These unusual all over red stained Humbucker Teles seem to be part of an early "Super Edition Series" and seem to date to the middle of 1982.
There are a few ads from 1982 that announce a THS60 and THS70 models to be released May 15.
*Tele Humbucker model THS60 ¥60.000 (with super arm) THS70 ¥70.000 (with super arm)
Nationwide release on May 15th (Sold from Tokai product dealers)
SUPER EDITION SERIES
●Five Star Model: TFS45/TFS50/TFS60/TFS70 (Super Detachable Neck/22F)
●Van Halen Model: SVH45/SVH60 (Taping Finish) TOKAI GAKKI CO. LTD. HAMAMATSU JAPAN
●Tele humbucker model: THS60/THS70 (with super tremolo arm)
●Ritchie Blackmore model: SR60 (scalloped fingerboard)
The examples I have found production stamps on date to May (5=20 & 5=21).
They have 6 digit serial numbers which are part of the Fedner style serial number system that began in January/February of 1982. The 1xxxxx serial number indicates a 1964/65-1976 serial number.
That seems to mesh well with the 60s placement of the Tokai decal on the headstock on these examples along with the 60s style butterfly string tree.
And there seem to have been at least two levels of hardware and likely pickups on these (THS60, THS70).
So far I have seen cast saddles,
stamped steel saddles,
and even "Extra Tokai" hardware that starts to appear on Tokais in the fall of 1982.
The original knobs seem to be of two types. Metal Breezy/Tele type
and black with hats.
Last edited: