eBay

This auction is for an ‘investment grade’ Tokai Springy Sound ST50 – from the legendary ‘lawsuit’ era. Springys are among the most collectable Made In Japan replica guitars and rarely appear on eBay. This one is in exceptional condition – a rare chance to buy the 1981 classic with all the cachet of a vintage guitar but none of the wear.

This guitar is a faithful replica of the 1964 Fender Stratocaster – down to the 3 ply pick guard and 12 retaining screw design. The only difference is that it came factory fitted with a 5 way selector switch. The pickups are the highly regarded ‘U’ stamped originals – in fact everything on the guitar is exactly as it was when it left the factory. No mods.

The Candy Apple Red finish is deep and velvety – with slight weather checking and the odd dimple as the only hint of its age. The fingerboard is a very dark rosewood (Brazilian?). The maple neck is light blonde (hasn’t yellowed at all), which suggests the guitar has spent most of the past 33 years in its case and hasn’t been exposed to light. Similarly the pick guard and pickup cover plastic are pristine white. The bridge saddles are stamped Tokai and have not tarnished at all.

The serial number indicates it was manufactured in 1981, which does seem incredible when you hold the guitar and can appreciate its condition.

It has the (in)famous ‘spaghetti’ style Tokai logo, designed to emulate the Fender logo. More cheekily instead of Fender’s own headstock text 'with synchronized tremolo', the Tokai says 'THIS IS THE EXACT REPLICA OF THE GOOD OLD STRAT.' Subsequent Tokai Strat replicas (such as the Goldstar) changed the wording, omitting the reference to the Stratocaster, presumably to avoid the ire of the US company.

This is a beautiful instrument to play, it has been professionally set up, with all the delicate bell tones and raging attack you would want from a high end Stratocaster – offering the sound of Nile Rodgers, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Hendrix at the flick of a switch. Strat maestro Philip Sayce rates these guitars so highly he uses them as stand-ins for his battered ’63 model called “Mother”. 

The guitar comes with its ORIGINAL TOKAI  BRANDED HARD CASE and ORIGINAL SALES TAG. This is a guitar for collectors and investors as well as players. It will only appreciate in value if looked after.

This guitar is in the UK, no international shipping costs, no duty, no surprises. Anyone seriously interested in buying is welcome to try it out – I am in south west London and very easy to get to. Just e-mail me and we can fix a time.

Best of luck!