Tokai ES-201F VNT - Natural

The Tokai ES-201F boasts the best value for money among Japanese-made semi-acoustic guitars.

With its flame-patterned body, lacquer finish, and long pickguard, it offers the ultimate in features.

Semi-acoustic guitar. Although often referred to simply as a “semi-acoustic,” these guitars are actually extremely labor-intensive to build. The process involves placing a solid wood center block, using arched laminated wood for the top and back, and joining the sides via lining—much like an acoustic guitar—a process that requires both time and effort.

This model features a nitrocellulose lacquer finish. While this finish is renowned for its beauty and superior sound, it is also a time-consuming application process.

Furthermore, the nut—a critically important component in a guitar—is made of bone.

With an asymmetrical neck designed for comfort, an aluminum tailpiece—a key element of vintage sound—and a long pickguard inspired by 1950s ES models, this is a guitar with absolutely no compromises.

The pickup is the PAF-Vintage MK2, developed through years of research throughout Tokai’s long history.

The electronics—including a Sprague Orange Drop capacitor, Switchcraft selector switch, and CTS pots—are also top-tier components carefully selected to complement the instrument.

The neck has a slim profile designed to fit Japanese hands comfortably.

The sound is rich with a delicious midrange. It’s perfect for rock and blues, of course, but I think it also works well for jazz when you roll off the tone for a clean sound.

This guitar features a natural finish reminiscent of the 1950s.

The top showcases a distinctive grain with hints of bird’s-eye, while the back displays a beautiful, undulating flame pattern across its entire surface.

The top lacquer has a beautifully weathered look, making this a guitar you’ll never tire of looking at.

This is a Japanese-made semi-hollow model produced in limited quantities.

Considering the craftsmanship involved and the specifications of the carefully selected woods and parts, it offers exceptional value for the price.

It’s a guitar we recommend not only to first-time semi-hollow players but also to seasoned veterans.

3.62 kg

Body Material:
Flame Maple
Body type:
ES Type / Arched Top & Back
Finish:
Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Neck Material:
Mahogany1P
Neck Profile / Thickness:
ES Asymmetry “U”Shape / 1F:21.0mm 12F:25.6mm
Fingerboard Material:
Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius:
R300
Nut Width / Scale Length:
41.0mm / 625.0mm / 22F
Frets:
SANKO SBB-214
Inlays:
Amber / Dot Shape
Nut Material:
Bone
Finish:
Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Tuners:
GOTOH　SD90-SL
Truss Rod Cover:
Black 2P
Bridge:
GOTOH　HLS-VB (GE104B)
Tailpiece:
GOTOH　HLS-VT (GE101A)
Pickguard:
ES Long Type Black4P
Strap pin:
GOTOH　EP-A1 ×2 (White Felt)
Switch knob:
TA-340/I (Amber)
Control Knobs:
Top Hat Knobs KA-160 Amber　×4

Pickup(N):
GOTOH　PAF-Vintage MK2 (N) Nickel Coverd
Pickup(B):
GOTOH　PAF-Vintage MK2 (B) Nickel Covord
Controls:
2V:CTS 500K B , 2T:CTS 500K A
Switch:
Switchcraft　Toggle Switch Short Toggle
Jack:
Switchcraft　Monaural
Capacitor:
Sprague　Orange Drop 715 200V 223J　×2

Strings:
ghs　GBL 010-046