Tokai LSJ90, yellow, made in Japan 2009. Tokai have been making gorgeous guitars for decades now, and their G-style offerings are up there with the best going around. This is a more recent model, but still made with a whole lot of love and care in Tokai's Japan headquarters. The woodwork is excellent: the body is a two-piece centre joined mahogany number, with the pretty ribbon grain on display under the semi-opaque yellow finish. It's lightweight but well balanced, and very lively in the hands: every little note comes springing back at you in enthusiastic detail. The hardware is sturdy and it holds tune nicely. Into a dirty amp, there's a whole heap of girth and roundness on offer, adding body and detail to chords and lead work. The balance of fatness and chime is really pleasing, it's articulate but still pretty forgiving. It cleans up pretty well too; rolling the tone back a whisker offers some tasty gooey cleans. This is the first example of this model we've had through the store, so it's safe to say they don't come up in these parts very often. "My yellow, in this case, is not so mellow."

Model: Tokai Love Rock LSJ80
Made: Japan, 2009 (serial 0920684)
Finish: TV yellow, gloss poly
Body: mahogany, 2-piece centre join
Neck: mahogany, rosewood board, 24.75" scale, 12" radius,  moderately C profile
Weight: 3.205kg
Mods: knobs replaced
Pickups: Tokai Trade soapbar single coil
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor scuffs on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has some dimples along the back edge and in the middle and some scuffs on the top horn, nothing nasty. The sides have some dimples near the jack and in the elbow area, light scuffs on the top horn and a small dent near the rear strap pin. The front has a small dent behind the bridge and some dimples in the elbow area, as well as some standard play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: excellent condition (9/10).

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. The frets look great, 9/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.