The Tokai Goldstar Sound in Sunburst is a highly regarded Japanese-built vintage-style S-type electric guitar dating from the mid-1980s, an era when Tokai earned an exceptional reputation for producing remarkably convincing interpretations of classic American guitar designs.

Introduced as the successor to Tokai’s earlier Springy Sound series, the Goldstar Sound captured the look, feel and straightforward specification of vintage S-style guitars with Japanese manufacturing quality that has since made these instruments increasingly sought after by players and collectors.

This example features the classic combination of a Sunburst finish, three single-coil pickup layout and vintage-style tremolo, delivering the clear, articulate and expressive sounds expected from this style of instrument.

This Pre-Owned example is in Very Good condition, weighs an actual 7.66 lbs, and includes a Fender moulded hardcase.

AT A GLANCE

Detail	Specification
Brand	Tokai
Model	Goldstar Sound
Era	Mid-1980s
Country	Japan
Finish	Sunburst
Pickup Layout	SSS
Weight	7.66 lbs
Condition	Very Good / Pre-Owned
Case	Fender Moulded Hardcase Included

PRE-OWNED CONDITION REPORT

This is a Pre-Owned mid-1980s Tokai Goldstar Sound in Very Good condition.

The Very Good condition grade reflects a vintage instrument that has been well cared for overall while displaying the signs of previous use and natural ageing expected from a guitar of this era.

This individual guitar weighs 7.66 lbs.

A Fender moulded hardcase is included.

KEY FEATURES

• Vintage Tokai Goldstar Sound

• Mid-1980s production

• Made in Japan

• Vintage-style S-type design

• Sunburst finish

• Bolt-on neck construction

• Maple neck

• 25.5" scale length

• 21-fret vintage-style platform

• Three single-coil pickups

• Traditional 5-way-style S-type tonal versatility

• Passive electronics

• Vintage-style tremolo bridge

• Actual measured weight of 7.66 lbs

• Fender moulded hardcase included

• Very Good Pre-Owned condition

WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT

Japanese Tokai guitars from the early and mid-1980s have developed a strong following because of their build quality, vintage-inspired feel and attention to traditional design details.

The Goldstar Sound represents one of the most recognisable models from this period.

Its three-single-coil configuration delivers the familiar range of neck warmth, glassy in-between sounds and bridge-position bite associated with a classic S-style electric guitar.

At 7.66 lbs, this particular example also sits at a comfortable weight for a vintage-style solid-body guitar.

DETAILED FEATURES & BENEFITS

Golden-Era Japanese Tokai

Tokai established a formidable reputation during the late 1970s and 1980s for producing exceptionally well-made Japanese interpretations of classic guitar designs.

Goldstar Sound guitars from this period have subsequently become increasingly appreciated as vintage instruments in their own right.

Goldstar Sound Heritage

The Goldstar Sound name appeared during the early 1980s as the successor to Tokai's earlier Springy Sound designation.

These guitars continued Tokai's focus on vintage-inspired S-style construction and period aesthetics.

Sunburst Finish

The Sunburst finish gives this example the traditional appearance closely associated with early S-style electric guitars.

Natural ageing across a vintage finish can also give individual mid-1980s examples considerable character.

Maple Neck

The bolt-on maple neck follows the traditional construction associated with classic S-style instruments.

25.5" Scale Length

The familiar 25.5" scale length provides clear string tension, excellent articulation and the responsive feel associated with this style of guitar.

21-Fret Vintage Layout

Mid-1980s Goldstar Sound guitars typically follow a traditional 21-fret layout, reinforcing their vintage-inspired character.

Three Single-Coil Pickups

The SSS pickup configuration provides the broad range of clear and articulate sounds that define a vintage-style S-type guitar.

The neck position offers a warmer response, while the bridge pickup provides extra attack and cut.

In-Between Pickup Sounds

Combined pickup positions provide the hollow, chiming sounds that work especially well for funk, pop, blues and clean rhythm playing.

Vintage-Style Tremolo

A traditional tremolo system allows expressive vibrato and subtle pitch movement while maintaining the familiar appearance of the vintage S-style platform.

7.66 lbs Actual Weight

This individual guitar weighs an actual 7.66 lbs, providing buyers with a precise figure for this specific instrument.

Fender Moulded Hardcase Included

A Fender moulded hardcase is included, offering considerably greater protection than a basic gigbag and making transport and storage easier.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The Tokai Goldstar Sound is particularly well suited to players looking for a genuine 1980s Japanese vintage guitar with classic S-style character.

It should also appeal to collectors of Japanese guitars, vintage-inspired players and musicians looking for an alternative to similarly styled Fender instruments of the period.

PLAYING STYLES & APPLICATIONS

The Goldstar Sound is naturally suited to:

• Blues

• Classic rock

• Funk

• Indie

• Pop

• Soul

• Alternative

• Clean rhythm

• Lead guitar

• Recording

• Vintage-inspired rigs

Its three-single-coil configuration makes it particularly flexible for clean and lightly overdriven sounds.

HOW IT COMPARES

Tokai Goldstar Sound vs Modern S-Style Guitar

Modern guitars often use flatter fingerboard radii, larger frets and more contemporary hardware.

The Goldstar Sound is rooted much more strongly in traditional vintage-style S-type construction.

Goldstar Sound vs Earlier Springy Sound

The Goldstar Sound followed Tokai's earlier Springy Sound series during the early 1980s.

Both ranges are associated with Tokai's highly regarded vintage-style Japanese production.

Vintage Tokai vs Modern Tokai

A genuine mid-1980s Goldstar Sound comes from the era that established Tokai's international reputation for high-quality Japanese-built vintage-style guitars.

For many buyers, that period provenance is an important part of the appeal.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Specification	Details
Product Type	Solid Body Electric Guitar
Brand	Tokai
Model	Goldstar Sound
Era	Mid-1980s
Country of Manufacture	Japan
Finish	Sunburst
Body Shape	Vintage S-Type Double Cutaway
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Material	Maple
Scale Length	25.5"
Frets	21
Pickup Configuration	SSS
Pickups	3x Single Coil
Electronics	Passive
Bridge	Vintage-Style Tremolo
Weight	7.66 lbs
Case	Fender Moulded Hardcase Included
Condition	Very Good / Pre-Owned

POWER REQUIREMENTS

None.

The Tokai Goldstar Sound uses passive electronics and requires no battery or external power supply.

FAIR DEAL MUSIC EXPERT VERDICT ★★★★★

Best suited for: Players and collectors looking for a genuine mid-1980s Japanese S-style guitar with vintage character and strong period appeal.

Customers usually upgrade from: Modern entry-level S-style guitars, Japanese reissues and contemporary vintage-inspired instruments.

Most commonly paired with: Clean valve amplifiers, overdrive, fuzz, compression, delay and reverb.

Our tip: Vintage Japanese Tokais can vary by model grade and production period, so the individual instrument matters enormously. At 7.66 lbs and with a Fender moulded hardcase included, this is an especially attractive practical example.

Showroom feedback: Mid-1980s Goldstar Sounds have earned their reputation for good reason. They capture the straightforward feel and response players associate with traditional S-style guitars while carrying the character of a genuine vintage Japanese instrument.

WHY BUY PRE-OWNED FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

Buying a Pre-Owned Tokai Goldstar Sound offers the opportunity to own a genuine mid-1980s Japanese guitar from one of Tokai's most highly regarded production periods.

This example is in Very Good condition, weighs 7.66 lbs, and includes a Fender moulded hardcase.

Fair Deal Music has decades of experience buying, selling and part-exchanging Pre-Owned, vintage and Japanese guitars.

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.

Fair Deal Music combines a large Birmingham showroom with nationwide ecommerce and knowledgeable musician-led advice.

Customers benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987

• Birmingham's largest independent music store

• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews

• Knowledgeable musician-led advice

• Extensive experience with vintage and Japanese guitars

• Large Birmingham showroom

• Secure online ordering

• Fast UK delivery

• Friendly customer support

• Part-exchange and trade-in service

• Request a Video Demo option

TRADE IN. TRADE UP. SAVE MORE.

Your current guitar or other musical equipment could help towards the cost of this Tokai Goldstar Sound.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and a wide range of musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation.

PART EXCHANGE / TRADE-IN

If you already own a guitar or other musical equipment you are considering replacing, Fair Deal Music can assess it for part exchange.

Trading in can remove the inconvenience of selling privately while allowing the value of your current equipment to go directly towards your next instrument.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this Tokai Goldstar Sound used?

Yes. This is a Pre-Owned vintage Tokai in Very Good condition.

When was it made?

This example dates from the mid-1980s.

Where was it made?

It was made in Japan.

What finish does it have?

It has a Sunburst finish.

Is the Goldstar Sound considered a vintage guitar?

Yes. A mid-1980s example is now a genuine vintage Japanese instrument.

What is the Goldstar Sound?

The Goldstar Sound was Tokai's vintage-inspired S-style electric guitar range during the 1980s.

What came before the Goldstar Sound?

Tokai's earlier vintage-style S-type range was known as Springy Sound.

What neck does it have?

It has a bolt-on maple neck.

What is the scale length?

It uses a traditional 25.5" scale length.

How many frets does it have?

This platform uses a 21-fret vintage-style layout.

What pickup configuration does it have?

It uses an SSS configuration with three single-coil pickups.

What exact pickups are fitted?

The exact pickup version fitted to this individual guitar has not been confirmed, so no specific Tokai pickup designation has been stated.

What is the exact model grade?

The exact ST/TST model grade has not been confirmed.

What body wood does it have?

Mid-1980s Goldstar Sound specifications varied by model grade, so the body wood of this individual guitar has deliberately not been stated without confirmation.

What fingerboard material does it have?

The fingerboard material has not been supplied, so it has not been guessed.

Does it have a tremolo?

Yes. It uses a vintage-style tremolo bridge.

Does it require a battery?

No. It uses passive electronics.

How much does it weigh?

This individual guitar weighs 7.66 lbs.

Does it come with a case?

Yes. A Fender moulded hardcase is included.

Is the case original to the guitar?

It is supplied with a Fender moulded case; it is not described as an original Tokai case.

What condition is it in?

This example is in Very Good condition.

Is it suitable for blues and classic rock?

Yes. The traditional SSS configuration works exceptionally well for blues, classic rock and clean or lightly overdriven playing.

Can I request a video demo?

Yes. A video demo is particularly worthwhile with an individual vintage guitar such as this.

Can I part-exchange another guitar against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers guitars and a wide range of other musical equipment for part exchange.