1979 Tokai LS-50 "Les Paul Reborn" MIJ Cherry Sunburst w/OHSC

9lbs 1oz.

Very good/excellent condition for it's age! Appears to be all original. Plays ridiculously well. Almost as if it's been plekked. Freshly setup and restrung. There is a cloudy area in the finish on the bass side of headstock. Also some pitting in the plating of the tailpiece and the neck pickup ring is cracked but doesn effect playability. Almost no fretwear and no evidence of fretwork. There are many light scratches and blemishes with the majority being on the back. See pics.  

The 1979 Tokai LS-50 Les Paul Reborn is a highly regarded vintage electric guitar from Japan’s “lawsuit era,” known for its faithful reproduction of the late-1950s Gibson Les Paul Standard. Though originally positioned as Tokai’s entry-level model in the Reborn series, it has gained cult status for its exceptional build quality, tonal authenticity, and historical significance.

Introduced in 1978 and produced through the early 1980s, the LS-50 Reborn predates Tokai’s more famous Love Rock series. It was designed to closely mimic the specs and aesthetics of the iconic 1958–1959 Les Pauls, featuring:

Body: Mahogany back with a maple top (often 3-piece)
Neck: One-piece mahogany with a medium “C” profile
Fretboard: Rosewood with trapezoid inlays
Finish: Polyurethane (not nitrocellulose), which has helped many examples retain their glossy appearance over decades
Hardware: ABR-1-style bridge, stopbar tailpiece, Kluson-style tuners
Pickups: Original PCB-wired humbuckers (often replaced or upgraded by owners)
Weight: Typically between 8–10 lbs
Despite being the “budget” model compared to the LS-80 or LS-100, the LS-50 is praised for its resonant tone, solid construction, and vintage-correct dimensions like the long neck tenon and 1-11/16" nut width.

As of 2026, well-preserved 1979 LS-50 Reborn guitars are considered collectible. Prices vary based on condition, originality, and finish:

Cherry Sunburst and Goldtop finishes are most common
Black finishes are rarer and may command higher prices
Original hardshell cases (often green-lined Lifton-style) add significant value

Since 1979, we at Mom's Music have worked hard to make the Louisville, KY music scene something special.  Now, we’re working hard to share what makes us great with the world.  We take pride in our care and attention to detail regarding every instrument and musician that comes through the store, and every instrument we receive gets a thorough inspection and setup when it arrives in our shop and prior to shipment.
All orders placed will require a signature upon arrival.  If a different arrangement is preferred, send us a message or give us a call.