I don't think the QA was better then. There's tremendous variability in those older guitars. Arguably, the wood quality was better, but top makers today are still getting their hands on great wood. It's just more expensive.
One of my favorites is a well-played 1980 Tokai. In its day, it was a "cheap guitar", considered inferior to American instruments, but it's magical. It's better than Fender Custom Shops I've played - but I imagine 35 years from now, they'll be much better.
One of my favorites is a well-played 1980 Tokai. In its day, it was a "cheap guitar", considered inferior to American instruments, but it's magical. It's better than Fender Custom Shops I've played - but I imagine 35 years from now, they'll be much better.