
The model number would be stamped into the fretboard, as in the 70s. On the back of the headstock the serial number (indicating year) & Made In Japan would be stamped into the wood, the way Gibson do. Pickups would be labelled properly & whatever was stamped on the pickup would be listed in the catalogue, e.g U, Mark II etc. The catalogue would be clearer on the differences between the different models than many Tokai catalogues have been in the past.
Now wouldn't that make life easier for everybody?
I would seriously consider keeping the name Tokai just for MIJ stuff, & come up with another name for the licensed (Chinese) stuff, something like XXXX by Tokai, similar to Orville by Gibson. The name would make the link to the higher quality product without claiming to be that product. It could work...
Any views? Other suggestions?
Mike