Tokai Custom Edition Strat style, olympic white, made in Japan circa 1987.  Tokai's Custom Edition line is a bit mysterious; it only pops up in the catalogs briefly in 1987 approx without a lot of supporting details. The consensus seems to be that these were made-to-order or limited run type offerings, made with 70s style appointments and built according to Tokai's exceptionally tight standards. The black on black finish really pops, paired with the golden maple board and big headstock it looks superb. The tone on offer is in the ballpark of a late seventies Strat: heaps of snap and bite, balanced by a juicy rounded low end and an warm midrange. There's a lovely eloquence to the attack, so the little nuances of your playing come out very clearly. The slim neck is blessed with a gorgeous, superbly tightly grained piece of maple, so it looks and feels very slick in the hands. We installed a new wiring harness on arrival, so it's packed with shiny new guts under the hood for both tonal purity and robust gig-readiness. You'll soon see what all the fuss around Tokai is about!

Model: Tokai Custom Edition SS38 
Made: Japan, 1987 approx (no serial on these, dated by catalog)
Finish: black, gloss poly
Body: basswood 
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius
Weight: 3.865kg
Mods: new wiring harness installed, tuners replaced
Pickups: Tokai 'Standard Vintage Alnico' single coil x3
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor dimples on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, just a few dimples on the back. The back has widespread dimples and scuffs, including a few marks with wood on show on the bottom edge and along the belly carve, but no major marks. The sides have minor dimples and dents all around the body, but again no major marks. The front has a couple of little chips along he back edge near the rear strap pin and on the top horn, as well as widespread dimples and light scuffs. Overall: good condition (7/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. The frets have normal wear and are on the low side, but look to be freshly dressed and polished, 6/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.