Question regarding Tokai models

VellaJ

I've been considering a Les Paul style guitar recently, and have been taking a look at the Tokais, especially the MIC models (more in my budget range). They seem to get good reviews by most people, and I think they're probably better quality than the modern Epiphones (I'm allowed to say that, I have an Epi ? ).

Looking at the website, I see two pages with LP axes on them, the "Vintage Series" page, with the LS- models, and the "Traditional Series - China" page, with the ALC and ALS models. The ALC and ALS models have basswood and laminated sycamore bodies, while the LS series are the more traditional mahogany and maple-top bodies. My question being, are the Chinese guitars all made with basswood, or do they also use mahogany/maple in some of the Chinese models?

singemonkey

All the newer ones use basswood/maple. I think it allows them to use higher quality cuts of wood. Other companies would typically use many, many strips of mahogany (sometimes disguised with a mahogany veneer on the back). Going this alternative route in the latest MIC LPs, I think Tokai has gone for higher quality at lower price, while sacrificing the use of the traditional LP body woods.

AlanRatcliffe

Yup, they are all basswood/sycamore. Still a good wood combo, but not the traditional choice or exact sound.

As I've mentioned before, it's difficult to build a LP-style guitar cheaply and compromises must be made to keep them affordable. Different manufacturers make different compromises and neither way is really "better" per se - just better suited to the individual application. Which you go for depends on your tastes and needs.

singemonkey

Alan Ratcliffe wrote: Yup, they are all basswood/sycamore. Still a good wood combo, but not the traditional choice or exact sound.

As I've mentioned before, it's difficult to build a LP-style guitar cheaply and compromises must be made to keep them affordable. Different manufacturers make different compromises and neither way is really "better" per se - just better suited to the individual application. Which you go for depends on your tastes and needs.

VellaJ

Ah I understand... I don't particularly mind what woods are used (not all that much of a cork-sniffer ? ) but I would like it to sound Les Paul-ish. What about the Vintage V100? How does it compare to the MIC Tokais? AFAIK they still use the mahogany+maple body...

AlanRatcliffe

VellaJ wrote: What about the Vintage V100?

Mahogany and some models have maple veneer, but most are not maple capped (that's how they keep the price down). However, for a little more you can get a V100AFS, Which has a proper maple cap plus a flame veneer and straplocks. I got one recently and am quite impressed (I'm busy writing a NGD/review in another window now).

Miemie

For what it's worth,I'm a SG guy.Had 5 epi sg's over the years,never quite happy with any one of them.The wife got me a mic tokai one over Christmas and I was completely sold.Miles better,best feeling guitar Ive ever had in my hands.Standard pickups are also great,compare well to the toneriders in my other guitars.AFAIK this sg is also a maple/sycomore combination and most of the expected tone is there,maybe just a little brighter.Doubt if you can do better at that price.

Styles

Maybe try the PRS SE245. A lot of bang for your buck right there. ?
The one i tried at Marshall Music Woodmead blew all the Epiphones outta the water.

Jacques_nasi

I've been saving money for a LP style guitar for a while now, and should be getting one within the next few months!! Looked at the Epiphones, Vintage and Tokia (MIC). I think that they are all great guitars for the price, but I'm leaning more towards the Tokai ALS48 Premium. Quality and feel of the guitar is great on the tokai, and the vintage AFD100 and RPGM are great guitars also. the only problem I seem to have is not being able to get the tokai in the colour I want, If only they had a lemon drop in the chinese models!! ☹.

DonovanB

I think it seems fairly clear that Epiphone have had their day in the sun. Albeit that Zakk Wylde custom is amazing but its the only Epi with a maple neck IIANM.

Jacques_nasi wrote: the only problem I seem to have is not being able to get the tokai in the colour I want, If only they had a lemon drop in the chinese models!! ☹.

Funny you should mention that. It's no secret I'm not a Tokai fan, but I saw this on their Facebook page....

Phwoaaaaaar! I don't care what's on the headstock, that is frikkin sexy. I need to post it in the pron thread...

Jacques_nasi

Donovan Banks wrote: I think it seems fairly clear that Epiphone have had their day in the sun. Albeit that Zakk Wylde custom is amazing but its the only Epi with a maple neck IIANM.

Jacques_nasi wrote: the only problem I seem to have is not being able to get the tokai in the colour I want, If only they had a lemon drop in the chinese models!! ☹.
Funny you should mention that. It's no secret I'm not a Tokai fan, but I saw this on their Facebook page....

Phwoaaaaaar! I don't care what's on the headstock, that is frikkin sexy. I need to post it in the pron thread...

I saw that as well, but thats a Japanese model. they have some very cool options for the Jap ones, with the satin finishes etc, but unfortunatly when it comes to the chinese ones I feel quite limited. I have seen chinese models in lemon drop type colors on the web, but seems not available to the good old SA market :'(

AlanRatcliffe

Donovan Banks wrote:

That stirs up an interesting range of feelings in me. Mostly horror mixed with desire... ?

Jacques_nasi wrote: the only problem I seem to have is not being able to get the tokai in the colour I want, If only they had a lemon drop in the chinese models!! ☹.

Speak to Lance, if there is enough demand he might have a custom run done. He has a few "SA Only" colour combos.

Sean

Alan Ratcliffe wrote: That stirs up an interesting range of feelings in me. Mostly horror mixed with desire... ?

LOL

I'm certainly suffering some major GAS at the moment, I was keen for quite some time on a black LP with gold hardware, but those satin finish Tokai's have seduced me completely. Sadly, its only been a year since my last acquisition, and that one got me in some hot water. Will have to wait a little while ?

VellaJ

Alan Ratcliffe wrote:
VellaJ wrote: What about the Vintage V100?
Mahogany and some models have maple veneer, but most are not maple capped (that's how they keep the price down). However, for a little more you can get a V100AFD, Which has a proper maple cap plus a flame veneer and straplocks. I got one recently and am quite impressed (I'm busy writing a NGD/review in another window now).

Upon reading your review on it, I took a look at a couple of YouTube reviews on the AFD...

Ooooooooooooohhhhhhh...... :bopping: That's one good sounding guitar to mine ear... I'm going to take a look around shortly, will definitely check it out...

Kalcium

Whats the retail/street on the Vintage AFD100? Looks like a great guitar!

AlanRatcliffe

Retail is R5,595, which makes street about R3,900.