(SOLD) Tokai Custom Edition SS38 Olympic White 1987
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 from 1987-9 without a lot of supporting details. The consensus seems to be that these were made-to-order or limited run type offerings, alongside some exotic hardware and wood models, made with 70s style appointments and built according to Tokai's exceptionally tight standards. This one has a great neck: it's a slim C style shape, similar to Fender stuff of the late 70s in profile, but blessed with a gorgeous piece of subtle birds-eye maple on the back and streaky dark rosewood on the board. It's a great neck, it really feels excellent. The tone is definitely in the 70s-Strat genre: snappy, bright and crisp with heaps of attack and chime. There's enough low end and warmth through the mids to keep it from being thin, but it's definitely chirpy enough to sit on top of a mix nicely. We installed a new wiring harness on arrival, so it's all crisp and tidy under the hood. The reverse-tuxedo black on white aesthetic is cool too, and with a few marks to keep it honest, it's looking very cool indeed. 1980s Tokai stuff isn't getting any more common or any cheaper as the decades roll along, so nab yourself a superbly slick Strat style and see why Fender was so dang scared at the time.
Model: Tokai Custom Edition SS38
Made: Japan, 1987 approx (no serial on these, dated by catalog)
Finish: olympic white, gloss poly
Body: basswood
Neck: maple with rosewood board, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius
Weight: 3.505kg
Mods: new wiring harness installed inc 5-way switch
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 fairly recently dressed and polished, 6/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 strings.