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Description

The Tokai TST 50 is a celebrated choice among electric guitar enthusiasts seeking a blend of classic design and modern playability. This solid body electric guitar is crafted with precision, offering a vintage-inspired aesthetic that resonates with musicians who appreciate both style and substance. Renowned for its exceptional build quality, the Tokai TST 50 features a comfortable neck profile that caters to both rhythm and lead players, ensuring effortless playability across various genres.

Equipped with three single-coil pickups, the Tokai TST 50 delivers a wide tonal palette, from crisp, bright highs to rich, warm lows. The guitar's 5-way pickup selector switch allows for versatile sound customization, making it suitable for a range of musical styles, from rock and blues to jazz and pop. The hardware is robust and reliable, ensuring consistent tuning stability and sustain.

Attention to detail is evident in the Tokai TST 50's construction, with high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship coming together to create an instrument that stands the test of time. Whether you're performing on stage or practicing at home, this guitar offers an engaging playing experience that inspires creativity and expression.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar with a vintage-inspired design
  • Three single-coil pickups for a versatile tonal range
  • 5-way pickup selector for sound customization
  • Comfortable neck profile for enhanced playability
  • High-quality hardware ensuring tuning stability and sustain
  • Crafted with meticulous attention to detail for longevity and performance
Nafiri Music Jakarta

Nafiri Music Jakarta

TOKAI TST-50 MR/R GOLDSTAR SOUND VINTAGE SERIES JAPAN IN METALLIC RED : Nafiri Music Kelapa Gading

Video thumbnail for TOKAI TST-50 MR/R GOLDSTAR SOUND VINTAGE SERIES JAPAN IN METALLIC RED : Nafiri Music Kelapa Gading by Nafiri Music Jakarta

TOKAI TST-50 MR/R GOLDSTAR SOUND VINTAGE SERIES JAPAN IN METALLIC RED : Nafiri Music Kelapa Gading

Nafiri Music Jakarta

Nafiri Music Jakarta

Video thumbnail for Tokai TST-50 Metallic Red | Jarmo Hynninen demo by Musamaailma Oy

Tokai TST-50 Metallic Red | Jarmo Hynninen demo

Musamaailma Oy

Musamaailma Oy

Video thumbnail for Tokai Japan TST-50 Relic –– Kitarablogi.com by Kitarablogi

Tokai Japan TST-50 Relic –– Kitarablogi.com

Kitarablogi

Kitarablogi

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Tokai TST 50.

Build quality

  • The TST-50 features a thin poly finish, which some owners find favorable as it doesn't hinder the guitar's resonance.

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Features and functionality

  • TST-50 models are more likely to be found outside of Japan, often due to custom specifications by local distributors.

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  • The TST-50 is noted for having neck and feel superior to Fender Player Stratocasters, although Fender pickups are slightly favored.

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Comparisons

  • TST models are regarded as authentic Strat copies due to Japanese manufacturing laws, making them more desirable than AST models.

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  • Many users prefer the Tokai TST-50 over Mexican-made Fender Strats, citing superior neck feel and overall playability.

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  • Owners note that while MIA pickups are superior, the craftsmanship of MIJ Tokai is often on par with MIA counterparts.

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  • The 80’s MIJ Tokai guitars were compared favorably to late 70’s Fender models, a period known for quality control issues at Fender.

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User experience

  • Owners who were initially not Strat enthusiasts have reported falling in love with the TST-50 after purchase, indicating its compelling playability and appeal.

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  • An owner has used their Tokai TST-50 as a main recording guitar since the 1990s, highlighting its long-term reliability and appeal.

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  • Some users report the Tokai TST-50 as maintaining high quality over decades, indicative of lasting craftsmanship and reliability.

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  • Discussion suggests that older MIJ models should be checked for fret wear due to their age, influencing playability.

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Critic Reviews

Review: Tokai TST-50 Modern – Kitarablogi.com – Finland's premier Guitar and Bass blog

kitarablogi.com

The Tokai TST-50 Modern is a standout Strat-style guitar, offering a masterful blend of vintage aesthetics and modern playability. Praised for its Japanese craftsmanship, this model features sensible updates like a bullet truss rod and Gotoh 510T vibrato bridge, which enhance tuning stability and reduce string breakage. Its 9.5-inch fingerboard radius and chunkier frets offer a comfortable playing experience, akin to a well-loved vintage model without the wear and tear. While it stays faithful to classic styling, its modern tweaks make it an excellent value for money, with no notable downsides reported. This guitar is a top choice for those seeking traditional looks with contemporary performance.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 6 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Stevie Ray Vaughan uses Tokai TST 50

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Guitarist, Singer

The Vaughan Brothers

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Verified via Tokaiforum

In the 1980s, Stevie Ray Vaughan endorsed Tokai guitars and played the Tokai TST 50, as discussed on the Tokai Forum.

Genre Usage

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

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