Tokai SS-80 Strat, Lacquer, 1-Piece Body, DiMarzio FS-1, 1981 Located in the US

Tokai SS-80 was the top of the line copy of large headstock Strats originally offered at 80,000 Yen.  They are extremely rare, very well appointed and built to Tokai's consistent high quality.

So what makes these so special - quite a bit actually. 

Modeled on a 1966 Strat, the Silver Star line was Tokai's large headstock Strat model. These models were introduced in 1979 and offered until 1984.  The SS-80 was the only Silver Star model to come finished in nitro cellulose lacquer and featured a brass nut and brass key-hole bridge saddles.

Additionally, this was the only model to come equipped with special DiMarzio high output FS-1 "Fat Strat" pickups, which are still made and described as offering a higher output, with smoother and fatter sound over stock.

This SS-80 has a one piece Sen body finished in three tone sunburst (YS).  Sen is a Japanese ash which is known for its intricate grain patterns.  Unlike the ST-80 Springy Sound, it appears that all SS-80's may have come with one piece bodies.  Stamps on the neck and body confirm they came together from the factory and show the YS color code.  Neck is maple and the tuners are Schaller type.

When I purchased this guitar, it had brass saddles installed on the original bridge,  but not the original key hole saddles.  I was able to track down a set of vintage Japanese key hole saddles which I installed and fit much better than the saddles the guitar came with.  Additionally, one of the pickup covers was too short, so I installed a DiMarzio cover which fit perfectly. 

Other than the saddles and one pickup cover, as best I can tell the guitar appears to be all original, including the DiMarzio FS-1 pickups which make all kinds of serious 70's Strat sounds. 

Condition overall is excellent, but there are bumps and scratches as you would expect given its age.  The leather case it had been stored in had a nylon lining which has made some light impressions on some of the finish which can only be seen holding it under the light a certain way.  I included one photo you can see this. 

SS-38 and SS-40's regularly come up for sale, whereas the Tokai SS-80's are quite rare.

I have four of this model and they are all awesome.  Here's an opportunity to get a very rare Tokai, built to the same high standards as the Springy Sounds, but with the big headstock and all the attitude many bands favored in the the 70's.  Give the age of this guitar, it is a true vintage Japanese model from one of the top manufacturers.

I'm a serious collector of vintage Japanese guitars with a heavy focus on 70's & 80's Greco, Tokai, Burny, Navigator and Yamaha, regularly buying and selling and do my best to ensure descriptions and pictures are detailed so you know what you are buying. Feel free to ask any questions.

Into vintage MIJ guitars?
Be sure to check out my website which has most of my collection and lots of detailed info on specific models and some very rare ones.

This guitar is located in the United States.