For information about how to use this forum please check out forum help and policies.
Well said Spud and I agree that Tokai gave Fender a good kick in the behind when the new ownership took over from CBS .Tokai really did provide a price point during that time period until late CBS fender (I think 1982) began the reissue of the vintage 1952 USA reissue of the Butterscotch maple neck Telecaster and the Vintage 1957 USA 2 Tone Sunburst Stratocaster maple neck and the vintage 1962 3 Tone Sunburst Stratocaster rosewood Board, then slowly Fender came back leading up to the creation of the Dream Factory Custom Shop. Tokai was smart because they provided a product and price point that filled a void until the new ownership in Corona California was at full strength and up and running .I have never seen or played a Tokai but I do very well remember Ronnie Wood using them in 1981-1982.Quote
Spud
Ronnie used a Tokai 50's style Strat copy on the 81/82 tours.
He had a Floyd Rose trem fitted...[presumably didn't want to butcher a real old Strat to add the facility.]
They were very nice guitars guitars though...
...and largely responsible for giving Fender the kick up the arse they needed to get their act back together after the rather the iffy times in the 70's under CBS.
Tokai copied Fender's classic 50s & 60s Strats & Teles ...and Fender then kind of copied Tokai with their Fuji Gen built Japanese JV Squires & Fenders which gave them breathing space to get USA production sorted out under the then new ownership .
Fender then went from strength to Strength with both their contemporary and "vintage reissue" product.
Some folks might view Tokai & their ilk as cowboy "Law suit" copyists...but with hindsight they did everybody a great favour in setting a benchmark for making quality guitars for sensible money.
Quote
TheGreekWell said Spud and I agree that Tokai gave Fender a good kick in the behind when the new ownership took over from CBS .Tokai really did provide a price point during that time period until late CBS fender (I think 1982) began the reissue of the vintage 1952 USA reissue of the Butterscotch maple neck Telecaster and the Vintage 1957 USA 2 Tone Sunburst Stratocaster maple neck and the vintage 1962 3 Tone Sunburst Stratocaster rosewood Board, then slowly Fender came back leading up to the creation of the Dream Factory Custom Shop. Tokai was smart because they provided a product and price point that filled a void until the new ownership in Corona California was at full strength and up and running .I have never seen or played a Tokai but I do very well remember Ronnie Wood using them in 1981-1982.Quote
Spud
Ronnie used a Tokai 50's style Strat copy on the 81/82 tours.
He had a Floyd Rose trem fitted...[presumably didn't want to butcher a real old Strat to add the facility.]
They were very nice guitars guitars though...
...and largely responsible for giving Fender the kick up the arse they needed to get their act back together after the rather the iffy times in the 70's under CBS.
Tokai copied Fender's classic 50s & 60s Strats & Teles ...and Fender then kind of copied Tokai with their Fuji Gen built Japanese JV Squires & Fenders which gave them breathing space to get USA production sorted out under the then new ownership .
Fender then went from strength to Strength with both their contemporary and "vintage reissue" product.
Some folks might view Tokai & their ilk as cowboy "Law suit" copyists...but with hindsight they did everybody a great favour in setting a benchmark for making quality guitars for sensible money.
Really , I do know well how good the Mexican Classic series Stratocasters are and Fender are doing a wonderful job of making those instruments at that price point .Change out pickups and maybe some electronics and it is a great sonic benefit and makes them a go.Quote
SpudQuote
TheGreekWell said Spud and I agree that Tokai gave Fender a good kick in the behind when the new ownership took over from CBS .Tokai really did provide a price point during that time period until late CBS fender (I think 1982) began the reissue of the vintage 1952 USA reissue of the Butterscotch maple neck Telecaster and the Vintage 1957 USA 2 Tone Sunburst Stratocaster maple neck and the vintage 1962 3 Tone Sunburst Stratocaster rosewood Board, then slowly Fender came back leading up to the creation of the Dream Factory Custom Shop. Tokai was smart because they provided a product and price point that filled a void until the new ownership in Corona California was at full strength and up and running .I have never seen or played a Tokai but I do very well remember Ronnie Wood using them in 1981-1982.Quote
Spud
Ronnie used a Tokai 50's style Strat copy on the 81/82 tours.
He had a Floyd Rose trem fitted...[presumably didn't want to butcher a real old Strat to add the facility.]
They were very nice guitars guitars though...
...and largely responsible for giving Fender the kick up the arse they needed to get their act back together after the rather the iffy times in the 70's under CBS.
Tokai copied Fender's classic 50s & 60s Strats & Teles ...and Fender then kind of copied Tokai with their Fuji Gen built Japanese JV Squires & Fenders which gave them breathing space to get USA production sorted out under the then new ownership .
Fender then went from strength to Strength with both their contemporary and "vintage reissue" product.
Some folks might view Tokai & their ilk as cowboy "Law suit" copyists...but with hindsight they did everybody a great favour in setting a benchmark for making quality guitars for sensible money.
Greek, If you've played one of the excellent Mexican Classic series Strats or Teles, they remind me very much of the early 80s Tokais.