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Description

Experience a harmonious blend of classic design and modern functionality with the Tokai Jazz Bass. Revered for its timeless appeal and exceptional sound quality, this electric bass guitar is a staple for both budding musicians and seasoned professionals. Crafted with precision, the Tokai Jazz Bass is known for its versatile tone, making it an ideal choice for various music genres. Whether you're jamming in a studio or performing live on stage, this instrument delivers a crisp, deep sound that's both rich and dynamic.

The Tokai Jazz Bass features a traditional body shape that provides comfort and ease of playability, allowing you to effortlessly glide across its sleek neck. The dual-pickup configuration offers a wide range of tonal possibilities, from smooth and mellow to bright and punchy. Equipped with high-quality hardware, this bass ensures reliable performance and durability. The attention to detail in its construction not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its superior sound resonance.

For bassists who value both style and substance, the Tokai Jazz Bass stands as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design. Its ability to adapt to different playing styles and musical settings makes it a versatile addition to any musician's collection.

Key Features:

  • Versatile tone suited for multiple genres
  • Dual-pickup configuration for a wide range of sounds
  • Comfortable traditional body shape
  • High-quality hardware for reliable performance
  • Sleek neck design for effortless playability
  • Exceptional craftsmanship with attention to aesthetic details
Mateusz Piotrowski

Mateusz Piotrowski

Tokai Jazz Sound Bass 1980's Japan Demo

Video thumbnail for Tokai Jazz Sound Bass 1980's Japan Demo by Mateusz Piotrowski

Tokai Jazz Sound Bass 1980's Japan Demo

Mateusz Piotrowski

Mateusz Piotrowski

Video thumbnail for Tokai Jazz Sound Electric Bass Guitar Oldies but Goodies by Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Tokai Jazz Sound Electric Bass Guitar Oldies but Goodies

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Video thumbnail for TOKAI JAZZ SOUND BASS DEMO 1981 BLACK by Bassklasse

TOKAI JAZZ SOUND BASS DEMO 1981 BLACK

Bassklasse

Bassklasse

Video thumbnail for RARE! Tokai Jazz Sound late 70's! by Bass Japan Direct

RARE! Tokai Jazz Sound late 70's!

Bass Japan Direct

Bass Japan Direct

Video thumbnail for BASS DEMO: Tokai Jazz Sound Circa 1982/83 Vintage Japanese Bass Guitar Review by Bass Japan Direct

BASS DEMO: Tokai Jazz Sound Circa 1982/83 Vintage Japanese Bass Guitar Review

Bass Japan Direct

Bass Japan Direct

Video thumbnail for Tokai Jazz Sound 1981 Diagnosis and Test; Bass Hunter Service by Bass Japan Direct

Tokai Jazz Sound 1981 Diagnosis and Test; Bass Hunter Service

Bass Japan Direct

Bass Japan Direct

Video thumbnail for Tokai Jazz Sound CAR. 1982 by Bass Japan Direct

Tokai Jazz Sound CAR. 1982

Bass Japan Direct

Bass Japan Direct

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Tokai Jazz Bass.

Build quality

  • The original Tokai Hard Puncher basses from the early 80s are noted for their excellent build quality, often compared favorably to MIJ/CIJ Fenders.

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Setup and maintenance

  • There may be issues with tuning stability, specifically with tuners and bridges, as reported by an owner of an '81 model.

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  • Neck health is crucial; potential issues include bumps under the fretboard and inconsistent twisting due to wood knots.

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Value and pricing

  • 1980s Tokai basses typically sell for around €500-600 in Europe, with condition greatly affecting price.

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Use cases and applications

  • These basses are often valued as gig instruments due to their solid construction and reliability.

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User experience

  • Some owners report that while the neck and body remain solid, other components like pickups and pots might require replacement over time.

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Comparisons

  • Tokai models from the late 70s and early 80s are highly esteemed and often preferred over new Fender and Squier models.

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Features and functionality

  • Lower-tier Tokai models can be identified by their model numbers, which correlate to their original price in Japanese yen.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend replacing tuners and pickups for enhanced performance if the instrument's neck is in good condition.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
zlossi

tokai J bass circa 1985

Im still amazed at how good it is, even after all this time. It still sounds so warm and heavy.

From Gear Setup

Artist usage

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See how Alex James uses Tokai Jazz Bass

Alex James

Bassist

Blur

...
Verified via Photo

In the video titled "Seymour (Blur) Live at The Square Harlow 18 December 1989" by TheSquareHarlow on YouTube, Alex James can be clearly seen playing a white Tokai Jazz Bass. This bass is notably without a pickguard, as visible in the performance. You can also see him play that same tokai jazz bass in the photo

See how Anton Davidyants uses Tokai Jazz Bass

Anton Davidyants

Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the attached video, Anton can be seen playing a Tokai Jazz Bass from 1981 throughout, which is mentioned by name in the title of the video.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Community setups

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zlossi

zlossi

Gear IQ 648

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