80's japanese Tokai hardpuncher

ChrisBo · #1 03-10-2011, 04:15 PM

Hi guys! I'm new on here, and i've got a question about the Tokai hard puncher basses. I'm thinking on getting one, i've heard they're very good. What is your thoughts on them?

Take care

Craig_S · #2 03-10-2011, 04:15 PM

Buy it.

GM60466 · #3 03-10-2011, 04:24 PM

Buy it or PM me the info

recreate.me · #4 03-10-2011, 06:37 PM

I found one in a pawn shop, it had a very vintage vibe and much mojo. It felt really nice to play even though it was beaten up, it just felt like a solid bass. I went home to look it up, and found some really good reviews, when i went back to buy it it had already sold.

If the price is right, i would buy it. From what i have read its about the same as buying an 80s Fender MIA maybe, MIJ at least. I might be wrong but i think they have the same dimensions as a Fender so you can swap parts if you needed too.

mazareth · #5 03-10-2011, 10:01 PM

Never played one, but I think it's one best names for a bass ever!

BlountEdge · #6 03-10-2011, 10:18 PM

They're great basses; very solid and reliable. I bought one from a friend back in the '80s for $100. I kept it for years, but eventually traded it to offset the cost of a '74 Jazz Bass. If the price is reasonable and condition is good, I'd recommend it.

ChrisBo · #7 03-11-2011, 03:30 AM

Thanks for the replies! Well i've tried it out, and it plays great! But i haven't been able to plug it in and give it a real try.
The condition seems really good, and the price was pretty good aswell. I'll check it out some more though.

Here's a link for a guy in Stockholm sweden that's got alot of vintage japanese guitars and basses.

Thanks again!

ChrisBo · #8 03-11-2011, 03:31 AM

www.nysse.com

One Drop · #9 03-11-2011, 03:40 AM

I own two and have given one as a present to our drummer, so I have experience with two and a few more that were played by bassists passing through here that I've booked gigs for.

All I can say is that these are fabulous basses that nail the Fender feel and tone. Nice woods were used, the level of craftsmanship is high, PUPs are nice, and the necks have a nice fairly rounded profile and are a nice width.

Low points:

Cheapish tuners, the A string one often slips or feels less than solid, less than perfect output jacks (and maybe pots, but I've never personally had a problem with the latter), and a truss rod that won't allow extreme adjustment without the addition of a few washers. It's really only a problem up here at altitude with very tense strings, where the air is crazy dry, all necks need a little more backbow compared to more humid environments. You probably won't have any problems.

Finishes are okay but nothing special, and some of the colours are really cool and different from Fender's.

The rosewood is very beautiful on these basses, but my favorite was the maple necked one my drummer now owns. The neck is so solid, really nice to play.

For the $400-500 these go for in excellent shape I'd say they are one of the best deals on the used market, and they are slowly becoming more collectible, FWIW, though only the ones with the Fender style H/S, IMO.

ChrisBo · #10 03-11-2011, 07:31 AM

Thanks for the info! This one is black body, with maple neck! And the fender vintage headstock, and spaghetti logo. So it seems it's one of the earlier 80's craftsmanships. I hope I can get it, it's really a beautiful bass guitar!
It's around 500$ so it's seems like a good price!

Thanks!

pathdoc2 · #11 03-11-2011, 07:38 AM

Great find, great bass.

Din Of Win · #12 03-11-2011, 07:47 AM

Haaaaaarrrrd-oooooo Puuuunnnnnnncchhhhaaaaaaaa!!!

Yeah, they are seriously sweet basses. I had one for a while in the 90's as well!!

+1 on the cheapy tuners, though.

Spinal Tapper · #13 03-11-2011, 08:59 AM

$500 seems like an OK deal...I'd try and get it for $400, personally...

but if it plays awesome and speaks to you, then definitely buy it!