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Is this site legit? Why are these so cheap compared to other places?

2.3K views 11 replies 11 participants last post by  Doug B  
#1 ·

I'd like to try something like this but my question is is it scam site? What is the deal with it $565 for a new tokai lp with case? Dose that seam cheep to you guys?
 
#3 ·
Tokai has two lines, one made in China, and one made in Japan. The MIJ are around double the price. I have no experience with the Chinese ones. I have a 2020 MIJ Hardpuncher (pbass). It is a very nice guitar. I’d rate it the equal if not better than a MIA Fender. Price wise it is somewhere in between a MIM and a MIA bass.
 
#4 ·
They aren't very upfront about the country of origin, and I think their customer service is lacking (I contacted them once, never heard back).

If you look through the site enough, you'll find that sometimes the guitars have the traditional Gibson-looking open-book headstock shape, and other photos of the exact same model have the version below. I'm guessing the Gibson-a-like headstocks are real Tokai guitars made in China, but they are probably sold elsewhere and are not the ones that get into Canada. (And if they do get here, I'm surprised the company is still in business.)
Image
 
#5 · (Edited)
The site is legit. I've bought some Joyo pedals from them before.

But, I think the Tokai line sold there are the so-called "Fakai" guitars. Note they don't show the headstocks.

 
#8 ·
Definitely not MIJ. I would contact Tokai and ask them. They respond to emails quickly.