ezietsman wrote:
I'll help a bit.
Tokai is famous (esp on GFSA) for making good quality Gibson Les Paul replicas. They're built like the older Les Pauls (no chambering, weight reduction etc), they also make original designs as well as copies of PRS and Fender guitars.
They have a number of ranges as you can see on the website. The vintage range is the entry level Japanese models, these are of similar (some would argue better) quality than the Gibson Les Paul standards/classics etc. Thy retail from around R10k to about R12k.
Then there is the Premium Range, the Les Pauls at least are built to similar specs as the Historics you can buy from Gibson, esp once you reach the models labelled LS200 and up. These are also made in Japan and retails for R16k and up to lots for the top-end models.
The Japanese models almost invariably display flawless craftsmanship and factory setups and the Tokais that are reasonably matched to their Gibson-made counterparts are of the order of 1/2 the price you'd pay for the Gibson.
They have guitars made in China which is their line of guitars that competes with the likes of PRS SE and Epiphones, never played one but most people say they're great after a pickup swap.
If you dig around the forum you'll find a great many rather epic 'discussions' on the subject.
Thank you very much for the info ezietsman - much appreciated !
16K and up (i hope before cash discount) sounds a wee bit steep, as my travels get me to the States on a regular basis, and there, needless to say, i can buy Gibson/Fender/Gretsch, you name 'em, at "standard" US prices.
So i will pay 2K USD for a 2K USD (= R14 000 ZAR) guitar, and not R25 000 ZAR over here. (...or sadly, maybe even more)
That is why i have to compare model for model, and see which guitar is the better value for my money !
Again, thank you very much and keep 'em comming guys !!!
Many thanks so far !
