1980 Tokai LS-200 — Serial No. 7

This 1980 Tokai LS-200 carries the serial number “7.”
Whether these early numbers were actually stamped in strict production order is impossible to confirm,
but somehow, having No. 7 feels lucky — even if, interestingly, the number seven is considered auspicious mainly in the English-speaking world.

The guitar has clearly been well cared for; there are few scratches, and the headstock gloss still looks nearly new.
The “200” decal remains intact on the back, proudly marking it as one of Tokai’s flagship models.

Like other LS-200s, the wood selection is extraordinary —
hard maple of such quality that it displays beautiful figuring more typical of soft maple,
with fine flecks shimmering under the light.

It’s well known that Tokai modeled its Les Pauls on detailed 3D data taken from the Burst once owned by Tommy Hidaka of Garo.
I’ve never seen an actual Burst in person, but I’m confident its proportions match this Tokai almost exactly.
The contours are breathtaking — truly the perfect Les Paul silhouette.

Over the years I’ve owned Les Pauls from nearly every major Japanese maker.
Many are called “copies,” yet their carving profiles differ subtly —
most notably in how the arch rises toward the neck pickup.
In contrast, the Tokai’s top curves upward steeply and gracefully,
giving it an undeniably sensual quality — forgive the cliché, but there’s really no better word.

In my view, only Tokai has managed to perfectly capture the Burst’s proportions —
and only Tokai can express that beauty so convincingly in wood.

This one mounts a DiMarzio PAF in the neck and a Super Distortion in the bridge.

Weight: 4.10 kg (including strings)
(Updated August 26, 2016)