(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 flamed 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. The reverse-tuxedo is a decidedly 80s but classy look, and with a bit of honest play wear around the edges it's looking grand. This is a cool little vintage Strat, it'll serve you well indeed.
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: 3.850kg
Mods: 5-way switch installed
Pickups: Tokai 'Standard Vintage Alnico' single coil x3
Case: none
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor scuffs on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has some surface scratches near the neck plate, dimples around the belly carve and widespread light scuffs around the whole body, no major marks. The sides have minor dimples around the whole body and a couple of dents near the jack. The front has some surface scratches around the jack plate, some dimples behind the bridge and in the elbow area, a couple of scuffs on the top horn and some standard play wear on and around the guard. One knob is has a hole in the top so the pot is visible. 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 some normal wear but are pretty even with no major buzz issues, 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.