2000 PRS Santana II

It was always my dream to be able to reproduce Santanas distorted Sound. Since I always played Strats and Teles I never was able to reproduce this sound. I always loved the looks of the PRS guitars but the models I got to play didn't convince me. But since I started to do more studiowork and was able to use different amps and plugins I broadened my view and started actively looking for a Santana Modell. They are quite pricey but had a great review from everybody who had owned one.

When I got the chance to get a Modell from B-Ware that had some Lacquer issues I decided to give it a chance. And yes... now it sounds like Santana. A very fine instrument that has every possible playing comfort a modern guitar requires. Furthermore it is very resonant acousically played. The ideal guitar for my collection! Thanks to the Lacquer issue I use the guitar every day without being afraid of taking it out of it's case.

Not for Sale

This is the second Tokai St 80 in the fantastic Fiesta Red colour which is similar to my Fender Squier. It has a stronger touch of orange in it. The neck is not as thick as my 82 50-ies style but it has the same V-form which is not really accurate regarding 60-ies Strats. But it feels pleasant to play, beeing a little thicker than my JV Squier. I prefer in general Japan Strats to the US Fullerton copies produced between 82-84. Their necks are fuller and this one even more. Very nice. The neck reminds me visually of the good Cunetto necks.

Contrary to my 82 Tokai this one was in a better state regarding electronics and mechanics. Often they are rusted and loose sound. I really dig the E3 PU on this one. On my 82 they sounded dull and I was prepared to change them. On this guitar they sound warm and smooth. The warmest sounding neck pick up I ever played without loosing presence. They sound like on a old Vintage Strat. No need to change PU or electronics. For the moment I only changed the tremolo setting and the springs to raw & vintage springs because the old ones didn't sound open anymore. To me it is perfect that way. A little darkish with a touch of  Hendrix "The Wind Cries Mary".

The instrument has been professionally refretted with Vintage frets. Really nice! Still the best piece of guitar if you look for the old sound on a budget  price. Kills most CS Strats I played.

Update 01.18.21:

I finally changed strings and used the chance to change the saddles with Raw&Vintage saddles. It smoothend sound and playability even more. Was really worth it! The neck pu roars incredibly, wow!!

Update 07.05.23:

A potential buyer remarked that the PU weren't typical for ST-80 ies so I asked Gottfried Schmid from Faber Guitars who is importing Tokai to Germany. He believes that the neck is original ST-80 but the Body/PU is ST-50. It seems for sure that the pickguard isn't original. Which makes it a perfect match for great-player-guitars.ch

It is a Killer Vintage Axe.

Price: 1500 SFr

A killer Stratocaster with the best necks on this planet. This guitar is sonically exceptionally close to the real vintage deal!! The playing comfort is out of this world. Dan simply makes the best vintagestyle Strats. I am not so much a fan of the finish. The same goes for the Kelton Swade finishes. But soundwise they are really close to the real good vintage guitars.

This strat reacts to all the player nuances and is really resonant. It has the quality of deepness without sounding harsh even with the bridge pickup.

I love it!! This guitar is a killer, way better than the last one that I owned.

Not for Sale