Rare! 1982 Tokai TEX-80 CS Special Edition Explorer made in Japan MIJ - all original

$3,599.00 USD
By Tokai

Maker: Tokai

Model: TEX-80

Condition: very good

 

Description: 

A super rare, 1982 Tokai TEX-80 CR Special Model produced at the height of Japan's "lawsuit era" of hyper-accurate replica builds. The TEX80 was a top-tier model in Tokai’s Explorer series, originally retailing for 80,000 Japanese Yen. 

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Tokai Gakki factory in Shizuoka, Japan, mastered the art of reverse-engineering golden-era American electric guitars. Their Special Edition TEX series faithfully replicated the iconic 1958 Explorer design down to the minor cosmetic and hardware details. The TEX80 sat at the upper end of this specific product catalog, offering superior wood selection and premium aesthetic touches compared to lower-numbered tiers like the TEX70.

This one remains in excellent all-original condition. The metals show aging/finish pitting but otherwise remains in very clean condition, frets are excellent, finish shows only light playwear and minor dings with no major marks/deep scratches or chips and no major damage/blemishes. Plays amazing and incredibly light weight at 7lbs 8oz. Has been fully inspected and set up by our tech and ready for a new home. Includes Epiphone branded semi-hard case. 

 

Weight: 7lbs 8oz

Neck Profile: C

Neck Thickness: 1st fret .785", 12th fret .942"

Fretboard Radius: 12"

Nut Width: 1 11/16"

Pickup Values: Neck 8.27k, Bridge 8.12k

 

From the web:

The 1982 Tokai TEX-80 is an exceptionally rare, highly collectible "Special Model". A highly coveted Gibson Explorer replica built during the golden "lawsuit era" of Made in Japan (MIJ) guitars. Produced by Tokai Gakki in Shizuoka, Japan, these guitars are revered by collectors for their flawless build quality, which frequently rivaled or surpassed American production of the same period. 

  • Top & Finish: It features a striking flame grain top wrapped in a vibrant Cherry Sunburst finish.
  • Aesthetics & Body: Unlike the standard '58 Explorer replicas (like the TEX-70), the TEX-75/TEX-80 models were "Special Models" that adopted an 80s-inspired look. This included a bound body closely mimicking the aesthetic of Gibson's E/2 CMT (Curly Maple Top) guitars.

 

 

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