The latest model in Tokai's legendary Talbo series, the "Talbo 3," has arrived! This new version carries on the aluminum body tradition started in 1983, while also evolving with modern features. A Talbo user gives a detailed breakdown of its specs and unique characteristics.
What kind of guitar is the Tokai Talbo?
The History of Tokai and the Background of Talbo's Birth
HISASHIシグネイチャーモデル「LFO×JETSPEEDER」©IKEBE GAKKI Co.,Ltd.
"Tokai Talbo was introduced in 1983 by Tokai （Tokai Gakki Seizo Co., Ltd.）."An 'aluminum body"is the defining feature of this electric guitar. As of June 2025, Ikebe Gakki and Kanda Shokai are licensed distributors in Japan."
In 1983, Tokai served as the official Japanese distributor for three major global brands: Martin, Gretsch, and Ampeg.By handling imports, the company took on after-sales support, which in turn helped them develop guitar-building expertise that they began applying to their own brand.
Initially producing copies of Fender and Gibson models, the company unveiled its original “talbo” model in 1983. Its most distinctive feature was the innovative aluminum alloy body, a departure from the standard wooden construction.
Talbo's aluminum body is crafted using casting technology also employed in automotive engines and aluminum wheel manufacturing, delivering quick response, long sustain, and noise-free performance.
In 1983, it featured a two-ply construction with two pieces welded together, but since 1994, it has adopted a one-piece body without welding. By inserting urethane foam inside the body, the sound has evolved to suppress reverberation.
In the 1990s,Hisashi Imai of the Japanese rock band BUCK-TICKandHISASHI from GLAYbegan using the Talbo, bringing it back into the spotlight. With HISASHI from GLAY, they launched a collaboration called “TALBO Secret FACTORY,” producing numerous signature models.
Tokai Talbo Variations and Features
The Talbo series is an innovative guitar that broke free from imitation to crystallize its own identity and technology. Its distinctive metallic texture, clear projection, and unique appearance continue to be highly regarded today.
| Model name | feature |
|---|---|
| Talbo | Single or humbucker equipped, prototype model |
| Talbo Bass（1987年） | Aluminum-body electric bass |
| Talbo Woody（1999年） | Warm sound from a two-piece wooden body |
| Talbo Junior（2000年） | Aluminum frame & hollow + built-in amplifier |
| Blazing Fire | Made in Korea, featuring acrylic material |
Furthermore, rare models with unique features exist, such as the “Talbo TG” and the 20th anniversary model “Secret Factory.”
The models introduced here are Tokai's domestic models only, and do not include models from overseas, Mitaka Gakki, Ikebe Gakki, and Kanda Shokai.
Talbo3 - Tokai's Latest Model
【新製品】新 #タルボ 第二弾
— 東海楽器製造株式会社 (@tokaiguitars_jp) June 25, 2025
Talbo3 発売開始
Talbo Jr.を彷彿とさせる
無垢材アルミニウムの削り出しボディ
アルマイト加工で耐食性、耐摩耗性の向上
Tokaiの加工技術を余すことなく取り入れた、最高のTalboです。
直販価格：¥396,000(税込)
購入のお申し込み↓https://t.co/vQYW3EXQPT#tokai… pic.twitter.com/He4nnOTXbC
Tokai is a new Talbo product for 20257-string modelfollowed by the A6061 machined aluminum body. The second new #Talbo is the Talbo3, which incorporates a solid aluminum machined body anodizing process reminiscent of the Talbo Jr.Solid aluminum machined bodyIt features anodized processing to enhance corrosion and wear resistance. This is the latest Talbo model utilizing Tokai's cutting-edge processing technology.
The specifications for Talbo3 are as follows
- Model name :Talbo3
- Body :Aluminum (machined)
- Color :SG,BR,RD
- Neck :Maple
- Fingerboard :Rosewood
- Scale :648mm
- Fret :SBB-215 22F
- toner :GOTOH SG510-A07-XC
- Bridge :Wilkinson VS100N
- Pickups :L-WHITE LWS-1×2（Neck、Middle）、L-WHITE LWH-1×1（Bridge）
- Control :NECK/NECK+MIDDLE/MIDDLE/MIDDLE+BRIDGE/BRIDGE
Following the 7-string model, the 2025 TALBO lineup features a new release made from a solid block of A6061 aluminum!
The overall size, neck, pickguard, and tremolo follow the standard TALBO format, but the body is designed with a skeletal structure similar to the EVO model.
The body is hollowed out beneath the pickguard and filled with urethane to prevent resonance. The tremolo uses two springs with tubing inserted for anti-vibration measures.
Because the Wilkinson tremolo block uses the standard 42mm size, it protrudes from the 30mm thick body, so a bulging backplate is installed.
Pickups are equipped with original LWS-1 ×2 and LWH-1 ×1.
It’s a lightweight model at approximately 3.2 kg, offering a lighter feel compared to the usual heavy TALBO sound.Source: Ikebe Gakki Online Store
The “Talbo3” is expected to be available from early July, and can be ordered from the official Tokai website. In addition, Ikebe Musical Instruments is also planning to receive the product in early July.
Tokai Official siteMy impressions after actually using the Tokai Talbo (Woody)
The Tokai Talbo is best known for its aluminum body, but the “Talbo Woody” is a wooden body model. Though it didn't catch on with the general public and had a short lifespan, its tone and playability hold an unexpected charm.
The sound and playing comfort betrayed Tokai's character in a good way, and I summarized the features of Talbo Woody and my impression of it compared to Strat and Les Paul.
- Scale : 655mm(actual size), long scale
- Weight : Impression as same as Strat.
- Fret : 22
- Neck: Slightly slimmer than a Strat, making it easier to grip
- Sound: Well-balanced across the entire range from low to high frequencies with consistent clarity
First of all, it looks similar to a Strat in terms of scale and weight. However, the number of frets is 22, and the pickups are the same as those of a Les Paul, with humbuckers. As expected, it does not have as much power as a Les Paul, but it is not as thin as a Strat.
This guitar was about 18 years old when it was purchased, and it was used even at the time of purchase, so it will forever remain a mystery to me whether Talbo Woody had a model with humbuckers from the beginning, or even if the previous owner had it customized (Haha).
It is also surprising that there is no major neck warping or twisting even today, despite the fact that it has already been quite a few years since its purchase (about 18 years + used purchase). It can be seen that Tokai's technical skill at that time was very high.
Who is the Tokai Talbo recommended for?
Talbo3「ACV-501-SH」©IKEBE GAKKI Co.,Ltd.
Tokai Talbo is an electric guitar with a distinctive aluminum body. It is perfect for those who are looking for a guitar that looks different from the rest and are attracted to its unique looks and futuristic design.
With its focus on quick response, low noise, and sustain, it can also be recommended for those who place importance on sound rise (response) and sustain. Those who are particular about guitar construction and materials may also fall in love with the maniacal construction of cast aluminum, solid machining, and urethane filling.
In addition, there are many artist models and collaborative models, especially one that fans of HISASHI of GLAY and Hisashi Imai of BUCK-TICK would like to play at least once.
Summary & Check out the Tokai Talbo
Talbo「A-101SH」©IKEBE GAKKI Co.,Ltd.
From an introduction to the specifications and features of Tokai Talbo “Talbo3”, the history and variations of Talbo, and my impressions of the actual use of Tokai Talbo (Woody), I summarized the following information.
The “Talbo3” is a lightweight prototype weighing only 3.7 kg, and is easy to handle.
Tokai Talbo has a variety of models, so find your favorite one!
Tokai's first 7-string guitar is here.
Click here to see Tokai Talbo at a more affordable price point.
*The information on this page is current as of June 2025. Please check the official website for the latest distribution status.
