First of all,this Tonika was made at the "Kavkaz" - Ordjonikidze factory of musical instruments according to the neck plate.I can't read russian. I sent photos to cheesyguitars.com and they sent this email:
"Hello Mitch,
Congratulations once again, The neckplate says it's from Ordjonikidze. I've only seen this type of Ordjonikidze plate once, it's pretty rare. Ordjonikidze guitars usually have a "simple" neckplate with just a number. If your guitar is stock, it's pretty rare. I mean, the neck inlays must be from Sverdlovsk, but who knows, it's possible earlier Tonikas could have similar specifications."
It has had the out put jack change to standard 1/4" jack.That is the only modification that I am aware of
The big knob is a pickup selector.It has 4 positions:both pickups on,bridge only,neck only and both pickups off.The other knobs are volume and tone(which seems to have no effect on the sound)
What I like about this guitar
The pickups: Actually I like the pickups alot. They have a bright(dare,I say) jangley sound ,great for brit invasion/spy movie soundtrack/surf etc.I have a Fender amp and a Vox amp and this guitar is well suited to both.
The tuners:They are pretty good being a simple but efficient industrial design I would not change them
The body:As hideous as it may appear,it is actually very comfortable to play sitting down.Standing up it is pretty well balanced and is not as heavy as I feared(about 10 lbs).
What I don't like
No trussrod: the action is kinda high
Binding is paint over fret ends
Weird body shape wont fit my guitar stands
WOW! What a hog's leg!!!