Here for sale we have a Tokai Silver Star SS-36 Electric Guitar in Black finish. Made in Japan in 1979, this guitar consists of an Alder body, a Maple neck, and a 21-fret Rosewood fingerboard. Other appointments include a 6-saddle vintage-style tremolo, vintage-style tuners, and a set of Tokai Single Coil pickups. These pickups are wired to a master volume, two tone controls, and a 5-way pickup selector.
The Maple neck plays fantastically well, with the neck profile feeling somewhat like a 'C' shape and providing a slim yet articulate playing experience in all registers. The profile will feel familiar to those used to modern S-type necks, but provides a little more thickness for an authentic vintage playing experience. The Gloss finish to the rear of the neck assists with smooth navigation of the 25.5" scale, whilst the playwear that has accumulated over the years adds a real sense of mojo to the playing experience which is very inspiring in the hands. The Rosewood fingerboard is pleasant under the fingers, and with the 7.25" radius delivers a suitably vintage playing experience.
The trio of Tokai single coil pickups installed in this guitar deliver clear and crisp tones, with shimmering cleans and punchy overdrives, just as you would expect from a S-Type. The neck pickup is warm and round, with plenty of power to push your solo tones to the front of the mix. The middle pickup is bright and spanky, and is well suited to funky rhythm tones. The bridge position handles gain very nicely and provides a richly saturated tone for rock rhythm parts. The controls are nice and responsive, and with the 5-way switch and traditional S-Type wiring provide the opportunity for a plethora of unique and interesting tones. An authentic vintage piece that remains highly practical and playable even after 46 years.
Please be aware that for international buyers import fees are not included in our postage and packaging cost, this only covers the cost of the guitar being sent to you. Import fees will be charged by Customs upon the guitar's arrival in the recipient country. Due to Brexit, this also applies to EU buyers. We advise checking the total import cost with Customs as this is not information we are able to accurately provide.
Tokai Silver Star SS-36 Black 1979 Electric Guitar
Brand- Tokai
Model- Silver Star SS-36
Finish- Black
Year- 1979
Made In- Japan
Body- Alder
Neck- Maple
Neck Profile- 'C'
Fingerboard- Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius- 7.25"
Frets- 21
Scale Length- 25.5"
Nut Width- 1.598"
Pickups- 3x Tokai Single Coil Pickups
Controls- Volume, 2x Tone, 5-way pickup selector
Our ID: 1271025147600
Weight: 8.15lbs
Serial: 9003879
Aesthetic Condition:
Headstock: Overall very good condition, the front face demonstrates some moderate indentations piercing the finish slightly to the top bass side edge. More notable and consistent indentation can be identified to the perimeter of the headstock, most notably the treble side of the horn where consistent indentation chips and pierces the finish.
Neck: Overall very good condition, the rear of the neck demonstrates light scratching and indentation throughout the register which can be somewhat discerned beneath the thumb in playing position, not affecting the overall playability of the instrument. This is most consistent beside the 6th and 7th frets on the bass side, where consistent indentation pierces the finish slightly. A spot of discoloration is apparent behind the 3rd fret which we have been unable to remove through regular cleaning, resembling the colour of the skunk stripe.
Body: Overall good condition, all aspects of the body demonstrate consistent moderate indentation and scratching piercing the finish in several places. This is most notable to the bottom edge where consistent indentation chips the finish slightly. Both corners of the neck pocket demonstrate light finish cracking, not affecting the structural stability of the instrument. We advise closely inspecting the photographs for a better understanding of the cosmetic condition of the body.
Condition of Frets:
The frets demonstrate moderate signs of use with flattening of the crowns throughout the register, not affecting playability. There is no material remaining for future fret work.
Current Set Up:
Truss Rod: Fully functional. Truss rod tool (4mm hex) not included.
Hardware: Fully functional with moderate signs of wear, consistent with the age of the instrument.
Structural: No concerns or issues to note.
Height of the string from the 12th Fret-1.75mm - Bass 2mm
Please be aware that the action on a guitar may move slightly in transit and this measurement is the current height.
Strings on Guitar - 10-46
Electrics: Fully functional.
Case & Accessories
Rectangular hard case
The case demonstrates light signs of use.