Tokai LS-110F

Replica Les Paul made in Japan. Include exactly the characteristics of a LP however with a long handle and a tenon lacquered varnish. Mahogany body with a piece as the handle. Rosewood fingerboard. The pickups are standard Tokai MkII that sound very vintage for the neck and very 90's to the bridge pickup (in my opinion and my gear). They are very good indeed! I've changed for Bare Knuckle The Mule curiosity (and because I found a set of BK at a good price!) Very important detail finishes are impeccable (even inside) the net varnish nothing beyond. Mechanical seem a bit light but I'm also used to the mechanical locking type so spertzel necessarily ca holds a little less good agreement.

UTILIZATION

Then issue ergonomics mine weighs nearly 4kg so after a while you start to feel it ... The neck is like 50's rounded so it looks like a bit of a log but there is much more pleasant than trad Gibson 2014 I could try. So it's not easy to go shoot the grannies down the handle. Sweeping, tapping, fast picking etc.etc is possible sitting or with the skyscraper high range but it's not very rock'n'roll and I think it is not made for that.

SOUNDS

Before buying this guitar, I tried a lot of the same LP of famous American brand (trad LP, LP R8, R9 LP, LP Standart 2013 LP custom classic plus) and Heritage (with a key that consisted a beautiful floral inlay elsewhere). I also asked a friend to come with me batsman to have a "neutral" ear. So first of all, we were shocked by the level of finish and trad standards. Binding irregular blisters glue or varnish at the junction sleeve-body etc.etc. 2000 short balls the guitars we found it shameful. Trad not sound too bad "muddy" for my taste. Standard I found it too modern with a lack of character. A little too much going on everywhere. Ditto for the more classic custom which still remained the most ergonomic on the handle. R8 and R9 are top notch, especially the R9 was magique.Mais more than 5,000 euros a shovel in my case and in view of my finances, I will not have it used often live and would have only taken the air to go into the studio. But I think an instrument is meant to be played regularly. That's what gives it its âme.Et then finally I came across this Tokai LS110 VF. The store had three in stock. A LC110 Black beauty, a honey burst LS 110 and in violin finish. I tried all three and hold an alligator Laboga (I redid in the day of my final purchase using my own head Budda SD18 so thank you to the store for Jericho Lille Home "old"). 3 had excellent sound quality and superb finishes LS110 VF but this was something more. At the sound she was close enough to the R8. It vibrated when empty and sounded good with this bold dynamic medium in which the typicality of LP. Like what you should always go into the store to try. Short wallop of heart! The origination microphones had character but once mounted the mule BK The Tokay is an amazing machine to the Rock.

OVERALL OPINION

I have this guitar for a little over 6 months. As I explained, I have tried many models before because I went on a LP project. So yes, it's not a Gibson. Yes, I might lose if I have to sell it one day. Yes the handle is a log and is difficult to play. But what fun to fight, to try to feel the vibrations to the ring. It is a demanding but very scratch, how to say ... Sensual! I use it almost more live leaves to change my game (which is not a bad way). The value for money is excellent. In another style, I have a Charvel Made in Japan which is of excellent quality, the Tokai pushes me a little more to get interested in these Japanese brands that have incredible expertise. Result, I already eyeing a Bacchus Duke ...
By against the Tokai do not run the streets. Few stores sell it so if you come across one, try out of curiosity. Please note, there is a large defocus on the naming of models in Europe and the United States (according to the owner of the store is voluntary on the part of the brand ???). The names and some characteristics change from one country to another (eg shape of the headstock). If you ever want to buy on the net before you ask.