seamlessly integrated into the body, is the result of masterful craftsmanship.
Combining a humbucking pickup with a simple passive circuit, it delivers powerful, thick beats!! While its appearance and sound differ significantly from the original, its inherent quality is quintessentially Japan Vintage.

Refined areas
Bubinga Pickguard Inlay Process
Body Back Cavity Machining
Upgraded with a matte black finish Seymour Duncan SMB-4A humbucker
Electrical System Upgrade, Series/Parallel Switching Shaller Bridge

Specifications
BODY: Alder
NECK: Maple 1pc Bolt-on 20F
P.U.: Seymour Duncan SMB-4A MM Alnico V
CIRCUIT Passive, 1V-1T Series/Parallel Switch
BRIDGE: Schaller 3-D4 CHROME
TUNERS: Original
SCALE: 864mm
WEIGHT: 4.05 kg
CASE: "hundred" Softcase

The actual machine before modification

 

Routing precisely to the thickness of the insert plate. This is an extremely labor-intensive and technically demanding task.

Bubinga wood for the inlaid pickguard.

It's just like a big puzzle piece!

Fully crimp using multiple vises.

Aria Pro II (TC-TUNE)
1980 LS-500 ReFINE "Ninja"

We've added a Japanese touch to Japabin!
Aria Pro II (TC-TUNE) 1980 LS-500 ReFINE "Ninja"

Comments
The seasoned sunburst body top has been refreshed with a sleek black finish!! Custom aluminum engraved parts with a Japanese aesthetic accentuate the vintage Japanese charm. This is one of two paired models: gold (Samurai) and silver (Ninja).

Refined areas
Top Refinish (Urethane Black)
BW&R Custom-Made Aluminum Engraved Pickguard (Ninja)
BW&R Custom-Made Aluminum Engraved PU Ring
BW&R Custom-Made Aluminum Engraved Rod Cover (Ninja)
Pickup & Electrical System Upgrades, Oil Capacitor Adoption
Pegs, knobs, and other parts replacement

Specifications
BODY: Solid Maple Top / Mahogany Back
NECK: Maple
FINGERBOARD: Rosewood 22 frets
P.U.: Gotoh Humbucker x2
BRIDGE: Original
TUNERS: Gotoh
SCALE: 628mm
WEIGHT: 4.25 kg
CASE: "hundred" Softcase

The actual machine before modification

The top will be refinished in a sleek black color.

 

So, what did you think of these 10 ReFINE videos?

This timeTCGAKKIStaff's "This kind of guitar..."Bass"I wish there was something like this!" TCTUNEIt has been realized.

Next time, as the second installment, we are currently working to ReFINE vintage Gibsons and Fenders as well.I'm hatching a scheme... no, I mean, I'm working on a plan (though I am a bit worried about the president's reaction...).

TCGAKKIThen, I also want to make all of your dreams come true. A simple part replacementFrom simple adjustments to major overhauls, feel free to consult us anytime. Our staff, who are true instrument enthusiasts,We'll be happy to assist you with genuine care. Our entire staff loves seeing our customers smile!

Well then, see you again.