Hi CrusHtone ? nope not being a pain at all, no problem 8) . OK, well first ? that ST45 Springy looked pretty good to me at $500 BIN ? I expect someone snapped it up (you?).
Always seemed to me Tokai was pretty vague about model differences, but in general the higher models got ?better fittings?, fewer pieces of wood in construction, and maybe better selection of wood (better grain etc.).
Eg, that ST45 Springy has modern style tuners, whereas ST50 & above have vintage Kluson type split-post tuners. Probably has 3-piece body, whereas ST80 should have 2-piece. AFAIK, the bodies are generally Alder, although some lower models may have used Basswood, and some high models may be Japanese Ash (?Sen?).
It?s been said that lower models got ?U? stamped pups, intermediate models stamped ?V?, and higher models ?E? (marks on base of pup), eg http://www.tokaiforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=1246&highlight=peter although I can?t verify that & don?t know how those pups differ (all sound the same to me).
Apart from current LS320 (& maybe LS200?), I think all Tokais have poly finish (not nitro). However, Tokai use the poly quite thinly, so you don?t get that thick plastic-type coating that other manufactures use. Again, I don?t think it will hurt the tone at all.
In general, higher models seem to get more attention to finish detail. Eg, lower model Les Paul copies often have less accurately cut ?trap? inlays which require black filler around the edges, only noticeable on close inspection. On Strats & Teles you may find lower models have less accurate fretwork etc.
Ian.