Better than a Les Paul?! | JAPANESE KNOCKOFFS | Guitar Review: TOKAI LOVE ROCK
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Are you looking for a les Paul that won't break the bank?! look no further! The Tokai Love Rock will give you that same warm fuzzy feeling you got the first time you heard one of the LES PAUL WIELDING GREATS!
#Tokai #FakeLesPaul #WorkingClassMusician
AMP: Blackstar HT-Club 40 w/ Celestion Vintage 30
INSTAGRAM: @workingclassmusician
Personal: JimmyRFranklin
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I feel you bro, Japanese makes all thing more precision. Cheers..
its practically part of the culture to go above and beyond!
*Dude, that sustain is unbelievable! awesome guitar and nice video/Playing!*
Thank you so much!
My buddy bought a Japanese knock off called Photogenic. It literally plays like silk. I've played "real" Les Pauls and the fakes are equally amazing. Absolutely love Japanese craftsmanship.
These are not fakes. A fake is when a person/company tries to deceive you into buying something that it isn't. It's clearly a "Tokai" and not a "Gibson".
Yes they're incredible so leave it at that.
"it feels Les Paul. here (points heart)"
PERFECT DESCRIPTION!
I saw your review, did my research and yesterday i boughy one for 700 euro's. A tokai japanese love rock with pearly Gates. My God what an instrument, youre video had inspired me to look further then the regular brands. Thanks!
As soon as you receive it and set it up the way you like, please comment about it on here!!!
Sounds awesome!! Does your guitar sound anything like the Love Rock Billy Gibbons plays in this video?
th-cam.com/video/CHvrysH8mJo/w-d-xo.html
@@hamahermit1917 honestly... in some ways yes! thats crazy I didn't know he played love rocks!! lol!
Finally a guitar reviewer who plays the guitar well, congrats! This thing is amazing I've played a 70's Ibanez Les Paul which was actually better than sone genuine post 2010 ones.
thank you very much! these guitars are great! I haven't gotten my hands on the old Ibanez les Pauls yet but I hope to find one to review soon!!
Tokai also makes replicas of vintage Fender Strats & Teles.
And get this: SRV had bought an entire dozen of Tokai Strat replicas when he toured in Japan,played them live and is even holding one on the cover of his "Texas Flood" album. Yes, that is a Tokai not an "authentic" Fender!
Fender was not amused when they found out and they threaten to sue him!!
Also, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top has used Tokai LP replicas for many years. The Reverend had a "Black Beauty" LP Custom Tokai replica which he played the living crap out of.
Generally, the higher tier Tokai's are custom shop instruments and really good. Wood selection and craftmaship are top notch. Customer support is amongst the best in the field. Add that Tokai still use rather antiquated methods, that are more from the Gibson starting era than of an industrial company. Generally, I recommend to change the pickups on them, but if you do, you will have something coming extremely close to an authentic 1959 LP without ruining yoursel or jumping on the "dellusional train".
My guitar guy who worked at a major music store chain in Canada as a tech turned me onto the the Tokai Telecasters, aka Breezysound.... in 1982 you could buy a Tele with case for $249 CDN... I drove down and bought three, my mate had already bought 4 of the Springysound, or Strats and the music store guys bought all the LP's... I don't think there were any left after that..! I still have the best Tele and it's been my main stage guitar since I bought it.... Hankering for a vintage Tokai LP, but...
Great video!
I’ve got a Japanese Tokai LC recently and I totally get you. I use to be very brand oriented to the point of literally looking away if the guitar didn’t had the “right” decal on the headstock.
I am so impressed with the Tokai I’ve got, it’s from 2018, got ebony fingerboard, tip carve is spot on, ain’t too heavy, build construction is literally flawless, attention to details is just stellar etc.
I’ve had the chance of owning a 2019 Gibson Les paul custom, which retails for € 3.700,00 or so (4 times what I’ve payed on this one) and I must say I prefer this one in every aspect, some people may think I’m crazy but it feels even like a more expensive guitar than the Gibson counterpart, go figure.
I AGREE!!.. and onstage no-one can tell!
How do I order one?
japanese putting more heart on making everything. just like fender JV
I have a Burny LPC with a floyd rose and sustainer pickup and i absolutely love this guitar so much that i just ordered another one same color without the floyd and sustainer next is a Greco LPC and Orville and one like yours💪🏻👍🏻 oh nice playing bro👊🏻
I live in Japan and right now with the exchange rate the Tokai LS214 (Premium series) is running right about $1400, I think thats quite a steal and I intend to pick one up after seeing this review.
dude u put off such a happy/positive vibe when u shred.. a real musician right here homie!
Absolutely love Tokais, just brilliant guitars.
Loved ur little peace of mind riff👏
Thanks! Haha I thought it fit perfect!
Man !! you are a all natural - Honest presentor !! Bravo
Tokai make UNREAL guitars. Played a strat style HSS Tokai yesterday and it was hands down the best guitar my fingers have ever had the privilege of touching
would you say that they are extremely convincing as well?? that you forget its "fake" while you are playing it
Working Class Musician I don’t know what rep they have in the states but in South Africa the few who know about them only have good things to say. “Fake” is a very philosophical term and I think it misses the point: if it feels good and sounds good then it is good. And let’s not forget that it’s bonafide Japanese craftsmanship at work.
Just for comparison the guitar that I tried out was an AST model (their version of a strat) with SEB (sound effect body) construction. Played that and an AZ Prestige back to back, unplugged, and I shit you not the sound coming out of that SEB body... the guitar was basically singing back to me it was madness 😂 of course the AZ was bonkers too, especially because it’s much easier to access the upper frets than the Tokai but I’ll add that the Tokai’s neck felt on another level of smoothness to the AZ.
Didn’t have a go with the trem system so I can’t speak for tuning stability but if that checks out after another test then it’s as good as bought. I’m saving up for that Tokai and you can be damn sure that I’ll be proud to own it!
@@thenkindler001 VERY WELL SAID!!
Great review mate. I have to agree. Having had several Lea Pauls- classic, historic, and custom shop - the Tokai Lemon Drop I now own plays as good, if not better than all of them. And the grain on the mahogany is striking
Good review! I have just bought a japanese tokai lp custom... And is impressive. It sounds and small unboxing can be seen. The nut is bone made!!!
Excellent guitar and fantastic to see someone who clearly enjoys playing and good for you to know when you’ve got a great instrument ..... I loved it
You know your stuff mate,that was an incredible review.
You bet cha they do! I got two 80s Matsumko's guitars and I still scratch my head on just how good they are compared to the very expensive others I have
right!? really brilliant stuff!!
I agree! I have a Gibson es 335, a PRS, and a Fender Strat…..but my go-to is my 1981 Matsumoko Vantage VLP500. Plays like butter!
kickass playing, laughed at the sustain part :D
thank you!! hahaha!
Great guitar.
But what I enjoy most is your enthusiasm. Music is mostly about feeling.
And you are really connected with that guitar.
Great playing!!!
thank you so much!! there's nothing else like music right?!
Yes so true, you're a legend bro
Really really cool to see some love for these Japanese copies!! Just got an 80s Burny LPC last week and it plays WAY better than my '08 Gibson. It GENUINELY hangs alongside my American PRS guitars. Thinking about putting some Tom Andersons in it & maybe a new bridge but other than that it came literally perfect from Japan! Can't wait to tour w/ this thing, it's a true player and I can't exactly say that about every Gibson. Killer playing by the way!
Loved the Rainbow riff! That's beauty man!
Best guitar review I've seen in a decade. And it sounds way better than a Gibson
DUDE THATS AMAZING THANK YOU!!
Would’ve loved to have seen it compared to the standard despite the difference in pickups
Knock-offs and originals have always been of substance and quality. Great presentation. Wow that's a lovely looking guitar..
I'm sitting here, just home from my night shift in Cairns, Australia. I have my Les Paul Standard 2018 on my lap as i type but am waiting for my Tokai Love Rocks to come back from the luthier. It's more stable! I don't have to tune it every few minutes and it doesn't have "issues".
Man, this video is fast!!! I've got the same guitar, it's unbelievably good. Very good, enthusiastic review. Thumbs up!
thank you!!! more coming soon!
Tokai also made some very nice Fender knockoffs back in the early 80's that were branded as Tokai "Silver Star", "Springy Sound", or "Breezy Sound". I think at one point Tokai were an OEM for the necks and bodies of Fender "Crafted in Japan" series.
dude!! I gotta find one of those! you ever play one??
That, my friend, was the score of the century. I am jealous. Not kidding in the least. I have no idea how you contained yourself long enough to seal the deal. And you do it justice.
3:46 That's it right there! And that thing is wild! Stunning, really.
Just picked up a Burny 1992 LP too so feeling the vibe!
OH MAN! thank you!. how are you liking the burny??? what color is it???
@@jimmyfranklin It's still on it's way to me from Japan atm but is a Black 1992 "Les Paul Custom" with lightning bolt logo, heavy worn gold hardware, their popular VH-1 PAF pickups, short neck tenon, mahogany neck and body. Not 100% if its a maple cap or just vaneer yet but I'm happy either is good for me. Got my fingers crossed is got a full cap though, ngl.
Frets look a bit fucked but that's easily taken care of and plenty of dents which I love. Lots of checking and my favourite part is that it has the oldschool style ABR-1 bridges that screw directly into the body, and no recessed mounts. Think Black Beauty without the middle humbucker.
Something else you might dig; I also picked up a 70s Doobie 30w combo from Japan too. Hardly any info online about them but its a solid state clone of a Mesa Boogie Mrk I. Sounds pretty great from the 1 clip on YT. Its actually the amp I bought too. This one:
th-cam.com/video/DB7Obz8dLRY/w-d-xo.html
I have 4 broke vertebrae’s in my back and the weight of the Les Paul style guitar kills me , in spite of this ,I have 6 of them and wouldn’t be caught dead without one ! Love their chunky,deep,this is a real head filling ,reality machine ! The strats ,tele’s,hollow ,semi hollow’s all can get it done but, if the boat was sinking and there was only room for one guitar, I’d keep hold on to the knee bashing ,back breaking Les Paul. Thanks for the video 👍
Here's my Kent 820 video . I just got one of these beautiful guitars
Fine playing and fun to watch! Great guitar too.
Currently I am playing an FGN LS 10 - Les Paul Copy! I have sold my Gibson Les Paul Studio from 2008 in exchange for it. Now I finally have a proper Les Paul sound and I did never look back to my Studio!!!
I just bought a MIJ Fender. It’s nicer and has more mojo than any American Fender I’ve owned. Looking for one of these Tokai Goldtops.
mojo!! great word for it!! make sure its the Japanese made. the model number changes every year they are made so its tough to track but I think mine is an 08
Spent all day trying out guitars in Denmark Street...
The absolute Les Paul Winner was a Tokai ULS132S Gold Top... I own a Tokai Firebird which is utterly incredible, but THIS Goldtop is something else entirely!!!! Handbuilt Custom Job built in Japan, worth every penny of the £1700...
Mind Blown!!
I've got a Japanese Fender Strat and it's very well constructed; easily as well as an American Standard (Strat). As you say the Gold Top Tokai Love Rock is as good as anything Gibson has churned out and they're a darn sight cheaper than a real Gibson Les Paul. Yamaha has always (and still do) made a very good quality guitar for the money - both acoustic and electric. Interesting upload; enjoyed it.
Something tells me you LOVE this guitar. 😂❤
I'm so happy he's happy!
MIJ Tokais are the sh*t. I have a tele, p-bass and a 335 - awesome craftsmanship. Love your playing and funny bits in the vid. Cheers!
That’s an awesome guitar, indeed. I’m envious of it and your playing skills.
aw man thank you! you play??
Working Class Musician I used to play electric guitars m before but now I’m focus on acoustic ones due to limited time to practice and to minimise the noise in my place.
@@artvillarino2878 that's awesome man! keep at it! never stop playing! I have a review of the terror stamp on my channel. chem it out if you need something to play electric at home!
Working Class Musician I heard that it’s an awesome device. But still I’ll check your take on it.
I just picked up a Bacchus "Classic" LP Special a few weeks ago, and its by far the best guitar I've ever owned. I'd never even heard of Bacchus before, I just saw it hanging up with some Gibsons and even from 20 feet away you could tell it was something special. Being a strange brand and my first P-90 axe I sort of expected some remorse to kick in eventually, but I just love that thing more all the time. "Out Gibson's a Gibson", that pretty much sums it up.
The pick up configuration is similar to Tom Sholz's Boston Les Paul. That's why I thought you played his riff. Sounds great.
Does he use the mini humbucker!?! it came like this and its kind of Neil Younged out... but I noticed the AWESOME boston tones RIGHT AWAY! I used this for a lot of boston songs in tribute bands... you have one of these in the collection yet???
One of my favourite instruments is a 1968 Japanese copy of a Mosrite Ventures model. It has the aesthetics of the original, which I love, but the build is actually closer to a LesPaul Special with p90s and a Bigsby (heavy! mahogany body, thicker neck with regular-size frets, strong single-coils - actually better than the original for the way I like to play). Beautifully--crafted, in amazingly good condition after I cleaned it up, and I got it cheap! I live in Asia and found it on a local small-ads site.
Looking for background on Tokai LP styles. This video made me laugh out loud at your expressions, great playing!!
At the beginning of my music is buy most Gibsons... in 2010 i got a Tokai in my Hands and after nealy all.Gibsons are sell only a 92 Standard a 2020 CS 59 and the Tokai still at me... why...because they so good...
Love the happy guitar faces
its easy when playing one of these haha thank you!
Damn Dude.....Your AWESOME!!! Jesus.....Why is America not buying your CD's or downloads.......???????????????
I've got 2 of them. They are fantastic.
I wwas debating grabbing one of these because I want to live my dream replicating tom scholtz tones for hours, and when you pulled out the peace of mind riff, that was a sign I gotta pick one up now. Love the review keep it up!
thank you so much!! definitely check out the company that makes that mini humbucker as well.. they are called Lollar incase you haven't heard of them
@@jimmyfranklin o snap, didn’t realize that’s a Lollar in there. Lollar is fully legit, like for real top shelf handmade pickups. Def look into getting the phase issue corrected (as suggested in other comments) because that’ll really get that baby singing 👍✌️
I've got an Orlando "Les Paul" that's black with gold pickups. It's pre lawsuit era, because it has the open book headstock. Had the thing since high school (93-94). Got it for an eighth of weed, sight unseen 😂. Even the velvet case was in pristine condition. One of the original pickups buzzes a little, but it's amazing other than that. The thing escaped with my when the Campfire burned down Paradise. Sadly I couldn't save my roadstar 2 series Ibanez I had since like 5th grade.
AAAHHHH! dude thats awesome!! i also have a roadstar 2... what color was it???
@@jimmyfranklin it was like an auburn sunburst with black around the edges. I had the action lowered when I was a kid, so it played real nice...
@@Mercuryrisingmetaldetecting AWE MAN... I have one in red that I wanna do a video about so badly!!
There are many incredible japanese guitars from that era. I own two Kasugas. One is a Les Paul copy and it's amazing. The Maxon pickups are just top notch. The other is a Scorpion and whoever that find a better guitar somewhere..anywhere, buy it!!
Thanks for a great video.
Your pickups might be out of phase in the middle, that's a pretty easy wiring fix.
INTERESTING!!! I didn't even think of that!!
@@jimmyfranklin Did you fix it ?
@@malcolmhardwick4258 nope! not yet... eventually I will! ahaha
Bro Tajima is a surprisingly good, I went to a guitar store today and played a Tajima les Paul, it was beautiful
are those available in the US??
@@jimmyfranklin yeah
I was thinking about the spinal tap line, before you said it. RL Burnside played something called a Tiesco, I understand you could order outa a Sears catalog. I
They are Japanese.
This is brilliant! Thanks for posting it. I just got a Greco and I love it, but I also want at least one more Japanese Les Paul. I've been trying to gauge whether to get another Greco or to get a Tokai, Burny, Orville, etc. One thing that will help is to know whether yours is a relatively recent one or if it's an older model. If it's newer and it's that cool, I won't have to sweat getting a 70's or 80's model. And, as simple as it is, I dare you to play Crank by Catherine Wheel! Hah! Cheers.
Hi bro! Have you considered that when you select both, they are out of phase? Someone, when installed or re-intalled them, messed up the connections. I've seem this before. Google about "out-of-phase" pickups
Yes! I’ve gotten a few messages about that! I’m gonna do it but I’ve just been too lazy lol!
@@jimmyfranklin hehe
yeah, i think you can just switch the hot and cold signal wires on one of the pickups - you'll be glad if you can do that!
It'll prob sound awesome with both pickups on.
Only problem is if the cold signal is also soldered to the pickup cover or base plate, which can not really be swapped to hot.
But if one of the pickups has independent hot and cold then it's a 5 min job to re-solder the connectors over.
Do you know what year is the Love Rock made?
Your videos are really good, you deserve more subs and views!! Btw you shred
Thank you so much!! Im never gonna stop making videos, so hopefully more people catch on! haha I appreciate your support!
Absolutely love my Tokai les pauls for a 3rd of the price of a Gibson. Are you related to Aaron Franklin from Franklin's BBQ? you both look and sound same the same.
I don't think there is any relation. but you never know... could be a long lost brother or something haha.. where is that??
The tokai love rock like effortless to play..and the feeling just vintage..i have tokai ls95,its become my main axe..but mine are cherry burst..lets hunting some gold top tokai love rock series too..cheerrs
Awesome guitar man!
I enjkoy this one very much!! it only comes out for special occasions! thank you!!
I've got a Fernandes rst 60-66 Strat that was made about 82. Wouldn't trade it for the best Fender Strat on the market. The guitar I have was made in Japan.
I had a Fernandez Dragonfly? I think that was the model. they make some GREAT guitars! that was my first 24 fret guitar and it was killer!
@@jimmyfranklin I'd have to research that Fernandes dragonfly that you talkin about. I'll see if I can get back to you.
@@jimmyfranklin I'm not sure the year of production but it did come with a sustainer. Kind of looks like a strat with binding. Nice enough guitar.
That thing is killer! I have two 80s Ibanez that are made in Japan. The quality is beyond outstanding.
bro... im a HUGE fan of anything Ibanez does... they are the only company that I'd accept as an endorsement of.. if that dream ever came true lol!
The guitar sounds awesome. Do u know what year your guitar is ??
I own a Tokai and it's amazing. I would buy another Tokai before I buy a Gibson.
I like your smiling face while playing that japanese made guitar :D
I love Japanese guitars but I will smiley pretty much any time I am playing a guitar! HAHA!
That sounds insane!
its so good right??? no FX on the amp either... all just built in blackstar stuff!
Sounds awesome! I have an Edwards John Sykes Classic Les Paul which is amazing and can also hold its own against a Gibbo🎸🎸🤘🤘
everyones talking about these edwards guitars... they are really that killer huh?!?!
@@jimmyfranklin yeah really well made and killer Seymour Duncans🎸🎸👌
I have a Vintage Starfire strat copy...... Hands down
Best guitar youve owned?!
Guitar sounds f****** awesome! I have a black pearl Les Paul copy that I purchased when I was 15 years old in Belgium. It sounds awesome! anytime I jam with somebody they are like what kind of guitar is that? Cool video bro
is it made in Japan?!? thanks so much!!
I believe it was. It was made by Pearl the drum company. From what I research this is one of the guitars they called lawsuit guitars.
@@kettlejitsu71 yes! very famously known as lawsuit guitars! I also had no idea pearl was involved... this is incredible!!
@@jimmyfranklin Yes looks sounds and plays amazing! I had it set up like a year ago and my guitar tech said that was the best project that he has had in a while. Do you have an Instagram? I can send you pictures
@@kettlejitsu71 yup! @jimmyRFranklin
Helpful video
If the guitar is out of phase in the middle position then swap the live and earth wires on the neck pickup.
The " Love Rock" on the headstock doesn't sell . A bit like a straight guy wearing a dangly earing . A normal Tokai does sell . I wonder who brainstormed that name in the boardroom ?
....im straight and wear a dangly earring...
when i was a kid someone gifted me an early 80s burny rlg-90 (basically a '59 lp standard copy in every way but has a veneer top and 2 piece back, poly finish that doesn't feel too thick but you can tell isn't laquer). 10 years later i am a shameless mij fanboy and i own 0 american made guitars. i still have the burny and my other main guitar is a 78 or 79 ibanez es 335 copy.
dude! I am the same way! japanese guitars all the way!! I hear amazing things about the burnys. i couldnt find one anywhere when I was in japan though!!
Maybe a moot point, seeing this is a 2 year old post, but sounds like the pickups are/were wired out of phase, giving you that thin sound in the middle position. If so, a rewire to in phase would give you a much better sound. I could be wrong though...but that's what it sounded like through my sound system. In any case, sick guitar!! Cheers!
you may be right! ive had a lot of people suggest this. i havent had the time to mess with it and its not killing me to play! plus i mostly use the up or down setting anyway! haha! so ive been lazy about it
@@jimmyfranklin HAHA!! As long as you're happy! I dont use the middle position often either. Just keep playing brother!! Sounding good!
Man good playing
Holy fuck. I've had two LPs over the years (a Studio Plus and a Deluxe Double-Cut). I was considering buying another now that Gibson is under new management and presumably the QC issues have been resolved. However, after the recent "play authentic", Mark Agnesi bully bullshit I've decided to never again own another. I've been looking at the Tokais and to be honest yours is fucking amazing and has sealed my decision. Now off to Reverb to find one! Great demo brother.
BTW, subscribed.
i cant believe i missed this... i try and reply to everyone! Tokai Over all else!! I love my custom Les Paul... and i have a standard, and epiphone and a chibson... the tokai is probably my favorite!
That is one beautiful guitar. I honestly can’t imagine how many have been converted to Gibson replicas.
right?? it really is unbelievable how accurate it is
100 extra points for playing Rainbow "Long Live Rock and Roll"
Working class: may I suggest a Seymour Duncan, sm1 in the neck , they’re awesome, will work well on your gold top
I have a love rock, 59 copy awesome guitar 👍
that's not a bad idea! I love this p90 so much right now but I will keep that in mind! thank you!
Got a love rocket too, gr8 guitar
Bought it in 1980,.still really good to play
can you tell me ?? the neck ??? 50 style ? 60 style ??
You where born to play guitar love your playing
DUDE! thank you so much... you play??
@@jimmyfranklin yes for years that's why the admiration for your skills
Wow amazing guitar dude goldtop forget about it congrats on a great guitar
I'm going to get a tokai les paul bass now
No way! Which one???
Have you tried to reverse the neck pick-up polarity? Probably it should fix the mid position sound
Something so good, especially when Gibson QC and quality consistency is often shit, these Japanese guitars should really be “Tributes” and not something pejorative like “knockoff”.
Sounds amazing. I should check them out and also because I don't want to buy a Gibson.
Just bought 80's 59 burny 😲🤠😎
I WANT A BURNY SO BAD. I EVEN WENT TO JAPAN AND COULDNT FIND ONE.
I love gold tops I have to myself but yours sounds badass
Great Guitar... good Deal... ive got a 54 Tokai GT with p90s and its the same good as my 59 CS les Paul... Not better but on the same Level... awesome Piece of Wood
Nice Daniel Lanois setup
Damn the clean Channel with neck pickup is so jazzy such a tasty sound
so tasty right!?
@@jimmyfranklin Wes montgomery would love to play that guitar
@@viniciusfranca896 Les Paul himself would've loved to play it!
Can you tell me what the new Tokai's are like?
Would it be better to purchase one from the 2010's, 2000's, 90's, or before, rather than a new one? Have they been consistently good from the beginning?
I have been highly interested for a long time and was wondering.
Thank you!
It sounds great (if you were playing it through an adapted transistor radio), but I know what you mean about certain Les Paul-based gutitars which do actually out-Paul some originals. I've had god and wishy-washy LPs, and one great impersonator (Avion 7) which I still have and love.
I’ve got one as well you’re so right
Amazing!! I’m so glad! You have the gold top???
Can it sound like Leslie wests lp Jr. Mississippi queen, 🤔🤔😉
Yeah, those Tokais are awesome.
They are so awesomeb