Tokai Gakki Cats Eyes CE1200T Acoustic Guitar 1981 - Natural - Very Good - Martin Licensed 000-28 Pre-War Japan Replica MIJ - RARE

The instrument up for your consideration is a 1981 Tokai Gakki Cats Eyes CE1200T acoustic guitar. This was a top tier 000-28 model. By now I think it's safe to say we are all aware of the fantastic replicas Japan was building during this era. Many of which exceeded the instrument they were intended to recreate. This instrument is no exception to that statement.

The CE1200T was modeled after the Pre-War Martin 000-28 and I'll tell you this one does not disappoint. Beautifully constructed with a high attention to detail. Long bone nut with a very nice herringbone binding.

These are difficult to come by and to hold one in this condition is even more of a rarity. The included hard shell case is also very desirable especially with the intact bronze label. This combination is a rare treat to offer up.

As can been seen this piece is in very good condition. Plays like a dream and sounds phenomenal. Freshly restrung with 12-53s. So if it's so good why am I selling? Well, I recently purchased a dream Bourgeois and a few items need to go to good homes so I don't lose mine.

NOTICE: This instrument is up for sale locally and may be ended without notice. If this sells off this platform I will remove this listing as fast as possible to avoid any mistake of availability.

So what separates this guitar from an absolutely mint 45 year old instrument?

• There was minor damage to the end pin area of the instrument on its way to the states. This also caused a hairline fracture in the finish of the top. Barely visible, but present none the less. I have no indication that this crack extends beyond the finish. However, I can not confirm. I have placed a high powered flashlight into sound hole to see if any light leaks from this area, indicating a crack in the top, but no light leak was present. I do not have access to a pencil camera or a small mirror to photograph underneath the top. Given that the item is being offered as-is and it currently priced accordingly to reflect this.
• There are about a half a dozen very small pencil head sized dents in top.
  

Model: Cat's Eyes CE-1200T

Year: 1981

Manufacturer: Tokai Gakki, Japan

Body style: 000 / Auditorium

Martin model inspiration: Pre-War Martin 000-28

Top: Solid spruce

Back & sides: Rosewood

Neck: Honduras mahogany

Neck profile: Shallow V-shaped

Neck feature: Diamond volute

Fingerboard: Ebony

Bridge: Ebony

Nut width: 1-11/16"

Action: Low E: .125" High E: .095"

Bracing: Scalloped X-bracing

Headstock: Torch/flower-pot style inlay

Position markers: Pre-War snowflake

Binding: Herringbone

Tuners: Tokai tuners

Finish: Natural

Case: Original Tokai/Martin-style hard case

Overall this guitar is in very good condition considering its age. The neck is straight, flat and solid. No twist is present. The frets are in fantastic shape and still exhibit a nice crown. There is no bellying of the top or lifting of the bridge. Tuners function as expected. There are no visible brace lifting or rattling indicating such. The action is measured in desirable range. Instrument hold tune very well.

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out. I always do my best to document any and all points of interest on any of my items up for sale. However, I am not a luthier and all my findings are subject to such. All items are sold as-is. Instrument will ship well packed and fully insured.

Please take time to read my reviews of previously sold items if you wish.