'84 Tokai Goldstar Sound Stratocaster?

[potayto]

Hello, I am looking to purchase my first ever electric guitar. I was hoping for Yamaha Pacifica 611 or 612 to show up second handed but then came across this -

https://www.mule.co.kr/bbs/market/s...dong=&period=6&of=wdate&od=desc&andor=and&v=v
The seller says it's '84 Tokai Goldstar Sound Stratocaster, all original parts except for CTS pots and is asking for 700,000 Korean won (roughly 540 US dollars).

I have been searching this forum to discern the model and possibly gather more information. However, it seems like that particular guitar may not be from '84 as the seller claims based on the serial number? Serial number on the neck plate is in 6 digits, starting with 22.

I do not have any knowledge when it comes to guitars, nor do I have any friends who play them. All I can rely on are photos (which sadly I am not able to tell much) and sellers' words. So I was wondering whether this is a deal I should take up on or pass?

Thank you so much in advance!

 

[Sigmania]

That is a 1987/88 TST40 in my opinion.

SN 221654

 

[Sigmania]

It is a budget model with ceramic pickups and trapezoidal tuners.

 

[ATO]

Just the pickups and tuners that are poor quality on the TST40's in this period. Replace them with good quality and you have a very good guitar, keep the parts in case you move it on (though I have no idea why anyone would want them). Mine's been a workhorse for years.

 

[Omiewise65]

For a very first Strat , I‘d try to hunt down a Fender MIM classic series 50s Strat from around 2006 to 2010 . Great guitars …

 

[potayto]

It is a budget model with ceramic pickups and trapezoidal tuners.

Thank you for identifying the model!

 

[potayto]

Just the pickups and tuners that are poor quality on the TST40's in this period. Replace them with good quality and you have a very good guitar, keep the parts in case you move it on (though I have no idea why anyone would want them). Mine's been a workhorse for years.

I will look into that option as well. Thank you for your suggestion!

 

[potayto]

For a very first Strat , I‘d try to hunt down a Fender MIM classic series 50s Strat from around 2006 to 2010 . Great guitars …

While searching Fender 50s Strats and listening to a bunch of clean demos, I came across this model - Fender Japan Made in Japan Heritage 50s Stratocaster - and this has the sound that I am after! Clean, warm, pearlescent sound that feels like well hydrated tapioca pearls or salmon roe, if that makes sense. That's what drew me to '84 Tokai Goldstar Sound Strat after listening to a demo on YouTube. And Gretsch White Penguin. All of which will have to be left as unrequited loves sadly.

Do you have other recommendations I should be on the lookout for?

I will definitely keep an eye out for Fender 50s Strat from that era. Thank you for your reply!