Yes I know the jap ones are top notch, but....I need a cheap guitar for gigging. Sick of worrying about my expensive ones being damaged or nicked, (we play pubs).
The question is, what are the korean and chinese ones like? Which is better?
Thanks
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Are you here in the States?
Thu, 2008/03/06 - 8:04am — ChicoBluezAre you here in the States? Ebay has plenty. Beware of customs charges.
The order for Tokais is:
1. Japanese (as you well know)
2. Korean
3. Chinese
I've never touched either Korean or Chinese. If you visit this posted site:
www.tokairegistry.com
You will find a wealth of info on pros and cons of Korean vs. Chinese.
Good luck,
Chico
http://www.myspace.com/thefabuloushouserockers
"When the power of love is greater than the love of power, there will be world peace." -Jimi Hendrix
Hi BobK, I don't own any
Thu, 2008/03/06 - 8:13am — timtoneHi BobK,
I don't own any Tokai guitars but I do own a couple of Korean made guitars that I think are fantastic! I have a Fender Tele I bought off eBay for less than $300. It was a special guitar built by Fender for Musicians Friend and does my Les Paul work for me....I know it sounds strange, but listen.....it is solid mahogany with a set neck that's fat like a LP, it has 2 Dimarzio humbuckers (Tone Zone & Air Norton), string thru bridge for good sustain, and it ain't too heavy. These are identical to the American made "Custom Shop" Tele's that sell for $1100, they are just made in Korea. These are a great choice if you are looking for a very playable, inexpensive axe right out of the box. I also have Korean made, Korina wood, Epi Explorer that I paid $284 on eBay. I swapped out the PUP's for Duncan's and it is a great rock & roll axe. I just bought a 1997 Epi Chet Atkins (Dave Mathews) for $350 that was made in Korea and it plays just as good as my Taylor, but I wouldn't try to kill someone if they were stealing it. If you are looking for Strat type guitars you can look for any of the Fender "Pro Tone" guitars. These were Korean made and Fender had to stop production because they were so well built they were hurting American Strat sales! I play some dives as well so I only buy cheap(ish) guitars to use, but at the same time I want to play the best guitars I can. Good luck, TT
Most Korean guitars are fine
Thu, 2008/03/06 - 10:01am — ChicoBluezMost Korean guitars are fine instruments indeed. I own an Epi Dot that I've also upgraded and love it.
Some Chinese guitar parts are shipped to other countries for assembly due to cost savings. This would also include necks and bodies, not to mention a flood of fake Gibson labled Les Pauls than where sold on eBay almost a year and a half ago.
Tokai makes a quality guitar. "Try before you buy" is not an option since they legally cannot be sold in the States through dealerships.
Timtone,
Are you booked for March 21,22,23rd? I'd like to "sit in" if I may. Should I bring a git or may I try that fine Tele.
LD,
Get the boat ready!
Chico
http://www.myspace.com/thefabuloushouserockers
"When the power of love is greater than the love of power, there will be world peace." -Jimi Hendrix
I own a Gretsch 5120
Thu, 2008/03/06 - 12:25pm — gretsch_manI own a Gretsch 5120 Electromatic which was made in Korea and its amzaing guitar. Lots of good reviews on it and for a fraction of the cost. I have replaced the pickups with TV Jones Classics and added a Mud-Tone switch and it will compete with the Gretsch Falcon model guitars.
I also own a Aria Pro-II Fullerton guitar which was made in Japan, I have had for over 10 years and I finally swapped out the pick ups (Duncan Cool Rails Front/Back, and Vintage Rail in Middle) The construction of the guitar is well built. I would put it up against a US Strat anytime.
Not every guitar is good but they are some that are well built.
Chico, Seriously, are you
Thu, 2008/03/06 - 4:50pm — LDChico,
Seriously, are you coming this way? Let me know.
Is everyone's inbox working? Mine always says "Page not found"
I have not made the leap to the Tokai yet. I saw a goldface LP the other day on E-bay, went back to buy it and it was gone. I say give 'er a go.
LD
Yep Chico, We're working a
Fri, 2008/03/07 - 7:23am — timtoneYep Chico, We're working a small place Friday the 21st called Limey's Pub in St Petersburg.
http://www.limeyspubonline.com/
I'd be honored to host a sit in. Don't bother with a guitar, I'll have my trusty Tele there for sure!
Timtone, Didn't realize you
Fri, 2008/03/07 - 4:10pm — LDTimtone,
Didn't realize you were right down the road. I live in Bradenton. I will have to come check you out.
LD
Sorry! My plans to visit
Sun, 2008/03/09 - 2:57pm — ChicoBluezSorry! My plans to visit have changed. Great to know my fellow TLSE friends have welcomed me into your perspective "real world". I will be down later this year and will advise my arrival.
Thanks Tim & LD.
Chico
http://www.myspace.com/thefabuloushouserockers
"When the power of love is greater than the love of power, there will be world peace." -Jimi Hendrix
And what have the last few
Wed, 2008/03/12 - 2:41pm — BobKAnd what have the last few posts got to do with my question?
Please conduct your private business privately!
You're funny BobK! Sounds
Mon, 2008/03/17 - 7:22am — firebrandYou're funny BobK!
Sounds like a typical conversation at a table to me
Korean are great guitars for the money. Most are made at the Cort or Fernandes factories.
I have a Steinberger Spirit that is flawless (and I bought it second hand).
Also-the '2nd generation' Alvarez Scoops (one is strat like the other Tele style) have fantastic playing necks, great balance and above average pickups.
I have owned a couple of Korean Ibanez guitars (RG-350) and they were great bang-for-the-buck instruments as well.
If you are looking for an incredible deal (and new), you should check out Reverend guitars. Wow. They are all set up by a team in Michigan, and the electronics are redone there too. They replace the OEM pickups [read: cheap electronics that are put in at the factory no matter what] once the guitars come stateside.
Another guitar that I have really enjoyed is a Dillion V-type. It's an EBall clone and it was made in Vietnam! Hence the "v-type" moniker. The pickups are fantastic for being a guitar I picked up for less than $150.
Chinese guitars are IMO toys. I have only played 2 out of 20 that had a good feel to them. Both being overpriced singlecut guitars. I don't feel anyone should pay more than $400 for a Chinese guitar new regardless of the name.
I second the Reverend
Mon, 2008/03/17 - 6:03pm — fostewiI second the Reverend comment...I got a new Cream Flatroc for $500 Canadian and it is amazing...especially for the price. The necks feels great, sounds amazing and they look cool too! (if you like their style of course).
They do have 'traditional
Tue, 2008/03/18 - 10:38am — firebrandThey do have 'traditional singlecut' and V models now.
I almost bought a Warhawk, but I have gotten so used to have a rounded top on my guitars that you could literally see an impression of the edge of the guitar in my forearm after the trial gig!
The neck felt identical to that sweet Alvarez neck used on the "scoop" models too. What class acts!