Hello all,
Ok, I broke a golden rule in forum and vintage guitar descriptions. The story of my shame follows:
First of all, I had "assumed" (and you all know what that does) that the guitar in question had a nitro finish; First of all, because I bought it as a model 100. And second, because it looks like it. So, the other night when I saw Gabe's post, "So is this guitar nitro or poly Richard?" I said to myself, "Self!?" you have assumed this guitar to be nitro, but have you verified it? The answer to self was, "no". Unfortunately, The alleged "black light" I had been bragging about was in the possession of the band I manage. They borrowed it to verify the authenticity of the tickets for the show we did Friday the 26th, and I had not retrieved it. So, in my zealous haste (because this is so stinking much fun) to answer Gabe, I went and gathered all of my Tokai Strats together and examined them side by side. Some are known to be Nitro, and some Poly. I put this one in the former category. It looks more like the nitro models than it does the poly models, plain and simple. Still, there was that dreaded seed of doubt left in my mind.
So I did retrieve my black light and went straight way to test the validity of my proclamation to all of you. And to my utter horror, she did not pass the audition. That's right folks, just like a cheap date, she is definitely and most assuredly clothed in poly.
Now that that is out in the open, you may ask, don't you feel better? Well, I do, in that I have come clean. But I am still reeling from the fact that I published on this forum a unverified fact as if it were verified. In retrospect, I should have been transparent to you, and let you in on the whole story at that time, and let you know I would check my claim later.
All I can do is ask the forums forgiveness, and promise not to let it happen again.
On to other things; Mainly for the interest of the forum to study, I have updated the extra pictures, namely the one of the trem block that was requested, although, I should have cleaned the dust off so you can see it. If anyone wants me to take another picture of it clean, I will be glad to do it. That being said, I want everyone to know that I have decided to pull my auction. I am leaving it up right now as a display. But I will pull it before it ends. The reasons are, there is just too much controversy surrounding this guitar in its current description. And secondly, I was not very keen on selling it in the first place, and now I have grown even more fond of it.
I have received a lot correspondence expressing interest in buying this guitar. And I really do appreciate it. I may change my mind later on and offer it up again with a correct description, including the knowledge gained in the discussion on this forum. In the meantime, I have identified other guitars that I can offer for sale to give me a little room. Unfortunately for most of you forum junkies, only one will be a Tokai, and it is a AST-62.
My summary on the guitar:
I had waited to hear from any that want to express them selves on this thread. Now here is what I think. Remember, I said I didn't take the neck off originally because I said it didn't look like it had ever been off. I am more convinced of that than ever now. When I took it off, the screws looked unmolested, and were very tight all the way out. I don't know if you know what I mean. But I have taken many necks off of vintage Fenders, and there is something about a virgin. I am not against taking necks off, and in this case it was definitely warranted. But I don't generally take them off for fun, or general interest. I think I can tell most of the time when one has not been taken off. I have also seen many times in the past where someone has damaged the finish taking them off, particularly on old nitro.
Therefore, I believe this is original, with the exceptions of string tree and two trem block springs. It may have been a special order with the metal guard. But never the less, I believe it is original to it. The only reservation is the bridge plate and jack plate. They are absolutely chrome. The tuners are very faded gold tone. But I have never seen any gold hardware fade this way. Not chipped off, just faded. Weird if you ask me. I looked with magnification at the saddles. I am just not sure. It is possible, that just like Gabe told me, ?it is maybe somewhat of a bitsocaster?. We may never know everything about this guitar, but that is part of the fun.
I do have the book that was mentioned. I have a friend from Japan, and as soon as I get some time I am taking it to him and see if I can get more information.
Well, enough rambling on out of me. Thanks for everyone's input and help. I can't wait till the next one.
Kind regards,
Richard
P.S. Shameless Plug: I am looking for very light, all original, high end LS and Vee models. Condition is not as important as originality.
