Help identifying my Tokai SG model
- Thread starter reenefi
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It looks like it is a 2009 SG85CH made in Japan.
The 2009 catalog shows an SG85 in that cherry finish with MK2 pickups and mahogany body (2pc) and mahogany neck.
https://www.vintagejapanguitars.com.br/en/tokai-2009-catalogue-vol-24/
There was also a cheaper SG43 that was likely made in China with MK4 pickups, different woods (basswood body) and joinery.
The 2009 catalog shows an SG85 in that cherry finish with MK2 pickups and mahogany body (2pc) and mahogany neck.
https://www.vintagejapanguitars.com.br/en/tokai-2009-catalogue-vol-24/
There was also a cheaper SG43 that was likely made in China with MK4 pickups, different woods (basswood body) and joinery.
2009 catalog shows an SG85
https://www.vintagejapanguitars.com.br/en/tokai-2009-catalogue-vol-24/
The cheaper one was probably made in China. Yours was made in Japan.
https://www.vintagejapanguitars.com.br/en/tokai-2009-catalogue-vol-24/
The cheaper one was probably made in China. Yours was made in Japan.
A year later in the 2010 catalog they show an SG185 on page 9.
The SG185 had a one piece Honduran mahogany body and lacquer finish.
It’s very hard to see the seam in the body usually. Pickup cavity might show a seam. Worth checking yours to see if it has a seam or not.
https://www.vintagejapanguitars.com.br/en/tokai-2010-catalogue-vol-25/
Also, by 2010 the SG85 seems to now be called an SG88 (price increase).
The SG185 had a one piece Honduran mahogany body and lacquer finish.
It’s very hard to see the seam in the body usually. Pickup cavity might show a seam. Worth checking yours to see if it has a seam or not.
https://www.vintagejapanguitars.com.br/en/tokai-2010-catalogue-vol-25/
Also, by 2010 the SG85 seems to now be called an SG88 (price increase).
Sigmania said:A year later in the 2010 catalog they show an SG185 on page 9.
The SG185 had a one piece Honduran mahogany body and lacquer finish.
It’s very hard to see the seam in the body usually. Pickup cavity might show a seam. Worth checking yours to see if it has a seam or not.
https://www.vintagejapanguitars.com.br/en/tokai-2010-catalogue-vol-25/
Also, by 2010 the SG85 seems to now be called an SG88 (price increase).
Here's some more photos. I would assume it's not SG43 at least based on it's price back then. I recall it was around 900€.
reenefi said:Here's some more photos. I would assume it's not SG43 at least based on it's price back then. I recall it was around 900€.
Definitely not an SG43 because that was made in China and yours was made in Japan.
So the critical question now is whether the body has a seam?
Need a well lit picture of the back (use a flash) or the pickup cavities. We are looking for a well hidden seam in the center of the body. It can be extremely hard to see. You have to follow the individual grains sometimes.
Paladin2019
Well-known member
I'd say it's an SG85 based on the year, the price and the fact that those high end models were so difficult to get hold of back then that you'd know if you'd bought one.
A 185 would also have factory fitted CTS pots and orange drop caps, they would be easier to identify than a seam in the wood.
A 185 would also have factory fitted CTS pots and orange drop caps, they would be easier to identify than a seam in the wood.
I was thinking he got it used.
At the current exchange rate:
85,000 yen = 638 euros.
185,000 yen = 1,389 euros.
Did you buy it new or used for 900 euros?
Looking at the pictures posted, I’m not seeing an obvious seam. Would be a great score if it was an SG185.
Let us know what you discover.
At the current exchange rate:
85,000 yen = 638 euros.
185,000 yen = 1,389 euros.
Did you buy it new or used for 900 euros?
Looking at the pictures posted, I’m not seeing an obvious seam. Would be a great score if it was an SG185.
Let us know what you discover.
It’s hard to see the wood in that picture. Need a shot with a flash of the whole back.
Looks like Gotoh pots and not CTS. Caps are yellow and not orange drops.
It’s looking like an SG85. Congratulations. Nice guitar.
Looks like Gotoh pots and not CTS. Caps are yellow and not orange drops.
It’s looking like an SG85. Congratulations. Nice guitar.
Paladin2019
Well-known member
Can't see the seam but those are factory original Japanese pots and mylar caps so I'm sticking with SG85. The price matches as well.
You might have more luck finding a seam in the wood if you look on the bottom, near the strap button.
You might have more luck finding a seam in the wood if you look on the bottom, near the strap button.
Alright, I'd like to thank both of you for such informative responses!
If I may ask one more question, what could be the value for this guitar nowadays? Some small detrinions and bruises but overall in a good shape. Going to fix the tone/volume faders which lack the knobs at the moment.
If I may ask one more question, what could be the value for this guitar nowadays? Some small detrinions and bruises but overall in a good shape. Going to fix the tone/volume faders which lack the knobs at the moment.
Paladin2019
Well-known member
Difficult to say because it depends on your local market, and the condition is good but not great. This is not a rare, old or collectable instrument so from a quick eBay/reverb search I'm going to guess €500-600 but a little more if you include the case.
