(SOLD) Tokai Custom Edition TJB-45 Cherry Flame 1988
Tokai Custom Edition TJB-45, made in Japan around 1988, cherry stain over flame maple. Tokai's Custom Edition line popped up in the catalog around 1987, and seems to be their limited run and customer orders offering from the time. This is an upgraded take on their classic TJB-45 Jazz Bass style offering, and I've never seen another Tokai bass quite like it. The body is made from ash, topped with a gorgeous piece of flame maple. With no pickguard in the way, the flame can do all the talking, and oh boy, it's a smooth talker. The dark cherry stain, matching headstock and gold hardware make for a gorgeous combo, it's an ultra lux look without being too over the top. The Duncan Quarter Pound pickups and simple little active preamp deliver a huge, thick, punchy growl. It's a big, beefy and precise take on the classic J-bass tone, great for slap and funk or more aggressive styles too. The neck is a slim, sturdy C shape, capped with a classy dark rosewood board, and it feels very well made indeed in the hands. This is a smooth operator with looks to kill... delish.
Model: Tokai Custom Edition TJB-45
Made: Japan, 1988 approx (best estimate, serial 014937)
Finish: dark cherry stain over flame maple top
Body: ash, flame maple top
Neck: maple with rosewood board, dot inlays, 34" scale
Weight: 4.650kg
Mods: pickups replaced
Pickup: Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound passive single coil x2, active preamp
Case: none
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor dimples on the end and a curved dent around the size of a little fingernail on the bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear on the back only. The back has a couple of minor dimples near the neck joint and cavity cover, as well as some light scuffs on the top horn and back edge, no major marks. The sides have light scuffs on the top horn and some minor dimples in the elbow area and near the jack. The front has some small dimples in the elbow area, near the knobs and behind the bridge, plus a few minor scuffs from play above and below the strings. Overall: very good condition (8/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. The frets are looking good, 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 45/105 Moonshiners strings.