What Years Did LCs Have The Split Diamond Headstock?

Sigmania · Aug 18, 2021

I had thought the split diamond headstock was only used on the earliest LCs and assumed it was a trademark issue and were forced to stop using it.

But… I’ve now seen a couple of LCs with the split diamond with 7 digit serial numbers beginning with 97 and 98.

Help. Lol.

1990
1991
1997
1998

Sigmania · Aug 19, 2021

I bought an LC70 on eBay thinking it was actually a 1979 LC100. Just got a message that he actually didn’t have the guitar and it sold some other way (gotta love the broker thing).

https://store.mpc-web.jp/whiteguitars/products/detail/15397

The serial number was 97xxxxx which I believe means it was made in 1997?

Were they actually making split diamond LCs in 1997/98 or is this an anomaly in the serial number scheme?

guitar hiro · Aug 19, 2021

the whole 'broker' concept is a potential sticking point but so is purchasing direct; both always have some potential to leave a buyer without a guitar they are looking to purchase.

The linked listing states the guitar has an Ebony fingerboard which that claim is pure bovine excrement. :lol:

Also, sending you a PM.

Sigmania · Aug 19, 2021

This is weird. The 1998 catalog shows LCs with a completely different diamond design, the 4 diamond….

https://www.tokairegistry.com/images/catalogs/v1910.jpg

Can someone verify if they used the Gibson style split diamond in 1997 and 1998 or if the dating system we are using has exceptions for LCs?

Sigmania · Aug 19, 2021

Here is the one I bought on eBay that apparently was sold by a broker who didn't actually own the guitar and someone else got it. Maybe it will show up here?

And the serial number beginning in 97xxxxx. Which would make it a 1997 guitar based on how we are using the serial numbers.

Note: The tuners were replaced. It evidently had tuners before these that had two mounting screws.

Sigmania · Aug 19, 2021

And one in Ukraine from Reverb with a serial number beginning 98xxxxx.

https://reverb.com/item/9950050-tokai-lc-70-mij-1998-wine-red

Sigmania · Aug 19, 2021

Hmmmmmm. I see it now....

The older ones don't have a split rectangle in the center! Wow. Sneaky. 8)

Here’s a 1979 LC100.

https://www.soft.com.sg/forum/showthread.php?342596-WTS-Rare-1979-Tokai-LC-100-custom-WR

Sigmania · Oct 22, 2022

Here is one from 1991

https://www.strat-talk.com/threads/tokai-les-paul-custom-info-needed.359823/

eborej · Nov 7, 2023

Also another one of these LCs and this one has the serial number 9001791:

https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/1112874896

Homer J. Simpson · Nov 7, 2023

1981 Inkie with proper G-style split diamond:

15634-0874e7189fdad5b2b9903a5c3fc2994c.data

Sigmania · Nov 8, 2023

Looks like I have been putting these in several different thread over the past couple of years.

1990s Split Diamond LC Gallery

Headstock Design Preferences

Sigmania · Nov 8, 2023

And on the topic of re-booted LCs, check this one out that looks like a 1981 LC with the blank headstock.

I think it is a later model. Maybe an SEB as the listing suggested?

3 Pickup Blank Headstock LC SEB ?

What Years Did LCs Have The Split Diamond Headstock?

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