I actually discovered it when I went to check out TC Gakki. Any other vintage shops around town that you like?
Enjoy living the dream... can't wait to get back!
Great work - I will keep that in mind. Glad it has worked out for you.
Yes, the Nancy guitars links are very cool and much appreciated. I am yet to visit the actual shop, though a friend of mine has and mentioned that it was quite small. Personally, my favourite vintage shop in Tokyo is Hyper...
And given that I have a friend who ships to me directly from near Tokyo, I can tell you that EMS - which is what individuals as opposed to companies use - currently has restrictions in place for many countries. Perhaps that's the source of your confusion.
Unreal! I've heard a couple of related things. Firstly, that still happens at US trade shows - the Japanese buy everything and everyone else gets the leftovers. Secondly, Gibson sells more new guitars in Japan than the rest of the world COMBINED (to be accurate, the figure was 58% of total...
I don't think so, given that jacaranda can be said accurately with standard Japanese phonemes and Brazilian rosewood cannot (although katakana often makes no sense - I've always wondered who makes the decisions on terms such as "half pants", lol). As for the confusion, I guess it's forgivable...
I guess there was some Brazilian rosewood floating around Japan at the time - I have a Tokai LS280 - limited order run (distro order - mine was originally sold at Musicland Key, Shinjuku), 2005 model. I've been trying to sell it, but can only do so within my home borders (Australia), of course...
Just thought some of you might be interested in this rare beauty.
Super-rare, 100% original and in excellent condition.
Specs - confirmed by the president of Tokai himself:
Fretboard: BRAZILIAN ROSEWOOD with fret edge binding
Body: HONDURAS MAHOGANY one piece back/hard maple two piece top...