(SOLD) Tokai Hard Puncher PB60 Bass Metallic Red 1981
Tokai Hard Puncher, candy apple red, made in Japan 1981. These vintage Tokai instruments made quite a stir in their day owing to some outrageous build quality and tone; they're enjoying somewhat of a renaissance amongst players in the current internet era for the same reasons. Firstly, the cheeky spaghetti logo on the matching headstock looks awesome... it's got a certain quirky appeal to it. The slightly aged metallic finish has a few knocks and lot of charm; this has a sweet twist-on-the-classic aesthetic. Tone-wise, this delivers a snarly, growling warm take on the classic P-thump; very appealing. This might be a little too roughed up to count as a collector's piece, but it's an absolutely brilliant vintage MIJ bass that oozes coolness and quality.
Model: Tokai Hard Puncher PB60
Made: Japan, 1981 (best estimate, serial 102098)
Finish: metallic red with matching headstock (MRR), 3-ply white guard,
Body: sen ash
Neck: maple with rosewood board, dot inlays, 34" scale
Weight: 4.1kg approx
Mods: none
Pickup: original Tokai P-style split-single coil
Case: none
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. There's a few minor marks on the end and bottom edge of the headstock. The neck is fairly clean with minor dimples only. The back has a minor smattering of little dents near the neck plate, on the body contour and on the bottom edge, plus there's a pretty reasonable chip in the bottom corner as pictured. The sides have a few scuffs and dents on the top horn, shoulder area and near the knobs. The front us fairly clean, just a couple of marks around the bridge and shoulder as well as some light 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 are okay, no major buzz issues, just some normal wear; 6/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 45-105s.