We at TCGAKKI propose a new way to enjoy used musical instruments. Rather than simply refurbishing and selling them, we incorporate a completely new concept while making the most of the instruments’ inherent quality, presenting them as innovative “Refined Products.”

　We take high-quality, well-crafted Japanese electric guitars manufactured by Fuji Gakki and Matsumoku in the 1970s and 1980s, thoroughly refresh them (including repairs and refinishing), and select pickups, electronics, and other carefully chosen hardware. We then set them up so they’re ready for use in professional settings.

 

We have launched the new “ReFINE” project, infusing it with our respect for the craftsmen and industry professionals of that era through the expertise of TCGAKKI’s renowned repair division, “TC-TUNE.”

ReFINE Project


　For over 30 years as a specialty store for used musical instruments, TCGAKKI has handled as many as 10,000 instruments annually, ranging from rare vintage pieces to affordable used items.

　Of particular note are Japanese-made products, which have established the world-renowned “MIJ (Made in Japan)” category thanks to their high manufacturing quality—a testament to skilled craftsmanship—and have earned high praise and popularity.

　We aim to introduce the appeal of Japanese vintage instruments to younger generations who may not yet be familiar with this world, while also offering our unique expertise and playful spirit to seasoned veterans who experienced the vintage era firsthand, so they can continue to enjoy these instruments.

 


:Masterful Craftsmanship The TC Original Instrument Series,
We have spared no expense in incorporating the skilled woodworking and finishing techniques of the long-established T.S. Factory, the workshop behind models such as the TACHIKOMA GT and ATD-GT.

Unique, Eye-Catching Colors
A visually enhanced model featuring striking and distinctive colors.

Premium Wood Selection
Amid concerns about declining wood quality due to recent timber regulations, this model features the luxurious wood materials used in Japanese instruments of that era.

Respect for Japanese Vintage
We aim to honor and pass on to the present day the high-level woodworking techniques of domestic factories such as Fuji Gakki and Matsumoku, which are now highly recognized and popular among overseas enthusiasts.

Professional-Grade Setup
The setup is handled by TANAKA, TCGAKKI’s renowned “setup wizard,” ensuring player-oriented playability that meets the demands of professional use.

Bass Our Commitment to Model Selection
For the Bass domestic models, we focus on selecting instruments that show significant wear and have low originality—specifically those that do not meet so-called collector demand (as TCGAKKI does not wish to contribute to the loss of valuable vintage items).

Vintage That Works
We aimed to create an attractive product that would satisfy even those who previously shunned used instruments, dispelling common perceptions such as “used items are dirty” or “they’re hard to play.”

Greco (TC-TUNE)
1980 EG800PR ReFINE

Features a pickup cartridge replacement system!!
Greco (TC-TUNE) 1980 EG800PR ReFINE

Comments
We created several pickup cartridge variations (3 humbuckers, 3 singles, 3 P90s, etc.) to create a guitar that allows you to enjoy a wide variety of sounds by swapping out the cartridges. Socket wiring to facilitate cartridge replacement is also available upon request.
Features a special mechanism: pulling up the rear volume knob activates the center pickup (out of phase), creating a phase-out sound with the rear pickup. The top has been refinished in a subdued color to match the wooden pickup mounts.

Refined Features
・Pickup cartridges machined from black persimmon wood, recessed and mounted
・Top refinish (urethane)
・Center pickup ON/OFF switch (reverse-phase center pickup activated by pulling up the rear volume knob
PU)
　VOL knob down position: Pickup selection [Front/Front & Rear/Rear]
　VOL knob up position: Pickup selection [Front / Front & Center & Rear (Phase
Out)/Center & Rear (Phase Out)]
・Upgraded electronics, CTS pots, oil capacitor, Switchcraft
jacks


Specs
BODY: Solid Maple 2-piece Top / Mahogany Back
NECK: 1-piece Mahogany
FINGERBOARD: Striped Ebony 22F
Pickups: Original U-2000 x3
BRIDGE: Original
TUNERS: Waffle Back type
SCALE: 628 mm
WEIGHT: 4.92 kg
CASE: “hundred” Softcase

The actual instrument before modification

Carved from thick black persimmon wood.

The pickup cartridge is precisely
top.

Image of the pickup variations.

Image of pickup variations.

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

A versatile, high-performance instrument!!
Fender Japan (TC-TUNE) 1986-1987 ST57-55 ReFINE

Comment
Designed with high-end studio guitars in mind. The body features a psychedelic, high-impact finish and is equipped with the new Lace Alumitone pickups. The fingerboard radius has been adjusted to a gentler curve, and the frets have been refretted with medium-high profile frets. The bridge is a Wilkinson VG300, and it features a rear direct switch—a true classic that strictly adheres to high-end standards. We wanted to create a genuine high-end guitar based on a Japanese-made instrument.
It boasts a wide, well-balanced sound that matches its flashy looks, and has been refined for excellent playability.

Refined Features
Drop-in mounting of a pickup cartridge machined from black persimmon wood
Special psychedelic finish
Neck grip with a smooth, matte finish
Rear humbucker modification
Pickups feature Race's wide-range, low-noise Aluminum Tone
single-coil and a Deathbucker from the same company, known for its loud sound
Upgraded electronics, TAP switch (rear)
Replaced with Gotoh tuners　

Specs
BODY: Alder
NECK: 1-piece Maple, 21 frets
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 instrument before modification

Through meticulous painting work (confidential?!), a finish with a mysterious color scheme takes shape.

TC-TUNE’s attention to detail extends to the soldering as well!

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

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

Comment
A PB model refinished in a 1950s Mary Kay-style blonde finish with gold hardware. It’s a vintage-inspired guitar with a unique, hard-to-find vibe!! The pickups feature a vintage sound with a modern twist; we’ve equipped it with Lindy Fralin pickups, renowned for their versatile tone. Combined with upgraded electronics, this results in a “playable” vintage-style guitar.

Refurbishment Details
Refinished in lacquer blonde
Replaced with gold hardware
Lindy Fralin pickups
Upgraded electronics

Specs
BODY: Sen
NECK: 1-piece Maple, 20 frets
Pickup: Lindy Fralin P-Bass
BRIDGE: Vintage-style Gold
TUNERS: Gotoh Bold
SCALE: 864mm
WEIGHT: 3.98 kg
CASE
“hundred” Softcase

Actual instrument before modification

Precise and beautifully finished routing work

The custom pickguard fits perfectly, without a single millimeter of misalignment
!

The cavity on the back retains traces of the original instrument

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

What’s the problem? It’s a real man’s single-humbucker setup!!
Fender Japan (TC-TUNE) 1987 ST57-140 “EXTRAD” ReFINE

Comment
This guitar embodies the classic hard rock sound of the ’80s. It’s a manly single-humbucker setup! (lol) For model Bass, I chose the Fender Japan “Extrad” Strat—the pinnacle of Japanese-made Fender guitars at the time.The flamed neck is amazing! It’s a bit embarrassing because it gives away my age, but when I started playing electric guitar in my teens in the late ’70s, I relied 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 parts.


For the tremolo unit, I went with the early Floyd Rose FRT-3, which had a massive influence on the hard rock scene back then. I deliberately skipped the lock nut and opted for Sperzel locking tuners instead.The key feature is a single VooDoo humbucker pickup mounted directly and angled at the bridge. I changed the fingerboard to a 305R to suit my taste and had it refretted with jumbo frets. It’s been extended to 24 frets, and I added a playful touch by scalloping only the high-position frets.
I love the rich midrange, the warmth, and the punchy, responsive sound that’s characteristic of an alder body.

Modifications
24-fret extension, scalloped frets (21st–24th frets)
Fingerboard radius changed to 305 (12”)
Jumbo fret replacement, refinishing
FRT unit installation, modification
Rear humbucker modification
VooDoo pickup installation
Upgraded electronics
Replacement with Sperzel locking tuners
Replaced with F.C.G.R. Tone Shift Plate (2mm)

Specs
BODY: 2-piece Alder
NECK: Maple (1-piece, 24 frets)
Pickup: 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 instrument before modification

Drilling the humbucker cutouts

The humbucker is direct-mounted—a point of pride!

The extended section of the fingerboard is carefully
.

Here is an image of the pickup variations.

FERNANDES (TC-TUNE)
E1980s BO-50 ReFINE

Bass—a embodiment of the longing for high-end gear from back in the day

Comment
A 5-piece through-neck Precision—this is definitely a modern high-end model Bass!
I’ve always thought so.
I refined it to bring that long-held vision to life.
The smooth, expansive sound of the through-neck design pairs perfectly with the ebony fretless neck—exactly the result I was aiming for.


The pickups feature the classic Bartolini 8S, and the meticulously assembled electronics deliver a rich, responsive modern sound.
The fingerboard, extended as far as possible to the edge of the pickups, is intentionally fretless. I want this long fingerboard to produce a beautiful, elegant sound freely, unbound by fret lines. This refinement is imbued with that very sentiment.

Refurbishment Details
Ebony fingerboard for the fretless configuration
Replaced and extended
Matte finish applied to the back of the neck
Replaced with Bartolini 8S pickups
Upgraded electronics
Gotoh 201B-4 bridge
Grover tuners

Specs
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” Soft Case

The actual instrument before modification

Here is the fretboard after it has been removed.

We’re attaching a new fretless ebony fingerboard.

Pressing it firmly into place 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
This black custom guitar, with its rock-inspired look, has been refined with custom gold-colored aluminum engraved parts that add a Japanese touch, creating a rich, sophisticated atmosphere. The matte neck finish makes it a pleasure to play!! This is one of a pair of models: gold (Samurai) and silver (Ninja).

Refined Areas
Removed the original finish from the back of the neck and applied a matte finish
BW&R Custom Engraved Aluminum Pickguard (Samurai)
BW&R Custom Aluminum Engraved Pickguard (Samurai)
BW&R Custom Aluminum Engraved Truss Rod Cover (Samurai)
Upgraded pickups and electronics; oil-filled capacitors installed

Specifications
BODY: Solid Maple Top / Mahogany Back: NECK
Mahogany L.A.C. Joint: FINGERBOARD: Rosewood 22F
P.U.: Original Screamin’ x2
BRIDGE: Original
TUNERS: Original Rotomatic
SCALE: 628mm
WEIGHT: 4.55 kg
CASE: “hundred” Softcase

The actual instrument before modification

The back of the neck has a matte natural finish.

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

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

Comment
A light refinement of the Orville by Gibson LPS, now highly acclaimed worldwide! The eye-catching glitter-infused surf blue top was inspired by the shimmering ocean and sky of the tropics. Combined with S. Duncan’s Cesra Rubber pickups and upgraded electronics, it delivers a high-quality, rich humbucker sound.

Refined Features
Top refinish (Surf Blue Sparkle)
Upgraded to Seymour Duncan SH-55 Cesium Rubber Pickup
Upgraded electronics to CTS and Switchcraft components

Specs
BODY: Solid Maple Top / Mahogany Back
NECK: Mahogany
FINGERBOARD: Rosewood, 22 frets
Pickups: Seymour Duncan SH-55n/b Seth Lover Model
BRIDGE: Original
TUNERS: Original
SCALE: 628 mm
WEIGHT: 3.93 kg
CASE: “Hundred” Soft Case

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

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

Comments
Yamaha has refined its world-renowned SuperBass into a modern single-humbucker model. The bubinga pickguard, seamlessly integrated into the body, is the result of skilled craftsmanship.
Combining a humbucking pickup with a simple passive circuit, it delivers a powerful, thick beat!! While the look and sound have changed significantly from the original model, the inherent quality is truly unique to Japan Vintage.

Refined Features
Recessed Bubinga pickguard
Body back cavity modification
Matt black finish Replaced with a Seymour Duncan SMB-4A humbucker
Upgraded electronics, series/parallel switch Schaller bridge

Specifications
BODY: Alder
NECK: 1-piece Maple, Bolt-on, 20 Frets
Pickups: Seymour Duncan SMB-4A MM Alnico V
CIRCUIT: Passive, 1-Volume, 1-Tone, Series/Parallel Switch
BRIDGE: Schaller 3-D4 CHROME
TUNERS: Original
SCALE: 864mm
WEIGHT: 4.05 kg
CASE: “hundred” Softcase

The actual instrument before modification

 

Routed precisely to match the thickness of the inlay. This is a task that requires a great deal of time and skill.

Bubinga wood for the inlaid pickguard.

It looks just like a giant puzzle piece!

We use numerous clamps to ensure a perfect bond.

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

We’ve added a touch of Japanese flair to the Japabin!
Aria Pro II (TC-TUNE) 1980 LS-500 ReFINE “Ninja”

Comments
We’ve given the well-worn sunburst body top a fresh look with a sleek black finish!! Custom aluminum engraved parts with a Japanese aesthetic have been incorporated to highlight the charm of this Japanese vintage guitar. This is one of a pair of models: gold (Samurai) and silver (Ninja).

Refined Areas
Top refinish (urethane black)
BW&R Custom Aluminum Engraved Pickguard (Ninja)
BW&R Custom Aluminum Engraved Pickguard Ring
BW&R Custom Aluminum Engraved Rod Cover (Ninja)
Upgraded pickups and electronics; oil-filled capacitors installed
Replacement of tuners, knobs, and other parts

Specifications
BODY: Solid Maple Top / Mahogany Back
NECK: Maple
FINGERBOARD: Rosewood, 22 frets
Pickups: Gotoh Humbuckers x2
BRIDGE: Original
TUNERS: Gotoh
SCALE: 628 mm
WEIGHT: 4.25 kg
CASE: “Hundred” Soft Case

The actual instrument before modification

The top will be refinished in a sleek black color.

 

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

This time,TCTUNEbrought to lifea wish from our TCGAKKI staff member: “I wish there was a guitar like this—Bass!”

For the second installment, we’re currently hatching a plan—or rather, devising a concept—to ReFINE vintage Gibsons and Fenders as well(though we’re a bit worried about the president’s reaction…).

At TCGAKKI, we want to make all of your dreams come true.From simple partreplacements to major customizations, please feel free to consult with us.Our staff—who are music enthusiasts through and through—will be happy to assist you. We all love seeing our customers smile!

See you soon.

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