1981 Tokai LS-120 Love Rock – Original Case, Seymour Duncan Antiquities

Reluctantly for sale is my 1981 Tokai LS-120 Love Rock, serial number 1011497, which I have owned since 2006.

Great tight flame top - It has always reminded me a little of Greeny, one of the reasons I snapped this up at the time.

The guitar currently has a pair of Seymour Duncan Antiquity humbuckers fitted. The original double-cream DiMarzio PAF pickups are included in the sale.

NOTE:- I forgot to add earlier, the magnet is flipped in the neck pickup on the antiquities, reproduces the Peter Green nasal sound very nicely

I found the original DiMarzios a little too restrained through my own setup and preferred the way the Antiquities responded and broke up through my amp. To my ears they suit the guitar brilliantly. Nothing has been discarded, though, so it can be returned to its original pickup specification if preferred.

The original brown Tokai Lifton-style hard case is also included.
The guitar was professionally set up around ten years ago. At the same time, the original nut, which had started to become slightly buzzy, was replaced with a bone nut. The original nut is still present in the case. The fitted bone nut has darkened and discoloured with age, as shown in the photographs.
The setup has remained very stable. The action is extremely low, everything feels well balanced and it is very easy to play across the whole neck. Since that setup, it has only ever been played at home.

For complete honesty:

• The G-string tuning machine is a Fender-style replacement. It was already fitted when I bought the guitar in 2006 and has never caused me any problems.

• No scratchplate is included. I do not remember ever receiving one with the guitar and it has never had one fitted during my ownership.

• In certain light, a faint remanence can still be seen on the rear of the headstock where the original “120” model sticker appears to have been. I first noticed it accidentally in the light several years ago and have included a photograph.

• This is a 45-year-old guitar and has the expected marks, finish wear and signs of use. I have tried to show its condition honestly in the photographs rather than hide anything.
The reason for selling is simply that I am predominantly a Strat player and this is no longer getting the use it deserves.

It has taken me a long time to finally advertise it. Several times I have taken it out of the case intending to photograph it, noticed the old rosewood fingerboard and flame top, played it for a while and put the whole idea off for another day. Unfortunately, there is little point in keeping it merely as a nice antique.
This is a serious early Japanese Tokai and I would much rather it went to someone who will play and appreciate it.
Included in the sale:

• 1981 Tokai LS-120 Love Rock• Seymour Duncan Antiquity humbuckers, currently fitted• Original DiMarzio PAF pickups included• Original Tokai Lifton-style hard case• Original nut
Serial number: 1011497
Weight: approximately 9.1 lb. 

Sensible offers are welcome
Given the guitar’s age and value, collection and inspection are strongly preferred. A serious buyer is welcome to plug it in and try it.

If being shipped - I will insure the guitar using securus.

Guitar advertised elsewhere