Tokai AST-108 S-Style MIJ Blue Burst Transparent Ash Rosewood Alnico 2 Made in Japan

🚚 Fast, Reliable Shipping from Phoenix, AZ — This preowned instrument will be packed securely, fully insured, and shipped with signature confirmation.

Condition
This guitar is conservatively rated as Excellent condition. Built in 2016, it presents very close to new old stock, with only minimal signs of handling and protective plastic film still present on the pickups and pickguard. There is little to no fretwear.

The neck is straight with no signs of warping or waviness, and the truss rod has ample adjustment room in both directions. All electronics function exactly as intended.

A thorough multi-point inspection, cleaning, and professional setup has been completed. This guitar is currently set for medium action with new D’Addario 10–46 roundwound strings, proper relief, accurate intonation across the neck, and carefully dialed-in pickup height.

A basic padded gig bag is included, along with the original tools and warranty card. Upgraded gig bag or hard case options are available for an additional fee upon request.

Please inspect and test used/vintage items promptly upon delivery.

Professor’s Notes
The transparent blue burst over ash gives this guitar presence, but it earns its keep through a lively, responsive feel that stands out immediately. The transparent blue burst over ash has real depth, and the body responds with the kind of lively, resonant feel that makes you want to keep going. If you’re looking for a Strat-style instrument that feels more special than standard issue, this is a particularly strong example.

Specifications
Model: Tokai Goldstar Sound AST108 BBS/R
Year: 2016
Country of Manufacture: Japan

Weight: 8 lbs 8 oz
Case: Basic Padded Gig Bag

Neck Measurements
Nut Width: 1.65 in
12th Fret Width: 2.05 in
1st Fret Depth: 0.84 in
12th Fret Depth: 0.98 in
Neck Profile: Medium U

Body
Body Wood: Ash
Finish: Transparent Blue Burst (Gloss Polyurethane)

Neck
Neck Wood: Canadian Hard Rock Maple
Fingerboard: Indian Rosewood
Scale Length: 25.5 in
Fingerboard Radius: 9.5 in
Frets: 22, Sanko SBB-214 (Medium) — Made in Japan
Nut Material: Cow Bone
Position Inlays: Pearloid Dot

Hardware
Tuners: Gotoh SD91-05M Vintage-Style
Bridge: Tokai Vintage-Style Tremolo
Hardware Finish: Nickel / Chrome

Electronics
Pickups: Tokai Vintage-Style Single-Coil Set
Switching: 5-Way Blade
Controls: Master Volume, Tone 1, Tone 2

Description
The Goldstar Sound AST-108 represents Tokai’s modern interpretation of the classic Strat formula built with traditional materials and executed with the consistency and precision that define contemporary Japanese manufacturing.

The ash body gives this guitar a fast, punchy attack with piano-like focus and excellent note separation, while the transparent Blue Burst finish highlights the grain rather than hiding it. It’s visually distinctive without being flashy, which is very much in line with Tokai’s philosophy of letting the instrument speak first.

The medium-U maple neck strikes a comfortable balance between substance and playability. It fills the hand enough to feel stable and confident, yet remains agile for long sessions. Tokai’s fretwork is a standout here: clean, level, and precise, allowing the guitar to intonate accurately and respond predictably across the entire neck.

Tonally, this instrument delivers the familiar clarity and chime players expect from a Strat-style guitar, but with a slightly more focused low end and articulate top register. It responds immediately to picking dynamics and volume adjustments, making it equally comfortable in a recording environment, rehearsal space, or live rig.

This is a guitar that rewards players who value consistency, responsiveness, and musical control. It feels settled, reliable, and ready to work—exactly what a well-built Japanese instrument should be.

Why Buy From Professor Nigel’s
Curated, Working-Player Instruments — Every instrument here earns its place by solving a real musical problem—not by filling wall space.
Professional Setup Included — Each instrument receives a detailed inspection and professional setup before shipping, so it arrives stable, accurate, and ready to play.
Real Support from a Working Shop — Clear communication, careful packing, and practical help before and after the sale from people who use the gear themselves.