Tokai Lp Style ALS-48

Playing this guitar was my first expedition into the world of Tokai. Although I've held down many conversations with friends in the past about the fabled Japanese brand, our paths have never actually crossed. The first thing that hits you is its striking resemblance to the American brand on which the model is clearly based. This model in particular (the LP STYLE ALS-48), is shaped like the Gibson Les Paul and in the Cherry Sunburst colour, the Jimmy Page look is certainly achieved.

The same can be said for its similarities in sound. To begin with, I ran the guitar through a Marshall valve amp and that classic rock sound we all know so well was clear and present. It's important to remember that this model is in the sub $1000 price range and therefore equivalent to the Epiphone range of Les Pauls, and like the Americans, the sound is very close to the real thing.

The sound is rich and the guitar is really easy to play. When soloing with distortion, the sustain holds for days and coupled with a big muff pedal, the tone is irresistibly bold. The clean sound held its own too, but let's face it, this guitar is in its element with the gain knobs turned up. 

The intonation was great from the word go. Every note was pitch perfect. This is due to the sturdiness of the neck and the whole guitar for that matter, which is really evident when you pick it up.

My only concern is with the tuning heads standing the test of time. This is an issue with all brands that have models within this price range, so it's nothing new. If you really want to remedy the problem you can buy some standalone tuning heads. You might also consider this guitar's bigger brother the ALS140F, if you're serious about upgrading to a pro-level guitar with extra pickup grunt.

With this model, Tokai shows once again they're the real deal and that's no false boast. Check out the list of players who have slung a Tokai around their neck, not least the late Stevie Ray Vaughan and ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons. Since 1997 they've been producing Fender's Japanese line which sees them really as the masters of the sub $1000 market these days.

When you take a step back and look at the guitar, it's hard to believe the price. It's a really well-built guitar that sounds legit and the finished product is quite impressive. I must admit that I busted out “Sweet Child of Mine” and apart from my suspect playing, the tone was identical to the recording. You can definitely achieve the look and the sound with this model.