1980 Tokai Cat’s Eyes CE-1300CF Martin-Licensed D-35 Dreadnought Vintage Acoustic Guitar w/ Case
$2,299.99
$2,299.99
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Up for sale, a 1980 Tokai Cat’s Eyes CE1300-CF in near-mint condition and complete with the original hardshell case. A rare, upscale model produced exclusively for the Japanese domestic market, this CE-1300T is a remarkably faithful iteration of a Martin D-35, boasting solid tonewoods throughout, X-braced construction, three-piece back, bound ebony fingerboard, ebony belly bridge, and Grover 102C Rotomatic tuners.
Circa 1972, Martin and Tokai began an official partnership, in which Tokai was the exclusive dealer of Martin guitars in Japan, while also producing officially licensed Martin models for the Japanese market under the "Cat's Eyes" banner. On many Cat's Eyes models, the text on the serialized instrument labels would also directly reference Martin, stating "C.F. Martin & Co. Japanese Counterpart."
The Cats Eyes models are among the finest steel string acoustic instruments to ever come out of Japan: this CE1300-CF pairs a solid spruce top with Indian rosewood three-piece back and sides, delivering quintessential Martin dreadnought-style muscle and definition with fantastic balance and an overall even-tempered response. Projection is ample, and the instrument responds particularly well to authoritative strumming, big and bold with a woody dryness that ensures excellent detail and responsiveness. The CE1300-CF weighs 4lbs 15oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 12-53 bronze strings and comfortable action.
Neck Specs:
-Wood: Mahogany
-Shape: Substantial very soft V, measuring .875” 1st fret, .970” 9th fret
-Fretboard: Ebony, dot inlay
-Frets: Slender, light wear beneath the plain strings on frets 1-4
-Scale Length: 25.4”
-Nut: 1 11/16”
-Tuners: Grover 102C Rotomatics
-Serialization: 80-suffix (1980) stamp and model info on heel block
Body Specs:
-Wood: Spruce, Indian rosewood (all solid)
-Bracing: X
-Hardware: Ebony belly bridge with compensated bone saddle (replacement)
-Marquetry: Multi-ply purfling and rosette
This is a crack-free, well-kept example. The gloss “French lacquer polish” finish has ambered gently, and cosmetic wear is limited to a bit of pick scuffing on top and a few faint marks on the back. The gloss on the neck profile is smooth to the palm, with a few shallow marks along the spine of the profile that have no impact on playability.
The original T.C. Gakki Martin replica black tolex hardshell case with green plush interior is included.
Circa 1972, Martin and Tokai began an official partnership, in which Tokai was the exclusive dealer of Martin guitars in Japan, while also producing officially licensed Martin models for the Japanese market under the "Cat's Eyes" banner. On many Cat's Eyes models, the text on the serialized instrument labels would also directly reference Martin, stating "C.F. Martin & Co. Japanese Counterpart."
The Cats Eyes models are among the finest steel string acoustic instruments to ever come out of Japan: this CE1300-CF pairs a solid spruce top with Indian rosewood three-piece back and sides, delivering quintessential Martin dreadnought-style muscle and definition with fantastic balance and an overall even-tempered response. Projection is ample, and the instrument responds particularly well to authoritative strumming, big and bold with a woody dryness that ensures excellent detail and responsiveness. The CE1300-CF weighs 4lbs 15oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 12-53 bronze strings and comfortable action.
Neck Specs:
-Wood: Mahogany
-Shape: Substantial very soft V, measuring .875” 1st fret, .970” 9th fret
-Fretboard: Ebony, dot inlay
-Frets: Slender, light wear beneath the plain strings on frets 1-4
-Scale Length: 25.4”
-Nut: 1 11/16”
-Tuners: Grover 102C Rotomatics
-Serialization: 80-suffix (1980) stamp and model info on heel block
Body Specs:
-Wood: Spruce, Indian rosewood (all solid)
-Bracing: X
-Hardware: Ebony belly bridge with compensated bone saddle (replacement)
-Marquetry: Multi-ply purfling and rosette
This is a crack-free, well-kept example. The gloss “French lacquer polish” finish has ambered gently, and cosmetic wear is limited to a bit of pick scuffing on top and a few faint marks on the back. The gloss on the neck profile is smooth to the palm, with a few shallow marks along the spine of the profile that have no impact on playability.
The original T.C. Gakki Martin replica black tolex hardshell case with green plush interior is included.
