How to spot a fake Korean Tokai

steven70

Hello,

I have a Korean tokai loverock purchased from Denmark Street around about 2004/5
I didn't pay that much for it, 400 quid or so I think and it plays well.
I've had Gibsons, Japanese Tokais over the years etc and always come back to this one as it's solid and I like the neck.

So...no complaints.
But...the OCD part of me would like to know if it's a 'fake' Korean Tokai.
The more I read, the more confused I get. 

Can anyone tell me how to spot a 'genuine' Korean Loverock from this era.

To be clear- I've had my moneys worth either way and this is just a bit of fun - so please no replies saying "If your happy with it then why ask" etc (Oooh I'm on the defensive already.) I just like to educate meself innit...

Any thoughts?

Thank you!

Chuffola

Serious question of the group... are there fake Korean Tokais about? I assumed only top end US / Japanese stuff was copied?

steven70

..

Funkfingers

steven70 said:

please, no replies saying "If your happy with it then why ask"

I shall respect your request. Instead, I shall turn the underlying question around.

Does the fear that a guitar you claim to enjoy might be a naughty copy (of a not particularly lucrative subject for cloning) trouble you so much that you can no longer bear to play that instrument?

steven70 said:

the OCD part of me would like to know if it's a 'fake' Korean Tokai. The more I read, the more confused I get. 

If your O.C.D. is genuine, no amount of factually accurate information is going to overcome your irrational beliefs. 

freakboy1610

If I were you I'd ask here http://www.tokaiforum.com

jonnyburgo

I dont think there is much chance that these have been faked, even less so 14 yrs ago. The fakey market is fairly recent, especially with lower end stuff.

mbe

There were fake Korean Love Rocks produced for the Canadian market circa 2000. The back of the headstock says "MAKE IN KOREA". Tokai Gakki in Japan disowned these as counterfeit.

steven70

..

Dominic

They do exist... but easy to recognise the poor quality........They're called GIBSON

57Deluxe

steven70 said:

Mine has "Made in Korea" stamped on the back of the headstock.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/20/article-2585124-1C6F340A00000578-403_306x423.jpg