Gibson vs Tokai - Who makes the best LP?

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Gibson vs Tokai - Who makes the best LP?

Рет қаралды 31,726

Жыл бұрын

In todays video we shootout two popular LP guitars, the Gibson 58 Reissue and the Tokai Love Rock Model. Let us know your opinion down in the comment section below and to check out these guitars head over to our website - www.squealingp...

Пікірлер: 119

@NicoRubioGuitar Жыл бұрын

For $3500 dollars difference… Tokai do an excelent job!

@danielferrera8773 2 ай бұрын

Right, the weakest spot might be the pickups, the Tokai Mk 2 pups may sound too "generic" as to say. Put some nice pickups (D'Urbano from Australia or Tone wolf from the UK) and you will have a real fucking beast.

@capitaldharma Жыл бұрын

I got a used Tokai Love Rock at a shop in Tokyo for $600. I replaced the pickups and I have to say it was an insane deal for a total of $900. Looks and plays beautifully. I’d much rather have this guitar than a LP studio.

@michelvondenhoff9673 Жыл бұрын

Not only you have a nice guitar, but also a great story to tell.

@JoeWalsh-pm4zf 10 ай бұрын

@@dennis-vl2nzobviously not a MIJ Tokai

@dennis-vl2nz 10 ай бұрын

@@JoeWalsh-pm4zf no it is not it is a Chinese one, not a Japan. Tokai, although it sounds and plays very good

@user-kw5hr6rr2y 7 ай бұрын

@@JoeWalsh-pm4zfㅌ23

@jimbeam-ru1my 6 ай бұрын

I'd rather have that guitar that a les paul standard and probably a lot of custom les pauls too.

@gregmacklin9758 Жыл бұрын

I think the difference between the two is negligent. If you had both, one day the Toki would sound better and the next day Gibson would have more appealing attributes. They're both great guitars.

@hkguitar1984 Жыл бұрын

Gibson guitars will always be a favorite of Players everywhere. That said, 3 years ago I purchased a Tokai R4 Goldtop from their Japan Custom Shop, quality of this Tokai is fantastic, every bit as good as a typical Gibson USA. Pretty amazing as the Custom Tokai cost only 75% of a comparable Gibson. Great Video and Playing, thank you for the content.

@MickH60 Жыл бұрын

"every bit as good as a typical Gibson USA" Better than anything "typical" from Gibson, if it's a top of the range model , or even the couple of models lower, or one of the late 70's , 80's models, they are far superior to a "typical Gibson". Take the front pickup out and have a look at the long tenon neck joint, that will be your first clue to the superiority of the Tokai. I've been buying and selling Japanese Les Pauls for over 20 years, I have one Tokai Prototype, one of six made, and a custom shop Gold top {Both coincidently built by the same custom shop Luthier, I spoke to him directly for confirmation}, and they blow away any Gibson I've owned, and Because I bought them 20 years ago, they killed the Gibson's on price too.. My two Tokai's are custom shop quality.. I also have Greco's, Burny's and Bacchus guitars out of Japan, awesome quality, I'll never sell the 1982 Greco LP custom in cream...

@hkguitar1984 Жыл бұрын

@@MickH60 Indeed yes, I agree with you and thank you for sharing. Part of the dynamics between the two companies (Gibson and Tokai) is that the larger scale of Gibson's manufacturing requires many trade-offs, and not in a good way. Speaking of my Tokai R4, even the choice mahogany used is far beyond what would be expected at the price point. My non-weight relieved Tokai has beautiful ribbon figuring while the entire guitar only weighs 8.5 pounds. I've owned Gibson Les Pauls for decades and I couldn't be happier with the Tokai I have. I do plan to buy a second Tokai as I'm looking at either a semi-hollow body or maybe even an Arch top. The very best deals are the older Tokai, they really are that good.

@MotorcityBart 7 ай бұрын

Dude, that tone from the Tokai when you played Dancing Queen was rich. Some killer playing going on in the U.K. Respect from Detroit 🎸

@geralltwilliams2811 Жыл бұрын

I would change the pickups in the tokai.they tend to be overwound out of the factory if they are the same. Pit some quality paf's in and it will make the difference

@bottomkitchen250 Жыл бұрын

Glad to see a Tokai video. These guitars are amazing. I have a Tokai and am happy as can be with it.

@Tyrell_Corp2019 Жыл бұрын

No sense paying for a Gibson when the quality is better with Tokai. You might also like Epiphone's '59 Les Paul that was made in collaboration with Gibson's custom shop. It's exceptionally good. Especially for the price.

@greyguy9767 Жыл бұрын

Tokai for the price blows the gibson out o c the water.

@Yogi231faza 8 ай бұрын

Yes👍💯🎸

@jerrymander1492 7 ай бұрын

Sound wise it does not….

@jeremystone2658 6 ай бұрын

@@jerrymander1492 proof?

@ivanriverajr5012 5 ай бұрын

@jerrymander1492 dude it's technically the same stuff. Gibson made a deal with Japanese carvers due to there intricate details and wood staining. Then follows the lawsuit gibson made to eliminate the comp.

@petersmith143 4 ай бұрын

The fact that you can buy 2 Japanese Tokais for the price of the Gibson speaks volumes... Gibson QC isn't great either....

@rdanalytics9197 10 ай бұрын

I have a Murphy Lab ‘57 GoldTop and a Tokai ‘58 Reborn Old Burst. They aren’t the same. The Tokai’s headstock is angled differently, less of an angle which makes it stay in tune better and less prone to breaking. Also the finish on the Tokai is very orange 🍊 peely. It is not a refined finish. It just doesn’t feel like a Gibson, but it’s good - just not the same. And, this Tokai is from their Japanese Custom Shop, so it wasn’t cheap. The Murphy Lab feels like a Les Paul from the 50’s, only with perfect frets and no quirks. But, if you like a more modern feeling guitar you would probably like the Tokai better. The ‘57 Murphy Lab has a really fat neck and is heavy. But, that’s what a Les Paul was like back then.

@marygaleac Жыл бұрын

First Tokai in ‘84…..A Reborn Old…..and had them all the way through 2 LoveRocks 2 Customs ES224 335 and the ultimate LS1 R8….No need for that G on the headstock…especially thru a pedalboard and different amps…although 4 of my SGs have Gibson on the headstock…..but that is a necessity on the SG….unless you have my other SG….being Jaydee Iommi Custom…..

@leeder92 5 ай бұрын

I've had three tokais. Two goldstar sound strats and my current love rock. Quite simply, stunning guitars. I can't praise them highly enough.

@Dav2112 6 ай бұрын

I've got a Japanese Tokai LS85Q and it's an amazing guitar, I was originally planning on buying a Gibson but the one the shop had felt, played and sounded terrible, then I saw 2 LS85Q Tokai's on the wall, tested them both and they felt perfect straight off the shop wall, they were also several £100 less than the Gibson as well (£899 for the Tokai Vs £1499 for the Gibson), they are very high quality instruments. I'm trying to see if I can source one of their higher end models at the moment, they used to have their own UK site back when I bought mine where you could order directly from them but that site is gone now.

@juppheidi 11 ай бұрын

I'd prefer the Tokai. It's got that low mids I love. Nevertheless: Get both and enjoy both!

@nelsonmuntz6408 Жыл бұрын

The Gibson seems to have more medium, i would choose it but for the money, Tokai is also great, a 90’s model of the love rock would have been a serious option i guess..Also nice to play Cliff of Dover on a Les Paul and then Abba !

@Tyrell_Corp2019 Жыл бұрын

There is a reason Tokai's are being withheld via a lawsuit in the states. Gibson has some brown stains going on.

@trevor4533 8 ай бұрын

Comes down to trademark, that's it. IF they changed the headstock and body shape like FGN does with their Neo Classic LP shaped guitars, they would have no problem being able to sell them in the states.

@monmixer 25 күн бұрын

I like them both. I have small hand syndrome so Tokai would be for me. I have playing since I was teenager in the very early 70's. I have never owned a Gibson. We had a great company here sort of close to where I live 2 states away in the midwest called Hamer. The started making hand made guitars in the early to mid 70's and rolled on until the late 80's before there was any out side interference or changes in plans. I was fortunate enough to find one of these while shopping for a Gibson SG and it beat the crap out of the price. It was a DC les paul copy called the Sunburst and they were les paul killers at 700 bucks. In 1980 I bought one there standards which isa Gibson Explorer copy. Still own that own. It's worth a nice chunk today. lo to mid 5 digits and 4 years ago barley cracking 5 digits for a nicer specism. What I areally love about these guitars is the neck. Fit is perfect for me. They do have all of the qualities of a Gibson aside of a nitro finish. they were poly. The company is still out there but none of the same people are involved. The name was sold and they are NOT the same guitars, however they have stepped up their manufactured quality since about 2018.

@superspecky4eyes 18 күн бұрын

I have a Tokai and a Gibson, I prefer the Tokai. I can't put my finger on why.

@returner85 2 ай бұрын

I can really hear the difference, but I think it only from the pickup

@NotBCT Жыл бұрын

Have both Gibbys and MIJ LPs (mostly Edwards, but there's a Tokai in there). Have to say that the mid-tier Tokai (mine's an LS 105 from the late aughts) compares very favorably to a current year Les Paul Classic for a fraction of the price (I got mine for the price of an Epiphone). Yeah, the only thing working against the Tokai are the pickups-- unfortunately they're one-size-fits-all and they tend to be a little hot as a compromise to those who prefer harder tones. Hate to say it, but the Burstbuckers have an edge (and I'm not a huge fan of Burstbuckers). Not gonna completely hate on Gibson as they seem to be improving things by a noticeable degree ever since the regime change and Henry J's ouster, they've put out good stuff post-2019 (love the newer stuff, only kept a couple of Henry J-era LPs since they're unique and probably won't be made anymore (Smartwoods)). tl;dr: Tokai makes good stuff. Their mid-tier stuff is comparable to Gibson's $2200-tier offerings for less than a third of the price if you know where to look. Only issue is Tokai's choice of pickups. Too hot and sometimes a bit muddy depending on your amp of choice (my Tokai hates my Fender amps, LUUUUUUURVES my Vox AC15).

@bennybenny4238 9 ай бұрын

How about Edwards? Comparing to Tokai? Which one do you prefer the most? I know that Edwards comes with Duncan PU from factory, need your honest review, since I’m considering in buying Les Paul copy MIJ guitar and these two always comes up, thanks…

@NotBCT 9 ай бұрын

@@bennybenny4238 if I have to be honest, I would say that older Edwards E-LPs are better than the newer ones for various reasons (main one being they're more-or-less made from surplus ESP parts from back when they were a parts-only company selling guitar kits that sat in a warehouse until someone did inventory and decided to free up some space). By "older" I'm talking late 80s-early 90s. Also, with Edwards, I would say that they are extremely well made with very tight tolerances, if you're able to buy a new one their QC will probably beat out most American manufacturers. Another thing to note is that the higher the number, usually the more high-end the guitar. Most "standard" E-LPs come with the JB/'59 set, except for the E-LPS or E-LPC which come with "house" pickups. Higher end ones like the E-LP 125/130/135 will usually come with Seth Lovers or Antiquities. Also, quick guide: Edwards Les Paul models go by "E-LP XXX YY ZZZ AA," where XXX indicated the original selling price in yen x 1000, YY indicates either SD (Standard) or CD (Custom) Les Paul configuration, the optional ZZZ indicating if it has a nitro finish (ALS/ALC for "All Lacquer Standard/Custom" and LTS/LTC for "Lacquer Taste Standard/Custom" or nitro-over-poly finish), and the optional AA indicating something extra like QM for "Quilted Maple" top or RE for "Relic" a.k.a. artificially aged, or if it's based on a particular artist's signature, JP for Jimmy Page, JS for John Sykes, etc., etc., etc. Back to that old-vs-new thing. Most modern (post mid-90s) Edwards will have a '59 deep dish carve, where older ones more closely resemble a modern Gibson top. I guess it depends on which you prefer, but modern Tokais are easier to find than older pre-1995 Edwards if you like modern tops. Finally, there are many variations within Edwards E-LPs and it's wildly inconsistent, depending on the year and the model. For instance, one year may have a '60s slim-taper neck carve and the following year may have a baseball bat '50s carve. If you're buying sight-unseen it may be a crap shoot unless the seller is very specific. I would say a higher-end modern Edwards is comparable to a mid-level Tokai. If you want an even higher end LP from ESP, they have their Navigator line, which is comparable to the higher end Tokai models and even somewhat close to a Gibby Custom Shop (above the Standard models, maybe the sigs, but just sort of a Historic). As for which I prefer, I think my older E-LP 70S from the 80s is my favorite, only because the Tokai's pickups are a bit too hot and muddy for the stuff I play these days, but I still log a lot of time with the Tokai. I have a newer E-LP 125CD ALS that logs some time as it's tuned down a half-step. Hope this helps and didn't confuse you more.

@NotBCT 9 ай бұрын

Edit: Also, beware of 2009 Edwards guitars (Edwards serial numbers post-2004 start with EDXX--, where XX is the last two digits of year of manufacture). A number of them (not the hollow body ones) were MIC and QC'd in Japan. This was a huge hit for the reputation of Edwards guitars and ESP had to reverse course the next year because of the backlash. I've owned a 2009 Edwards FR 130GT, it was fairly solid and I didn't find any issues, but I got it at a very good discount because it were a 2009. Careful of people who try to push a 2009 as "MIJ," because they aren't (exceptions being their ES-335 copy which specifically has "Made In Japan" printed on the inside, and the Japanese government takes that very seriously so no incentive to commit fraud in the Japanese Domestic Market).

@jaymax3201 Жыл бұрын

As you can see the Tokai is tighter build and sound. The biggest difference is the fret binding, so I chose the Gibson. It should be noted that the low grade Tokai has a veneer flame maple top.The next one I'll get is Tokai's high grade LS, not veneer top, of course one piece back.For 200,000 yen here in Japan, I can only buy a Les Paul Studio.

@lonegroover Жыл бұрын

Usually yes, probably not this one.

@hkguitar1984 Жыл бұрын

There is a huge difference between the Tokai made in Japan and their cheaper models made in China. IMHO, except for resale value the high-end Tokai will be a better guitar compared to the Les Paul Studio (just my $.02 Cents). With guitars/musical instruments being such a personal choice a Player must (IMHO) get the exact instrument they desire.

@samjonez4854 9 ай бұрын

Great playing!

@Noname-fi3le 11 ай бұрын

amazing playing!

@funfreq9282 11 ай бұрын

With these two examples I liked the Gibson better! It definitely had more clarity and articulation. That said the Tokai is really nice guitar! And if you are not looking for a Gibson label it seems a pickup change would fix that issue.

@JoeWalsh-pm4zf 10 ай бұрын

I have never had a problem with clarity from MIJ Tokai pickups once they are adjusted to the optimal height and the amp eq'ed. The bridge always cuts through the mix perfectly at gigs. To pay 4.5k extra for a name is not for me.

@funfreq9282 10 ай бұрын

@@JoeWalsh-pm4zf It's more like a few hundred and there are Vintage Tokais out there for that same 4.5K! I just bought a 2019 Gibson Les Paul Classic Gold Top for $1,950 and it's a killer playing guitar!

@c.f.pedraza4057 9 ай бұрын

@@funfreq9282 depends entirely on the right time. I've seen excellent Gibson prices, mainly used though. Hard to find a decent priced one brand new. I always never have money it seems when the right deal pops up, and always have money when there are no deals. 😂😂😂😂

@funfreq9282 9 ай бұрын

@@c.f.pedraza4057 I have a CC just for that occasion! I just picked a 2018 Gibson Classic P-90 in excellent condition!

@trevor4533 8 ай бұрын

@angelakg6671 That's definitely not a $2300 Tokai. Looks like a custom shop LS390. Nor is that a $7k R8. You don't get fret edge binding on a Love rock without spending some $$$. edit: This was a 2018 Tokai Custom Shop LS360 listed for $3300. The R8 is ~$4500.

@e.h.5849 Жыл бұрын

oh, you like Cliffs of Dover, don't you? Just came across your video as I'm considering a buy of a Tokai and trying to find if the sound is comparable to Gibson's.

@Robert-lh4um 11 ай бұрын

Price Point I’ll take the Tokai, Tone…it is hard to beat the classic tone of the Gibby. I’ll take them both…reach for the sky.

@scarey2me 6 ай бұрын

Had a 1984 Tokai. Put it through a rockman. Talk about a Gibson killer.

@Fw7Raul 10 ай бұрын

Gibson also copies old legendary Les Paul. Gibson went bankrupt twice and did layoff and a factory move. Therefore the technical succession was stopped. Actually Tokai has the data of the shape of original Les Paul that Gibson lost.

@Dad-Gad 10 ай бұрын

Get a Japanese Edwards LTS , full mahogany 1 piece body , long neck tenon , Seymour Duncan pickups as standard , Gotoh hardware , bridge mounted directly into body , bone nut .

@VidusBJ 2 ай бұрын

I Think tokai is better because it is so much cheaper but still comes really close to the sound of a Gibson Les Paul

@azizanarkhy5496 3 ай бұрын

Gipson Attack power full....🎉🎉🎉🎉 100% Tokai 85%

@pipespeeps5349 11 ай бұрын

Put the Gibson pickups in the tokai and boom, no need for the gibson 😂

@OM10PYE 9 ай бұрын

So weird. I follow you on IG and want a Tokai. Looked up a video and found Ben! Thanks 🙏

@capricciovasgyari5799 10 ай бұрын

Hello. Which Tokai model is this?

@rasmusvadavlund7270 Жыл бұрын

What model Tokai is this?

@frankiewalnuts Жыл бұрын

What year is your Tokai?

@jamesreyes4654 10 ай бұрын

I believe the Tokai is also nitro

@JoeWalsh-pm4zf 10 ай бұрын

It is nitro, LS360

@shreyjaiswal1683 10 ай бұрын

What pickups does the Tokai have?

@UnfairnessGaming 8 ай бұрын

Still gibson for the win for me.thnx

@deleteboxrebel 5 ай бұрын

Going by my blind test Tokia blows Gibson out of the water by sound to especially if you like the darker sound

@RickDanner 8 ай бұрын

subbed nice playing ! hey what do you think of the new gibson faded LP 60s cheryy sinburst - a little spread triad action - Holy F !! dancing queen nice job ! I grew up with Jimmy Page but ABBA is my favorite now becuase of Agnetha no women as pretty as Agnetha in the universe ! LOL

@tarekaly7587 Жыл бұрын

Gibson kills it!

@olimon63 9 ай бұрын

really...?

@christianjimbomb8204 3 ай бұрын

So glad I learned that I could teach myself to play the guitar. 😂😂😂😂😂😂

@stevegardiner8473 10 ай бұрын

I look forward to congratulating Max on 'winning' his first F1 championship soon.

@jordanpratt3821 Жыл бұрын

Did I miss what amp n such??

@benkeightley1569 11 ай бұрын

Silver jubilee Marshall

@erestube 11 ай бұрын

Excellent!

@acealvarez1038 4 ай бұрын

Navigator makes the best LP imo

@peterpigna9505 Жыл бұрын

Tokai 👍

@jebrengl 2 ай бұрын

yes gibson has so much body in all aspects of the sound. Go to a professional studio and do some track record ypu will see the big difference between 2.

@tanhuddha4332 10 ай бұрын

Gibson is gibson sound always great. Tokai maby simila but not the same

@ianrodger8927 6 ай бұрын

Absolutely shocking matching of woods on the Gibson

@Yettibuhayat 2 ай бұрын

i hate les pauls, necks are too thick for me, i ve got short fingers so it affects my playing.

@user-yg6nh1ej1d 2 ай бұрын

I think the Tokai has hard bones and Gibson has thick muscles.

@peepbmw 7 ай бұрын

Tokai is value of money.

@pirated8557 9 ай бұрын

Gibson sound 👌🏻

@Arkadius87 11 ай бұрын

Do you give lessons maybe? 😊

@kleof.3529 7 ай бұрын

Close to Gibson but only close !

@michelvondenhoff9673 Жыл бұрын

Ask Seasick Steve.

@davidletterboyz 7 ай бұрын

To be honest, the Tokai doesn't sound like a Gibson Les Paul in this video. It is lacking something. The extra bites.

@achill3usoverclocking874 10 ай бұрын

Tokai would not exist without Gibson. End of story. They are great copies for the money but on the Gibson mostly you pay for the heritage and authenticity, looks, tone and feel is subjective.

@JoeWalsh-pm4zf 10 ай бұрын

You pay for the name, that's all.

@petersmith143 4 ай бұрын

Heritage doesn't mean a thing, if the instrument isn't up to scratch. You can't polish a turd as they say.... Gibson are milking the name, but players are getting more savvy....

@omnitheory 10 ай бұрын

Replace the pickups in Tokai and you're in business.

@JoeWalsh-pm4zf 10 ай бұрын

No need to change the pickups, just tweak the eq to taste on your amp

@tianaavery960 Жыл бұрын

*Promo sm* 👉

@tonsilcrafted Жыл бұрын

Gibson wins. better clarity and vibration, more focused.

@Squall6575 Жыл бұрын

If you go for a custom shop tokai vs custom shop Gibson, Tokai blows Gibson out the water 7/10 times. Were talking Honduras mahoghany, Brazilian rosewood, historically accurate construction, JM rolph pickups, etc insane value (they are worth thousands less than the r9)

@MickH60 Жыл бұрын

Build quality, Japanese Tokai always wins..

@manny45629 Жыл бұрын

America ftw.

@manny45629 Жыл бұрын

If they were so good, some of the best players would have played them. But no one did.

@darkmamba7025 11 ай бұрын

@@manny45629Billie Gibbons used one from time to time

@brianheller4324 29 күн бұрын

gibson is much better akajjaja

@avivpinto4013 Жыл бұрын

Gibson

@boogiemorgan Жыл бұрын

I am a Gibson man all the way! Made in America means jobs for Americans, not some other Country. Without jobs we fall!!!!!😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

@MickH60 Жыл бұрын

Gibsons are over priced average guitars, far better value elsewhere. America is already failing...

@folderol8487 11 ай бұрын

Oh well, we invented jazz, rock and roll, the best electric guitar designs and Fender amps. I'm sure you're still indulging in one or more of the above.

@boogiemorgan 11 ай бұрын

@@MickH60 If you can't afford A Corvette, drive a Nissan! But don't expect an American to give you a job, when you are driving a Nissan!

@boogiemorgan 11 ай бұрын

@@folderol8487 Yes I was raised in the era of Jazz, Rock and Roll, and Old Country, and I still play them on my Gibson Les Paul 🥰♾️🇺🇲

@trevor4533 8 ай бұрын

American here. Notice how the guy in the video isn't actually in America? 🤣