1981 Tokai Springy Sound "Oldie but Goodie" ST-50R
Pre CBS Style '64 Stratocaster with Rosewood Fingerboard Style Reissue
Serial: 1019424
Made in Japan
Alder Body
CBS Headstock Shape
Medium C Profile Neck
Weight 7.8 lbs
Nut 1.67
Thickness of the Neck at the First Fret .85 and .91 at the Twelfth
Maple Neck & Rosewood Fingerboard
7.25 Radius
Comes with Gig Bag Pictured
$$$ 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!
🔥 “OLDIE BUT GOODIE. 1981 TOKAI MAGIC.” 🔥
1981 Tokai Springy Sound ST-50R ’64 Stratocaster Style Reissue
This is pure early-’80s Japanese Strat perfection.
A 1981 Tokai Springy Sound ST-50R — the highly regarded “Oldie but Goodie” model that proudly declared itself “the exact replica of the good old Strat.” Built during Tokai’s golden era, this ’64-style reissue captures the mid-’60s Strat feel and vibe with the precision and consistency Japanese builders were famous for at the time. Before Fender Japan even tried to make a vintage line, Tokai was nailing the classics.
Expect classic Strat DNA: resonant alder body, comfortable maple neck with rosewood board, vintage-spec radius and frets, and that lively, dynamic response that makes these early Springy Sounds so addictive. The original Tokai "U" single-coils deliver sparkling cleans, glassy chime, throaty midrange, and the classic quack in the in-between positions that Strat players live for.
Condition? Excellent for a 1981 instrument. A couple of light scratches primarily on the back and a few small nicks are the only cosmetic notes — overall it presents cleanly and has clearly been well cared for. Professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability: low, smooth action, perfect intonation, and ready to inspire the moment you plug in.
These early-’80s Tokai Springy Sounds have earned legendary status among players and collectors for their build quality, tone, and vintage-correct details. Finding a clean ST-50R from 1981 in this shape is increasingly uncommon.
If you’ve been hunting for a real-deal Japanese Strat from the lawsuit era that plays great, sounds authentic, and still looks sharp… this Oldie but Goodie is ready.
Serious Strat players only.
This one won’t hang around.
Specs:
- 1 piece Japanese Ash (Sen) body with beautiful grain
- Maple neck w Rosewood Fingerboard
- 7.25" Fingerboard radius
- Comfortable C neck profile
- 21 vintage frets
- 3x Tokai U vintage voiced single coil pickups
- 1x Master Volume control
- 2x Tone control for middle and neck pickups
- 5-way pickup selector
- Vintage Stratocaster style bridge and tremolo system with Tokai stamped saddles
- Vintage Kluson style tuners
🔥 This guitar (or bass) has been professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. Unless otherwise noted in the listing, It features low action with no buzzing or dead spots, perfect intonation, a brand-new set of American-made Ernie Ball strings, and a straight neck with a fully functional truss rod. We make sure all frets are leveled, dressed, crowned, and polished to a mirror shine. The fingerboard has been thoroughly cleaned (unfinished rosewood and ebony boards are treated with Fret Doctor, a premium all-natural oil). All electronics function flawlessly. The guitar has been deep-cleaned and detailed and arrives stage- or studio-ready. 🔥
About The Guitar Dude
Three-time NAMM Top 100 Dealer worldwide. Specializing in premium Gibson, classic Fender guitars from all eras and the best Japanese made treasures. Known for the highest-quality consignment sales and custom layaway plans (available on select guitars and extendable beyond 45 days to fit your budget—contact us for details).
Often copied, never duplicated. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for beautiful guitar content.
Consignment Services
Like what you see? Let us go to work for you. We offer the best and most fair priced consignment service on the planet! Look for me online. @TheGuitarDude
Our Guarantee
We stand behind every guitar we sell. “Good enough” is never good enough. Every instrument is inspected, set up, and tested by multiple people immediately before shipping. We deliver the highest standard of quality and have built a reputation as a three-time NAMM Top 100 Dealer since 2009. The Dude Abides.
Neck & Setup - (unless otherwise noted)
- Neck is perfectly straight with no truss-rod issues.
- Intonation is spot-on.
- Professionally set up with low action and new American-made strings.
- All frets are dressed, leveled, crowned (if needed), and all frets on all guitars are polished to shine like new with no divots.
Return Policy, Restocking Fees & No Tire-Kicking Policy
We follow Reverb’s 7-day return policy. However:
- You must
notify us in writing within 3 days of delivery (per tracking) of your intent to return.
- Original shipping and return shipping costs are not refunded unless the guitar is damaged in transit or is significantly not as described.
- A 15% restocking fee applies to all returns for any reason other than damage in transit or significantly not as described. Please note there is a 10% restocking fee on guitar orders that have been purchased and paid for - that have been off the market for 24 hours or more, even if they have not been shipped or picked up by the carrier. We perform a final set up and change strings put when an order is placed and paid for. NO EXCEPTIONS
We do our best to honestly describe and photograph every guitar and most of the noticeable imperfections. That said, we are human, if something very small can be overseen, if tiny marks, dings or super fine scratches (normal wear) bother you, please don't buy.
We record demo videos of every guitar before shipping to document exact condition and performance. Additional photos, measurements, or in-hand descriptions are available upon request prior to purchase.
Minor adjustments and tweaks to a set up (for example to correct a slight buzz or truss-rod tweak) are normal after shipping due to carrier mishandling the package, climate & atmospheric changes, especially when moving from South Florida to colder or less humid environments. These slight issues do not constitute “significantly not as described.” Guitars must be returned in the exact same condition as received/advertised or additional repair/restocking fees will apply.
We are a small family owned and run business, not a big-chain retailer. We invest significant time, money and effort into every guitar. This is a NO TIRE-KICKING shop. There is no post purchase haggling, returns without restocking fees or partial refunds. If minor cosmetic marks, tiny imperfections, or the possibility of a post-shipping setup tweak makes you uncomfortable, please do not buy. Plenty of large retailers offer free trials and can absorb shipping costs—we do not.
Payment, Shipping & International Duties
- All items can be shipped internationally. Buyer is fully responsible for all import duties, taxes, and customs fees.
- We accept PayPal, PayPal Credit, Affirm, and other major payment methods.
- Most U.S. shipments are sent via UPS or FedEx with full insurance, tracking, and signature confirmation. All packages are professionally packed for maximum protection.
International Shipping Note
International shipping prices shown are for most countries. Certain countries have higher costs. We try and avoid USPS and mostly ship UPS, but USPS is the only available or reasonable carrier in certain situations. Express services (UPS, DHL, FedEx) are always available. We can’t under value merchandise as it can not be properly insured. If you would like to discuss different avenues, contact us by phone for a personalized quote.
Thank you for considering The Guitar Dude. We look forward to earning your business and delivering a guitar that exceeds your expectations. Contact us anytime for questions, consignment inquiries, layaway details, or a personalized shipping quote.
1981 Tokai Springy Sound "Oldie but Goodie" ST-50R
Pre CBS Style '64 Stratocaster with Rosewood Fingerboard Style Reissue
Serial: 1019424
Made in Japan
Alder Body
CBS Headstock Shape
Medium C Profile Neck
Weight 7.8 lbs
Nut 1.67
Thickness of the Neck at the First Fret .85 and .91 at the Twelfth
Maple Neck & Rosewood Fingerboard
7.25 Radius
Comes with Gig Bag Pictured
$$$ 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!
🔥 “OLDIE BUT GOODIE. 1981 TOKAI MAGIC.” 🔥
1981 Tokai Springy Sound ST-50R ’64 Stratocaster Style Reissue
This is pure early-’80s Japanese Strat perfection.
A 1981 Tokai Springy Sound ST-50R — the highly regarded “Oldie but Goodie” model that proudly declared itself “the exact replica of the good old Strat.” Built during Tokai’s golden era, this ’64-style reissue captures the mid-’60s Strat feel and vibe with the precision and consistency Japanese builders were famous for at the time. Before Fender Japan even tried to make a vintage line, Tokai was nailing the classics.
Expect classic Strat DNA: resonant alder body, comfortable maple neck with rosewood board, vintage-spec radius and frets, and that lively, dynamic response that makes these early Springy Sounds so addictive. The original Tokai "U" single-coils deliver sparkling cleans, glassy chime, throaty midrange, and the classic quack in the in-between positions that Strat players live for.
Condition? Excellent for a 1981 instrument. A couple of light scratches primarily on the back and a few small nicks are the only cosmetic notes — overall it presents cleanly and has clearly been well cared for. Professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability: low, smooth action, perfect intonation, and ready to inspire the moment you plug in.
These early-’80s Tokai Springy Sounds have earned legendary status among players and collectors for their build quality, tone, and vintage-correct details. Finding a clean ST-50R from 1981 in this shape is increasingly uncommon.
If you’ve been hunting for a real-deal Japanese Strat from the lawsuit era that plays great, sounds authentic, and still looks sharp… this Oldie but Goodie is ready.
Serious Strat players only.
This one won’t hang around.
Specs:
- 1 piece Japanese Ash (Sen) body with beautiful grain
- Maple neck w Rosewood Fingerboard
- 7.25" Fingerboard radius
- Comfortable C neck profile
- 21 vintage frets
- 3x Tokai U vintage voiced single coil pickups
- 1x Master Volume control
- 2x Tone control for middle and neck pickups
- 5-way pickup selector
- Vintage Stratocaster style bridge and tremolo system with Tokai stamped saddles
- Vintage Kluson style tuners
🔥 This guitar (or bass) has been professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. Unless otherwise noted in the listing, It features low action with no buzzing or dead spots, perfect intonation, a brand-new set of American-made Ernie Ball strings, and a straight neck with a fully functional truss rod. We make sure all frets are leveled, dressed, crowned, and polished to a mirror shine. The fingerboard has been thoroughly cleaned (unfinished rosewood and ebony boards are treated with Fret Doctor, a premium all-natural oil). All electronics function flawlessly. The guitar has been deep-cleaned and detailed and arrives stage- or studio-ready. 🔥
About The Guitar Dude
Three-time NAMM Top 100 Dealer worldwide. Specializing in premium Gibson, classic Fender guitars from all eras and the best Japanese made treasures. Known for the highest-quality consignment sales and custom layaway plans (available on select guitars and extendable beyond 45 days to fit your budget—contact us for details).
Often copied, never duplicated. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for beautiful guitar content.
Consignment Services
Like what you see? Let us go to work for you. We offer the best and most fair priced consignment service on the planet! Look for me online. @TheGuitarDude
Our Guarantee
We stand behind every guitar we sell. “Good enough” is never good enough. Every instrument is inspected, set up, and tested by multiple people immediately before shipping. We deliver the highest standard of quality and have built a reputation as a three-time NAMM Top 100 Dealer since 2009. The Dude Abides.
Neck & Setup - (unless otherwise noted)
- Neck is perfectly straight with no truss-rod issues.
- Intonation is spot-on.
- Professionally set up with low action and new American-made strings.
- All frets are dressed, leveled, crowned (if needed), and all frets on all guitars are polished to shine like new with no divots.
Return Policy, Restocking Fees & No Tire-Kicking Policy
We follow Reverb’s 7-day return policy. However:
- You must
notify us in writing within 3 days of delivery (per tracking) of your intent to return.
- Original shipping and return shipping costs are not refunded unless the guitar is damaged in transit or is significantly not as described.
- A 15% restocking fee applies to all returns for any reason other than damage in transit or significantly not as described. Please note there is a 10% restocking fee on guitar orders that have been purchased and paid for - that have been off the market for 24 hours or more, even if they have not been shipped or picked up by the carrier. We perform a final set up and change strings put when an order is placed and paid for. NO EXCEPTIONS
We do our best to honestly describe and photograph every guitar and most of the noticeable imperfections. That said, we are human, if something very small can be overseen, if tiny marks, dings or super fine scratches (normal wear) bother you, please don't buy.
We record demo videos of every guitar before shipping to document exact condition and performance. Additional photos, measurements, or in-hand descriptions are available upon request prior to purchase.
Minor adjustments and tweaks to a set up (for example to correct a slight buzz or truss-rod tweak) are normal after shipping due to carrier mishandling the package, climate & atmospheric changes, especially when moving from South Florida to colder or less humid environments. These slight issues do not constitute “significantly not as described.” Guitars must be returned in the exact same condition as received/advertised or additional repair/restocking fees will apply.
We are a small family owned and run business, not a big-chain retailer. We invest significant time, money and effort into every guitar. This is a NO TIRE-KICKING shop. There is no post purchase haggling, returns without restocking fees or partial refunds. If minor cosmetic marks, tiny imperfections, or the possibility of a post-shipping setup tweak makes you uncomfortable, please do not buy. Plenty of large retailers offer free trials and can absorb shipping costs—we do not.
Payment, Shipping & International Duties
- All items can be shipped internationally. Buyer is fully responsible for all import duties, taxes, and customs fees.
- We accept PayPal, PayPal Credit, Affirm, and other major payment methods.
- Most U.S. shipments are sent via UPS or FedEx with full insurance, tracking, and signature confirmation. All packages are professionally packed for maximum protection.
International Shipping Note
International shipping prices shown are for most countries. Certain countries have higher costs. We try and avoid USPS and mostly ship UPS, but USPS is the only available or reasonable carrier in certain situations. Express services (UPS, DHL, FedEx) are always available. We can’t under value merchandise as it can not be properly insured. If you would like to discuss different avenues, contact us by phone for a personalized quote.
Thank you for considering The Guitar Dude. We look forward to earning your business and delivering a guitar that exceeds your expectations. Contact us anytime for questions, consignment inquiries, layaway details, or a personalized shipping quote.
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