Gibson Open Book Headstock and Tokai

SlopeSoarer

Why is it in Australia & Canada Tokai sell guitars with what looks like a blatant copy of Gibson's headstock while in other countries there seems to be an adjustment?

Example 1

Example 2

I'm sure I've seen this with other brands as well.

brooom

I believe it's related with the fact that Gibson can't enforce headstock shape as being proprietary in those countries. I don't think that is the casa with Canada though. But Australia and Japan yes.

Probably the canada examples you're seeing have been imported by someone and not really and oficial distribution channel.

guitars4you

brooom said:

I believe it's related with the fact that Gibson can't enforce headstock shape as being proprietary in those countries. I don't think that is the casa with Canada though. But Australia and Japan yes.

Probably the canada examples you're seeing have been imported by someone and not really and oficial distribution channel.

that is effectively my understanding as well

Stories go back to the 80's when Tokai first started importing many 'vintage' style replicas into the USA - The headtsocks were cut of the guitar by customs  officials for breaching 'trademarks' etc - But we could still sell the same guitar in the UK

SlopeSoarer

Cheers thanks for the replies, I'm of to Oz in October and I may treat myself whilst out there.

Any unforeseen issues bringing a guitar back? CITES!?

crunchman

SlopeSoarer said:

Cheers thanks for the replies, I'm of to Oz in October and I may treat myself whilst out there.

Any unforeseen issues bringing a guitar back? CITES!?

As a personal possession that you are carrying with you, it should be fine.

SlopeSoarer

crunchman said:

SlopeSoarer said:

Cheers thanks for the replies, I'm of to Oz in October and I may treat myself whilst out there.

Any unforeseen issues bringing a guitar back? CITES!?

As a personal possession that you are carrying with you, it should be fine.

Uhmmm, I'd better check with Singapore Airlines that I can have one as hand luggage!

Pre planning at this stage: )

Kittyfrisk

Don't forget that it is fairly easy to get MIJ Tokai 'home market' LP's in the UK secondhand.
i love mine & I'm sorry, but it is at least as good as my USA Gibson's 

prowla

What's the cost of a flight to Oz?

SlopeSoarer

prowla said:

What's the cost of a flight to Oz?

In our case £687 return.

Kittyfrisk said:

Don't forget that it is fairly easy to get MIJ Tokai 'home market' LP's in the UK secondhand.
i love mine & I'm sorry, but it is at least as good as my USA Gibson's 

Good point & potentially less hassle.

gordiji

I don't understand why people even care about the 'nipple' on the uk imports, are guitarists becoming autistic ?

crunchman

gordiji said:

I don't understand why people even care about the 'nipple' on the uk imports, are guitarists becoming autistic ?

If you are illegally carrying a CITES species of wood, then the guitar could be confiscated and you won't ever get it back.

Kittyfrisk

gordiji said:

I don't understand why people even care about the 'nipple' on the uk imports, are guitarists becoming autistic ?

Don't forget that you are talking about some people that would sacrifice their firstborn rather than have MIM on their headstock sticker 

SlopeSoarer

gordiji said:

I don't understand why people even care about the 'nipple' on the uk imports, are guitarists becoming autistic ?

I love nipples when they are in the right place: )

When they are on guitars if I can get basically the same guitar without a nipple and it may work out cheaper I know which I'd go for: )

guitars4you

SlopeSoarer said:

Cheers thanks for the replies, I'm of to Oz in October and I may treat myself whilst out there.

Any unforeseen issues bringing a guitar back? CITES!?

CITES rules are potentially changing in the Autumn - the meeting in Spring in Sri Lanka was cancelled due to the terrorist attract around the same time

Bringing a guitar back on the plane as personal possession and you should be okay ref CITES - You may still need to pay tax/vat on arrival - Get a receipt from the dealer that indicates date of build + contains Indian rosewood  customs documentation, if required

Generally you'll find Aus prices more expensive than UK