The 2010 Tokai ES-155 in Sunburst is a premium Made in Japan semi-hollow electric guitar built around the classic centre-block, twin-humbucker formula. Combining maple body construction with a mahogany set neck, rosewood fingerboard and Tokai PAF-Vintage MK2 humbuckers, it offers the warmth, articulation and natural resonance that make this style of guitar so versatile.

The ES-155 sits towards the higher end of Tokai's vintage-inspired semi-hollow range, with its lacquer finish and traditional specification giving it particular appeal to players looking for a serious Japanese alternative to more familiar American designs.

This individual guitar is offered Pre-Owned in Very Good condition and carries serial number 1023681.

At A Glance

Key Detail	Information
Brand	Tokai
Model	ES-155
Year	2010
Origin	Made in Japan
Finish	Sunburst
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good
Included	Hardcase
Main Appeal	Premium Japanese vintage-inspired semi-hollow
Best For	Blues, rock, jazz, soul, indie, studio and live use

Pre-Owned Condition Report

Very Good Condition

This 2010 Tokai ES-155 is offered in Very Good condition.

Very Good condition reflects a well-presented Pre-Owned instrument that has seen previous use while remaining suitable for regular playing, recording and live performance.

No faults, repairs or modifications have been supplied for this listing.

What’s Included?

✔ 2010 Tokai ES-155 Sunburst
✔ Hardcase

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

This ES-155 has been graded Very Good, making it a strong choice for someone looking for a clean Pre-Owned Japanese semi-hollow that can be played regularly rather than treated solely as a display instrument.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

This Pre-Owned Tokai ES-155 has been inspected and assessed by the Fair Deal Music team before sale.

Our checks include:

• Neck and bridge pickups tested
• Three-way pickup selector checked
• Volume and tone controls tested
• Output socket checked
• Frets inspected
• Fingerboard condition assessed
• Neck condition checked
• Tuning machines inspected
• Bridge and tailpiece checked
• Strap buttons inspected
• Hardware assessed
• Tuning stability checked
• Overall playability assessed
• Hardcase checked for basic usability

Service / Setup Work

All Pre-Owned electric guitars at Fair Deal Music are set up and checked before leaving the shop.

Our assessment includes:

• Action checked
• Neck relief checked
• Frets inspected
• Intonation checked
• Tuning stability checked
• Electronics tested
• Pickup output checked
• Bridge setup assessed
• Hardware checked
• General playability assessed

Please note that guitar setup can shift slightly during delivery because changes in temperature and humidity can naturally affect wooden instruments in transit.

Why Choose The Tokai ES-155?

Premium Made In Japan Construction

The ES-155 represents Tokai's higher-specification approach to the traditional semi-hollow electric guitar, combining Japanese manufacture with familiar set-neck construction and carefully chosen vintage-inspired appointments.

PAF-Vintage MK2 Humbuckers

Tokai's PAF-Vintage MK2 humbuckers provide the warm, open character associated with vintage-style twin-humbucker guitars, with enough clarity for detailed clean work and enough body for blues, rock and driven lead tones.

Lacquer Finish

The lacquer finish is one of the details that distinguishes the ES-155 within Tokai's semi-hollow range, giving the guitar a more traditional premium specification than lower-tier models.

Versatile Semi-Hollow Format

Its centre-block semi-hollow construction gives the ES-155 a useful balance of resonance, sustain and control, allowing it to move comfortably between warm clean sounds and more aggressive amplified tones.

A Strong Japanese Alternative

For players interested in high-quality Japanese guitars, the ES-155 offers a less predictable route into the classic twin-humbucker semi-hollow format without sacrificing traditional feel or versatility.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Tokai ES-155 vs Gibson ES-335

The Gibson ES-335 remains the original reference point for this style of guitar and is the natural choice for players prioritising Gibson heritage, while the ES-155 is particularly attractive to buyers who value Japanese construction, vintage-inspired detailing and a less commonplace instrument.

Tokai ES-155 vs Tokai ES-135

The ES-135 occupied a lower price point within Tokai's period semi-hollow range, while the ES-155 added higher-grade appointments including its lacquer finish, making the ES-155 the stronger choice for players looking for a more premium Tokai specification.

Tokai ES-155 vs Yamaha SA Series

Yamaha's SA guitars offer another accomplished Japanese take on the twin-humbucker semi-hollow format, whereas the Tokai places greater emphasis on reproducing the visual and playing character associated with traditional late-1950s and early-1960s semi-hollow designs.

Tokai ES-155 vs Heritage H-535

The Heritage H-535 offers an American-made interpretation of the classic centre-block semi-hollow, while the ES-155 is better suited to players specifically drawn to Japanese craftsmanship and Tokai's long-established vintage-inspired approach.

Who Is It For?

Blues Players

The combination of humbuckers and semi-hollow resonance works particularly well for expressive lead playing, warm cleans and edge-of-breakup amplifier tones.

Rock Guitarists

The centre-block construction gives the guitar enough focus for overdrive and distortion while retaining more openness than a conventional solid-body instrument.

Jazz And Soul Players

Warm neck-pickup tones and natural acoustic character make the ES-155 well suited to chordal playing, melodic lines and cleaner rhythm work.

Studio Musicians

Its balance of humbucker warmth and semi-hollow definition makes it useful for layering guitar parts without occupying exactly the same tonal space as a solid-body instrument.

Japanese Guitar Enthusiasts

Players interested in Tokai and other premium Japanese instruments should find the ES-155 particularly appealing thanks to its traditional specification and relatively uncommon presence compared with mainstream alternatives.

Suitable Genres And Uses

• Blues
• Classic rock
• Jazz
• Soul
• R&B
• Indie
• Alternative
• Pop
• Country
• Rhythm guitar
• Lead guitar
• Clean amplifier tones
• Overdriven guitar sounds
• Studio recording
• Rehearsals
• Live performance

Why Choose A Centre-Block Semi-Hollow Guitar?

A centre-block semi-hollow combines resonant hollow sections with a solid central structure supporting the pickups and bridge. This produces a more open response than many solid-body guitars while helping control feedback and improve sustain compared with a fully hollow electric.

That balance is why the format works across such a wide range of music. Warm clean sounds suit jazz, soul and blues, while the centre block allows the guitar to handle overdrive and rock tones with greater control.

Looking for advice on choosing the right Tokai ES guitar, Japanese semi-hollow or Pre-Owned 335-style electric guitar? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

Story & Context: Tokai ES-155

Tokai's history stretches back to 1947 in Hamamatsu, Japan. The company initially focused on musical-instrument research and later moved into classical guitar production in 1965 before beginning electric-guitar production in 1968.

By 1981, Tokai was already cataloguing a dedicated ES family of semi-hollow guitars, including ES-100 and ES-150 variants. These instruments formed part of Tokai's growing reputation for studying important vintage guitar designs in considerable detail and interpreting them through Japanese production.

The later ES-155 continued that philosophy while occupying a premium position in the range. Period specifications gave the model higher-end touches including a lacquer finish and PAF-Vintage MK2 pickups, helping distinguish it from more affordable ES models.

Serial 1023681 is consistent with 2010 production, placing this guitar nearly three decades after Tokai's early ES models appeared. It therefore represents a later development of a semi-hollow design tradition that had already been part of Tokai's catalogue since the early 1980s.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar
Brand	Tokai
Model	ES-155
Year	2010
Country of Manufacture	Japan
Finish	Sunburst
Body Material	Maple
Body Construction	Semi-Hollow with Centre Block
Neck Material	Mahogany
Neck Construction	Set Neck
Fingerboard Material	Rosewood
Scale Length	24.75" / Approx. 628mm
Number of Frets	22
Pickup Configuration	HH
Pickups	2 x Tokai PAF-Vintage MK2 Humbuckers
Electronics	Passive
Controls	2 Volume, 2 Tone
Pickup Selector	3-Way Toggle
Bridge	Tune-O-Matic-Style
Tailpiece	Stopbar
Finish Type	Lacquer
String Configuration	6-String
Serial Number	1023681
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good

Power Requirements

No battery or external power supply is required for the ES-155's passive electronics.

Connect the guitar to a suitable amplifier, pedalboard, modeller or audio interface using a standard 1/4" instrument cable.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Buying Pre-Owned is an excellent way to find discontinued guitars and earlier specifications that may no longer be readily available in current ranges.

For a Japanese Tokai such as this ES-155, it can also provide access to a particular period of the company's production history and a guitar with its own individual character rather than simply choosing from current catalogue models.

At Fair Deal Music, our Pre-Owned guitars are individually checked and assessed before sale, helping customers buy older and less-common instruments with greater confidence.

Fair Deal Music Verdict 🎵

★★★★★ 5/5

The 2010 Tokai ES-155 Sunburst is an excellent choice for players looking for a premium Japanese semi-hollow with traditional construction, vintage-inspired humbucker tones and enough versatility for everything from jazz and soul to blues and rock.

Best suited for: Players wanting a high-quality Made in Japan semi-hollow for stage, studio or home use.

Customers usually upgrade from: Epiphone ES-style guitars and more affordable semi-hollow electric guitars.

Most commonly paired with: Clean or lightly driven valve amplifiers, boost and overdrive pedals, delay and reverb.

Our tip: If you like the classic semi-hollow formula but are open to looking beyond the most obvious American badge, the Japanese-built ES-155 deserves serious consideration.

Showroom feedback: The combination of traditional semi-hollow feel, vintage-style humbuckers and premium Tokai specification makes the ES-155 particularly appealing to players who value build and playability over brand familiarity alone.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

From our Birmingham showroom, our knowledgeable musician-led team helps players find the right equipment whether they're purchasing their first serious instrument, upgrading an existing setup or searching for something distinctive within the Pre-Owned market.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians
• Carefully checked new and Pre-Owned musical equipment
• Decades of experience buying and selling guitars
• Large Birmingham showroom
• Secure online ordering
• UK delivery
• Friendly support before and after purchase
• Extensive experience with used and Pre-Owned instruments

For an individual Japanese guitar such as this Tokai ES-155, our team can also help with questions about playing feel, suitability and whether the semi-hollow format is right for your setup.

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a 24.75" scale feel compared with a Fender-style guitar?

The shorter scale produces slightly lower string tension when the same string gauge is used, which many players find comfortable for bends, vibrato and expressive lead playing.

Can the ES-155 handle overdrive and distortion?

Yes. The centre block makes this type of semi-hollow much more manageable with overdrive than a fully hollow guitar, although very high stage volume and gain can still introduce feedback depending on amplifier positioning.

What string gauge works well on the ES-155?

A 10–46 set is a popular all-round choice for this scale length. Players wanting a lighter feel may prefer 9–42, while heavier gauges can suit firmer playing styles or lower tunings.

How should a lacquer-finished guitar be cared for?

Use guitar-safe cleaning products suitable for lacquer finishes and avoid prolonged contact with materials or stands that may chemically react with the finish. Keeping the instrument away from rapid temperature and humidity changes is also sensible.

Can the ES-155 be used with modern modelling equipment?

Yes. Its conventional passive output works with guitar amplifiers, pedalboards, multi-effects processors, amp modellers and suitable audio interfaces.

Can I request a closer look before purchasing?

Yes. For an individual Pre-Owned guitar such as this, our Request a Video Demo option is useful if you would like a closer look before making your decision.