Tokai TST50 (lower) and Fender 59 Stratocaster (top)
The best maple neck Stratocaster that Fender made originally was the 1958 and 59 models. The slim C-shape neck was a joy to play and players like Buddy Holly and Hank Marvin of the Shadows.
In the 1970's a bloated CBS run Fender Musical Instruments suddenly became aware of a whole industry of Asian usurpers who were making guitars like theirs only better. Having owned a 75 Stratocaster and a 1983 Tokai, the Tokai is the better guitar.
The TST50 really hit the UK market bigtime in 1983 and 1984 although it had been in production since 1982. Essentially it was a replica of the 58/59 Fender Stratocaster. Having been precisely measured from a 1950's original, it could not fail to be a highly playable and amazing sounding instrument. It did not disappoint.
With a slim C shape neck, deep cut out contours on the body, it was a revelation. If you going to buy a copy, this high end guitar was going to be it. Until they fell foul of a trademark word on the strapline of their decal and Fender took action.
The original Tokai guitars had the Tokai name in a 'spaghetti' style as on the vintage guitars, during legal action, the logo became a block letter logo. It later reverted to a spaghetti style.
Essentially, Tokai had replicated the original Fender Stratocaster to a degree that was unheard of, having to change some wording to escape easy pickings for a lawyer, at a distance, the guitars looked like the real thing.
Although now available again with the Fender headstock shape that they had been forced to abandon in the 90's, the guitars are essentially superb as they ever were.
Original Tokai TST50's were £199 in 1983 with an optional tweed hard case at £50 on top. Second hand these guitars are around £400-900 depending on age, condition and finish.
They are amazing to play and I regret selling my first one and had to wait 18 years to find another. So if you do see one for sale, they are a good investment as well as player.
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