Description

Born Again, Baby!  1978 MIJ Tokai LP Reborn- sounds and pays great. In a very Gibson-esque style it sports a heardstock repair and various dings from pure rock and roll!

Overview: The 1978 Tokai Les Paul Reborn is a highly regarded Japanese-made electric guitar, known for its meticulous craftsmanship and faithful reproduction of the classic Gibson Les Paul. Produced during the “lawsuit” era, the Les Paul Reborn series by Tokai aimed to replicate the design, tone, and feel of vintage Les Pauls, and quickly gained a reputation for quality and playability.

Key Features:

  • Body:
    • Material: Mahogany body with a maple top
    • Finish: Nitrocellulose lacquer
    • Shape: Single-cutaway Les Paul style
  • Neck:
    • Material: Mahogany
    • Neck Profile: 1950s-style thick profile
    • Fingerboard: Rosewood
    • Scale Length: 24.75 inches (62.87 cm)
    • Frets: 22 medium-jumbo frets
    • Inlays: Pearloid trapezoid inlays
    • Nut Width: 1.6875 inches (42.85 mm)
  • Hardware:
    • Bridge: Tune-o-Matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece
    • Tuners: Vintage-style Kluson tuners
    • Pickguard: 3-ply black pickguard
  • Electronics:
    • Pickups: Tokai PAF-style humbuckers
    • Controls:
      • Two volume controls
      • Two tone controls
      • 3-way pickup selector switch
    • Output Jack: Side-mounted

Design and Aesthetics:

  • Body Shape: Classic Les Paul design with a carved maple top and mahogany back
  • Headstock: Features the Tokai logo and “Les Paul Reborn” decal, mimicking the Gibson headstock shape
  • Finish: High-gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish that enhances the natural beauty of the wood

Sound Characteristics:

  • Vintage Tone: Known for its warm, rich tone with excellent sustain and clarity, closely emulating the sound of vintage Gibson Les Pauls
  • Balanced Response: The PAF-style humbuckers provide a balanced tonal response with smooth mids, articulate highs, and deep lows
  • Dynamic Range: Suitable for a wide range of playing styles, from clean, jazzy tones to overdriven rock sounds

Applications:

  • Genres: Ideal for rock, blues, jazz, and metal
  • Usage: Suitable for both live performances and studio recordings due to its versatile sound and reliable build quality

Manufacturing Location:

  • Country of Origin: Japan. Tokai guitars from this era are known for their high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, making them highly sought after by collectors and musicians alike.

Notable Users:

  • Rock: Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top has been known to use Tokai guitars, appreciating their quality and vintage tone.
  • Blues: Stevie Ray Vaughan, although primarily associated with Fender, also appreciated the craftsmanship of Japanese-made guitars like Tokai.
  • Indie: Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys has used various vintage-style guitars, including models similar to the Tokai Les Paul Reborn, for their distinctive sound.
  • Classic Rock: Joe Walsh of the Eagles has praised the quality of Japanese-made guitars, often seen with instruments that offer vintage tones similar to Tokai’s Les Paul models.

The 1978 Tokai Les Paul Reborn is a high-quality, vintage-inspired electric guitar that offers exceptional craftsmanship and faithful reproduction of the classic Gibson Les Paul. With its rich tone, excellent sustain, and versatile sound, this guitar is a great choice for musicians seeking a reliable and dynamic instrument. Whether used for live performances or studio recordings, the Tokai Les Paul Reborn delivers the iconic sound and feel that have made it a favorite among guitarists for decades.

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