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Explanation
“I want to strum out that sweet, full-bodied, supreme sound of the ’50s Burst guitars that defined rock’s golden age.” But authentic vintage models are now out of reach, costing tens of millions of yen. Even when you pick up a current replica model, it simply can’t reproduce that authentic tone—that dry, resonant sound that vibrates throughout the entire body—so characteristic of that era. Are you eagerly searching for a Les Paul-style guitar that’s imbued with a soul that surpasses even the original—one you can truly spend your whole life with?
In the late 1970s, Japanese craftsmen poured an extraordinary passion—driven by the desire to surpass the original—into creating Tokai Gakki’s Les Paul replica. Its astonishing level of craftsmanship stunned even officials at Gibson itself, and it would later be deified worldwide as “Japan Vintage.”
In particular, the very earliest models—which boldly proclaim “Les Paul Reborn” on the headstock—hold special significance for enthusiasts. This is because they represent the first models from an era when the brand’s pride was most fully on display—before trademark issues forced the name to be changed to “Reborn OLD” and later to “Love Rock.”
Even collectors who own the original Burst models acknowledge that this Reborn is in a class of its own, so much so that they can’t help but tip their hats to its astonishing level of reproduction and superb tone. Nowhere else in the world will you find a guitar that sends discerning Les Paul enthusiasts into such a frenzy. This instrument is a fusion of that legendary passion and the miraculous spice of nearly half a century of history.A 1978 Tokai LS60 Les Paul Reborn. It embodies the pinnacle of Japanese craftsmanship, packed with extraordinary wood and meticulous attention to detail. Produced for only about two years, it features the elusive original logo that later vanished due to “adult circumstances.” The desire to own a piece of Japan Vintage history itself is an experience you simply cannot find with any other model.
Typically, the LS60 features a two-piece body back according to the catalog specifications. However, this particular instrument is a special specimen that luxuriously features a one-piece mahogany back.
Thanks to this exquisite selection of materials—reminiscent of higher-end models—the sense of unity throughout the body as it absorbs string vibrations, along with its rich, deep tone, is truly extraordinary. It’s a wonderful, irregular specification that truly appeals to enthusiasts—so much so that the consignor passionately insisted, “You absolutely must mention this point.”
It fully adheres to the traditional Burst recipe: a high-quality maple top, this one-piece mahogany back, and a mahogany neck. Thanks to Japan’s exceptional set-neck craftsmanship, string vibrations are transmitted stress-free throughout the entire body, producing rich sustain.
Nearly 48 years have passed since its manufacture in 1980, allowing the body wood to dry thoroughly. The moment you play it, the midrange steps forward with tenacity, and the guitar exudes the mature, mellow allure unique to a well-aged vintage instrument. From a lustrous clean tone to a tenacious drive ranging from crunch to distortion, you can fully savor the sound that is quintessentially Les Paul.
This instrument goes far beyond the realm of a mere old replica model; it is a great legacy in the history of Japanese instrument manufacturing. We especially recommend this guitar to veteran players who have played the original Les Paul extensively but have always wanted to get their hands on this legendary, very early Reborn model—this is the one to experience its true value.
In addition to the miraculous, off-catalog one-piece back, it features the earliest Reborn logo. This is a truly one-of-a-kind instrument—a rarity even in the Japanese vintage market—that is highly unlikely to ever be available again.
The pride of Japan that seriously challenged the original, and the supreme Les Paul tone crafted over 48 years. Please savor the resonance of the earliest Reborn logo—which even enthusiasts will admire—and the overwhelming resonance of the one-piece back.
[SPEC] BODY: Maple 2-Piece Top / Mahogany 1-Piece Back NECK: Mahogany FINGERBOARD: Rosewood P.U.: Original LS-B / Gotoh HB WEIGHT: 4.64kg NUT-WIDTH: 43.3mm w/Hardcase *Rear pickup has been replaced *There is a difference in output between the front and rear pickups *As this is a consignment item, it is not covered by our store’s warranty
*Please feel free to contact our staff for more details about this item.
Contact: Matsui
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Electric Guitars/Electric Basses/Effectors/Amplifiers (Tuning Warranty: Up to 5 years) If your instrument malfunctions or stops producing sound after purchase, we will repair it free of charge. The warranty period varies by product.
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