Tokai

Tokai AJB118 Jazz Bass MIJ Trans Red Burst Ash Lightweight 8lb

Name: Tokai AJB118 Jazz Bass MIJ Trans Red Burst Ash Lightweight 8lb
Brand: Tokai
Price: 1099.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1,099.00 USD

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Professor’s Notes

This is one of those basses that makes you want to play a little longer than you planned. The neck has real full-bodied, supportive substance, but the instrument never feels bulky or slow — it feels responsive, dynamic, and alive. Between the ash body, pearl blocks, bound maple neck, matching headstock, and transparent red finish, it has the look of a proper mid-’70s Jazz Bass with the feel that keeps you reaching for it night after night.

Specifications

Model: Tokai AJB118
Origin: Made in Japan
Case/Gig Bag: Includes basic gig bag (brand new Fender FB620 gig bag available at additional cost)
Weight: 8 lbs 2 oz
Nut Width (measured): 1.49"
Width at 12th Fret (measured): 2.22"
Depth at 1st Fret (measured): 0.88"
Depth at 12th Fret (measured): 0.99"
Profile: 70s JB D profile
Body: Ash, 2-piece
Neck: Maple
Fingerboard: Maple
Binding: White
Inlays: Pearl block inlays
Headstock: Matching headstock
Finish: Transparent Red Burst
Scale Length: 34"
Pickup Configuration: 2 single-coil
Electronics: Passive
Controls: Neck Volume, Bridge Volume, Tone
Current Setup: Medium action with 45–100 roundwound strings

Condition

Very good preowned condition with normal signs of careful use. Patina is present on the chrome hardware. Minor finish scratches consistent with regular playing. Small bumps and scuffs visible primarily around the perimeter of the lower bout (pictured where possible). Subtle finish impressions consistent with a previously installed aftermarket bridge are present; these are cosmetic only and do not affect playability or function. Frets show minor wear but have plenty of life remaining with no buzzing. Neck is straight with no signs of warping or waviness. Truss rod functions properly and has adjustment room available in both directions. Electronics function as expected with no signs of modification.

Description

This Tokai AJB118 is a Made in Japan 70s-style Jazz Bass with a feature set that is becoming increasingly difficult to find in a genuinely well-executed instrument. The combination of a 2-piece ash body, bound maple fingerboard, pearl block inlays, matching headstock, and transparent red finish places it firmly in the classic mid-’70s Jazz Bass tradition, but with the consistency and reliability that made Japanese production instruments so respected.

The body grain shows clearly through the transparent finish, reinforcing the ash construction and giving the instrument a strong visual identity without turning it into a novelty piece. It feels purposeful and mature, the kind of instrument that looks right on stage, in the studio, or on a stand in the corner of the room.

The neck is a major part of what makes this bass stand out. With measured dimensions that align closely with vintage 70s Jazz Bass geometry, it has a fuller feel through the shoulders that provides stability and confidence in the hand, yet remains easy and comfortable to play. The string feel is notably supple, and the instrument has a cooperative response that makes longer playing sessions feel natural rather than fatiguing. It works with you, not against you.

Tonally, the pickups deliver exactly what you hope for from a well-sorted Jazz Bass. The neck pickup is round and full, yet retains more focus than many typical J-neck positions, with just enough top end when you want clarity. The bridge pickup delivers quintessential Jazz Bass grunt and growl without becoming honky, with just enough top-end presence to cut through a mix without sounding harsh or overbearing. Together, they create a punchy, articulate voice that feels balanced and usable across a wide range of playing styles.

Just as important, this bass weighs only 8 lbs 2 oz. Many mid-’70s-style Jazz Basses, particularly vintage examples and faithful reissues, can push well into the 10–11 lb range. This one delivers the look and feel of that format without the usual physical burden, making it far easier to live with for rehearsals, gigs, and long sessions.