Tokai Explorer Guitars

Explorer shaped Tokai The Tokai Explorer is actually just an Explorer shaped guitar. It is actually called the Tokai EX-55.

As for their official website, the only thing I could come up with is this. The Tokai website is "renewed" but there's no mention of USA distributors. (Tokai Gakki Co.Ltd. Enshuhama, Minami, Hamamatsu, Japan)

Unfortunately there's not alot of information here so I would be interested in hearing from someone who owned one of these guitars especially if you've got some background information on the company or the guitar itself.

Tokai guitars in general are still available for sale from authorized distributors but what I'm looking right here would be info on the Tokai Explorer type guitars specifically the EX-55 or any similar models.

Tokai's on eBay →

About Tokai Explorers...

Update: I have received some info from one of our site's visitors (Mike from the UK) regarding the Tokai EX-55 Explorer and it is pretty interesting. Tokai do still produce the EX-55 guitar.

Tokai Explorer Supply is patchy but not impossible (as with nearly all Tokai guitars) but right handed models seem to be readily available in Black and White at the moment and have been in a Natural Korina finish very recently.

They do make them left handed too and at little or no extra cost. They are Korean istruments, not Japanese and come with MK4 pick ups not the MK2's fitted to higher end instruments.

I assume the rest of the hardware is cheaper too. From various reviews, it appears that - the EX55 isn't as unbalanced as an Epiphone, build quality ranges from good to ok, factory set ups are poor and the pick-ups are only ok.

If you're on a budget, one of these and a set of Tonerider PAFs should help there and still come in reasonalbe priced. One thing I've seen a couple of times is mention of a poor joint between neck and body, I'm not sure if its bolted or set.

I have read multiple accounts of impressive durability as if to say the guitar is well built, and when compared to the Gibson Explorer, much more affordable and just as trustworthy for live performances.

As with all guitars, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and playability is in the fingers of the guitarist. I haven't seen any evidence of Tokai guitars being cheaply made or any real noteworthy complaints which is always a good thing.

Guitars are investments and the EX50 guitar looks to be a good investment for the price.

This is all the specific info I have right now but if you'd like to add to this page I'd appreciate any information sent to me by submitting our contact form. I'm looking for descriptions, pictures, production years, availablilty, and that sort of info. If you can help out, please do. You can also use our public bulletin board located below to add any information on the Tokai.

Please make use our new guitar 4um to post your Tokai guitar comments, Tokai reviews, questions, or technical advice.

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Tokai Guitar Forum

Stand by for the Tokai guitar forum at "Explorer Guitars".

Tokai for Dummies

The first Tokai guitar was produced in 1965. Tokai Gakki Co., Ltd., commonly known as Tokai, is a Japanese guitar manufacturer that has been making guitars since the mid-1960s. They gained popularity for producing high-quality electric guitars and basses, and at times, they were known for making replicas of popular guitar models from other brands, particularly Gibson and Fender.

In the early years, Tokai gained recognition for producing Les Paul replicas that were often of comparable quality to the original Gibson guitars but at a more affordable price point. This led to some legal disputes with Gibson over copyright issues, but Tokai eventually established its reputation as an independent guitar manufacturer, offering a variety of original guitar designs alongside their replicas.

Tokai Gakki Co., Ltd. is a privately owned company. Tokai Gakki headquarters is located in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan. Hamamatsu is a city known for its strong association with musical instrument manufacturing, and several well-known Japanese musical instrument companies have their headquarters or manufacturing facilities there.

Tokai Gakki has a global distribution network for its guitars. They are well-known and respected among guitar players worldwide, and their instruments were distributed and sold in many countries through various authorized dealers and retailers.

Having a global distribution network is common for established and reputable guitar manufacturers, and Tokai was no exception. It allowed them to reach a wide customer base and cater to musicians' needs in different parts of the world. Seriously, Tokai guitars aren't really for dummies...

Tokai Pros and Cons

There are a few common complaints and criticisms associated with Tokai guitars, but it's important to note that opinions can vary among guitar players, and individual experiences may differ. Some of the common complaints included:

Quality control: While Tokai was generally known for producing high-quality guitars, some players reported inconsistencies in the build quality of certain models. This included issues with fretwork, setup, and cosmetic flaws.
Pricing: Some customers felt that Tokai's prices were on the higher side, especially for certain models or series, considering the competition from other guitar brands.
Availability: Depending on the region, availability of Tokai guitars may have been limited, and some players might have had difficulty finding specific models or series in their local music stores.
Replicas and copyright issues: While Tokai gained popularity initially for its guitar replicas, particularly of Gibson and Fender models, there were legal disputes with the original manufacturers over copyright and trademark issues.

It's important to mention that Tokai Gakki has been in the guitar manufacturing industry for a long time, and over the years, they have earned a positive reputation for producing high-quality instruments. Many players have been satisfied with their Tokai guitars and have had positive experiences.

However, like any brand, there may be occasional negative feedback or complaints from some customers. As with any major purchase, it's always a good idea to research thoroughly, read reviews, and try out the guitar personally, if possible, to ensure it meets your specific preferences and requirements. On the flip side the Tokai brand has many favorable characteristics.

Tokai guitars are known for several things, and their reputation has evolved over the years. Some of the key aspects for which Tokai guitars are recognized include:

Guitar Replicas: Tokai gained early fame for producing high-quality replicas of popular guitar models from well-known brands like Gibson and Fender. These replicas were often praised for their attention to detail, craftsmanship, and value for money.
Build Quality: Tokai is generally regarded for manufacturing guitars with solid build quality. Many players appreciate their attention to detail, reliable construction, and use of quality materials.
Versatility: Tokai offers a wide range of guitar models that cater to different playing styles and musical genres. From vintage-inspired models to modern designs, Tokai guitars provide options for various preferences.
Value for Money: Tokai guitars have often been seen as providing good value for the price, especially in comparison to some other well-known guitar brands.
Playability: Many players find Tokai guitars to be comfortable to play, with smooth neck profiles and good fretwork.
Innovation: While they initially gained popularity for replicas, Tokai has also developed original guitar designs that have received positive feedback for their innovation and unique features.

It's essential to note that opinions about guitar brands can vary among individual players, and some people may have had different experiences with Tokai guitars. As with any guitar purchase, it's recommended to try out the instrument personally, if possible, to see if it suits your playing style and preferences.

Additionally, Tokai Gakki has continued to evolve and expand its offerings, so more recent models may have different characteristics and innovations.

The Tokai Explorer

The Tokai Explorer is a model of electric guitar that is inspired by the iconic Gibson Explorer, which was originally introduced by Gibson in the late 1950s. The Gibson Explorer was one of the first radical body shapes for an electric guitar and has become a classic design over the years.

Similarly, Tokai's version of the Explorer follows a similar body shape and design but at a more affordable price point compared to the Gibson original. The Tokai Explorer, like many other Tokai guitars, is known for its attention to detail, solid construction, and good value for money.

While Tokai's version may not have the same brand recognition as the Gibson Explorer, it has garnered its own fan base among guitar players who appreciate its design, playability, and sound. As with any guitar, individual preferences and opinions may vary, so it's always a good idea to try out the instrument personally before making a purchase.

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Tokai Explorer Reviews

It has been reviewed over at Ultimate Guitar (there's also a review of the lefty EX50 also) as well as a few other guitar forums around the internet.

Other Explorer style guitars...