I've had two Orvilles, both made by Terada. I still have the white custom that looks very much like this one. Both guitars are outstanding examples of what was being produced in Japan during the 80's and 90's. And, as someone who's owned quite a few Gibsons and Epiphones, I can definitely say that they're much closer in all the right ways to Gibsons. Well made ones at that!
Orville guitars are awesome, in my opinion they are almost comparable with Gibson guitars, as of today they are absolutely higher quality than Epiphanies for sure. Great video, thanks.
I have a 1993 59 reissue OBG. Lemondrop flamed maplemcap. One piece mahogany body, fret nibs, long neck tenon. Genuine 57 PAFs. My luthier said it’s as pro a guitar as you could get. Sounds like greeny in the right hands!
Orville guitars were not intended for sale in the USA. They reproduced many classic models not available in the standard Gibson usa line at the time. Quality was as good or often better than the usa made guitars. I knew an independent broker/ dealer at that time and he had connections with Japanese collectors and he would deal with them to bring some of the japan-only models in..at the time he could get them for $250-300 and flip them quickly because the network of working musicians that were his regular clients ,realized how good they were. So they could keep their vintage gear safe at home and gig with the copies that were very close to the original vintage usa pieces. Most people couldnt tell the difference. Once the exchange rate on the yen became unfavorable he couldn't make any money on them as prices began to rise . But those who were wise, got them while they could. I got out of the market in the mid-90s so don't know how things developed from that point. Cool stuff. Thanks for the info!
some ObGs came with 'proper' pickups, like the classic 57s (often the reissue LPs), while mine, a 93 FV-74 (flying v, terada made) i found out had TM490 pickups - medium output, but sort of shrill sounding like dirty fingers - so not really any pickups i've seen in use in the gibson usa lineup. i felt sorta-kinda taken a bit back by that, but i have guitars with classic 57s and the regular 490/498s so i can't be bothered to swap them. bought the guitar for more than i could've gotten a gibson usa cherry V for, so the collector's premium thing is indeed true.
@@DressedInBlackI just got a crazy rare Orville by Gibson, I could have got a brand new Gibson. I’m glad I didn’t - it’s the best playing custom i have played by far and this top is super rare, it’s the pretty…. 1992, not in the Fujigen this time, terada factory i think. Soooo goooood
Old man learns new trick ! Now I have to go check my local music stores and online outlets for a new brand I’ve never heard of before , or at least never paid any attention to . Anyways , thanks for the info , I’m still trying to learn all I can . Now I’m wondering how many (if any) I’ve walked past and never paid any attention to .
