1982 Tokai Silver Star SS-36 - MIJ Japanese Vintage Stratocaster (Black)
A handsome black-finish example of the Tokai Silver Star, manufactured
in 1982 at the legendary Tokai Gakki factory in Hamamatsu, Japan - the
same factory that would later produce many of the most respected
Fender Japan instruments. The Silver Star line was Tokai's faithful
tribute to the 1970s CBS-era Stratocaster, complete with the iconic
large headstock, bullet truss rod, and three-bolt micro-tilt neck plate.
The Silver Star series occupies a unique place in Japanese vintage
guitar history. Unlike the Springy Sound and Goldstar lines aimed at
international markets, Silver Stars were primarily sold within Japan,
making clean examples increasingly difficult to find outside the
country. Built during Tokai's 1978-1983 "golden era" - the same period
that produced the Springy Sounds used by Stevie Ray Vaughan - this
guitar carries the same build quality reputation as Tokai's more
collectible models.
What's particularly enjoyable about the Silver Star is that Tokai
managed to engineer the three-bolt neck joint to actually work well,
something Fender themselves struggled with during the CBS period. The
result is a 70s-style Strat that often plays better than the American
originals it was inspired by.
== SPECIFICATIONS ==
- Model: Silver Star SS-36 (base model)
- Year: 1982 (Serial 2024185)
- Country of Origin: Japan (Tokai Gakki, Hamamatsu)
- Color: Black
- Body: Solid wood, Black finish
- Neck: Maple, bolt-on, 3-bolt with micro-tilt
- Fingerboard: Rosewood, 21 frets, dot inlays
- Headstock: Large CBS-style with bullet truss rod
- Scale: 25.5"
- Pickups: Three single-coil pickups
- Controls: Master Volume, Neck Tone, Middle Tone
- Switching: 5-way pickup selector
- Bridge: 6-saddle vintage-style tremolo
- Weight: 3.3 kg
== CONDITION ==
Overall: Good
- Body: Multiple scratches and playwear across the body
- Neck: Straight
- Frets: Approximately 60-70% remaining
- Hardware: Tarnish on metal parts (vintage patina)
All electronics function correctly. The guitar plays well and shows
honest, lived-in wear consistent with a 40+ year old working
instrument. Please review all photos carefully for the exact cosmetic
condition.
== INCLUDED ==
- Soft case
== WHY THIS GUITAR ==
Silver Stars rarely make it out of Japan, and black-finish examples
from the early 80s have a particularly cool, no-nonsense aesthetic.
At a price that's a fraction of the more famous Springy Sounds or
genuine 70s Fenders, this is a real Japanese vintage piece with the
build quality the Tokai name is known for - a great player and a
piece of Japanese guitar history.
Please feel free to message with any questions before purchasing.
