(SOLD) Tokai JB65 Jazz Sound Candy Apple Red 1981
Tokai JB65 Jazz Sound, candy apple, made in Japan circa 1981. By the late 70s, Tokai were giving Fender a scare with some superbly made vintage style Strats, Teles and Precisions. They didn't offer a Jazz Bass style model until 1981... this example appears to date to around that very year. First up, that finish: wowsers. The candy apple red has yellowed and faded to a warm, mellow orange-red, it's just beautiful. The neck is a lovely piece of maple, it's got some tight and tidy grain on show and the rosewood board is equally impressive. The tone on offer is bright, snappy and articulate, with a bell-like top end and an assertive growly midrange. The vintage-style touches like reverse tuners and the spiral bridge cap off the vibe nicely: very classy.
Model: Tokai JB65 Jazz Sound
Made: Japan, 1981 approx (no serial, dated by logo, specs and catalog)
Finish: candy apple red, gloss poly
Body: alder
Neck: maple, rosewood fretboard, 7.25" radius, 34" scale, 38mm nut
Weight: 4.205kg
Mods: bridge pickup replaced, re-wired with new wire, jack replaced, pickguard replaced
Pickup: Tokai JB single coil (bridge), unbranded JB single coil (neck)
Case: basic vintage hard case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some dimples on the end and some scuffs on the bottom edge, as well as some dimples and a small scratch near the G tuner on the back. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has some rub wear on the top horn and near the neck plate, plus some dimples on the belly carve, middle of the body, elbow area and bottom horn; no major marks. The sides have dimples on the top horn, minor dents in the elbow area, scuffs near the rear strap pin, scuffs and dimples near the jack and a small dent on the bottom horn. The front has dimples on the top horn and elbow area, play rub wear above the pickups and bridge, surface scratches near the jack, pitting on the chrome and some play wear on the guard. Overall: very good condition (7.5/10)
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 45/105 Moonshiners strings.