Tokai Love Rock - Made In Japan 🎸 Banned in the USA! 🎸 Gibson Les Paul Alternative Reviewed

[@hippiebiker3399]

True … there are no official dealers in the States, but we are able to purchase them from individuals and from Japan. They also are on Reverb and EBay. I purchased my first Tokai after watching your channel about a year ago. I’m totally hooked! Now I have several Tokai, Greco and Aria Pro ii Les Pauls to go along with my Gibsons… and it’s all your fault! And I gig with them weekly… Thank you, Colin!!!

[@heavyjoechipman3594]

Loved reading your comment.🎸🎶🎸😊❤👍

[@6nosis]

My '79 Lord Player Black Beauty by YAMAHA Screams AND chimes!! Talk about an incredible Diamond in the rough. Playing it every day now 3 years solid!! Oh off to warm up me valves on ne black face fender ed !! Cheers edit: i did howevee change out their pooter? Toon o matic (all of it rhe nuts even driven i lnto the wood) for a Philadelphia luthier brand aluminium😂 one and yeah screams i tell ya! The pick ups are a breed apart!

[@johnsmith-oh2xo]

Man I don't have a Tokai but I do have a sweet Greco 1989 EG59-70 I love it but I also would love to get a Tokai too......

[@qua7771]

I have a Greco mint collection, and a 78-EG800. What's the difference in Greco?

[@PinkHeadRadioFloyd]

Same in France 😢

[@gerrymcateer8931]

My first guitar was a Tokai Love Rock, bought it second hand from McCormacks Music in 1988 for £225 but was too new to guitars to appreciate how good it was. Remember James Dean Bradfield playing one on Top of the Pops about the same time.

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

They are brill, every gig we played some-one from another band would ask to borrow it, I did once but they broke a string b4 we played so I had to blank the rest , then I swapped it for a Telecaster(Also Japanese).

[@darrenwells2277]

Ive had a Tokai SG with the 3 pickups for years, I heard about the legend that the Japanese were giving Gibson a run for their money and I wanted to learn more so really enjoyed this video.They're a beautiful guitar and it was good to find out more about something that Ive had for years.

[@MattBaker-zd8nq]

I want a three humbucker sg

[@johnmundt7834]

MIJ guitars are typically really nice. From my experience with a few their weakness is frets. Not that the fretwork is bad, but they seem softer and wear much quicker. Love my Epi LQJ, looks very similar to this one.

[@thecaveofthedead]

You can guarantee that the fit and finish on an MIJ Tokai is going to be close to perfect. I've often seen tool marks on the fretboards and binding of Custom Shop Gibsons, but never on Tokais. To the best of my knowledge though, Tokai copies of American guitars have never sold new in the US. They've sold some other guitars, or modified guitars. But the American companies have always pressured Tokai out of selling direct competition (and for a while in the late '90s through early 2000s, Tokai was building Fenders for Fender Japan). Unfortunately your guy at the shop wasn't super up to speed with the details. CTS pots are one of the perks with their premium MIJ guitars. There are some other subtle differences not much talked about - slightly different inlay materials - including the logo. And no, the Tokai Mk II pickup is not a PAF type. I believe it was designed as a compromise so that they have only one humbucker in their lineup. Hot enough for people who want high gain stuff but capable of a decent bluesy sound. It's a pro quality pickup, just that it's probably not going to satisfy either the high gain or the PAF camp. I think my bridge measured 12-point-something K. I put Bareknuckle PG Blues in it and it sounds absolutely stunning. Tokai's naming system - like lots of Japanese companies - is a bit insane and was designed for an era of virtually zero inflation. Those names you've been given are no longer the official names of these models. British distributers seem to have settled on the names from around 2010. My LS150 is from 2010 and is the Premium plain-top, the same as the current British LS150. But that guitar is actually currently called and LS214. It's suggested retail was 150,000 Yen in 2010, but it's 214,000 Yen now. Your guitar is actually an LS140 (Tokai might have stamped them with the British preferred names along with the modified British headstock, but that's what the model is generally called now elsewhere). It's all a bit painful. That neck shape though, is just perfect. All the MIJ Tokai LPs have the same neck. I far prefer it over my Gibsons. In fact the whole guitar is just better in every way than my Gibsons. I should probably baby it a bit more given that it now retails for over 2,000 pounds (!) but I do feel very comfortable gigging it compared to Gibsons too. It's a hair away spec-wise from a Custom Shop Gibson but you can feel comfortable taking it to pub gigs.

[@ces69]

I’ve never understood the reluctance voiced here in the comments about taking Gibson’s to pub and club gigs. I don’t gig anymore but in the 80’s and 90’s always took my Les Paul’s and Strats to gigs, no point owning them otherwise, and certainly wouldn’t have considered purchasing cheaper guitars purely for that purpose!

[@thecaveofthedead]

@@ces69 I've done it. But they tend to be a larger proportion of people's earnings nowdays. At least for working musicians. And much depends on where you live and the level of theft.

[@vladimirpoutine7522]

There's what's called a swing sander for frets/fretboard shaping which even out any possible tooling marks left behind. Unfortunately you can't use this machine on guitars with fret nibs or it'll tear them apart.

[@thecaveofthedead]

@@vladimirpoutine7522 You'll be really amazed to see close ups of the fretboards of Tokais with nibs. Yes. They make them. Yes. They're free of tooling marks too. It turns out those marks are the result of not taking sufficient time and effort to clean up.

[@you2vertigo]

​@cecilstolberg6874 I think the times are different in many ways....I would not carry a 3000 £, Gibson Les Paul at night on my way from the pub. Not in 2023 ...😢

[@milescookman7180]

Please never use the phrase "I've got to have one in the arsenal" ever again. I spat my tea all over my keyboard.

[@theguitaristas]

🤣 ok I promise!

[@MattBaker-zd8nq]

I want one in my arsenal myself 😂😂😂

[@MattBaker-zd8nq]

It’s nice

[@fordfanjpn]

I live in Japan so they’re easier to get, and I have 2 Love Rocks from 2022. I found the pickups to be too hot so I replaced them with Monty’s low wind PAF’s. I also rewired all the electronics and replaced the bridges and tailpieces with Faber parts. I also have a ‘79 LS80 and a Tokai ES130. Obviously I’m a Tokai fan.

[@gearmeister]

So, is there any truth to old man Tokai acquiring a 58 or 2 having the guts to take it apart bit by bit, x-raying everything & based on that, building a prototype? That's the rumor I heard or maybe I read it in an old Les Paul book

[@NyangoStarAmerica]

I remember reading about these 20 years ago and guitarists swearing they were fantastic. I used to own two Gibson Les Paul guitars I wish I never sold. I might pick up one of these Love Rocks after seeing new Gibson prices 😮

[@mionapinyon6098]

IDK I would pass on that model, not much if any improvement on the Epi IMO. The inlays look rather bland from what I can see. Each to their own cheers

[@bobbyarthur-yf3yf]

I tried to find an epi that compared to my tokai but no they just don’t have the skill to reach tokai quality but seams that’s improving now

[@superlead1002]

Another difference between your ULS 129 and a Premium series would be a one-piece mahogany body...the higher up you go you begin to run into a long neck tenon and Honduran mahogany too. The MK-II pickups are really quite nice, I like them a lot!

[@thelolguy007]

Another great video mate. Love the channel. You’re right with the comparison between this and The Eastman. I’ve owned a couple of Tokai’s in the past - one of which was a Lawsuit era with ‘Les Paul’ on the headstock. The Eastman is just too expensive for a Chinese made guitar - The Tokai is Japanese and have that reputation and lineage to go with it. There’s no comparison. Btw, you are right it does look like Nitro. I wouldn’t have thought it was Poly. I’d love to see you review an Edwards now 😉

[@WayneT3]

I've got a cute little 1998 Love Rock LS70-F 'burst (definitely Japanese-built) that I reckon I'd put up against any Custom Shop model (and maybe even an R9, and I LOVE Les Pauls!!) It's my daily driver for recording sessions (with a Seymour Duncan Seth Lover pickup update) and feels impeccable to play. Kudos to you for showing some TOKAI love👍🏼 Great channel - I'm a subscriber.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man thanks for supporting! 😁👍

[@jaymax3201]

Here in Japan, the price of 129 has been revised to 140, and the actual selling price is about 120,000 yen, and the price of 148 with veneer frame top is the same. Les Paul Tribute is 150,000 yen, Studio is 200,000 yen, Standard is 350,000 yen, now. Tokai is worth trying.I tried a lighter Les Paul with weight relief and lost to the Tokai.

[@carlyoung5035]

One of the best guitars I ever had (and yet another 'I sold it' tale of woe) was an early 90's Japanese built Ibanez Artist with the builders signature on the back plate. I chose it only just above a Yamaha SG2000, and both guitars were better than the Les Pauls I tried at the time. It was an utter joy to play and those Flying Fingers pickups were awesome, but they just know how to finish a product properly - and to the highest degree. The bigger companies just slap things together and meeting targets seems to be more important than taking pride in their product. Same thing applies to their cars too. I loved that guitar but wasn't playing in a band for a while and it got sold. Deep regret.

[@onlyguitars]

Hey! I am lucky enough that there are many Tokai available in my country. The retailer still sells S and T style tokais new, but no longer sells for some time now the LP style Tokais (Im thinking because for some years now they started selling Gibsons, so coincidence?? ). I remember years ago trying them and have to say they were very well built but didnt prefer them that much (although the retailer necer setup guitars very well) But used tokais LP show up constantly, and I never considered tokai much until I saw your video now, and also went back to INTHEBLUES ocs he has a Tokai same model as yours buy 8 years older that he has kept still untl today and he also had Custom shop as well, and his gibsons are all gone now hehe. I even hada Strat and Tele Tokais as well. Very very good both! Stupidly cheap for how good they are. So just grabbed an LS136 in Lemon Drop, that hopefully will arrive tomorrow, or early next week. I also have an Eastman SB59/v, and I also had USA and CS gibsons, also has a Heritage as well. Loves the CS but is just so damn expensive that didnt feel comfortable with it. The USA gibson I liked it a lot, but you I could see all the others were better quality instruments. And for me the Eastman is as agood as the R8 I had. But wanted to have another Les Paul guitar around, with the "original" looks and shapes, and Gibson just didnt want to spend that much, so excited to see it!

[@theguitaristas]

Nice one!… let us know how you like it! 😁👍👍

[@onlyguitars]

​@@theguitaristas Hey! I got the guitar yesterday! damn. indeed is flawless. couldnt find any details or something to pick on (unlike the gibsons lol). Is indeed great guitar, mine weighs similar to yours. Love the looks and everything about it feels a looks high quality. Love the neck shape as well, very comfortable. and unplugged rings nicely. The only thing will change in the future cos it is indeed something that suits me much better, is put some higher frets down the road. A little low for me, but besides that, that is just personal preference, this one is a keeper for sure!

[@theguitaristas]

@@onlyguitars Nice one! 😁👍👍

[@onlyguitars]

@@theguitaristas thank you for your amazing review. as always keep up the amazing videos! love them!!

[@BotsWeekendCovers]

Great video. My mom purchased a new Memphis Les Paul copy in the early 70's for me for my birthday and I loved it. I still have a 1982 MIJ strat and would never get rid of it. In fact I unloaded my American strats a long time ago. The Japanese simply put make a heck of a guitar!

[@kennyblackbird5674]

Even the Tokai from China looks a bit more official than Epiphone Les Pauls. Something about the lower cutaway horn on the Epiphone Les Paul that makes it look like a toy.

[@peteolinski7471]

Love the shows! Can’t wait for the Gibson V Tokai shootout! Don’t worry about the playing. I like the fact that you do a loop and play over it. The fact that you play some of the same riffs/ideas I can get an actual tone comparison. Playing a different guitar with different music is of course going to sound different….. but is it?

[@HamptonGuitars]

I, for one, appreciate your efforts at truthfulness!!

[@theguitaristas]

😁👍

[@fredrikwa2438]

Welcome to the Japanese Tokai owners club:-) A suggestion.. buy the nitro Tokai (You can never have too many) and borrow a Gibson for the videos.. Tokai also have custom shop quality guitars.. I have one ls 420. Half the price and better quality than the you know who. Cheers

[@nordland2235]

They are just too heavy......play a gig....afterwards you have a backache.

[@moschops999]

I’m in the ‘scratchplate off’ camp, I think it just looks prettier. Aesthetically, each to their own and all that, the Tokai violin burst is obviously your sweet spot. For me, the Stoner Les Paul you got last week looks gorgeous. There’s something about a lemon burst/lemondrop Les Paul that just does it for me!

[@ces69]

I feel the opposite, purchased a Les Paul without one and bought a pick guard to put on it! To me they look naked without one and more like a copy!

[@activese]

Hi Colin, perving on a bloody gorgeous, iced tea-ish burst. Lol. Cheers.

[@davew8542]

Hi Col. Great video lovely guitar. You can get CTS pots with metric shafts. 7.9 mm I believe

[@leadstrat]

I must admit, I enjoy the hell out of your channel. I admire your love for the guitar and I am also at a stage where I have played for many years and am now getting into guitars in general… as far as how they’re made, modifications, tone woods, brands. Watching you review them, modify them, is like seeing myself if I had a KZbin Channel. Many of the projects you take on you figure out as you go and film it to share the experience with everyone else. I really enjoy your humor and just wanted to say, great job!! Keep up the good work.

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks mate that’s appreciated! 😁👍

[@rafael2372]

Awesome guitar and great video! Love your playing and your way make the videos. I have a Tokai LS80 from 2006 and it blows away my Gibson Les Paul Tribute Future 2013 in everything. Now it has a Seymour Duncan Slash set and it is just as good as a Les Paul can be. I only wish it was nitro finishing. My next guitar will definitely be another Tokai, but a higher grade like LS196 or LS214. Greetings from Brazil.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man! 😎👍

[@darrenpritchard8911]

I had a Tokai LS138, absolutely stunning guitar and build quality. The Japanese Tokais are works of art. I sold it because I wanted a 60s neck and replaced it with a Gibson 60s LP, lovely guitar but quality shocking compared to the Tokai. If Tokai did a 60s neck I'd have that over the Gibson

[@Davefender100]

Have just put cts pots with orange drop capacitors in my uls 136f tokia Les Paul and wired it 50s style did not have to reem the pot holes, I had exact same Korean pots and capacitors and no reaming needed

[@DotM68]

It would be good to see a comparison between this and the Japanese Revstar.

[@robbierussell9536]

Nice guitar 🎸.. personally i love Epiphone made in South Korea

[@GraemeCampbellMusic]

I don't think I've ever played a badly built Japanese guitar whether it was Fender, Tokai, Westbury etc. And that one sounds magic, great buy.

[@paulketchupwitheverything767]

Yamaha guitars - great quality, even on their more low budget models.

[@ReyCarmesi666]

​@@paulketchupwitheverything767The mythical Yamaha SBG 1000,2000 and 3000.

[@ForeverDownByLaw]

I may be a naysayer here, but although the guitar looks very well made, I'd have to gut the electronics to get it sounding the way I prefer a Les Paul, which is to say not so dark and with much more spank. I just don't hear the harmonic content that a good LP possesses. Too much woman tone, not enough Jimmy Page tone for my liking.

[@matt-770]

The top end range of guitars out of Japan surpasses anything Gibson’s custom shop can produce the same goes for Fender.

[@bryanwilliams3665]

Yes , my Tokai KLS Les Paul is superior to my Gibson Custom Shop R7( which was a 1 off 'made to measure ') I did change our the hot Tokai pickups.

[@skipclone1]

Having lived have for 25 years I would have to agree. It's an incredible place to buy instruments. I just wish the guitar techs were on the same level. There's no standardized 'basic setup'. Most guitars come from the factory ready to play. If you want something changed, you could be in for a challenge. The guys behind toe counter are there to sell stuff.

[@michellewilson8845]

A shame they are not more widely available in the UK i'd buy one in a second

[@GRBAquatics]

Very Cool, Thankyou. Stunning Guitar and Playing as always. Would love one of these but bit beyond my means at the moment. Recently ordered/received an Artist Guitars AP59 'Apricot Burst' Les Paul copy for discount price and totally love it, Such an awesome Guitar and I find it has inspired me to play 'at my best'. Have been looking at a Tokai Vintage White 'Telecaster' with Rosewood Board, as I have fallen for White Tele's after watching yours. All the Best, Cheers.

[@patrickaquilina8654]

Loved the "Guitar Safari" episode! Love this Tokai review too! Great work Colin! 👍to growing this channel!!

[@lfader]

Back In the day you were looked down on owning a Greco Tokai Burny Edwards Today major bang for your buck and rightly so The past 2-3 years before lockdown spikeflation on everything but all Gibson Les Paul's _ I was hunting down a Steve Jones custom shop and the money Gibson's spiked on the street (craigslist reverb) and retail is absolutely criminal It's bullshit I won't pay it anymore. These axes have been used and played out by major players 💥 Edwards back in the day is ESP LTD. Tokai's considered a top dog in the Les Paul pool they're all worth checking out and they're affordable My daily driver is a Holt ESP LTD FR My 4 Gibson LP (2) custom shop sit in the case

[@IshmanDebba]

I could listen to you talk about guitars forever. Awesome content. Love the guitar choice (as a proud Tokai LS95 owner myself). Loved to see the deep dive into it. Would be great to see more.

[@ColonelPaynus]

Fucking hell… over £2000 for the top range of LS Tokai available in the UK?? I just bought a LS214 Premium series for £1100 direct from Japan. It’s the absolute best they make. The markup in the UK and elsewhere is insane.

[@tenthmed]

Looks great both with and without pickguard/scratchplate. The fact that you feel more comfortable playing it without answers the question for me. Sounds great too.

[@slowfaction7360]

Was looking forward to this all week. An additional difference between the Vintage Series and the Premium Series is 1 piece backs. Regarding the bridge pick up my 2015 White Custom Vintage Series has a noticeably hotter bridge pick up than my 2004 standard and 2006 Custom even though they are Mark IIs. Weightwise my Green Standard and TV Yellow Special come in at 8.5 lbs, my Black Customer and P90 Goldtop are both around the 9.5 lbs mark and my 2015 White Custom is just over 10 lbs...but being tall I don't really notice the additional weight and like the heft when I am on stage. The White Custom is the one I am taking up to Blackpool for our slot at Rebellion. A great video as always, Colin and the Premium Series, although around £2200 will be Gibson Standard money for a Custom Shop finish...

[@slowfaction7360]

Here's a link to the current Tokai catalogue from their Japanese website. One point to note is that UK model numbers lag behind the Japanese model numbers, based on current Yen retail price so your ULS129 is now listed in Japan as an LS140

[@carlosdeno]

I remember the Rev Billy Gibbons playing a Tokai, one of the first models. Great looking Les Paul and sounds sweet too, great video as always Colin. I too love the plain tops, they have a way of looking like an old guitar. ✌️

[@craigpimlott204]

If the rev plays one ,they can’t be that bad ❤

[@johndaugherty4127]

$1450! Dayum, the Epiphone goldtop with case was $799.00 and it is killer. But, I have'nt had a lot of experience with Les Pauls. Pickguard off, definately

[@martinscholes2023]

Terrific video, this one. Looks a belting guitar. On a technical note, your lighting on your videos is superb. Very professional. I can’t imagine how much effort goes into that, but I for one really appreciate your production values. Bravo, mate.

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks Martin that’s appreciated! 😁🙏

[@martinscholes2023]

@@theguitaristas credit where it’s due. People don’t understand just how much effort goes into professional videos and they take great content for granted. I don’t. I love what you do.

[@exebit9366]

I agree Excellent lighting, ‘Chiaro oscuro’ like the Flemish masters (Rembrandt, Ban Dyk, etc.).

[@kennycube5126]

Have you looked at Crews Maniac Sound and Navigator Les Pauls? You could get a Crews LED '59 and compare it to a Gibson R9. It would be the ultimate😀

[@jezza8558]

I love this channel and as a fellow Englishman I appreciate a good winge! That Tokai is a thing of wonder, amazing quality and such a looker. Its very much like a classic car, hard not to look at! Thanks for your hard work on these vids!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man! 😁👍

[@markfahey3921]

I love your comment about a good whinge! Same here!

[@dw7704]

One thing that stands out is that there are fake Tokais out there If there’s no demand for something, it’s much less likely to be faked

[@poopydonkey]

You are now at my top tier list of KZbinrs!!! That means that I give your videos of thumbs-up before I even watch them because I know they're going to be good!!! Thanks for all the killer videos....

[@jfiery]

It's so awesome to watch as Colin works thru why he needs the next guitar which then leads to the one after that!

[@theguitaristas]

🤣👍

[@pickle-lr6xw]

I think we all love to convince ourselves why we need another guitar. Much to the wives dismay 😂

[@ChristianParschau]

Hey Colin, it´s time for some Squier news, don´t you think? How about testing this Stratosonic with P90´s and an Epiphone wraparound bridge ?? Would be very interesting

[@ChristianParschau]

or the Yamaha Revstar with P90 and your Punk attitude. I think we had enough Les Paul recently, don´t you think? Keep it under 1000 pounds/euros

[@lqr824]

My hot tip for people who are thinking about Japanese versions of classic guitars: the Yamaha SA2200 is basically a 345 competitor. I've had three 335's and when I decided the third ALSO wasn't right for me and started looking, I put an SA2200 and a 355 on my list of local guitars to check out. I tried the SA2200 and had to buy it. And it was so cheap, I kept going down my to-do list and checked out the 355 (a 2021 plaintop natural) and I had to buy that too. It was 3-4x the price of the Yamaha but I think the quality is equal, Yamaha POSSIBLY just slightly better assembly/manufacture. The feel is also very comperable with Yamaha again POSSIBLY more to my taste. The Yamaha has a slightly lower-power pickup, just a touch more jazz less blues/rock, a little clearer, tiny bit less midrange and more bell-like clarity. I love them both and play them about equally. If you're looking at ES-335/345/355, you HAVE to try the SA2200 just once. You may not like it but give it a shot.

[@danmc_2783]

Yeah, the Yamaha SG2000 is another great alternative to the Les Paul too, a la Carlos Santana. Huge tone and sustain for days

[@lqr824]

@@danmc_2783 I remember around 1985 they had adverisements for their solidbody that looked just like a Les Paul but with a top cutout too, titled "Les Money." It was clever, but it also reinforced the stereotype that the Japanese guitars were cheap knock-offs. You can buy $4500 Japanese "teles" and "strats" with incredible woods and complicated layered paint jobs on top of eye-popping grains and so on. Nothing "budget" about it.

[@Gocraingo]

I have a 920 and they are very fine instruments. I dont think anything on the recent market compares for their $$

[@SirBender]

The guitar is gorgeous. Tokai LPs have always been so, but I must say, the sound is too compressed and "closed". Even for a LP. It's hard on the edge to sound muddy. But I bet a well chosen new PU set will make it sound PERFECT and would kill a 1000€ more expensive G LP Standard

[@johndaugherty4127]

Pickguard off for sure. Why retread the Les Paul ground, mate? There are so many awesome LTD's, Godin, Shecter. We are living in the best time for guitarists ever!

[@2dazetake]

Ban something in America and we find a way to get it anyway,they tried that with alcohol once,this copyright stuff, just sales more knock off then ever, cracks me up when someone sticks up for the big name brand,and knocks chibsons,tokai, burny ect, designs have been stolen years ago,and Gibson just undermined itself when they went after the little guy, corporate bully's don't stand a chance in this economy,especially at a time when budget guitars are giving so much bang for the buck, and the competition is so fierce.

[@txkflier]

I think they look better with the pick guard. And, I wouldn't like the screw holes that would be left behind. I also would rather the pick guard be scratched than the finish. It's beautiful, of course..

[@El-Scorcho]

The only thing that bothers me about the Love Rock is the shorter scale length. Gibson are as short as I can go, not sure why Tokai made these even shorter

[@theguitaristas]

Yes I forgot to mention... it's 24.6 instead of 24.75 👍

[@thecaveofthedead]

@@theguitaristas Ok. That's new to me. I need to measure. Maybe that's another reason it plays so much better than my Gibsons.

[@LGuitarB]

Don't worry about your playing; just because you don't play 10 notes per second you get a very good idea of the sound of the guitars.

[@theguitaristas]

😁🙏

[@stephenlawn159]

Another great film, Col! ...and your playing is quite fine, as usual. As to the clickbait thing, you could look at it this way: Pop acts have to have a few hits under their belt to develop a following, which then affords them more creative freedom. Personally, I don't care about the title or thumbnail, because I know there's excellent content inside. It's actually true, the ban might have been semi-self imposed, (not court ordered) but still Tikai ceased. It's always the way the topic is presented that produces clicks. It's not as if it's untrue, and I can't imagine you'd stoop to "stupid sh*t". The reality is that You Tube does require a Pop-style approach, after all. If it gets you there the way you're doing it now, it's perfectly ok with me. Now, the TV channel subscription - First, in my opinion, this is easily one of the best guitar-GAS related channels on You Tube. But at $5/month, (seriously, it's getting to be less than the price of a coffee) your tv channel is so well worth it, a no-brainer for any fan of Colin. SO much more content, a very interesting forum with a nice group of participating like-minded Guitaristas from all over, and best of all no ads and no DLC. FWIW, I recommend at least trying it.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Stephen, that's appreciated as always 😁🙏 definitely hoping not to make thumbnails that bear no relation to the content but I might have a laugh every now and then.... 😉 and thanks for the TV channel shout out mate!

[@calsurflance5598]

My 1979 Deluxe weighs 10 and a half pounds. I’ve played it for 44 years, and still notice the weight every time I pick it up. Lol However it’s mine and has never had any issues. And I suppose it’s vintage now, as I am🧐🎸lol

[@theguitaristas]

Ouch do you have a chiropractor on speed dial? 😆 ...bet that sounds awesome though! 🙌🔥

[@calsurflance5598]

@@theguitaristas Lol! There is something to be said for playing an instrument for years and years, but I’m envious of the tones you can get from your guitars. What guitar have you had the longest?

[@theguitaristas]

@@calsurflance5598 Cheers man! 😊🙏My '78 Telecaster Custom (which weighs 10lb! 🤣) has been with for over 20 years but the ones I actually had in the 70's are long gone.

[@joej6041]

Seems like it should be illegal for them to make this guitar look so much like a gibson. They're definately taking a lot of money out of Gibson's pockets. Looks like a well made guitar.

[@Eric_01]

I wish all Les Paul-style producers would leave the pickguard off, but include it in the box. It just varies as to when the owner would it on or not, but then you're stuck with those damn screw holes. If they wouldn't commit the guitar to it right out of the gate, I for one, would love that.

[@joejohnston2035]

Rumbleseat in Nashville has one on the floor. $3900.00(+ tax) price tag

[@dw7704]

Pickguard on or off? On a Les Paul or LP style guitar with a carved top If you can see the woodgrain- no guard If you can’t see the woodgrain- guard on Juniors & Specials look better with them Of course there could be exceptions

[@theguitaristas]

So you’re on the fence? 😆👍

[@dw7704]

@@theguitaristas well if want to leave a guitar on my fence…

[@luisfernandorojasvelasco4731]

What year? Tokai still make guitars? It is good to see the thick body and attention to details, recently I tested the Cort CR300 and I couldn't be more pleased, glad to see your review or comments about

[@theguitaristas]

Tokai still make great high end guitars in Japan and great more affordable versions in China

[@drzainnas]

Thank you sir for a great video as always. The MACON is a Les Paul style guitar proudly made in England by PATRICK JAMES EGGLE, it is reviewed in the Guitar World magazine and highly recommended by many well known professionals in the music industry as Tim Pierce a legend guitarist please do check his KZbin channel where he reviewed the MACON by PATRICK JAMES EGGLE. Hope it helps and please kindly everyone try to support this channel appreciating all the work and time done on this channel. Best regards from 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿.

[@theguitaristas]

😊🙏

[@birdman316]

sweeet tokai mate! i honestly think those pots are closely related to the "alfie" pots which i love.... and plus "big G" shouldnt be so harsh...the headstock isnt the "open book" style haha! ya the "big F" and "big G" have been after IYV(inyenvina) guitar company concerning headstock shapes as well....my ILS-300D (LP clone) has a similar shape headstock but not "open book" style tho... im guessing theyre a bit scared that theyll lose sales due to a cheaper/better item lol! almost 4got to mention...the jack isnt flush with the nut on yours either....and them "fendery" strap buttons! had to rib ya there mate!

[@zedasiscas3830]

Man - pickup a MAYBACH LESTER - please! Cheers

[@PhilMiles-o6x]

Colin! If you’re prepared to blow over two grand on another Tokai, then it’s time for a Rickenbacker review! And while your perusing, why not review a decent 12 string - Ibanez Artcore would be great. No rush , but next week would be good 😊👍🏻

[@theguitaristas]

😆👍

[@garyslash7552]

Colin, you are really too critical on yourself. You are doing just great! Tokai are awesome guitars. I own a 1980 Tokai Les Paul and I made the same modifications as you did on yours plus a bome nut. And I took the scratchplate off, because I thinkl it looks so much better without it. If you don't like the holes, just put the screws back in to close them.

[@nedludd3641]

I wonder if you could look at the Yamaha SG1820. Although designated 'SG' I think it is similar in construction to an LP-type single-cut guitar. They were retailing at £3000 but you can pick them up new for c.£1800. Japanese build, quite weighty. I think mine is gorgeous but I'd be interested to know what a proper guitarist makes of them.

[@theguitaristas]

I'd love to own one... John McGeogh from Magazine / Siousxie / PIL played one 🙌 I do know they are very heavy though and I think that would put me off.

[@eertje01]

Hi here I am again plugging the Epiphone Les Paul Muse: 7.27 pounds. You should try a Les Paul Muse. Greatest neck profile ever and super weight relieved! And the price is also very affordable ❤ About pickguard yes or no: yes when combined with pokerchip. If you take it off, the poker chip gots to go too 😅

[@incrediblegenki8416]

sounds and looks a million bucks, prob gonna be my next big spend tbh haha or should i say hohoho

[@PaulStanton-q7q]

Hi My name is Paul and I live in Sydney Australia. Even though I am not a Subscriber to your Channel I still regularly watch all if not most of your You Tube videos (thoroughly enjoy them all). I have a strange question - are all the guitar songs you play on your You Tube channel your original compositions? I love them all! Have you recorded and/or released any of your songs and if so where can I purchase? Seriously! Regards. Paul.

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks Paul that’s appreciated mate! Yes all the stuff I play is just improvised in the moment… although you’ll notice that the ideas and loops are often inspired by something I’ve heard or am trying to pay homage to 😁 I haven’t any recent recordings as I concentrate on making the films, although many of the ‘jams’ from KZbin are posted separately over on the TV channel. Cheers! 😎👍

[@Blodtann]

Your version of "clickbait" hardly registers as such in my mind, the ones I can't stand are the sad face thumbnails with "GOODBYE" or "THE END" on them. Those are an automatic unsub from me. I can't imagine you would stoop that low!

[@theguitaristas]

I’ll try not to! 😆👍

[@sixbladeknife44]

The inlays look chintzy/cheap and a plain poly finish on a Les Paul type w/ that weird/unorthodox scale length for that much $$?! It’s a middle of the road Gibson Les Paul knockoff, no more no less. The Gibson Les Paul Standard you sold off also sounded worlds better, sorry.

[@theguitaristas]

Each their own! 😆

[@jamesmgreen15]

Pickguard: Totally ambivalent. Were it on I would likely leave it like that and off in the case it would likely stay off. Superb guitar. The only downside, AFAIK, is that you had better like it buying a new one as selling it, you have done your doh (here in Australia anyway) and the used market is VERY soft anyway.

[@noeltracey1537]

Thank you 👍

[@WarrenAndrews-w5x]

This is your guitar Colin! Love Warren. 😎

[@Andrew-su9rk]

Like your content, but maybe review the guitar as it actually is, and 'upgrade' it later... otherwise what's the point (this maybe harsh as it's up to you of course).

[@theguitaristas]

Fair point and I normally always would but on this occasion I couldn't resist! 😆

[@docgify]

Beautiful colin ,im only trying to buy a uls80 but its a japanese made tokai but i believe its a custom order of an als80

[@rumy6871]

I really liked the video, mate. I have a thought to share with you: I believe guitars should be judged on their own merits, and when we can, set our feelings about the corporate world aside. I have mates who work for Gibson. They love music and guitars. They are the ones building the instruments and not the suits in ivory towers. Regular working folks pour their hearts into the guitars. I politely disagree with you about always making a compromise when owning a Gibson. I have owned a half dozen Les Pauls over the years. I've had nothing but good experiences. I understand that this may be different for another person. For me, however, a Les Paul is a thing of joy and the source of a joyful noise. When it comes to Tokai, in the States they are hard to come by because of copyright infringement. Thank you for showing off that lovely specimen and sharing all the tidbits about the build. I enjoyed it and learned a lot. Thank you.

[@kencubala9560]

Excellent comment in wording and content.

[@aladolfsenjustanoldguy2045]

Please don't apologize for the playing. Most of us probably play worse. I get more from you than players like Danish Pete. Keep up the good work. 😊

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks that’s appreciated! 😊🙏

[@frozenborderline2109]

I'm admittedly more team Jimmy Page than Slash, so I say better with the pickguard on. At least with the violin burst. Plus (to my eyes, anyway) it just goes with the other white/cream plastic of the pup rings and poker chip.

[@Rr0gu3_5uture]

The nicest Les Paul I've noodled about on was a friends Edwards E-LP-108LTS, a '59 Gibson clone. Absolutely brilliant guitar. I'm more of an SG guy though, once I've saved me pennies, my next model's gonna be either a Tokai SG-124, Fujigen NDC10, or an Edwards E-SG-120. Unfortunately, Gibson is more of an overpriced, premium lifestyle brand these days.

[@poopydonkey]

It says so much that you're buying one of these after all the Eastman videos!!! That's a hell of an act to follow!!!

[@paulketchupwitheverything767]

That's a lovely finish on that Love Rock. The polyester looks fine and doesn't appear plasticky in the video. I'm not mad on overly figured woods either. I think that they start looking like a piece of furniture when the top is too striped, quilted or book-matched. A bit of unusual or distinctive grain can be more interesting.

[@emdeel5709]

Japanese made Tokai Love Rock guitars are far and tic instruments. I’ve had an LS110 (I think, has a flame top)for about 12 years. Apparently these are on par with Gibson custom shops. If you want one with an open book headstock you have to import them into the UK though if that’s an issue. Rich tone music in Sheffield used to sell both Japanese Tokai’s and ESP Edwards until they started selling Gibsons and had to stop sticking the Tokai and Edwards

[@El-Scorcho]

Would you ever consider reviewing a Kiesel? I think watching you customize and buy + review a Kiesel would make for a great couple videos!

[@Kdschaak]

Put the pickguard screws back in the empty holes. It covers up the open hole, and you will be able to find them easily when you put it back on.

[@theguitaristas]

😎👍

[@jeffroq]

Great stuff Col. Pick guard off gets my vote. That bridge pickup is a Van Halen kind of output.

[@grg-mpgmusic7247]

We can get them here but you have to be careful....there are counterfeit Tokai's too. We have Tokai dealers here but not for these models. The price point you paid would make a killing over here. Appreciate the content and as always.....rock on!

[@thewhiskyscout1238]

I enjoyed this one but heck I enjoy all your reviews. Cheers Sir, I had a cup tea earl grey to be exact while watching. I got “Stuck In” again!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man that's appreciated! 🙏... crikey you're posh with your Earl Grey! 😆👍

[@aapddd]

Leave it to the japanese to make great stuff. I like their cars and motorcycles as well. Well built and reliable.

[@joshbrown3864]

I have heard these guitars are made in China now (With Japanese inspectors), but none the less, made in China.

[@theguitaristas]

No, this one was made on Japan... however the Chinese ones that I also talk about in this film are made in China so maybe watch it? 😆✌️

[@johnsmith-sm6mh]

Great show Colin, appreciate the effort every week for us guitar addict’s , you are a decent bloke mate a decent player and all round good egg , you do not need to be hard on yourself mate , we are all players of an average/good ability otherwise we would be all rock stars , it’s the love and passion of guitars and your honesty and humour we are here for mate 👍🏻👍🏻 and I’m a Strat lover 😆 Cheers 70s John

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks John! 😁👍

[@Charlies247]

Brew on, if that larger did guitar videos, Guitaristas would still probably be the best in the world. Stay Free ! ✊🏼

[@theguitaristas]

😆👍

[@errolandrew]

That’s a stunning looking guitar Col. Can’t see it toppling the Eastman in a shoot-out, but will be very interesting to see how Tokai compare to the big G. Have a Tokai Explorer - it’s a superb gtr.

[@MichaelIrons-d5v]

WITH OUT MT, THAT THING IS A DEFO 100 PERCENT A KEEPER, SHES A THE REAL DEAL HUM (ANDROMEDA) HER NAME!

[@MichaelIrons-d5v]

thx col loved the vid looking forwards to the next one.

[@jpl1107]

Tokai Love Rock vs Eastman SB 59?

[@mattporter6128]

"WW2 bomber found on moon", how's that for clickbait?? 😆

[@theguitaristas]

I'm old enough to remember that!.. followed up a few month later by Elvis! 🤣👍