Mavis Tokai Les Paul Custom LC 1985 - GLOSS BLACK - w/Vintage GIBSON Brown Hardshell Case

Rare 1985 Mavis Les Paul Custom BLACK BEAUTY - made by Tokai, likely an LC-60 model - in BLACK FINISH in fair/player grade condition, stamped Tokai serial number 50XXXXX - will ship in a 1980s/early 1990s GIBSON BROWN HARDSHELL CASE with pink lining - including the original 'case blankey' (not currently attached).

First off - if you are a collector of high end Japanese Les Paul replicas and you are seeking guitars that are in mint or excellent condition - you should not purchase this guitar. This is a killer player in 'relic' player grade cosmetic condition - and it should be owned by a player who is going to take it out and play it. This Mavis LPC has the look and feel of an expensive 'relic'd' custom shop guitar - but this is honest play wear and owner wear from years of use.

These Mavis/Tokai Les Paul Customs from the mid 1980's are quite rare due to their outstanding build quality and late 1950s specs - and no doubt, I will regret selling this one. There are a good number of Tokais from this era - and also Grandy - but there are very few with the Mavis name (made for Ishibashi). This is an incredibly light Mavis Les Paul Custom at just under 7 pounds 6 ounces. As we all know, most Customs come in between 9 and 11 pounds - this is the lightest one I've ever owned, and I've had a real 1957 triple pickup, a 1968 LPC, a 1973, and a 1974 20th Anniversary LPC. All of those guitars are gone, but I remember them well - and this Mavis has a feel similar to the 57 I had years ago, only tons lighter in weight.

Regarding condition: again - I am listing in 'fair' condition due to many dings and chips to the guitar, some fret wear on the first 7 approx frets (divots - but frets are totally playable as is, imo), there is finish checking, strap button holes have been filled/relocated and are totally solid, and you will note a crack to the top between the bridge volume and tone knobs - it's cosmetic, and it's totally solid. This Mavis' original Gloss Black finish has been oversprayed with NITROCELLULOSE Vintage Amber/Clear lacquer, not a pro job, but gives it a rustic 'been in a lotta crappy bars' vibe - an antiqued look, the binding looks really cool - just like the nicotine yellowed 20th Anniversary LPC that I used to own.

Here are some details regarding parts, specs, etc:

*Highly carved top - see photos - just like the old ones from the late 50s. Really nice 'dish' carve.

*Headstock: headstock angle is also like that of the late 50s.

*Headstock features the famous 'split diamond' design.

*Kluson style tuners with aged plastic buttons (may not be originals).

*Original fat frets with fret edge binding! The sign of very high build quality.

*Dark Rosewood fingerboard with pearloid/plastic block inlays.

*Schaller Straplocks, black.

*Nickel or chrome bridge and tailpiece (not sure if these are originals).

*Seymour Duncan '59 Model humbuckers/pair. These 59s are generally brighter - like an old PAF - and are a good combination for a Les Paul that has that all-mahogany structure and sound, which is warm and dark. This set of 59s give it that 'click'.

*Ambered/yellowed set of knobs (oversprayed) - not original knobs - but they look very vintage cool.

*Mahogany neck - this is a full neck, to me - it is NOT ballbat huge like a 58 reissue - but this is a full rounded C shaped neck that is super comfortable. I am a small guy with a small hand - this neck feels full to me - but not TOO full.

*Body: this is NOT a maple top LPC - this is a mahogany-like wood - it may be basswood or mahogany, but it SOUNDS warm and responsive like mahogany. It's not that bright maple top LPC sound - this one, to me, sounds more like that great Frampton tone from the famous live record. It is a warm, deep and dark tone.

*Gibson Brown Hardshell case in very good condition - with pink fuzz lining and case 'blanket'. The blankey is not currently attached, but it will be in the case storage when she ships.

Other 'thoughts' one can find online:

The 1985 Mavis Les Paul Custom is a highly regarded, vintage "Lawsuit era" instrument. It was built in Japan by Tokai Gakki and specifically ordered and retailed by Ishibashi Music. These "store brands" offer the exact same build quality, woods, and craftsmanship as official Tokai models, making them hidden gems in the vintage MIJ (Made in Japan) market.

Core Features & Specs

• Construction: Often modeled after the 1957 Les Paul Custom "Black Beauty" specs.
• Body & Neck: Usually features a mahogany body, mahogany neck, and a rosewood or ebony fretboard.
• Authenticity markers: You can authenticate these Mavis/Tokai guitars by the offset scarf joint, and the high-end fret-edge binding.
• Weight: Often praised for being lighter than their Gibson counterparts, typically weighing between 7.75 and 8 pounds.

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In closing...this is a GREAT Mavis LPC - the best piece of wood I have owned when it comes to Customs, even considering that real 57 - which was cool - but heavy, and kinda lifeless. This will make a GREAT PLAYER for someone. I'll be sad when it's gone - but am hittin my mid 60s, and you know how it goes . . .

Time for this great guitar to get played by a player - period. Please feel free to ask any questions at all - will do my best to answer promptly.

Shipping to the continental US only (shipping to the West Coast will likely cost more than 100. - please be prepared to cover the difference, thanks. No returns - thank you.