Tokai (Tokai Gakki) Instrument Buyback and Used Sales

LS80

Appraised Value: 150,000 yen

ST60 Matching Head

Appraised Value: 100,000 yen

AJB108

Appraised Value: 25,000 yen

Founded in the 1940s, Tokai Musical Instrument Manufacturing developed the "Pianica," a keyboard harmonica.
In the 1960s, the company began manufacturing acoustic guitars. Around the same time, an electric guitar boom took hold in Japan.
Tokai Gakki began selling the "ST," a Stratocaster-style copy model, and the "LS," a Les Paul-style copy model, in 1977—a relatively late start for the Japanese market. Both models were praised for their high level of replication accuracy and woodworking craftsmanship. The higher-end models, in particular, featured finishes like flamed maple and lacquer that matched the authentic feel of the originals, gaining popularity that rivaled other domestic brands.
However, due to the exceptionally high accuracy of these replicas, legal action was taken against the copy models around 1983, putting production in jeopardy.
Since then, the company has developed original models such as the Talbo and continues to develop and manufacture instruments as a brand that remains highly popular both domestically and internationally.

When discussing the appeal of Tokai, one cannot overlook the replica models created in the 1970s and 1980s.
The Stratocaster-type "ST" series demonstrates a thorough attention to detail, with each model featuring lacquer finishes and matching heads, as well as V-shaped necks inspired by the 1950s.
Meanwhile, the Les Paul-style “LS” series also features meticulous recreations of everything from the exquisite curves of the archtop to the hues of the finish, with top-tier models generously utilizing carefully selected woods such as flame maple and Honduran mahogany.
Furthermore, it is worth noting the company’s thoroughness in engraving the “Tokai” logo on even its proprietary hardware—such as tuners and bridges—just as the originals do.
These replica models, created through a passion for craftsmanship that could be described as almost obsessive, were even praised at the time as “surpassing the originals.”
The replica models from the 1970s and 1980s are a testament to the craftsmanship and passion Tokai has cultivated over the years.

The replica models produced in the 1970s and 1980s, which we introduced as one of Tokai’s charms, are finished to match the originals not only in appearance but also in the texture felt when touched.
In terms of sound, many feature the tight, well-defined tone characteristic of Japanese-made guitars. But that’s not all—the fact that each instrument develops its own unique character through years of playing is another key part of the Tokai sound experience.

Tokai continues to focus primarily on traditional models.
Many of the current models are affordably priced, offering an excellent selection for learning the basics of electric guitar.
For this reason, Tokai’s current models are especially recommended for beginners looking to start playing guitar.
Tokai guitars from the 1970s and 1980s feature romantic specifications that defined the heyday of Japanese copy models, as well as numerous instruments with a commanding presence.
We highly recommend these models not only to those who admired them back then but couldn’t afford them,
but also for those who want to experience firsthand the history of Japanese guitars and the high level of Japanese craftsmanship.