A WONDERFUL ES335 - Tokai ES130 - This might be better than a Gibson?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ย. 2024
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It has taken me a little while to warm up to the ES335 design. Being someone who has predominantly played Strat type guitars, the heft of the ES335 body and feel is really quite different. This Tokai ES130 is a really nice lightweight, Nitro finished guitar. The best Tokai I've played yet!
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She’s a beauty!
I agree Keith! And that acoustic tone,even through his camera mic, sounds really pleasing! My Firefly FF338 don't sound like THAT 😊
I own a Tokai Love Rock (LP model) bought new about 20 years ago and it is still a pleasure to play daily.
Happy new Tokai 👍
Around my way, we discovered the "Tokai Secret" about 1980 ..
As regards the Sire H7, I found the neck to be quite slim, and I have relatively small hands.
I had to send mine back as it was about a Rough B-Stock grade.
Still, it did make me more appreciate my old HB35+.
I did a DIY fret job on that within weeks of purchase, then some four years later I changed out the Wilkinson pickups (a bit dark) for Iron Gear Blues Engines and put on Kluson Lockheads.
3:50 the lick!
My buddy's Tokai 335 is the single best guitar I've ever played. Also super light - despite the correct materials (maple and spruce centre block, laminate body, mahogany neck). Tokai 335s just seem to be flawless and completely consistent. And they all sound amazingly sweet with the Tokai MkII pickups. I changed those out of my Tokai LP. But in the 335s they just sound beautiful.
If Andy Timmons and Eric Johnson had a long lost kid together, you might be it!! Absolutely gorgeous playing!!
I've never had the chance to play a Tokai, but every one I've heard on TH-cam has sounded great. A guitar that inspires is a good guitar, and based on the Intro, this is a very good guitar indeed.
I recall an interview with Larry Carlton who said he sometimes plays his 335 unplugged. They do produce enough sound that you can do that when you're alone in your hotel room. The Japanese copy guitars came along in the 70s when a lot of American guitar builders had let the quality slide, and with the possible exception of Ibanez, they're cheaper than a Gibson (other than custom) and often better quality. The Yamaha SA-2200 is fairly easy to get hold of, not cheap but cheaper than Gibson. (Strangely, cheaper than the Yamaha SG series which appearance-wise is a cross between a Les Paul and a Gibson SG.)
I have an 80's Tokai strat and just today bought one of these MIJ Tokai ES335 type like yours. It's a 2008 ES125. I am knocked out by it. Sounds, looks and plays amazing. Thanks for your video/assessment which I wholeheartedly agree with.Nice playing as well! Cheers.
You should check out a Heritage H535. Made in the old Gibson factory…. Their production stuff is all Gibson Custom Shop Quality and usually can be grabbed on the used market for less $2400
I have never played a Heritage. I understand from acquaintances that they are every bit as good and even better than Gibsons. I just can’t get by the headstock. Not my cuppa tea. Someday I’m sure I will find one at a music store and get to play it to get over my prejudices.
Thanks John. Although looks like the pricing averages around $2000 or so on Reverb - I'd go for the Gibson at those rates. They did invent it also - it's always good to support the one that brought you to the dance, so to speak.
Agree with you.
Normally I would agree with you on principal alone. However, I have played hundreds of standard and custom shop Gibsons over the past decade and the build quality is incredibly inconsistent and at times atrocious, even at the highest price points. Sloppy bindings, uneven frets, inability to stay in tune, and the list goes on and on. I bought a Tokai ES-190 new last year for $1400 shipped to my door and it was flawless, better than any Gibson ES I've ever played. Tokai may be knocking off Gibson's designs but the Japanese level of craftsmanship and attention to detail for me is unmatched. Also, if you want a Japanese guitar, I would contact the shop directly rather than going through Reverb. You will save $200-400 making the purchase even more reasonable.
@@joshhernandez2292 Hi Josh, I've had a similar, but completely opposite experience...lol. I've played many with a slightly different feel (neck carve, etc), but the quality has been really nice. I don't feel we're in a "Norlin" era at all over the past few years. Glad you picked up your Tokai for a nice deal though! I _do_ wish Gibson would find somewhere else to build their Epiphones though...I won't consider a 'made in China' like we're getting now.
The love rock (slash) les Paul style guitar is beautiful and sounds great.
This is like my favorite sound. Been playing this on repeat a lot ❤
I have an ES-135 which is the 60’s style with block inlays. You are absolutely right with your comment that it could be the end of your search for a 335. Particularly if it is going to be an additional guitar rather than your main instrument. I got mine about 10-12 years ago. At that time Gibson 335’s were about £1800-2000 in the UK; new ES-135’s were £1100 and mine was £670(used) on EBay. It certainly plays and sounds as good as any of the Gibsons I tried at that time.
I had a es130 years ago. Stupidly sold it. And I regretted it ever since. I won a ce24 semi hollow and I was hoping it would quench my 335 itch.
It didn't, I owned a core dgt 10 top and I was concerned with how expensive that guitar had become. So I sold the ce24 semi hollow and somebody offered me a tokai es120 plus money in a trade for the DGT. I now have one back and its one I'll never sell. I was initially concerned with the size aspect of a 335 but nothing really sounds like a 335.
Mines reasonably flamey and the equivalent Gibson model is four times the price.
I have replayed the playing about 6 times so far while I read the comments. Subscribed! Keep up the great playing!
Wow, just wow on that playing.
These may be the finest guitars for the money. i just picked up an UESD68 and it’s quickly become my favourite guitar in the collection. Tokai build quality is just astounding! great stuff as always John!
I have a Tokai premium (I think that's what they call their high-end ones?) 335 from 2005, and it is great in every way.
Going from electronics sound scapes to your wonderful intro, what a way to start a Sunday morning
Thanks for the extra long intro.
I have a Tokai es168 with block inlays. It is an amazing guitar as stock. The neck is slightly narrow compared to a Gibson ES and even my Tokai Love Rock. I read the block inlay Gibsons past 1965 had narrow string spacing, so maybe they were going for that.
Great playing! I have a 2007 ES-130 too, also with the dimpled headstock (paid 900£, which is the norm here in Denmark). Same finish, but with swapped pickups and wiring (Mørch pu's - Emerson wiring). They're absolutely glorious guitars, and was my first Tokai. Now i have 4 😂
You’re playing is just fantastic. Bravo. You really brought out all of the shining characteristics of this guitar.
I have three of these. A see through red, a tea burst and a Pelham blue one.
Tokai and Edwards are my go to guitar because Gibson is way pricey for me.
That one is a beauty 👍
i recently got a Greco superview SV600, a 1980 model, just a beautiful guitar, its ever slightly small (20mm) than a 335, a sweet spot for me, smaller but not as small as a 339.lovely unplugged, and the Greco pu2 pickup are very nice especially in rhe neck. Came on at the 1k euro mark
Excellent video about a fantastic guitar from the amazing Tokai brand. I have one of these and had a varitone fitted by my local Tokai dealership in Birmingham.
I realize I come back to hear you play, regardless of what the video is all about! Beautiful intro! Tokai makes great guitars, as proven here!
Sounds great! Never played a Tokai - will explore next time I get to Tokyo. Also want to try the Eastman options - some excellent reviews of their ES styles and I am really impressed with the SB59/v.
I own a UES210 Custom (ES 335 Type) which is a stunning instrument.
I have a ES135 Tokai, I need to fix the front pickup tone pot but it sounds and plays great - the quality is fantastic
ho yeah !!! TOKAI since 1947 !!!! great quality for a good price !! great vid !!! thank you John !!!!
Looks and sounds great. Brilliant playing 👍
Anche io possiedo una Tokai Les Paul Made in Japan, sono ottime chitarre, la tua semi acustica suona molto bene
I have the Tokai ES224 SR and it's very comparable in any way to a Gibson. The only apparent visual difference are the fret end knobs. I even find that it plays better than the custom shop '63 I used to have.
@John Nathan Cordy Nice video. I've seen your video on a S type Tokai and comparing it with a Fender. Considering the price do you think it's a good alternative to an American fender? I'm really tempted to get a MIJ candy apple red Stype Tokai and modify it to Gilmour red strat.
John, absolutely one of you best intros!
3:49 the lick
What a beauty! Sounds incredible. Wondering what your tone was today. HX stomp?
So nice melody you played... .
Your melody. Very beauttful
Have you ever played Ibanez’s John Scofield signature model? IMO it blows away every other 335-style guitar on the market. I’m speaking of the Made in Japan JSM100, but I hear the less expensive Made in China(?) JSM10 is great, as well.
What are you playing through to get that great tone?
Japanese craftsmen are world class.
The TOKAI UES210 Custom is nearly or even the highest tier TOKAI offers!
We need to get you a Collings ASAP!
Wonderful, seems to be a very inspiring guitar.
Superb playing
Anyone know what the difference between 130 and 158?
I think you have a winner!
I think it's cool to say it's a great guitar, but no one that has played both a proper gibson and a knock off will agree with ya. But glad you love it, thats all that matters.
I have an ES-Custom from Tokai. (335 special order with 'premium' this and that). It's a beautiful guitar but some people have trouble playing it because the nut width is a little too narrow. I've got slim fingers and it's still a bit cramped. But obviously yours is OK?
How do you know that it is an ES130? Is the model number stamped on the guitar?
Great tone🎉
I don't know if it's better than a Gibson, but I love my Ibanez AS-73!
Tokai would be my next choice after Epiphone for value in a LP style electric guitar. Eastman has to be in the conversation also. The shipping cost and risk is what keeps me from buying them.
Ah, at last. Something I can comment on 😊
They are beautifully crafted instruments, to the highest of Japanese standards. It was only when I got mine that I realised, Gibson only take on guitar companies that are a genuine threat to their business. You don’t hear of them taking on the likes of Harley Benton etc, or even Ibanez.
well, they did take on ibanez. There’s a whole bunch of “lawsuit” models from back in the day
@@aidanguitarshamiwhatever yes, many years ago.
1:15 - 1:40 makes me glad I am alive.
What´s the Amp for this sound?
That is some inspired playing mate!
i want to to know your thoughts on polychrome dsp mcrocklin how does it sound?
Have you ever tried a Harley Benton HB-35 Plus and an Aeolus?
Does it stay in tune?
What do you think about the prs se hollowbody piezo ?
What a shame they only seem to produce ES models with 41mm nut
The 335 is just a great design. It’s like a strat in the way that, if it looks a certain way it will sound a certain way.
I have a Cort 335 and it does the thing. I always get positive comments about the sound when I play it out.
It sounds a bit thin compared to a Gibson, but it cost about a fifth of the price.
do they still sell these?
Beautiful, but these things approach Gibson prices. I'm content with my $600 Epiphone version which does have Gibson DNA in a way.
Different but not better. I have both and they are not the same. I have a Murphy Lab 335 and a Murphy Lab Les Paul. I had a Gibson 355, but sold it. And I have 2 Tokai Les Pauls. The best one of the bunch was the 355, but it would go out of tune a lot. The Tokai guitars have less of a neck angle and don’t go out of tune at all. But, they just don't feel good.
If you're going to keep reviewing guitars, you must stop playing the beautiful melodic guitar passages! Wow! After a minute or so, I wouldn't have cared what you were playing.... Oh yea, what was the name of the guitar you were playing???
Sorry, forgot to skip away...
Get yourself a Yamaha SA2000S. The best Gibson ES335 you can get.
sure, it may be wonderful, but whether or not it's better than a Gibson is entirely subjective to the user
I’ve not seen a nicer guitar
How inauthentic!!
Dear YT Guitarists:
Please get over and get past nonsensical, meaningless "as good as the real thing" comparisons and make content with actual substance.
It's entirely meaningless that your knockoff guitar may be as high quality a build as the real thing. It's not the real thing. End of story.
If these Japanese companies were truly that amazing, they would have their own designs; they would be the real thing and Gibson and Fender, et al, would be the copies.
But that's not how it is.
So let's get over trying to fool ourselves and everybody else into thinking that knockoff guitars are better and just portray them as the cheaper, decent alternatives for the average player that they really are.
It's an easy thing to use someone else's intellectual material and regurgitate their ideas; and another thing entirely to come up with the idea yourself.
The real thing is the real thing for a reason.
No way is this better than a gibson
Get real. Gibson is dead.
@@colinjames2469 hahaha
Please put my mind at rest,
Is the Chinese 335 rubbish and the Japanese 335 good, or is the Chinese 335 just as good.
Thanx K
These guitars are made out of plywood (which is not really wood, it's really great for fish boxes LOL),
as far as the sound not much difference between those and a solid body guitars, after all pickups are magnetic not micro phonic.
It's more for the feel not sound!
looks like it’s a maple body according to google
They make just like the big G . It’s maple poplar maple