Unusual Bell Shaped Truss Rod Cover, Korean?

[SpringySound]

What would you say this is? Open Book headstock, No markings on the head other than the Tokai logo ... no Love Rock, no serial # no 'Make in ...' no sticker (although I guess that could have come off). It has a 2 screw Gibson style truss rod cover, but that could be a replacement.
Set neck, no fret nibs.
I'm told it's a 90s MIK Tokai, the price is OK. Any thoughts?
I've only ever had MIJ Tokais from the 80s. How do these hold up? I could do with a Les Paul occasionally but can't justify the7grand for an R8.

 

[Sigmania]

Hmmm. With no serial number embossed on it, it would not be Japanese as you probably know.

That leaves Chinese or Korean builds.

There are some differences between the MIC & MIK guitars in the pots & wiring. Probably the tailpiece as well. Will let others chime in that know what the differences are for sure to help you narrow it down.

And I would guess it is a laminate top and a multi-piece body. Also may have a scarf joint on the neck near the headstock. I would also want to confirm that the wood for the body and neck are mahogany. Hard to tell from the pictures.

 

[Sigmania]

I recommend reading through this thread:

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

 

[Sigmania]

Same unusual truss rod cover.

Scarf joint & no serial number.

RARE TOKAI T.V. YELLOW DOUBLE CUT LOVE ROCK LES PAUL SPECIAL GUITAR & CASE L@@K | eBay

 

[Sigmania]

An odd variation on these.

No serial number.

Current status junk Tokai Love Rock Les paul Les Paul type electric guitar

 

[Sigmania]

I spotted this one in the 1998 catalog on an ALS37M.

 

[Sigmania]

Tokai Love Rock MODEL Electric Guitar Les Paul Type Stringed Instrument Vintage Current Condition

 

[Sigmania]

*TOKAI* Love Rock Series Les Paul Standard Tokai 90s*

This is the Tokai Les Paul Standard Honey Burst from the Love Rock series, which is thought to be a cost-effective model from the 90s.

It is a standard model with a set neck that has excellent sustain and is suitable for a variety of genres and play styles. It is cost-effective, but with the high quality of Tokai's workmanship, I think it is the perfect Les Paul for beginners.

The following are the specs as far as we can tell.
Body material: Maple Top + Mahogany
BackNeck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Pickup: Original humbucker Pickup
Weight: Approximately 4.1 kg
Nut width: Approximately 42.7mm
Serial number: x
Color: Honey Sunburst
The frets are subjective, but there are about 70-80% of the frets remaining.