MIJ Tokai Hardpuncher P-bass, with upgraded pups

[solo4652]

Hi everybody,

I have a 6 month old Tokai Hardpuncher P-bass here. It looks exactly like this:

[url="http://www.rockfactory.co.uk/proddetail.php?prod=gbg-tokhp"]http://www.rockfactory.co.uk/proddetail.php?prod=gbg-tokhp[/url]

Blonde body and gold hardware. Only difference is that mine has a matching thumb-rest above the bottom E string. Also, I've just had the stock ceramic pups replaced with some Fender alnico ones of unknown age - they were fitted by Steve Robinson, Manchester Guitar Tech who had intended to use them in a parts-build project. I still have the original pups.

Only ever been used for bedroom practice, so in virtually "as new" condition. I've gone over it very carefully and can't find any marks at all. Only imperfection is a slight mark on one of the replacement pup covers. Comes with a cheap gigbag and a new set of Hartke mediums.

With the new pups, it has a classic rich, full P-thump sound. Tone control actually does do something, and you can get a brighter, more modern sound easily. My music teacher puts it on a par with his Highway One P-bass for sound quality.

I'm in no great rush to get rid of this beauty, but will consider swapping it for something like a MIJ/CIJ Jazz, a Highway One Jazz or maybe a MIA Jazz, with appropriate cash adjustment. I've finally decided to go with a J-neck rather than P-neck after much umming and arring.

I don't really want to swap it for something unless I've played the replacement, and somebody is happy having played my Tokai. I'm in Stockport and will gladly drive up to, say, 50 miles to meet somebody - no problem at all.

Given its condition, and its upgraded pups, I reckon it's worth £300 ish.

If anybody is interested, I'll post pictures - just let me know.

Steve

Edited January 21, 2009 by solo4652

[solo4652]

Here are the Harmony Central reviews:

[url="http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Electric+Bass/product/Tokai/Hard+Puncher/10/1"]http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews...rd+Puncher/10/1[/url]

I particularly like the dutch guy's comments!

If you're even remotely considering buying an MIM precision, please don't - not before trying my Tokai first!

[BassBunny]

I have seen/played this Bass and Steve has been quite modest in his description. It is a stunner.

[Shockwave]

Arrgh! I had one exactly like this and regretted getting rid of it since, however i have zero cash Dammit!

[solo4652]

[quote name='BassBunny' post='378865' date='Jan 13 2009, 12:16 PM']I have seen/played this Bass and Steve has been quite modest in his description. It is a stunner.[/quote]


Thank you! It [i]is[/i] nice isn't it!? This is one of the very last made in Japan. I think they're made elsewhere now. If only it had a J-neck, I'd keep it in a flash.

Oh bugger - I've gone all whimsical about it now. Somebody make me a sensible offer for it quick, before I withdraw it.

[solo4652]

Now sold.

Thanks to everybody for your replies. Billy Bling is off to a new home.