Goldstar AST-62 - new member seeking ID help

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BeeOBee

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Hello - I'm in the process of thoroughly cleaning my new (old) Goldstar Sound and hope to gather some info re: its age, pickup type, etc.

From the label attached to the back of the neck it's plain to see that it's a "50" - the Goldstar Sound label, shape of the headstock and L20141 serial number all lead me to believe that it's an AST-62 model Fender Strat replica, but I'm curious as to the year of manufacture (or "best approximation")?

Also, what can you tell me about the "E" stamped on the back of the gray felt pickups - (I'm thinking that the "F"-looking stamps are actually "E" as well)

In addition, the "9 = 7 BB V" in the controls cavity - I realize that the BB indicates the color, but the "9 = 7" has me stumped as well as the "V"?

Any info is sincerely appreciated - many thanks.

Here are some pictures: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmVqtZYR
 
Hi.
looking like mid 80's
the E pickups were a hangover from the Springy series and were marked V for Goldstars, this change over was around 84. 5.7<5.8k wound for that classic clear tone.
The markings are generally accepted, though there are a few exceptions, to be manufacturing pairing numbers. pre 85 have an = sign and post have - but depending on time of year and what was in stock, there is always a blending period during changesa as your neck only has a dot!
American export headstock.
 
Thanks for all the good info - BTW I've discovered (on this board/forum) referrals to "F" branded pickups and was wondering if you had opinion as to whether or not my bridge/neck pups actually ARE "F"'s - maybe not just "E"'s that have a worn lower stem?

Regards, Bob
 
So having done some more research it appears that my new (old) Tokai is an '82-83 TST50 modelled after the '64 Fender. However I could use some edification on a few items:

- fingerboard radius is closer to 9.5 than 7.25
- E pickups on my model are apparently the same ones as used in the Springy Sounds, yet my headstock is the re-shaped one specifically for the American Market? Which would seem to indicate a timeframe older than 82-83?
- any ideas would be appreciated thanks!

new pics here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/22354648@N03/albums/72157719033417917
 
The Goldstar name became official in 83 and the decal changed to reflect that also, yours is that decal. The headstock shape first appears in the 83 cat https://www.vintagejapanguitars.com.br/en/tokai-1983-catalogue-vol-1/
 
I have to say, I'm still confused - and having read a post by Peter Mac (way back in 2002) I am switching back to thinking that it could be an AST-62 model, due to his (Peter Mac's) statement that some "L" serial numbered Goldstars (ie those having the reshaped "export" headstocks) were also copies of '62 Fender Strats.

HOWEVER I still have a question, and it's an obvious one - can some please tell me why - if my Tokai is an "AST-62" - why isn't it labelled as such on the headstock? Instead, it's just a "Tokai Goldstar Sound"?

Am I missing the point here, which is, not all models made for the US Market were labelled AST-56, or AST-62, or even for that matter, as TST50's?

Again - please pardon my "ignorance" on the subject, and have a look at the pictures at this link - there should be sufficient info there collectively, to give me a "best guess".

Peter Mac, are you "there"?

https://www.flickr.com/photos/22354648@N03/albums/72157719033417917
 
AST62 is the style of Fender it is replicating, if it is an AST62, what makes you think it is. It's still a 50 model number.

See page 3 https://www.vintagejapanguitars.com.br/en/tokai-1984-catalogue-vol-1/ headstock decal

I'm using Peter's book for reference and the catalogues
 
"If it is an AST62, what makes you think it is."

U shaped neck
Original E vintage staggered pole pickups
Nickel Kluson style Deluxe machine heads with split poles
Cloth covered wires for pickups and controls
Steel tremolo block
Brass pickup and control network shielding
L20141 serial number
9 * 7 on heel of neck
9 = 7 BB V in controls cavity
Final Prospec on saddles
 
The wiring has been modified, probably when the pot was replaced with that mexico one, the rest is standard fitting.
 
This is not an AST-62. The AST-62 had a slab rosewood board. This is an AST50.

The AST50 in 1984 would have had VII marked MKII pickups.

I believe this a 1984 model year guitar. So it was made either in September of 1983 or September of 1984 in my opinion.

I guess it is possible they put the E pickups in this guitar as they were phasing them out and likely wanting to get rid of the old stock. I have seen stranger things.

1984 catalog


cat_1984tokai_vol2_page05.jpg
 
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