Tokai Bult Fernandes Stone Logo 1978 ST60?

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Sigmania

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Tokai built Fernandes.

Note the countersunk holes in the neck pocket.

Narrow spacing for bolts and neck plate.

21 frets.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fernandes...2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0

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1978-79 Stone Type "Fernandes" Logo --- Tokai
http://www.music-trade.co.jp/fenandeshistory.html
 
Found this from marcusnieman re: the serial number:

1977/1978 Springy's are considered first year issues for them. They are unique in that the early issues (up to mid year 78) had narrow neck plates which will not fit a serial number as you've shown. The serial numbers were inked on the bottom of the neck heel and the model number inked in the neck pocket. Around mid 78, they went to the wider neck plate with the serial number stamped on it like yours.

http://www.tokaiforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=25659&p=192556&hilit=No+serial+springy#p192556
 
This is not actually true. My own 78 Springy ST60 has the narrow neck plate on which is stamped the serial number 8003***.
 
Were there actually two different narrow neck plates? I have a 1979 ST with a narrow neck plate and a serial number stamped on it. It seems a little wider than this very early one but narrower than the plates on my 1981 Springys.

I’ll measure. I could be imagining things.
 
You’re right. I just checked.

My 1979 and 1981 Springys have plates 2.03” wide and 2.50” high.
 
bluejeannot said:
I would have thought not. The neck plates on my 78 Springy is 2 and a half by 2".

So that sounds like the larger neck plates that were on later Springys? Perhaps built towards the end of 1978?
 
The hole spacing is different on my 1979 and 1981 Springys even though the plate sizes are the same....

The 1979 is narrower spacing in both dimensions by 5 or 6 mm. North/South and East/West.

Note how the 1981 holes are closer to the corners.


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1979

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1981
 
The 1978 Fernandes ST60.

Would be great to know the size of this plate. Looks smaller than my 1979 Springy based on how far it is from the edge of the body.

EaepkWB.jpg
 
So am I understanding that there were 3 different neck plates?

1. without any serial (1977-mid 1978) Unknown dimensions.

2. with serial numbers, but closer spacing of bolts (mid 1978-1980?)* 2' x 2.5" plate dimensions.

3. with serial numbers but wider spacing of bolts (1980?-)* 2' x 2.5" plate dimensions.

*Let me know if anyone knows when the switch happened and I'll correct the dats I have here.
 
https://reverb.com/uk/item/44995919-1977-tokai-japan-57-stratocaster-st-60-earliest-version-3-tone-sunburst-w-fender-pat-pend-saddles here's a 78 with the very narrow neckplate. The seller thinks its a 77 but Peter Mac states "Hi guys, I've seen 2 x 1977 1) 7000105 - ST-60 OW
2) 7000165 - ST-42 GS
The highest number I have seen with the small neckplate is 8001885 and I believe the change was made around 80002001.
http://www.tokaiforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=20858
 
Thanks. What about the ones with serial numbers? When do you think the change was made on the bolt spacing?

So weird that I thought my '79 had a smaller plate, but it was the bolt spacing that was throwing me off. Sort of an optical illusion.
 
And I'm making an assumption that the ones without serial numbers are a smaller plate. They may be the same.

Would be nice if someone that has one could measure it. marcusnieman do you have one that you could measure?

I tried looking through the forum, but didn't find dimensions on the ones without the serial numbers.
 
Sigmania said:
And I'm making an assumption that the ones without serial numbers are a smaller plate. They may be the same.

Would be nice if someone that has one could measure it. marcusnieman do you have one that you could measure?

I actually do have mine out of storage and playing it. I'll measure tonite.
As corrected above, I didn't even know that some of the 78's had serial numbers on the plate. But time and again, Tokai has little "surprises" they throw out there every now and then.
 
Oh cool. Thanks.

Would be interesting to know this size. I'm wondering if the plates were all the same size and the hole spacing changed? Would be nice to know the answer.

Much appreciated!
 
The narrow unstamped plate on my 78 ST60 measures 2-1/2" L x 1-13/16" W
Here's my archived photos of the guitar: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/f4u1a13t5xhxf0p/AACjeX39c_-IDj9Gi3Re-RFda?dl=0
 
marcusnieman said:
The narrow unstamped plate on my 78 ST60 measures 2-1/2" L x 1-13/16" W
Here's my archived photos of the guitar: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/f4u1a13t5xhxf0p/AACjeX39c_-IDj9Gi3Re-RFda?dl=0

Here's the pic of the serial number on the end of the neck: https://www.dropbox.com/s/sq4swa6tktjdz9m/78%20Tokai%20ST60%20Serial%20Number.jpg?dl=0
 
Interesting. So it is a little narrower (3/16"), but the same height it seems. Fascinating.

Thank you you for measuring that. I appreciate it.

And beautiful guitar by the way.
 
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