Dating Tokais MADE IN KOREA With Serial Numbers, Etc.

[Sigmania]

Just a Theory

(Work In Process)



Bolt on necks with neck plates​

I am slowly piecing this together.

Still lots of assumptions so this is subject to change and revision.

Not all Korean Tokais have serial numbers. LP copies with open book or import dimple do not have serial numbers

Serial numbers are initially stamped or etched on neck plates with an accompanying foil sticker reading "Made In Korea". That then changes in 2000 when those same numbers with a letter prefix are thereafter ink stamped on the back of the headstock. Soon after the "Made In Korea" sticker is replaced with an ink stamp as well. However, etched neck plate numbers return in 2005 it appears.

1995: 5 (no letter prefix) seven digit serial number
1996: F6
1997: F7
1997: F97 gold foil MADE IN KOREA sticker
1998: F98 gold foil MADE IN KOREA sticker
1999: F99 gold foil MADE IN KOREA sticker
2000: F20 gold foil MADE IN KOREA sticker
2000: F0 gold foil MADE IN KOREA sticker

2005: 5 (no letter prefix), eight digit SN, "MADE IN KOREA" all caps ink stamp


I’m also noticing the use of 0 almost like a place holder.

Some years the count leaves room up to 3 digits, so years 4 digits.

Also, some years they use two digits for the year, some years just one.

Possible format:

FYMM####, FYYMM### or FYYMM####



Korean Stamped Etched Impressed Neck Plate Serial Number Guitars

Set Neck Gibson Copies​

Love Rocks Made In Korea 1995-1997

Love Rocks Made In Korea 1998-2000

Love Rocks Made In Korea 2000-2005

Made In Korea Sticker

Made In Korea Stamp

Unauthorized?​

Bolt on necks with neck plates

Korean Stamped No Letter Prefix Serial Number Neckplates


Set neck Gibson copies, etc.

The Original Fakais ?

Letter Prefix Inked Serial Number Korean

Monk's Head Headstock

Manufactured Under License For... Fakais

05 Six Digit Serial Numbers Unauthorized (?)


Potentially extend beyond 2005

Korean Stamped No Letter Prefix Serial Number Neckplates

Letter Prefix Inked Serial Number Korean

Odd Korean or Chinese Serial Numbers 2015, 2016 & 2018, Unauthorized?

 

[Sigmania]

Thrown into this mix are the Fakais in 2003/2004 of course.

Manufactured Under License For... Fakais

 

[Sigmania]

And also helpful were reborn old's observations about changes in truss rod covers on MIK Tokai LPs.

http://www.tokaiforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=20753


1995-1997 ALS


1998-2000 ALS


mid 2000 -2005

 

[Sigmania]

So this



or this



then this

 

[Sigmania]

I’m also noticing on the etched neck plate serial numbers the use of 0 almost like a place holder.

Some years the count leaves room up to 3 digits, so years 4 digits.

Also, some years they use two digits for the year, some years just one.

Possible format:

FYMM####, FYYMM### or FYYMM####