Which model do I have? Flying V edition

Hi All,

Once again I could use your expertise in determining precisely which model I have just purchased I am branching out from Strats in an attempt to have one guitar of every distinct major design made by Tokai. So, here is a Flying V that I recently purchased (still to reach me):




The precise model is a bit of a mystery to me because:
1. The headstock has a “80” sticker, and the serial suggests 1982 made, but there was no 80 number V model in the 1983 catalogue - it stops at 60 (which had the flame maple top like mine)
2. The 1984 catalog has two types of Vs ie (1) TFV - replica of original Gibson (2) FVD - modern iteration of the original. Now the TFV does have a model 80, but my design is of the FVD instead and the FVD line calls the flamed maple top (like mine) the 120 model.
See both models in the catalog below from 1984:



So basically, if mine is a FV 60, then the only thing that doesn’t check out is the “80” sticker (there are some other inconsistencies between hardware and catalog pics but I think that was normal). On the other hand, if mine is the FVD 120 then two things don’t check out (1) the “80” sticker (2) the fact that mine was made in 1982 and the FVD only featured in 1984 catalog.

Could mine be a somewhat transitional model produced later into the V design/production cycle and hence it is a mix of (1) 1984 catalog TFV model number “80” but (2) specs of 1983 catalog FV

Any thoughts would be much appreciated

Sia

It’s a 1982. These were new models. Probably not in a catalog.

That headstock and logo were made as an export to the US I believe.

Check out this thread:

http://www.tokaiforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=26541&p=201307&hilit=Fat+script#p201307

Sigmania said:

It’s a 1982. These were new models. Probably not in a catalog.

That headstock and logo were made to export to the US I believe.

Check out this thread:

http://www.tokaiforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=26541&p=201307&hilit=Fat+script#p201307

Click to expand...

Very helpful insights, as usual! If this was an export then the “80” would make sense ie a higher price in another market. We experienced this with vintage fountain pen models that were named base on their price ie when sold in a foreign market the model name had to change to a different number to reflect the price it would sell at in the export market (even though it was the same pen).

If this is the case here then I essentially have the FV 60 that was jacked up in price to 80 for sale in the foreign market. Does this make sense?

No idea about the model number. Maybe someone else knows.

I assume it’s a veneer top. Have you checked to see if it’s a nitro finish?

What pickups are in it?

They look like the "Vintage MKII" pickups found in the LS60 in 1982.




1982 LS60CS shown

82 FVD Model with a higher price finish than plain colour turns a 70 into an 80.

Good point.

I was looking at your headstock. Looks like the 7okai logo is possibly inlaid in pearloid? Hard to tell from the photos.

The flame top was the highest end model ie FV 60 in ‘82 catalog or 120 in the ‘84 catalog. So I suspect it is nitro but will check when I have the guitar in hand. I’ll also check about the pickups.

Thanks!

1983 catalog since you mentioned it above.

German edition 1982/83 catalog

If it is a nitro finish that could be the difference in price as mdvineng suggested.

FVD70 > FVD80.

1982 FVD80

SN 2023093


Your guitar listed on Reverb in the UK.

Description seems off re it being a sen ash body. Looks like possibly mahogany?




Tokai FVD-80

A sunning flamey V from Tokai. The FVD was a limited edition original (ish) design introduced by Tokai in the early to mid 80's alongside the EXD, FSD and TZ. These were a range of pointy guitars sporting the same bolt on maple neck with a Stratocaster style headstock. The build is quintessentially 80's Tokai, beautifully put together and stunning to play.

Spec:

Sen body with Flame Maple cap
Maple neck with Rosewood fingerboard
22 frets
2x Tokai Zebra humbuckers
3-way switch
Master Volume
Master Tone
Stratocaster style tremolo
Vintage style tuners

Our old Tokai is in good condition for an old V, there's some scratches and dings from normal use present (pictured) but nothing unsightly. Frets are in great condition. Freshly set up with Daddario 10's and ready to go!











https://reverb.com/item/61656560-tokai-flying-v-fvd-80-1980-s-cherry-burst-mij-japan

Your guitar listed in Japan.

SN 2023093


"[Defective] Tokai FVD-80 Flying V-type Coil Tap Included x/170" was exhibited by h1 - EQloQ2oEpkU with a rating of 158,639 (99%) on Yahoo! Auctions, and attracted 44 bids.

The bid was won at 22:35 on December 24th.

The settlement method corresponds to Yahoo! simple settlement and bank transfer.

The successful bidder paid for the shipping fee from Aichi prefecture.

The PR option was an auction using the store and Yahoo! Easy Payment Tori Navi (beta version)


https://aucview.aucfan.com/yahoo/v1027344328/

So that last ad said "coil tapped" so maybe it has push pots?

Maybe the electronics/pickups increased the price?

Just guessing if that is the case?

Sigmania, as always, very helpful!

I purchased the guitar from the UK seller on Reverb.

The Sen body is mentioned in the 1983 pricelist so I think that is correct.

As for the coil tap, that is similar to my FSD (the STAR model made around the same time). Will check it out when it comes.

However, I think you solved the mystery with the German catalog! It shows and FVD 70. The maple flame top is what turned it into an FVD 80, I’m sure. Because the 1983 catalog shows the FV 55 as the highest model and then an FV 60 which it describes as being identical to the 55 except it has a flame maple top. So that is what mine must be ie the FVD 70 with flame maple.

Thanks so much!

Awesome. Wish I had a better copy of that catalog. It’s rare I’m sure. That one is from the registry.

Sigmania said:

Awesome. Wish I had a better copy of that catalog. It’s rare I’m sure. That one is from the registry.

Click to expand...

Thanks so much, great find!

Update… the guitar has finally arrived! Will do pics and put up an article as usual in my website but in a few weeks. In the meantime, to answer some questions asked earlier in this thread:
1. Yes, push/pull function for coil tapping
2. “7okai” logo is a stricter that has some glitterish vibe to it, trying to replicate MOP inlay but it’s not inlay it’s a sticker
3. Back of the pickup picture attached…

siamackz said:

Hi All,

Once again I could use your expertise in determining precisely which model I have just purchased I am branching out from Strats in an attempt to have one guitar of every distinct major design made by Tokai. So, here is a Flying V that I recently purchased (still to reach me):

The precise model is a bit of a mystery to me because:
1. The headstock has a “80” sticker, and the serial suggests 1982 made, but there was no 80 number V model in the 1983 catalogue - it stops at 60 (which had the flame maple top like mine)
2. The 1984 catalog has two types of Vs ie (1) TFV - replica of original Gibson (2) FVD - modern iteration of the original. Now the TFV does have a model 80, but my design is of the FVD instead and the FVD line calls the flamed maple top (like mine) the 120 model.
See both models in the catalog below from 1984:

So basically, if mine is a FV 60, then the only thing that doesn’t check out is the “80” sticker (there are some other inconsistencies between hardware and catalog pics but I think that was normal). On the other hand, if mine is the FVD 120 then two things don’t check out (1) the “80” sticker (2) the fact that mine was made in 1982 and the FVD only featured in 1984 catalog.

Could mine be a somewhat transitional model produced later into the V design/production cycle and hence it is a mix of (1) 1984 catalog TFV model number “80” but (2) specs of 1983 catalog FV

Any thoughts would be much appreciated

Sia

Click to expand...

Hi, the 80 sticker is for 80,000 yen price of orignial guitar so quite high in the range