This is distinctly different from the 'block' shape inlay starting at 1st fret on the TSG 50. The TSDG 60 has 'crown' shape inlay starting at the 3rd fret, ju st like the original Gibson SG Standard it is paying homage to. However, this is interesting for Tokai, because my other non-Strat models like the Star-shaped FSD or V-shaped FV both have 7.25' radiuses even though the models they were inspired by surely had flatter fretboards. The fretboard has a radius close to 12', as one might expect of an SG-style model. And the neck joins he body at around the 20th fret just like the 1963 Type 1 SG that it is paying homage to (unlike joint at 18 fret like 50). Also, it is a set neck, not a bolt on - true to the original. It has a beautiful 60s shaped neck profile, with a 24.75 inch scale, with 22 large (not narrow vintage style) frets. The binding goes over the fret nibs, which provides for exceptional aesthetics and playing comfort, and is a rather laborious and difficult job for the craftsman. The fretboard has ivory coloured celluloid binding to give it a vintage look. The neck is made of mahogany, with a rosewood fretboard. Both were positioned as 'REFINE' models. The TSGs have featured in Tokai catalogues ever since. The former was inspired by the 1976 Gibson SG while the latter was inspired by the 1963 Gibson SG. Two models were introduced - the TSG 50 and TSG 60. The first catalogue in which I have found the TSG featured is from 1984. The precision required with the neck angling and scarf jointing at the headstock add great complexity to the build.

As a novice guitar builder myself, I can testify to the fact that making a set neck with an angled headstock (like on the TSG) is far more difficult than a bolt-on neck. lookalikes in the shops, all bearing the Tokai name and aiming to prove that they can get as close to an original Gibson as they can a Fender' (Gary Cooper, InTune magazine, 1985). Now we're seeing Tokai 335 simulacra, Explorer dupes, Les Paul types, and even S.G. It was the natural starting point for a whole host of Japanese makers to begin with in their climb up from obscurity.Inevitably, though, Tokai have turned their gaze on Gibson. Their bolt-on necks and simple bodies, rudimentary hardware and machine-easy shaping made them inevitable targets for a mass production orientated nation to whom originality in guitar design came about as naturally as walking does to a fish. Fenders (not to disparage them in any way, of course) were designed from the start to be mass produced. A review of the TSG 60 CH in 1985 said, ' Copying a Gibson is a different task altogether.

Tokai sg guitar ch serial number