1981 Tokai Cat’s Eyes CE-1200T Martin-Licensed 000-28 Herringbone Vintage Guitar

Description: Up for sale, a 1981 Tokai Cat’s Eyes CE-1200T in near-mint, 100% original condition, complete with the original hardshell case and hangtags. A rare, upscale model produced exclusively for the Japanese domestic market, this CE-1200T is a remarkably faithful iteration of a Pre-War Martin 000-28. Circa 1972, Martin and Tokai began an official partnership, in which Tokai was the exclusive dealer of Martin guitars in Japan, while also producing officially licensed Martin models for the Japanese market under the "Cat's Eyes" banner. On many Cat's Eyes models, the text on the serialized instrument labels would also directly reference Martin, stating "C.F. Martin & Co. Japanese Counterpart." The Cats Eyes models are among the finest steel string acoustic instruments to ever come out of Japan, and features of the CE-1200 include solid tonewoods throughout, X-braced construction, a gloss “French lacquer polish” finish, and herringbone purfling. Pairing a spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides, this Tokai Cat's Eyes deliver the traditional tonal profile of the 000 body shape. Projection is ample, and the instrument responds equally well to delicate fingerpicking and more authoritative strumming, offering exquisite detail, string-to-string balance and dynamic responsiveness. The lows are round and clear, the midrange is buttery smooth, and the trebles have a sweet bloom and sparkling cut. This CE-1200T weighs 4lbs 5oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 12-53 bronze strings and easy-playing action. Neck Specs: -Wood: Mahogany -Shape: Substantial soft V, measuring .880” 1st fret, .980” 12th fret -Fretboard: Ebony, snowflake inlay -Frets: Slender, virtually no wear -Scale Length: 24.9” -Nut: 1 11/16”, bone -Tuners: Kluson-style, Tokai-branded -Serialization: 81-suffix stamp and model details on heel block Body Specs: -Wood: Spruce top, Indian rosewood back and sides (all solid) -Bracing: X-braced -Hardware: Ebony belly bridge with bone saddle -Plastics: Tortoise pickguard -Marquetry: Herringbone purfling and backstrip (back), ambered binding The gloss “French lacquer polish” finish has ambered gently, and cosmetic wear is limited to a few minor dings on top at the lower bout and a few finish scratches on the back. The neck profile retains its smooth gloss, with a couple shallow nicks along the profile length that don't distract the palm while fretting. The original T.C. Gakki Martin replica black tolex hardshell case with green plush interior is included, along with the hangtag and factory documentation.

Price: 2999.99 USD

Location: Seattle, Washington

End Time: 2024-11-28T08:26:46.000Z

Shipping Cost: 150 USD