1980 LS-200 Love Rock

"I want to feel the passion of those vintage Japanese guitars from an era when they sought to surpass the original." "I’m looking for the ultimate Les Paul model—one that makes no compromises in looks, sound, or historical context." Are there any die-hard Les Paul fans out there who feel this way?

The quest for the ideal Japanese Burst is by no means an easy one. High-quality wood, a finish that captures the spirit of the era, and the pickups that form its heart—finding a single instrument where all these elements come together in perfect balance is such a rare feat that you might only encounter it once in a lifetime.

Today, we’re introducing the Tokai LS-200—a true gem assembled with extraordinary passion by consignment, who declares it a Japanese treasure and the ultimate Japanese Burst.

The supreme wood selection and aesthetics feature a luxurious solid top finished with a cashew-colored lacquer that exudes a unique depth and luster. The binding, which has a distinctly stronger yellow hue compared to the LS-150 and lower models, along with the dignified gold Tokai logo, radiate the aura of a top-of-the-line instrument. The pickups feature the Greco DRY-Z, a model coveted by fans of vintage Japanese gear.

The front pickup is mounted in the opposite direction from standard practice. This is due to a difference in construction between Tokai—which, like the original Gibson, used a long drill to create wiring holes—and Greco, which used a router to create the pathways. Consequently, the Greco pickup could not be installed unless mounted in the opposite direction. This is an irresistible detail for enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into how meticulously Tokai adhered to the original manufacturer’s methods at the time, as evidenced by the long-drill specification.

The tuners, tailpiece, and assembly have been replaced, featuring upgrades designed to enhance both practicality and sound.

This LS-200 represents a miraculous fusion of the craftsmanship of Tokai’s artisans from that era and the owner’s passion for the Japanese Burst.A modified instrument with such a strong pedigree and compelling character rarely appears on the market. It is a one-of-a-kind instrument, unique in the world, made possible only because it is consignment. Please experience this Japanese treasure with your own hands.

[SPEC]
BODY: Maple Top / Mahogany Back
NECK: Mahogany
FINGERBOARD: Rosewood
PICKUP: Greco DRY-Z
WEIGHT: 4.33 kg
NUT WIDTH: 42.7 mm
w/Original Hard Case
Medium-scale neck
*Pickup, tuners, tailpiece, and assembly have been replaced
*Neck back reshaped
*As this item is consignment, it is not covered by our store's warranty

*Please feel free to contact our staff for more details about this item.

Contact: Matsui