Melzy2tall
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Is this a fake Tokai bass
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Looks to me like it may be a prototype or original series model from 1981/82.
These are fairly rare if that body does indeed goes with that neck. Would need more pics to know.
Super cool.
1981 Original Series catalog
These are fairly rare if that body does indeed goes with that neck. Would need more pics to know.
Super cool.
1981 Original Series catalog
Melzy2tall
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Thanks for your input! What other photos would help with identification?
The body on the one you posted is similar to the PRB Original Series at the end of 1982/early 1983.
PRB Bass Gallery
Check out this one.
1981 Prototype Original Series Bass?
I look at these almost as prototypes. The one you posted may actually be a prototype since it does not appear in a catalog.
To figure out if the whole thing is legit you would need to detach the neck and see if the code on the end of the neck is the same as the code in the pickup or control cavity.
PRB Bass Gallery
Check out this one.
1981 Prototype Original Series Bass?
I look at these almost as prototypes. The one you posted may actually be a prototype since it does not appear in a catalog.
To figure out if the whole thing is legit you would need to detach the neck and see if the code on the end of the neck is the same as the code in the pickup or control cavity.
Melzy2tall
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Basically all of these were attempts to create original designs to get around issues with Fender and Gibson and copyrights. Many of them didn't last a year in this early period 1981/1982.
Melzy2tall
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Hi! This bass is neck through body, so no can do one removal of it. Any other way I can identify it? It plays like a freaking dream. Great for slap happy players like I was a 100 years ago.
Oh wow..... That is a different ball game. I don't believe Tokai ever made a neck thru guitar. I am wondering if this was an OEM build?
Someone was making neck thru basses for Fernandes around this time.
Stone Logo Thru Neck
Have you looked under the pickups or in the control cavity for any codes or stamps?
And can you post a picture of the other side of the bass?
Someone was making neck thru basses for Fernandes around this time.
Stone Logo Thru Neck
Have you looked under the pickups or in the control cavity for any codes or stamps?
And can you post a picture of the other side of the bass?
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Melzy2tall
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Here some pics of the back. The neck through area is solid and well built, but I’d have to say the craftsmanship on the seams for the body are a little underwhelming. But like I said, it plays like a dream
Attachments
Looks almost like a blonde or see thru white finish on a sen ash/walnut (?) lam construction. Sweet bass.
I would look at the thread I linked above with the Stone Logo Fernandes thru necks.
Maybe count the lams in the neck to see if they are the same number. 5 ?
Very interesting find!
I would look at the thread I linked above with the Stone Logo Fernandes thru necks.
Maybe count the lams in the neck to see if they are the same number. 5 ?
Very interesting find!
So it was clearly not made BY Tokai, but it's possible that it was made FOR Tokai around 1981/82.
If it didn’t have that headstock I would say it wasn’t a Tokai, but it has a headstock of an Original Series Tokai headstock which I can’t see someone deciding to fake.
This was a head spinning period at Tokai for many reasons. I can see them asking another builder to do a prototype or limited run.
Not that many folks made thru necks. A couple of them (Matsumoku and Fujigen) were in Nagano. We suspect Tokai was contracting to have some low end Les Paul and Strat models made by a builder in Nagano. I can see how this could have flowed out of that relationship.
If it didn’t have that headstock I would say it wasn’t a Tokai, but it has a headstock of an Original Series Tokai headstock which I can’t see someone deciding to fake.
This was a head spinning period at Tokai for many reasons. I can see them asking another builder to do a prototype or limited run.
Not that many folks made thru necks. A couple of them (Matsumoku and Fujigen) were in Nagano. We suspect Tokai was contracting to have some low end Les Paul and Strat models made by a builder in Nagano. I can see how this could have flowed out of that relationship.
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Looking at the known examples of the Original Series models from 1981, the headstock looks like the ones in the Volume 2 Original Series catalog in 1981.
Original Series Vol. 1 catalog
Original Series Vol. 2 catalog
Original Series Vol. 1 catalog
Original Series Vol. 2 catalog
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I have seen some similar headstocks from the period on Aria basses?
Have Tokai done work for them?
Have Tokai done work for them?
No, I am thinking the opposite. Possibly Matsumoku made both?
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I was tempted to buy an aria bass as a project but the neck felt terrible.
It’s been sitting in this pawn shop nearby for about three years for way too much money, they think it’s got the Metallica lineage.
Anyway I did try to find its year and model and saw that headstock from the early 80’s in some catalogs.
Here is an Aria that is similar to the Tokai in the OP, but not the exact same outline.
Have you found one that is exactly the same?
Aria Pro II SB-700 1981 Candy Apple Red Finish
Have you found one that is exactly the same?
Aria Pro II SB-700 1981 Candy Apple Red Finish
Attachments
Here is a 1980 Aria with a headstock closer to the Tokai example.
Aria Pro II SB-700 1980 Natural Ash
Aria Pro II SB-700 1980 Natural Ash
