Tokai vs ESP Stratocaster

[dramatolog]

Hi people!

I recently bought an Telecaster AVRI 52 (2009), now I don't play my other guitars any more. I have several Indonesian G&Ls and Squier CVs. All these are great guitars for the money, but I got hooked on the 7,25 radius and the AVRI's neck profile, which non of these axes has. So I decided to sell all the other guitars (except the ASAT special tribute, that one can still parry the AVRI).

My main problem is finding a Strat with maple neck, 7,25 radius and if possible a profile similar that of the AVRI 52 (or at least a beefyer C). My understanding is that it would be either a Mexican made Vintera or a Classic Series, in a sub 1000e category or and AVRI 57, but this one would set me back 1600e or more (I am in Europe). Another option would be some older Japan made strats I ended up looking into.

My choice came down to two guitars: Tokai from 1984 for some 850e, a TST-55 (alder) and an ESP made Seymour Duncan Professional (Ash) for some 400e more. Both maple necks, two piece woods. The ESP doesn't come with its original pickups though.

My question is, do any of you own/owned any of these, what are your experiences and how they might compare to the AVRI 57? I know I need to try each of them and decide if they "speak" to me, but I also want to hear your opinions too.

Thanks a bunch!

My AVRI 52 tax

 

[kaludjerko]

I have Tokai from 80s, and it is second to none.
Mine is blocky-logo, matching headstock, for better or worse.
Sounds and plays great.

I would recommend you to try both guitars if you can, in any case.

 

[pbenn]

Don't own one, but had the impression that the AVRI '57 was a V (and the '58 a D, '59 a C)?

 

[Skub]

I have an 80s Tokai strat. I gigged it in the 80s and 90s. It's a good,well made instrument. I found it to be better (playing and sound) than Fender stuff of the era,I sold a Fender strat to buy the Tokai. It cost £250 out of band's funds,so I didn't actually pay for it! I was going to change pickups and stuff,but it sounded so good I didn't change a thing.

Sadly I hardley ever use it now,since I built a partscaster strat,but I still keep it for some reason.

I don't think you'll get one cheap these days.

 

[Jakedog]

Those are both great guitars. I don’t think there’s a bad choice between them.

FWIW- I’ve had a couple Tokai “Springy Sound” Strats I wouldn’t mind having back, but I will kick myself the rest of my life for getting rid of my ESP Strat. Mine was an old 400 series, and was probably the best vintage spec Strat I’ve ever owned outside of my Silver Sky.

 

[Blackmore Fan]

I have an 80s Tokai strat. I gigged it in the 80s and 90s. It's a good,well made instrument. I found it to be better (playing and sound) than Fender stuff of the era,I sold a Fender strat to buy the Tokai. It cost £250 out of band's funds,so I didn't actually pay for it! I was going to change pickups and stuff,but it sounded so good I didn't change a thing.

Sadly I hardley ever use it now,since I built a partscaster strat,but I still keep it for some reason.

I don't think you'll get one cheap these days.

What a beautiful Strat! Don't ever let that one go!