Jazz Sound (MIJ 1984) with EMG Select pickups

This Tokai Jazz Sound bass is in good condition considering this bass 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 – check online for information and reviews.

It is fitted with EMG Select pickups (Neck 7.1 ohms, Bridge 6.8 ohms), which give a nice powerful, punchy sound.

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, even down to the reverse tuning keys that, I believe, were standard on Fender basses until they replaced them with the oval (lollipop) tuners on the Jazz Bass in 1966. The 1982-86 is the era of highly regarded instruments from Tokai. 

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, and it is currently strung with DR Sunbeams 45-105 strings. The neck has a nice feel, and this bass is a joy to play – a good weight at 4.29kg/9.46lbs and nicely balanced.

I updated the electronics with genuine CTS potentiometers, a new oil in paper 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, and new 22Awg Vintage-Style Cloth-Covered Guitar Wire throughout, including replacing the earth wire to the bridge.