Serial: 1014922
Nut Width: 1.69
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret: .86
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret: .96
Weight: 8 lbs 15 oz's
Comes in Original Hard Case (Lifton Style Reissue)
$$$ It has just been professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. It has low action with no buzzing. The frets are in perfect condition and polished to shine like a mirror, it is truly stage or studio ready/worthy. Including New Strings, Perfect Intonation, Truss Rod Adjustment and Low Action Read Our Feedback and Rest Assured, The Dude Abides!
🔥 1981 Tokai LS120 Love Rock – The Holy Grail Japanese Vintage Les Paul That Looks, Plays and Sounds Like a Dream! 🔥**
For sale: A true survivor from the golden age of Japanese guitar making – this 1981 Tokai LS120 Love Rock is the real deal. It has a KILLER top and was built when Tokai was obsessively chasing (and often surpassing) vintage Gibson perfection, this LS120 delivers that thick, juicy, PAF-style roar with all the woody midrange punch, singing highs, and endless sustain you crave from a proper '59-style single-cut.
100% ORIGINAL – ZERO MODS.
Everything is factory-fresh from 1981: hardware, electronics, pots, switches, tuners, and that gorgeous nitrocellulose lacquer finish. No refrets, no pickup swaps, no neck resets – just pure, untouched vintage Tokai magic.
Vintage Dimarzio's Provide that Magic Juice! - Vintage DiMarzio PAF pickups are pure tone nirvana – that elusive, plug-in-and-wail humbucker voice that defined the golden era of rock, blues, and everything in between.
The Tone
These low-output gems (around 7.6k DCR, vintage ~203mV output) hit you with warm, rich lows that are full and woody without ever getting muddy or spongy. The mids are smooth and vocal-like, with an almost “voice-like” swell right after the initial attack – notes bloom and breathe freely, like they’re alive. Highs? Sweet, singing, and crystalline with incredible harmonic complexity and chime – sparkly yet rounded, never harsh or edgy. It’s that perfect neutral-yet-magical EQ balance: open, dynamic, and touch-sensitive.
Plug into a non-master-volume tube amp, roll the volume knob back, and you get sparkling, chimey cleans with single-coil-like clarity and definition. Dig in or crank the amp and it transforms into creamy, juicy overdrive with endless sustain and that addictive “3D” depth. It reacts to your picking intensity like a living instrument – lighter touch for airy blues leads (think Gary Moore or early Santana), harder attack for that tough-yet-pretty classic rock crunch (ZZ Top Brown Sugar vibes or British Invasion warmth). No modern PAF clone quite captures the same acoustic-like transparency, harmonic bloom, and natural compression – the vintage ones just feel more open and “crystalline” up top while staying warm and forgiving. They pair beautifully as a neck pickup with hotter bridges or shine in both positions for versatile, musical tone that never fights your guitar’s natural voice.
The Cool Factor
DiMarzio was one of the very first companies to nail accurate PAF replicas back when Gibson originals were already mythical and unobtainable. Larry DiMarzio basically invented the aftermarket pickup game, giving players the power to turn any guitar into a tone monster without hunting rare 1959 Les Pauls.
In short: warm, breathing, dynamic vintage PAF perfection with a side of pioneering cool that no modern pickup can touch. If you score a real 1970s set, you’ve got a piece of guitar royalty that plays, sounds, and looks the part. Pure swagger in humbucker form. 🎸
Professionally set up and dialed in for OPTIMAL TONE & PLAYABILITY.
I had it gone over by a top luthier – low, fast action that feels like butter, perfect intonation across the entire fretboard, neck straight as an arrow, and frets polished to mirror shine. It plays like a guitar half its age: effortless bends, lightning-fast runs, and that addictive “just right” feel that makes you never want to put it down. Plug in and it instantly rewards you with rich, dynamic tone – from fat, creamy blues leads to aggressive rock crunch and sparkling cleans that cut through the mix.
Condition that turns heads:
Yes, it’s 45 years old and proudly wears its battle scars – a few scattered little dings, dents and scratches that add honest vintage character without detracting from its beauty. Most notably, there’s some authentic lacquer burn on the back above the switch plate.(see pics) It has natural classic nitro checking and finish wear that only real players’ guitars ear. It has some checking on the back of the neck and body. purely cosmetic and full of MOJO. But overall? Very nice shape for its age – the flame top still pops, the binding is tight, the neck feels incredible, and it looks and sounds far better than most guitars from this era. No cracks, no buzzes, no issues. It’s been babied and is ready to gig or record right now.
This isn’t some dusty relic – it’s a player’s guitar that’s been loved, dialed, and now looking for its next serious owner who appreciates Japanese vintage excellence without the Gibson price tag.
If you’ve been hunting for that perfect early-80s Tokai Love Rock – the one that plays like butter, sounds like heaven, and still turns every guitarist’s head at the gig – this is it.
Serious inquiries only. Priced to move for a guitar this clean and dialed. DM or comment for more pics, video, or to set up a trial. Ships fast and safe.
Don’t sleep on this one – 1981 Tokai LS120s in this condition don’t come around often, and once it’s gone… it’s gone.
Grab your slice of Japanese guitar royalty today! 🎸✨
This guitar is professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. It has low action with no buzzing or dead spots and is an absolute joy to play. It has been deep cleaned and detailed. All guitars will arrive looking and playing great. The frets have been leveled / dressed / polished and the fingerboard was cleaned. (Unfinished Rosewood and Ebony boards get treated with Fret Doctor - a proprietary all natural oil that is the best on the market) It has brand new strings, the action was adjusted, the intonation is spot on and it plays excellent. All the electronics work flawlessly.
**** We stand behind every guitar we sell and have consistently delivered quality that beats most people expectations, earning us a reputation for quality that is unrivaled. Simply put “good enough” is not good enough for The Guitar Dude’s standards. We try and make every guitar be at its absolute BEST to deliver on our promise. We take great pride in what we do and we are always trying our best.
* Neck is perfectly straight and the truss rod works with no issues
* Intonation is spot-on
* It has been professionally set up with nice low action & new American made strings.
* If needed, the frets will be dressed leveled & crowned, but no matter what they come looking and shining like new with no divots.
* All frets are polished prior to shipping when they are set up - They will shine like new!
***Please note that international shipping prices listed are minimum quotes in some cases. Certain countries are more expensive and will require additional shipping costs. Express services such as UPS, DHL & FedEx are also available, Please contact me for a personalized quote.
About Us
The Guitar Dude is a THREE time NAMM Top 100 Dealer in the world who has been selling some of the best guitars on the planet since 2009. Known for the most Killer Flame Top Gibson 1959 Les Pauls Reissues and classic Fender guitars of all eras. I make beautiful guitar porn, please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter.
Often copied & imitated, but never duplicated.
Like what you see? Let me go to work for you.
I offer the best consignment sales on the planet! Find me online, just look for The Guitar Dude
For in-hand description, to propose a consignment sale or anything else please contact us
I offer a super relaxed layaway plan on certain guitars, that can be custom built to fit your budget and needs. It can be extended beyond 45 days in certain situations. If you are interested in a layaway plan, please contact me for full details.
Terms For Returns & Re-Stocking Fee’s
We recognize and accept a 7 day return policy as per Reverb guidelines, BUT intentions of the return must be communicated in writing within 3 day of receiving the guitar as indicated by the tracking. Unless the guitar is not as described, ORIGINAL & RETURN SHIPPING COSTS WILL NOT BE REFUNDED. There is a 15% Re-stocking fee for ALL guitars that are returned for ANY reason outside of damage from shipping or it arrives significantly not as described. Please note that we record demo videos to make sure our guitars go out exactly as we describe them with zero issues. We understand that feeling comfortable is vital to the purchase of a guitar/bass so in any case, additional measurements or in hand descriptions are available prior to purchase/shipping. Thats said, guitars travel a great distance some times and in transit things can happen. Also guitars acclimate to new environments and this can cause a need for a new set up or minor adjustment. It is acceptable and normal if there is for instance a tiny bit of buzzing or the need to adjust a truss rod. We are in south Florida and if you are in a colder or less humid environment it is almost to be expected. Please read our feedback and see what our customers say. The guitar MUST BE RETURNED IN THE EXACT CONDITION it was advertised/received or it is subject to additional costs & or repair fees. We are not a big chain shop, I hope you understand. If you are uncomfortable with these terms please do not purchase. There are plenty big chain shops that can absorb free trials and shipping.
Payment - Shipping - International orders - Import Duties
ALL ITEMS CAN BE SHIPPED INTERNATIONALLY. - BUYER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL IMPORT DUTIES.
I accept many forms of payment including PayPal Credit & Affirm. I always pack extremely well and ship within the USA via UPS or Fedex, all packages are fully insured with tracking & signature confirmation.
Serial: 1014922
Nut Width: 1.69
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret: .86
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret: .96
Weight: 8 lbs 15 oz's
Comes in Original Hard Case (Lifton Style Reissue)
$$$ It has just been professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. It has low action with no buzzing. The frets are in perfect condition and polished to shine like a mirror, it is truly stage or studio ready/worthy. Including New Strings, Perfect Intonation, Truss Rod Adjustment and Low Action Read Our Feedback and Rest Assured, The Dude Abides!
🔥 1981 Tokai LS120 Love Rock – The Holy Grail Japanese Vintage Les Paul That Looks, Plays and Sounds Like a Dream! 🔥**
For sale: A true survivor from the golden age of Japanese guitar making – this 1981 Tokai LS120 Love Rock is the real deal. It has a KILLER top and was built when Tokai was obsessively chasing (and often surpassing) vintage Gibson perfection, this LS120 delivers that thick, juicy, PAF-style roar with all the woody midrange punch, singing highs, and endless sustain you crave from a proper '59-style single-cut.
100% ORIGINAL – ZERO MODS.
Everything is factory-fresh from 1981: hardware, electronics, pots, switches, tuners, and that gorgeous nitrocellulose lacquer finish. No refrets, no pickup swaps, no neck resets – just pure, untouched vintage Tokai magic.
Vintage Dimarzio's Provide that Magic Juice! - Vintage DiMarzio PAF pickups are pure tone nirvana – that elusive, plug-in-and-wail humbucker voice that defined the golden era of rock, blues, and everything in between.
The Tone
These low-output gems (around 7.6k DCR, vintage ~203mV output) hit you with warm, rich lows that are full and woody without ever getting muddy or spongy. The mids are smooth and vocal-like, with an almost “voice-like” swell right after the initial attack – notes bloom and breathe freely, like they’re alive. Highs? Sweet, singing, and crystalline with incredible harmonic complexity and chime – sparkly yet rounded, never harsh or edgy. It’s that perfect neutral-yet-magical EQ balance: open, dynamic, and touch-sensitive.
Plug into a non-master-volume tube amp, roll the volume knob back, and you get sparkling, chimey cleans with single-coil-like clarity and definition. Dig in or crank the amp and it transforms into creamy, juicy overdrive with endless sustain and that addictive “3D” depth. It reacts to your picking intensity like a living instrument – lighter touch for airy blues leads (think Gary Moore or early Santana), harder attack for that tough-yet-pretty classic rock crunch (ZZ Top Brown Sugar vibes or British Invasion warmth). No modern PAF clone quite captures the same acoustic-like transparency, harmonic bloom, and natural compression – the vintage ones just feel more open and “crystalline” up top while staying warm and forgiving. They pair beautifully as a neck pickup with hotter bridges or shine in both positions for versatile, musical tone that never fights your guitar’s natural voice.
The Cool Factor
DiMarzio was one of the very first companies to nail accurate PAF replicas back when Gibson originals were already mythical and unobtainable. Larry DiMarzio basically invented the aftermarket pickup game, giving players the power to turn any guitar into a tone monster without hunting rare 1959 Les Pauls.
In short: warm, breathing, dynamic vintage PAF perfection with a side of pioneering cool that no modern pickup can touch. If you score a real 1970s set, you’ve got a piece of guitar royalty that plays, sounds, and looks the part. Pure swagger in humbucker form. 🎸
Professionally set up and dialed in for OPTIMAL TONE & PLAYABILITY.
I had it gone over by a top luthier – low, fast action that feels like butter, perfect intonation across the entire fretboard, neck straight as an arrow, and frets polished to mirror shine. It plays like a guitar half its age: effortless bends, lightning-fast runs, and that addictive “just right” feel that makes you never want to put it down. Plug in and it instantly rewards you with rich, dynamic tone – from fat, creamy blues leads to aggressive rock crunch and sparkling cleans that cut through the mix.
Condition that turns heads:
Yes, it’s 45 years old and proudly wears its battle scars – a few scattered little dings, dents and scratches that add honest vintage character without detracting from its beauty. Most notably, there’s some authentic lacquer burn on the back above the switch plate.(see pics) It has natural classic nitro checking and finish wear that only real players’ guitars ear. It has some checking on the back of the neck and body. purely cosmetic and full of MOJO. But overall? Very nice shape for its age – the flame top still pops, the binding is tight, the neck feels incredible, and it looks and sounds far better than most guitars from this era. No cracks, no buzzes, no issues. It’s been babied and is ready to gig or record right now.
This isn’t some dusty relic – it’s a player’s guitar that’s been loved, dialed, and now looking for its next serious owner who appreciates Japanese vintage excellence without the Gibson price tag.
If you’ve been hunting for that perfect early-80s Tokai Love Rock – the one that plays like butter, sounds like heaven, and still turns every guitarist’s head at the gig – this is it.
Serious inquiries only. Priced to move for a guitar this clean and dialed. DM or comment for more pics, video, or to set up a trial. Ships fast and safe.
Don’t sleep on this one – 1981 Tokai LS120s in this condition don’t come around often, and once it’s gone… it’s gone.
Grab your slice of Japanese guitar royalty today! 🎸✨
This guitar is professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. It has low action with no buzzing or dead spots and is an absolute joy to play. It has been deep cleaned and detailed. All guitars will arrive looking and playing great. The frets have been leveled / dressed / polished and the fingerboard was cleaned. (Unfinished Rosewood and Ebony boards get treated with Fret Doctor - a proprietary all natural oil that is the best on the market) It has brand new strings, the action was adjusted, the intonation is spot on and it plays excellent. All the electronics work flawlessly.
**** We stand behind every guitar we sell and have consistently delivered quality that beats most people expectations, earning us a reputation for quality that is unrivaled. Simply put “good enough” is not good enough for The Guitar Dude’s standards. We try and make every guitar be at its absolute BEST to deliver on our promise. We take great pride in what we do and we are always trying our best.
* Neck is perfectly straight and the truss rod works with no issues
* Intonation is spot-on
* It has been professionally set up with nice low action & new American made strings.
* If needed, the frets will be dressed leveled & crowned, but no matter what they come looking and shining like new with no divots.
* All frets are polished prior to shipping when they are set up - They will shine like new!
***Please note that international shipping prices listed are minimum quotes in some cases. Certain countries are more expensive and will require additional shipping costs. Express services such as UPS, DHL & FedEx are also available, Please contact me for a personalized quote.
About Us
The Guitar Dude is a THREE time NAMM Top 100 Dealer in the world who has been selling some of the best guitars on the planet since 2009. Known for the most Killer Flame Top Gibson 1959 Les Pauls Reissues and classic Fender guitars of all eras. I make beautiful guitar porn, please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter.
Often copied & imitated, but never duplicated.
Like what you see? Let me go to work for you.
I offer the best consignment sales on the planet! Find me online, just look for The Guitar Dude
For in-hand description, to propose a consignment sale or anything else please contact us
I offer a super relaxed layaway plan on certain guitars, that can be custom built to fit your budget and needs. It can be extended beyond 45 days in certain situations. If you are interested in a layaway plan, please contact me for full details.
Terms For Returns & Re-Stocking Fee’s
We recognize and accept a 7 day return policy as per Reverb guidelines, BUT intentions of the return must be communicated in writing within 3 day of receiving the guitar as indicated by the tracking. Unless the guitar is not as described, ORIGINAL & RETURN SHIPPING COSTS WILL NOT BE REFUNDED. There is a 15% Re-stocking fee for ALL guitars that are returned for ANY reason outside of damage from shipping or it arrives significantly not as described. Please note that we record demo videos to make sure our guitars go out exactly as we describe them with zero issues. We understand that feeling comfortable is vital to the purchase of a guitar/bass so in any case, additional measurements or in hand descriptions are available prior to purchase/shipping. Thats said, guitars travel a great distance some times and in transit things can happen. Also guitars acclimate to new environments and this can cause a need for a new set up or minor adjustment. It is acceptable and normal if there is for instance a tiny bit of buzzing or the need to adjust a truss rod. We are in south Florida and if you are in a colder or less humid environment it is almost to be expected. Please read our feedback and see what our customers say. The guitar MUST BE RETURNED IN THE EXACT CONDITION it was advertised/received or it is subject to additional costs & or repair fees. We are not a big chain shop, I hope you understand. If you are uncomfortable with these terms please do not purchase. There are plenty big chain shops that can absorb free trials and shipping.
Payment - Shipping - International orders - Import Duties
ALL ITEMS CAN BE SHIPPED INTERNATIONALLY. - BUYER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL IMPORT DUTIES.
I accept many forms of payment including PayPal Credit & Affirm. I always pack extremely well and ship within the USA via UPS or Fedex, all packages are fully insured with tracking & signature confirmation.
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