Tokai / Robin SRV Rare!

Tokai / Robin Crazy Rare! RV Model (stands for Ray Vaughan model)

SRV had a hand in the concept of this amalgamation between Tokai Japan and Robin Guitars in Texas. SRV and Double Trouble were all endorsed by Tokai for some years before Fender eventually lured SRV and the band over to Fender. While SRV and Double Trouble played mostly stock Tokai models, these Robin guitars were made with some input from SRV himself! (Hence the model name!) The neck for example is testament to his influence, being a big fat V shape. The neck resembles a 50’s Les Paul in sheer size but with a Fender V shape and a curvy Fender style fingerboard radius! 

*Warning* If you have small hands, then this probably won’t be for you! But medium/large hands will absolutely love this neck! The rather odd choice of headstock shape, was to suit the times (It’s the early 1980’s and many were using “hockey stick” headstocks!) So it was part “fashion-trend” and partly to circumvent Fender’s headstock-shape Lawsuit! As Fender first went after Tokai over their use of the “spaghetti logo” written like Fender, so Fender made them change that! But soon after this, Fender then even forced Tokai to change their headstock shape too! So this hockey-stick shape served a double purpose, as it was in keeping with the modern times back then and it also saved Tokai from getting into any more hot water with Fender. (Note that Tokai and Fender are friends today, as Tokai now even make for Fender in Japan!)  

Unfortunately, this joint effort between Tokai Japan and Robin Guitars in Texas was short lived and very few guitars were actually ever made. I was wondering what caused the fall-out between the two companies and I read somewhere that Robin wanted Tokai to be more progressive and make them guitars with Kahler/Floyd Rose type trems etc, but Tokai were not (at that time) tooled-up to manufacture such guitars. Tokai were reluctant to radically change path, as they had (up until that point) manufactured mainly traditional style copies. Whatever the reason, the deal was short-lived and finding a Tokai made Robin today is virtually impossible! After the deal with Tokai ended, I read that Robin then got either FGN or ESP in Japan to make some guitars for them, but that deal too was also a short lived stint. So maybe it was a language barrier? Who knows! Production later switched to Texas, where Robin continued to make guitars up until 2010 when they ceased to exist altogether.

Made in 1982 This Robin is in excellent condition for over 40 years old! The bridge saddles and tuners are stamped "ROBIN" and it has a flamed maple 2-piece top (the flame top is quite subtle) I'm guessing the body is the usual Tokai "sen ash" and it also looks to be 2-piece from the back (the back is actually a translucent red, but the pic makes it look like a solid colour) The top has an off-white/cream binding. All parts are original, it even has its original tremolo arm!

There are a few minor nicks here and there, some of the chrome work is a bit dull and there is some lacquer crazing in some places, simply due to 40 years worth of summers/winters and just old father time doing his thing! But it’s never been gigged, having spent the majority of its life in its case safely at home. The original owner, being the owner/director of Tokai Europe imported just 3 Robin guitars to the U.K and the handful of other Tokai Robins that were made, were (obviously) shipped to Robin Guitars in Texas. BTW There is currently a 1983 twin-neck Texas made Robin for sale here on Reverb for 18k, be sure to check it out!

This guitar came to me in a Tokai croc-skin case, as well as an SRV style guitar strap and also an SRV/Bowie CD album, all of which are included. These items were all in the case when I got it, so I’ll also include them too!

The CD itself is a rarity and crystal clear quality (being direct from the mixing desk) and it features SRV playing on all 20 tracks! As he was to be part of the band on the “Serious Moonlight” tour, however the day after this CD was recorded, SRV was fired/left, apparently over money and/or the fact that SRV wanted Double Trouble to be a support act. Bowie’s people felt that a support act wasn’t required, as it was already a 2-hour long show! SRV’s people and Bowie’s people couldn’t reach an agreement, thus SRV was suddenly out of the band! Earl Slick was then quickly flown in to take up lead guitar duties just days before the tour was due to begin and the rest is history! Highlights from this CD were supposedly going to be played on local live radio in order to promote the tour, but SRV had left the band before it was due to be aired! So this never made it to the radio station it was intended for! 

This is a great opportunity for any serious Tokai or SRV fan, as I doubt you’ll find another one. They just don’t turn-up often, so now’s your chance! A very interesting guitar to own, as well as a good investment piece!

Any questions please ask before you buy! Price includes FREE world-wide shipping air-mailed (7-14 days) to your door. Please check my other rare items for sale and thanks for looking!