Tokai ATE-52 Vintage Tele Style

This guitar was made circa 1985-86. I purchased it used in March 2004. The Tokai ATE-52 is an affordable and quality replica of the Fender Teles built in the fifties. 21 fret neck, maple "skunk stripe" neck with maple fingerboard, lightweight alder wood body, typical Tele style pickup configuration, using Tokai's own C.A.R. (California Accurate Reproduction) pickups. These pickups are faithful to the old Fender issues, right down to the wax dipped bridge pickup. 3-way switch, "Deluxe" nickel-chrome vintage style tuners. Volume and tone controls with knurled chrome plate knobs. 6-way intonating saddles on a typical Tele style bridge. Black finish w/white single ply pick guard.

This is a better sounding guitar than nearly every Fender that I have played; almost as nice as my Custom Shop NOS 1963 Tele RI! I pay tribute to a mix of pop oldies from the 60's, 70's and early 80's. The ATE-52 fits all my needs. It sounds just like a good Tele style guitar should. Typical bright, low-ish output. Twangy and nasty in the back where it counts, but real warm and sweet yet clear in the front. The quintessential early Telecaster sound. Think Amos Garrett ('Midnight at the Oasis') on the front pickup, and Pink Floyd ("Run Like Hell") on the bridge...that's it, folks!

These guitars are not to be confused with the less expensive models out there today...and you know some of the brands that I refer to. These are quality instruments. The guitar was built in 85-86, but to look at it, you'd never guess. It was spotless when I received it, looked "N.O.S." (new old stock)save for very little normal wear. The action is just right, a little high on the trebles, but it keeps the buzz out. Neck is a standard U-shaped and quite buttery, with nice smooth-grained maple. Feels good with light gauge electric strings. It is very comfortable to play. The frets are rather wide for a Tele style, but fairly low and they feel like a vintage style Fender fret. Pots roll freely and smoothly. I'm guessing that they too, are well-made The ATE-52 literally mimics the Fender down to a "T", save for the slight change in the headstock, and different bridge plate and saddles.

This ATE-52 is built to be played. Virtually every component used is high quality. I would recommend these used 80's model Tokai guitars to anyone who was looking for reliability, build integrity and sound quality. Not a flaw anywhere to be found. The finish looks and feels like it may be nitrocellulose, which is tonally a plus, but difficult to maintain and susceptible to cracking in extreme temps. I would use this fearlessly at any gig w/o a backup. I gig six nights a week all winter and four nights a week the rest of the year. I expect a lot from my guitars, and generally get it. These early Tokai guitars were really built for speed. They are solid, roadworthy instruments whose craftsmanship rivals, even surpasses that of the best reissues going today.

From a customer support standpoint, I don't know much about Tokai. I discovered them when I worked in a music store in the 80's. They were endorsed by INXS, and several other acts. I wanted to have the line in the store, but he couldn't swing the franchise at the time. Tokai was then touted as the best replica guitars ever built, so good in fact, that they were sued for it! They are a Japanese company, and rather non-agressive when it comes to sales and advertising in the US. They seem to be popular in England, however. Can't really rate them based on how little I know. If the customer support is anything like the instruments, it must be a cakewalk dealing with Tokai...but I just don't know.

In my book, it's a 10 right down the line. I would not be able to find a guitar of this quality or accurate reproduction and detail again for under $1000.00 Especially left-handed, folks.