Tokai Is Coming

[Sigmania]

Not sure if Ned will nix this, but had to share since I ran across it. Never seen this ad before. 8)

The linked thread has Eric Dixon saying he designed it.

Eric Dixon is the distributor in the UK at Blue Suede Music Ltd that got into it with CBS Arbiter over Tokai infringing on Fender's rights.

Provocative knowing all of that.

Here is the link:

http://www.guitarfail.com/tokai-is-coming/

 

[Sigmania]

Censored version of the ad:

Designed by Eric Dixon at Blue Suede Music Ltd.

Eric Dixon on August 18, 2013 at 4:45 pm

"I designed and published that ad on the back cover of Music UK magazine. At the Frankfurt Music Trade Show that year I noticed four ‘suits’ looking at the ad and tut-tutting. “Hey guys, that’s my ad. Do you like it?” “You should be ashamed of yourself for publishing such a disgraceful ad!” “Oh really? Now, without opening the magazine, tell me who advertised on the previous page” (They had no idea). “Well, it was Doug Chandler’s Music shop. Seems he wasted his money didn’t he? Not only did you notice my ad, but you’re stood here talking about it! What’s the whole point of advertising? Do you know how many 40 foot containers of Tokais that ad has sold?” Crack a smile boys…. it’s only rock & roll!"

 

[Sigmania]

Looks like it has been discussed before:

http://www.tokaiforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=1313

 

[Sigmania]

The first Fender clone followed in 1977, modelled on a 1957 Stratocaster - a '62 version was to follow. Again the Fender 'sphagetti' logo was copied for the Tokai name as was all the other lettering. 'Stratocaster' became 'Springy Sound,' 'Original Contour Body' became 'Oldies But Goodies' and 'With Synchronized Tremolo' became 'This is the exact replica of the good old strat.' From 1977 to 82 the instruments became more and more accurate. In 1982 they were imported into the UK by Blue Suede Music, aided by their ad featuring a very attractive (and very naked) young lady cuddling a Springy Sound and the legend "Tokai Is Coming." (!!)

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=193&t=750078

 

[Sigmania]

Though the guitars were originally aimed at the domestic market, by the early '80s Tokai was exporting worldwide. In the UK, Blue Suede Music started importing Tokais in 1982 with their eye-catching Tokai is coming' ads featuring a naked girl cavorting with a Springy Sound (the model was the girlfriend of Blue Suede's owner).

http://www.tokairegistry.com/tokai-info/Andrew Munro Article-July2008.pdf