kp247 wrote
Tokai copy guitars with price tags of R27500.00? This is absurd, never mind how good they might be! Only a fool would spend that much on a replica guitar when you can buy the real thing locally from a few well organized importers for a similar amount, and if you don't have the money right away just save up a little and before you know it you'll have the power to make a good deal on the real thing.
What are you getting for your 28 grand? A bog standard Les Paul or a limited edition '59 reissue made from exceptionally fine wood? The 28 grand Tokai falls into the latter category.
Unless you want the Gibson name on the headstock there is, IMO, no way that you can compare Gibson and Tokai (or Fender and Tokai) in terms of value for money. For about 14 grand you can get a Love Rock that has a near faultless finish and assembly made with top notch woods and with great tone. And they are consistent - all of them are good. Even if Gibson can match that quality and consistency you're still going to be paying a lot more.
If you're going to buy a copy, look for something relatively inexpensive like an Epiphone, and then modify it with good aftermarket parts. It's fun to do and you won't be wasting money on a guitar that will eventually become "just another copy from the East" once the hype has died down!
Well an Epiphone copy is never going to do that well as an investment. And whilst there is some excitement about Tokai in SA at present (as there should be, given the bang per buck these instruments represent) they are not a new comer or a fly by night operation. They've been around for about 30 years and have maintained consistently high quality. And you won't need to do much as regards upgrading the hardware and pickups.
Never forget that when you buy a genuine Gibson guitar not only do you buy into a legend but you also buy an instrument that will increase in value over time.
Yes. They should perform better as an investment, but, as with other name brands, you need to buy the limited editions to really have a good nest egg (or have a Les Paul that was made prior to 1960). As for the legend, that depends on what it is worth to you. Arguably there is little connection and shared heritage between the company that made Les Pauls in 1959 and the current Gibson company.
