Tokai Silver Star SS40YS, sunburst, made in Japan 1980. Aw heck, this is a nice thing. Tokai made a lot of waves in the 70s and 80s for producing guitars in the style of 50s Gibson and Fender models to an outrageously good standard; this dates to the middle of that period and really displays why they were such a big deal. The neck is made from a gorgeous piece of maple: it's a slim, comfy shape with some really tight detail in the grain, arrow straight and resonant in the hands. The body is a lightweight piece of sen ash, which also rings truly and adds a tasty chimey snap to the tone, even unplugged. Plugged in, there's heaps of shiny bright treble with a lovely glassy edge, balanced by an aggressive, full bodied midrange with a percussive immediacy to the attack. There's a few marks and eccentricities to show for the decades of play, but it's in pretty tasty shape overall. The back was signed by the classic lineup of legendary prog rockers King Crimson. There’s signatures from Robert Fripp, Tony Levin, Bill Bruford and Adrian Belew, all clearly visible and intact. You could get the marks off if you wanted, but hey, if you're a fan, what an awesome bit of living history, right? This is a pretty safe investment: it's a terrific Strat with plenty of personality. 

Model: Tokai Silver Star SS40YS
Made: Japan, 1980 approx (serial 0012178)
Finish: sunburst, 3-ply white guard
Body: sen ash 
Neck: maple with maple board, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius, slim C profile
Weight: 3.355kg
Mods: none (mismatching covers are standard on this model)
Pickups: Tokai single coil x3
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some dimples on the end and front, as well as a sticker fade mark near the decals. The back has signatures from Tony Levin, Bill Bruford and Robert Fripp of King Crimson on the back; they'd potentially come off with some stiff cleaner but if you're a fan, what a win, right? There's also widespread scuffs and dimples around the back, nothing major though. The sides have minor dimples and very small chips around the whole body, as well as a decent bald patch on the elbow area. The front is pretty tidy, just widespread dimples and some play wear on the guard and top horn. 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. Frets have a bit of normal wear, nothing nasty, 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.