This Tokai USG212 in Cherry is a premium Japanese-made SG-style electric guitar combining traditional mahogany construction with the excellent build quality for which Tokai's higher-end Japanese instruments are renowned.

Part of Tokai's lacquer-finished Japanese range, the USG212 features a mahogany body, set mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, 24.6" scale and dual-humbucker electronics, delivering the warm midrange, strong sustain and immediate response associated with this classic double-cutaway format.

A slim, '60s-inspired neck profile and lightweight body give the USG212 a fast, comfortable feel, while the traditional twin-volume, twin-tone control layout provides plenty of tonal flexibility.

This pre-owned example is presented in Very Good Condition, weighs just 6.92 lbs, and is supplied with a hardcase.

At A Glance

Detail	Specification
Brand	Tokai
Model	USG212
Finish	Cherry
Country of Manufacture	Japan
Body	Mahogany
Neck	Mahogany
Neck Construction	Set Neck
Neck Profile	Slim '60s Style
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Scale Length	625mm / 24.6"
Frets	22
Pickup Configuration	HH
Controls	2 Volume, 2 Tone
Switching	3-Way Toggle
Bridge	ABR-1-Style
Hardware	Gotoh / Japanese Hardware
Finish Type	Lacquer
Weight	6.92 lbs
Condition	Very Good
Included	Hardcase

Condition Overview

Very Good Condition

This Tokai USG212 is presented in Very Good Condition.

It shows some cosmetic evidence of previous ownership consistent with careful use while remaining fully functional and ready to play.

The lacquer finish can naturally develop light marks and signs of handling more readily than thicker polyester finishes, particularly as the guitar ages.

What's Included?

✔ Tokai USG212 Cherry
✔ Hardcase

No additional accessories are included unless pictured or stated.

The hardcase has not been identified as the original Tokai case, so it is described simply as a hardcase.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

This pre-owned Tokai has been checked for general operation and playability, including:

• Neck pickup operation
• Bridge pickup operation
• 3-way selector
• Both volume controls
• Both tone controls
• Output jack
• Neck condition
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Frets
• Nut
• Tuning machines
• Bridge
• Tailpiece
• General hardware
• Structural condition
• Overall setup
• General playability

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned guitars at Fair Deal Music are checked for general setup and playability before leaving the shop.

Key areas assessed include:

• Action
• Neck relief
• Fret condition
• Intonation
• Tuning stability
• Pickup operation
• Electronics
• Bridge adjustment
• Hardware
• General playing feel

What Makes The Tokai USG212 Special?

The USG212 sits within Tokai's higher-grade Japanese SG-style range and combines classic construction with a more refined specification than the brand's entry-level models.

Its mahogany body, set mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard and lacquer finish place it firmly within the traditional SG formula, while the slim neck and lightweight body provide the quick, responsive feel that makes this style of guitar so popular.

Japanese Tokai instruments have developed an excellent reputation for their fit, finish and attention to vintage-inspired detail, making the USG212 particularly appealing to players looking beyond the more obvious American alternatives.

Made In Japan

The USG212 was built in Japan.

Tokai's Japanese-made instruments are particularly respected for:

• Consistent construction
• Accurate fretwork
• Traditional neck joints
• Quality hardware
• Vintage-inspired dimensions
• High-quality finishing

Mahogany Body

The guitar uses a mahogany body.

Mahogany provides:

• Strong midrange
• Full low frequencies
• Smooth treble response
• Good sustain
• Excellent compatibility with humbuckers

The thin SG-style body also helps keep the instrument relatively lightweight.

Cherry Lacquer Finish

The body is finished in classic Cherry.

A lacquer finish gives the guitar a thinner, more traditional surface treatment than many modern polyester-finished instruments.

The Cherry colour allows the natural character of the mahogany to remain visible while creating the instantly recognisable appearance associated with vintage-style double-cutaway guitars.

Set Mahogany Neck

The neck is constructed from mahogany and glued into the body.

Set-neck construction provides:

• Strong neck-to-body coupling
• Excellent sustain
• Smooth upper-register access
• Traditional vintage-style construction

Slim '60s-Style Neck Profile

The USG212 uses a relatively slim '60s-inspired neck profile.

This works particularly well for:

• Fast position changes
• Lead playing
• Chord work
• Players who prefer less shoulder than a large '50s-style neck

Rosewood Fingerboard

The neck is topped with a rosewood fingerboard.

It provides a smooth playing surface and traditional feel, complemented by classic trapezoid-style position markers.

625mm Scale Length

The scale length is approximately:

625mm / 24.6"

This is slightly shorter than the typical 25.5" Fender scale and provides:

• Softer string tension
• Easier string bending
• Comfortable vibrato
• Familiar vintage-style feel

22 Frets

The guitar uses a traditional:

22-fret layout

This provides the familiar playing range associated with classic SG-style electric guitars.

Dual Humbuckers

The USG212 uses a pair of passive humbuckers.

They provide the familiar combination of:

• Strong output
• Full midrange
• Reduced hum
• Smooth neck tones
• Powerful bridge sounds

Neck Pickup

The neck pickup is well suited to:

• Warm cleans
• Blues
• Smooth lead playing
• Thick chord tones

Bridge Pickup

The bridge pickup provides:

• Greater attack
• Rock rhythm sounds
• Strong overdrive response
• Focused lead tones

Pickup Specification Note

Tokai has used several pickup sets across different Japanese SG models and production periods.

The pickups on this guitar are therefore described as dual humbuckers rather than assigning a specific Tokai pickup model without direct identification.

Traditional Four-Control Layout

The guitar uses the classic arrangement of:

• Neck Volume
• Bridge Volume
• Neck Tone
• Bridge Tone
• 3-Way Pickup Selector

This allows each pickup to be adjusted independently.

ABR-1-Style Bridge

The USG212 uses an ABR-1-style tune-o-matic bridge with separate stopbar tailpiece.

This provides individual saddle adjustment for intonation while retaining the familiar feel of traditional SG-style hardware.

Gotoh Hardware

Japanese USG212 examples are associated with Gotoh hardware, providing dependable tuning and solid mechanical performance.

Lightweight Feel

This individual guitar weighs:

6.92 lbs

That is particularly manageable for a full-size electric guitar and contributes to the fast, lively feel of the SG-style design.

USG212 vs Lower-Spec Tokai SG Models

The USG212 sits above many of Tokai's more affordable SG-style instruments.

Its higher-grade specification is associated with features including:

• Made in Japan construction
• Lacquer finish
• Higher-grade hardware
• Traditional set-neck build
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Vintage-inspired dimensions

This makes it particularly attractive to players seeking a serious Japanese-built SG-style guitar.

Who Is It For?

Classic rock players – Mahogany construction and twin humbuckers provide an ideal foundation for driven valve tones.

Blues guitarists – Short scale and responsive humbuckers suit expressive bending and vibrato.

Hard-rock players – Lightweight body and strong bridge-pickup response work particularly well with gain.

Vintage-style guitar enthusiasts – Traditional construction and lacquer finish give the guitar authentic character.

Japanese-guitar collectors – Higher-spec Tokai models have developed a particularly strong following.

Players who prefer lightweight guitars – At 6.92 lbs, this example is especially comfortable.

Suitable Genres & Applications

Particularly well suited to:

• Classic rock
• Blues
• Hard rock
• Heavy rock
• Alternative
• Indie
• Punk
• Garage rock
• Pop
• Studio recording
• Live performance

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Solid Body Electric Guitar
Brand	Tokai
Model	USG212
Finish	Cherry
Country of Manufacture	Japan
Body Shape	SG-Style Double Cutaway
Body Material	Mahogany
Neck Material	Mahogany
Neck Construction	Set Neck
Neck Profile	Slim '60s Style
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Scale Length	625mm / 24.6"
Frets	22
Fret Style	Medium Jumbo
Inlays	Trapezoid-Style
Pickup Configuration	HH
Neck Pickup	Humbucker
Bridge Pickup	Humbucker
Electronics	Passive
Controls	2 Volume, 2 Tone
Switching	3-Way Toggle
Bridge	ABR-1-Style
Tailpiece	Stopbar
Tuning Machines	Gotoh / Japanese Hardware
Finish Type	Lacquer
Weight	6.92 lbs
Included	Hardcase
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good

Lacquer Finish Care

Lacquer finishes are generally thinner and more sensitive than modern polyester coatings.

To help preserve the finish:

• Avoid prolonged contact with unsuitable rubber or foam stands
• Keep away from excessive heat
• Avoid strong solvents or cleaning chemicals
• Use guitar-safe polishing products
• Store in a stable environment

Light ageing and finish checking can develop naturally over time.

Production Specification Note

The USG212 belongs to an earlier Tokai model designation system and is no longer represented by the same model number in the current range.

Specifications therefore differ from newer lower-numbered Tokai SG models, and this listing follows the established Japanese USG212 lacquer-series format rather than applying current-model specifications directly.

Hardcase Note

A hardcase is included.

The case has not been identified as the original Tokai case, so no claim of originality is made.

Power Requirements

None.

The humbuckers and traditional controls are passive.

No battery or external power supply is required.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

The Tokai USG212 in Cherry is an excellent example of what makes higher-spec Japanese Tokai guitars so appealing.

Its mahogany body, set mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard and lacquer finish provide a genuinely traditional foundation, while the slim neck and lightweight 6.92 lbs body give it a particularly lively and comfortable feel.

Dual humbuckers and the familiar four-control layout make it immediately usable across blues, classic rock and heavier styles, while the Japanese construction and higher-grade hardware give the instrument additional appeal beyond a standard production SG-style guitar.

Presented in Very Good Condition and supplied with a hardcase, this is a strong choice for players looking for a high-quality Japanese-built alternative within the classic double-cutaway format.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Every pre-owned guitar at Fair Deal Music is individually assessed so its condition, measured weight and included accessories are clearly represented.

This Tokai is offered with:

• Very Good condition
• Cherry lacquer finish
• Made in Japan construction
• 6.92 lbs actual measured weight
• Hardcase included

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.

When you buy from us, you benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987
• Birmingham's largest independent music store
• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews
• Expert musician-led advice
• Extensive experience with Japanese guitars
• Pre-owned instruments individually assessed
• Clear condition grading
• Secure ordering
• Fast UK delivery
• Large Birmingham showroom
• Friendly support before and after purchase

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Your existing guitar could help towards the cost of this Tokai.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and other musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation and find out what your current gear could be worth towards this Tokai USG212.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this Tokai USG212 in?

It is presented in Very Good Condition, showing some cosmetic evidence of careful previous ownership while remaining fully functional.

Where was it made?

It was Made in Japan.

What finish does it have?

It is finished in Cherry lacquer.

What is the body made from?

It has a mahogany body.

What is the neck made from?

It has a mahogany neck.

Is the neck set or bolt-on?

It uses traditional set-neck construction.

What fingerboard does it have?

It has a rosewood fingerboard.

What is the scale length?

Approximately 625mm / 24.6".

How many frets does it have?

It has 22 frets.

What neck profile does it have?

It has a relatively slim '60s-style neck profile.

What pickups does it have?

It uses two passive humbuckers.

What exact pickup models are fitted?

The exact pickup model has not been identified, so the listing does not assign an unsupported designation.

What controls does it have?

It uses two volume controls, two tone controls and a 3-way pickup selector.

What bridge does it have?

It uses an ABR-1-style bridge with stopbar tailpiece.

Does it have Gotoh hardware?

The USG212 lacquer-series specification is associated with Gotoh hardware.

How much does it weigh?

This individual guitar weighs 6.92 lbs.

Is 6.92 lbs lightweight?

Yes. It is a particularly manageable weight for a full-size electric guitar.

Does it require a battery?

No. The electronics are completely passive.

Does it come with a case?

Yes. A hardcase is included.

Is the case original?

The supplied case has not been identified as the original Tokai case, so no claim of originality is made.

Is this the same as a current Tokai SG model?

No. The USG212 belongs to an earlier higher-spec Japanese model designation and should not be confused directly with current lower-numbered models.

Can I request a video demo?

Yes. Our Request a Video Demo service is ideal if you would like to see the Cherry lacquer finish and individual condition or hear both humbuckers before purchasing.

Can I part-exchange another guitar against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers trade-ins and part exchanges across a wide range of guitars and other musical equipment.