Tonefiend Forum

I haven't played a Hamer but I think Tokais don't quite get the respect they deserve. Having read a lot about how only the '80s Tokai guitars from Japan were any good I actually bought one that I stumbled upon. Well, it was OK to be honest. Not more than that. Must be made on a Monday or something.

But then, about 2 months ago I found a Japanese made Tokai in my favorite guitar shop. It's a used Love Rock model (but no name on the headstock, just the brand name) and it is awesome. These new Tokais from Japan (only have experience with the Japanese made ones, so the others may also be good) are really, really great. Playability, feel, sound. Everything is good (and much better than that '80s one I had for a short period). A big plus for this guitar is also that Tokai actually go out of their way and shield the guitars a lot better than any other maker that I have had experience with.

I mean, I got a fantastic guitar at only 10% more than a cheaper Chinese (or whereever) Tokai because it was pre-owned. It may not sound just like a Gibson, but honestly I don't want it to. The volume controls and tone knobs are fantasticly useable stock. No need to change capacitors or volume bleed caps or anything. It. Just. Sounds. Great.

For me, Godin guitars do not get the respect they deserve. I have an Exit 22 that is really really nice. Also, to piggyback Lars, the old MIJ's such as the Westone and Vantage brand are really well-made and relatively cheap.

Quote from totallyguitarded on August 3, 2012, 09:56
For me, Godin guitars do not get the respect they deserve. I have an Exit 22 that is really really nice.

Gotta agree. I have a Detour that I got on close out for under $200 intending to just have a decent fixed bridge backup guitar and it's my favorite guitar I've ever owned. They just have aesthetics stuck in the late 80s to early 90s for a lot of their models that probably make a lot of people pass them over. But great feeling and playing necks, great fretwork, and great sound. And they go cheaper than they should used.

Quote from 1reeper on August 4, 2012, 10:45
I think that Teles don't get enough respect as a non-country instrument, I found a poor lil' squier tele at my school that had a fantastic action. I brought it out and popped off flight of the bumblebee, just got weird looks all around.

So true! They are awesome RAWK! guitars!

Godin guitars do not get the respect they deserve. I don't know about respect but I recently set one up and it was well made.The model escapes me now but the soldering was very clean all the wires were tied down neatly.Had 3 pups but was more like a Tele with a HSS config and a push/pull switch to split the bridge.Once I cleaned it up polished the frets and set the intonation it was as good or better then anything Gibson or Fender makes.Hope my Squire Tele turns out half as good I will be thrilled.