Jazz Sound Bass (MIJ 1984) Cream 

This Tokai Jazz Sound bass is in good condition considering it is around 37 years old – it’s been well used over the years, but the frets and fretboard are in great condition. A few scuffs here and there – check out the photos – but it feels, sounds, and plays exceptionally well. These early ‘80’s basses from Tokai are exceptional quality.

The original Tokai pickups are fitted (Bridge 6.2Ω, Neck 6.0Ω) and they give a nice powerful, punchy sound – pure Jazz Bass. The bass was professionally set up by RV Guitars in Dundee recently and it a dream to play, the action is low at about 2mm at the 12th fret (see photo). Rod at RV also shielded the cavities with copper tape - see the photo of the control cavity, the pickup cavities are also shielded.

I'm pretty sure the pots are original and I updated the capacitor to new 0.1uf (100nf) capacitor, which still retains the original sound but also allows more treble to be rolled off at the lower range of the tone control, which provides a viable Precision Bass sound when using just the neck pickup. 

This one has a beautiful sound and look. Cream body in overall good condition with some dings, wear, and slight buckle-rash to the rear of the body – it’s been used over the years as it’s such a good bass.  The rosewood neck is in great condition, as are the frets. The neck has a nice feel, and this bass is a joy to play – a good weight at 4.kg/8lbs 13oz and nicely balanced.

Apparently, Tokai imported early 60’s Fender guitars and basses in the late seventies and used them as templates to create their own copies. The addition of Japanese quality means that these early Tokais are therefore close to the original Fenders. The 1982-86 is the era of highly regarded instruments from Tokai.