Well I threw some caution to the wind on above post, left out the “if’s” & “but’s” lol
. I guess it’s possible that Tokai Japan now uses the Goldstar name on some Tele copies, but that would seem crazy … like US Fender deciding to use name "Stratocaster" on both Strats & Teles … how confusing would that be?
Johnny-A … appreciate your carefully considered reply, agree 99% :) . Funny thing about those Tokai bridges though, right from earliest Tele models (c.1979) they made the guitar as almost exact replica, but used a flat Elite-style bridge, often with 6 saddles … some models
did use a vintage style 3-saddle ashtray bridge, but they were very inconsistent with that.
Yes it’s true that early Tokai Teles with “7okai” logo” are now rare as Hens Teeth … I haven’t seen one on eBay for over a year. Conversely, the “7okai” Strat copies turn up regularly almost every week.
Just to complete the picture on Tokai model names – from 1978-82 Strat's named “Springysound” (7okai decal), then named Goldstarsound from 83 until now. Tele copies from c.1979 called Breezysound, & same name continues until today. Les Paul models from 1978-79 are “Les Paul Reborn” (ie headstock logo), then changed in 1980 to say “Reborn Old”; late in 1980 changed again to decal saying Love Rock, & that Love Rock name continues today.
Bottom line though … Tokai are amongst the best MIJ copies, more than comparable with J-Fender or MIM imho, & personally I think the early ones are stiff competition for any US Fender, but YMMV of course :? .
Ian.