Dear fellow Tokai-ists, it might have been asked (and answered) before, but couldn't find any info anywhere. I have a Japanese Tokai which I love but now fancying a Chinese goldtop with P90s. However, the model names are all over the place UALS (sometimes just ALS) 62S, 68.....what are the differences? Where can I obtain trustworthy information on body material etc? Thank you in advance
Chinese Gold Top identification
- Thread starter Pony
- Start date
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It can be tough with the Chinese builds.
I guess you need to start with the year made then check catalogs.
Is there a particular guitar you are looking at? If so, can you share pictures and the serial number?
Chinese models use materials like maple/alder/basswood instead of mahogany for the back and neck. Also more pieces of wood and a scarf joint on the neck.
I guess you need to start with the year made then check catalogs.
Is there a particular guitar you are looking at? If so, can you share pictures and the serial number?
Chinese models use materials like maple/alder/basswood instead of mahogany for the back and neck. Also more pieces of wood and a scarf joint on the neck.
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As for the model names, the ALS, ULS, and UALS refer to the market they were made for.
"A" I believe is an American model.
"U" I believe is a European model.
"UA" may be both.
And it’s very confusing because these don’t always have a dimpled headstock. I tend to look at specs rather than model name.
"A" I believe is an American model.
"U" I believe is a European model.
"UA" may be both.
And it’s very confusing because these don’t always have a dimpled headstock. I tend to look at specs rather than model name.
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Here is an example.
Note the woods.
Also note that this ALS does not have a dimpled head stock in this catalog. Confusing I agree.
And again, the construction & materials is how they keep the costs down. Flame and quilt tops are veneer. Backs are multi piece examples using lower cost wood than mahogany.
2010 Vol 26 catalog
Note the woods.
Also note that this ALS does not have a dimpled head stock in this catalog. Confusing I agree.
And again, the construction & materials is how they keep the costs down. Flame and quilt tops are veneer. Backs are multi piece examples using lower cost wood than mahogany.
2010 Vol 26 catalog
You might want to have a look through this thread to get a general idea of examples made in China.
Tokais Made In China
Tokais Made In China
Wow, thank you for the replies!!! Really appreciate them.
I just browsed through Reverb to be honest, one example is :
https://reverb.com/en-hu/item/69420...9.pHSC5uJzjwOKLHCsoC16Ft8_YbL5mzu1x8hr07uVyWE
I just browsed through Reverb to be honest, one example is :
https://reverb.com/en-hu/item/69420...9.pHSC5uJzjwOKLHCsoC16Ft8_YbL5mzu1x8hr07uVyWE
You're welcome.
They obscured the serial number. Makes it harder.
On Chinese builds, they will be 2005 to the present.
Check the catalogs.
Tokai Guitar Catalogues - Vintage Japan Guitars
They obscured the serial number. Makes it harder.
On Chinese builds, they will be 2005 to the present.
Check the catalogs.
Tokai Guitar Catalogues - Vintage Japan Guitars
Homer J. Simpson
Well-known member
[personal opinion]
That's a lot of money for a guitar spec'd like the lowest grade P90 single-cut off Thomann. The big plus it has going for it is that it looks more like the real deal while not being as shady as the 200 bucks counterfeit LPs on AliExpress. :/
[/personal opinion]
That's a lot of money for a guitar spec'd like the lowest grade P90 single-cut off Thomann. The big plus it has going for it is that it looks more like the real deal while not being as shady as the 200 bucks counterfeit LPs on AliExpress. :/
[/personal opinion]
Here is one on Reverb from 2016.
Probably an ALS55S
Tokai Love Rock - Made in China | Reverb Australia
Probably an ALS55S
Tokai Love Rock - Made in China | Reverb Australia
Attachments
2019
Looks like it is then called an ALS65S
Note construction & wood
Tokai Tokai ALS65SGT goldtop P90 ...made in China 2019 gold top | Reverb
Looks like it is then called an ALS65S
Note construction & wood
Tokai Tokai ALS65SGT goldtop P90 ...made in China 2019 gold top | Reverb
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So if this is actually an ALS68S, then it was likely made after 2019
Thank you! I still find it equally ridiculous and fascinating thta in 2023 (or might as well in 2020 or 2021) we have to guess the model and body construction - as for example, the ad you posted says body is mahogany which I really doubt to be honest (at this price point).
The one I posted looked like a mahogany body and the neck expertly stained maple to match. Just going by the grain I can see. They must have scored a good supply of African mahogany cheap? Smaller pieces than higher end guitars would have.
