Tokai “Talbo3” goes on sale! Thorough Dissection of New Guitar Specs and Talbo's Appeal

2025年7月5日

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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.

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What kind of guitar is the Tokai Talbo?

The history of Tokai

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'"が特徴のエレキギターです。2025年6月現在、国内では池部楽器店がライセンス販売を行なっています。

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.

At first, they produced copy models of Fender and Gibson guitars, but eventually developed their own original electric guitar — the aluminum-bodied “Talbo.” While most guitars are made of wood, the Talbo features a body crafted from an aluminum alloy.

At the time, the Talbo was a remarkably innovative and cutting-edge guitar. Its aluminum body enabled quick response, long sustain, and low noise.Interestingly, the Talbo’s aluminum body is made using the same casting process used to produce car engines and aluminum wheels.

Back in 1983, the guitar featured a two-ply structure—like a bento box with a lid—welded together. But from 1994 onward, Tokai introduced a seamless one-piece body.To reduce resonance, the one-piece body is filled with polyurethane foam—a sponge-like material.

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.

Variations and evolution of the Tokai Talbo

The Tokai Talbo is an innovative guitar in which Tokai has broken away from copying and crystallized its own identity and technology. Its unique metal texture, sound release, and unique looks are still highly regarded by enthusiasts today.

Tokai Talbo has evolved from the original model to its successor.

Model name	feature
Talbo	Single or humbucker equipped, prototype model
Talbo Bass（1987年）	Electric bass made with aluminum body like Talbo
Talbo Woody（1999年）	Wooden 2-piece body, warm wooden sound
Talbo Junior（2000年）	Aluminum frame & hollow + built-in amplifier
Blazing Fire	Made in Korea, featuring acrylic material

here is also another model called the "Talbo TG." In addition, the 20th-anniversary limited edition Secret Factory Talbo includes rare models with unique features such as a "laser gun."

The models introduced here are Tokai's domestic models only, and do not include models from overseas, Mitaka Gakki, Ikebe Gakki, and Kanda Shokai.

The second new Talbo, Talbo 3, is now available for pre-order!

【新製品】新 #タルボ第二弾
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
— 東海楽器製造株式会社 (@tokaiguitars_jp) June 25, 2025

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.

The specifications for Talbo3 are as follows

Model name :Talbo3
Body :aluminum
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 site

My impressions after actually using the Tokai Talbo (Woody)

The most distinctive feature of the Tokai Talbo is its aluminum body, but there is also a wood-body model called the “Talbo Woody”. However, there is a wood-body model called “Talbo Woody”. This series was short-lived because it was not popular among the general public, and is now a rare model.

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 : Talbo Woody seems thinner than Strat, easier to grip
sound : Grain is well balanced from bass to treble.

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?

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

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.