Recent Arrival
When this guitar first popped up on the Yahoo Japan auction site, I was immediately drawn to it, but initially passed on purchasing. But I kept going back to it as the deep red color is just so mesmerizing. Eventually, I relented and pulled the trigger.
Tokai first issued a Joe Walsh model, the LS-100OR (Old Red) in the early 80s, first showing up in the 1982 catalog:
https://www.vintagejapanguitars.com.br/tokai-1982-catalog/
That original model was all mahogany with a red finish all around.
Fast forward to 2015, when this one was made. I honestly have no idea what the specs are, though I'm hoping that it will be a one-piece all mahogany body with a thin lacquer finish. The sale listing was no help. I have reached out to Tokai, asking them for information but have not heard back from them.
I only have one other all-mahogany bodied single cut, an outstanding Tokai LC320BB Black Custom that rings like a piano. If this one turns out to be similar, it will end up being a nice grab.
Update After Arrival - 1/28/2022
All I can say is wow. This one is everything I hoped it would be and then some.
- 1-piece Mahogany body
- Thin Lacquer Finish
- Light at 8.7 pounds
- DiMarzio 36th Anniversary PAF Pickups
- Quality Electronics
- Like New Condition
This is my second upper end all-mahogany Tokai single cut (the first is a Black Beauty Custom). They have a very different feel and resonance as compered to a traditionally spec'd single cut with a maple top. The unplugged tone is almost piano like. And both have nice fat necks, a little bigger than a typical Tokai.
