Do I really want or need a Les Paul??? Bought a Tokai...Pics

[xbearxau]

This is killing me guys. Ive been a Strat guy forever and Ive never even had a fleeting thought about wanting a Les Paul.................until recently.

The real thing is out of the question based on thae fact that I might pull the trigger and hate it after a week.
Ive been looking at these Tokai Japanese models, mainly the LS90. All mahogany and flame maple, unlike the cheaper Chinese versions.
Something like this maybe........
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Tokai-Love-Rock ... 2a03f7f5a3

Argh... I just dont know. I blame Joe Bonamassa for this, Ive been watching a couple of his DVDs lately and theres just somthing about that shape and tone
Damn you Joe.

[Flames1950]

I'd say yes you want, and yes you need.........

But to really be sure, hang two Strats around your neck to simulate the 10.2lbs that the pictured Tokai weighs and let your shoulders tell the story.

[fillmore nyc]

I'd say yes you want, and yes you need.........

I agree, and I also think that whether or not you keep it has something to do with the amp you're playing thru. LP's sound great thru an amp with a natural (power amp) kinda breakup.

IMO, there are certain amps that can work well with Strats that are really not the optimum amps for a Les Paul, but strangely, almost ANY amp will work with a Strat.

An example would be an amp that is real clean sounding, like a Roland Jazz Chorus, or even a Fender Twin... a Strat sounds great thru either of those.

A LP would still sound "good", but I dont think they would be most players choice for the "right" amp... except maybe a Jazz player. IMO, a LP needs some dirt to really start waking up.

On the other side, a LP sounds like God built it thru a cranked '71 metal front Marshall, but a Strat STILL sounds good thru that rig too.

For me, I GOTTA have a LP, no question. It IS my "if I hadda have only one guitar" guitar.

[Maverick]

I like the epi-chambered pauls, with the mapletop cherryburst and for $600-$700
I think the average weight is 7-8# with a nice balanced improvement in acoustic tone.

[xbearxau]

Thanks for the replys guys.
It wont be my only guitar, as Ive currently got 2 strats, one with single coils and the other with a single humbucker.
Ive got a JTM45 and a cascaded plexi so either should be ok I guess. Thing is Ive only ever been truely happy with a humbucker guitar through either of the marshalls. The single coils sound best through my other home built amps which lean towards the cleaner side of the spectrum.

I'd say yes you want, and yes you need.........

But to really be sure, hang two Strats around your neck to simulate the 10.2lbs that the pictured Tokai weighs and let your shoulders tell the story.

Also Flames, I rarely play out, so the weight isnt really an issue, but damn 10 lbs.........are they REALLY uncomfortable to play? Guess Im gonna miss that forearm contour as well.

[xbearxau]

Well I did it. Pulled the trigger on a used Flame burst Tokai LS90 on ebay. Comes with hard case and made in Japan. From what Ive read they arent too shabby in the build quality dept. Has a bit of a Slash vibe going on.

[Mars Hall]

Well I did it. Pulled the trigger on a used Flame burst Tokai LS90 on ebay. Comes with hard case and made in Japan. From what Ive read they arent too shabby in the build quality dept. Has a bit of a Slash vibe going on.

Kind of a Duane's "Hotlanta" look, his favorite Lester.

[xbearxau]

Now if only the talent came with the guitar..........

[cary chilton]

nice purchase! Tokai is supposed to be pretty decent. What did you pay?

[xbearxau]

About the equivilent of $700 US with a generic case. These things run at $1300 new here in Oz so Im pretty happy. Turns out this is an LS95F actually.

I just love the way it plays and sounds. Its worth the money just to finally be able to play the string rake from the start of Runnin' With the Devil
The finish is A1. I played 5 Gibsons in a local store and none of them are built as well as this Japanese Tokai, at 5 times the price. Makes me wonder just what you are paying for?????? I WILL buy more Tokai's.....maybe an SG?

[jcmjmp]

Awesome! You won't regret it. Those Tokais are great guitars. Slap some T-Top 'buckers in there and you're set.

[azazael]

Very nice tokai you have there. Absoluttely gorgeous.
I like Tokai LPs but I think for the money the best Japanese LP you can buy is an Edwards.
However they are incredibly hard to come by as they are only allowed sale in Japan I believe.

They are a division of ESP that make amazing guitars. Very very very good Gibson and Fender clones as well as some of their own models. I especially like the mini les pauls that they make. Reminds me of what Ed used to use.


I take it the LP is on the back burner after getting the EBMM EVH?

apologies if off topic a bit
edit:
found a mini edwards lp, striped at factory.

[JimiJames]

Nice score, xbearxau

I'd say yes you want, and yes you need.........

+1
Forum member playloud had one that was excellent ! Just a bit on the heavy side, but played and sounded great. PhotoTop finish though and too much Red/Orange in the burst.
IDK but, it appears that guitar has the same photofinish. They do such a great job on that. Almost looks like real flame. Amazing... Definitely a selling factor.

GuitarGai usually has a good assortment of LP's IMO they're all good for what they are. The factor for me would be that the guitar has a long tenon. Of course the Traditional LP headstock. The early Epi's had them before their current shape now...

[xbearxau]

Actually Jimi it isnt a photoflame, is a half inch thick maple cap with a Sycamore Veneer top. Sycamore is a type of maple. With the pickups out you can see the veneer top on the maple cap. You can see how thick the maple cap is when you look at the picture above of the horn cut away.
And Azazael, I bought both!!!! Im a bit disapointed that the Tokai plays better than the EVH. EBMM need some TLC and some time on a setup, but it should be great when its done.

[JimiJames]

A Sycamore Veneer top is definitely a plus. I couldn't tell from the pic's mentioning that it appeared to have a photo fin.
Found some pics of the guitar, though... I guess you can't tell from these either, lol.