Guide / SELECTED VINTAGE GUITARS
Tokai: ST, LS, Cat’s Eyes and TALBO
Key dates and instrument families documented by Tokai Gakki.
From classical guitars to the LS
Tokai’s guitar production predates the LS. The official timeline lists classical guitars in 1965, the electric Hummingbird in 1968 and the acoustic Hummingbird in 1970.
Tokai Gakki — historia / history / Geschichte ↗
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1972 | Agreement with C. F. Martin for exclusive Japanese distribution |
| 1973 | Martin imports and technical collaboration begin |
| 1975 | Cat’s Eyes acoustic brand |
| 1978 | LS series |
| 1983 | TALBO — metal body |
Tokai Gakki — chronologia / timeline / Chronik ↗
ST from 1977, LS from 1978
Tokai’s concept page dates the ST series to 1977 and the LS to 1978. These are family introduction dates, not a method of dating an individual guitar. Its serial number and specifications need separate documentation.
Reading current production information
Tokai describes hand-fitting neck joints and using hide glue alongside NC routing. Its account of current methods does not establish the materials or construction of every vintage instrument. A period catalogue is the relevant reference for an older model.