Orville by Gibson, anyone??

[Stringmachine]

Anyone heard about Orville by Gibson? Made in Japan by Fuji Gen Gakki.
It is a Firebird, with all the "right" looks, mini humbuckers etc.

What is this?
Quality?
Is this like the Epiphone version?

http://www.guitargai.com/html_folder/gai_orvilleI.html#

The one I can buy has a Gibson logo instead of the Orvill by... type.

Please help me out on this one...

 

[danglybanger]

Re: Orville by Gibson, anyone??

Japanese made gibsons, for the Japanese market, now marketted in US as Epiphone Elitist. From what I've heard they're of comperable quality to american instruments, and use American pickups. Some even claim they are better, but I haven't tried one for myself, though I'll probably wind up buying an Orville at some point.

They were never officially sold in the US, so you can only get them from importers or off ebay... they aren't currently made also.(editted- sorry... just noticed you aren't in US :smack:

I'd buy it. Yummy

slade

 

[kherman]

Re: Orville by Gibson, anyone??

Also, there were two lines of Orville guitars.
Orville and Orville by Gibson.
Orville was the less expensive models. Feature poly finishes, Gotoh pickups, photo flame tops, etc..
Where as the OBG models had lacquer finishes, USA pickups, veneer tops, etc..

Both are considered very well made guitars.
The Orville/OBG line was eventually renamed Epiphone Japan, then renamed Epiphone elite/elitist. All were made in the same factory.

Personally I think if Gibson would have used the Orville name instead of Epi Elitist, the
Elitist line would get the respect it deserves. The line would have been accepted better and easier. Putting the Epi name on that line has made it a slow acceptance. But, people are coming around and realizing the quality of the Elitists now.

Another note.
Both the Orville brands and Tokai brand usually end up costing more. Mainly because they are the more known replicas.
There are just as nice Japan replicas by Burny/Fernandes, Edwards/ESP, Greco, Ornetts, Bacchaus,
as well as 70's/80's replicas by Ibanez, Yamaha, Aria Pro, and more.

To me Guitargai's prices are high.
Keep an eye on ebay. Many direct Japan dealers. You can save a few bucks.

Also, check out www.tokairegistry.com much info on Tokai and other japan replicas can be learned there.

Kent

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Orville by Gibson, anyone??

Also, there were two lines of Orville guitars.
Orville and Orville by Gibson.
Orville was the less expensive models. Feature poly finishes, Gotoh pickups, photo flame tops, etc..
Where as the OBG models had lacquer finishes, USA pickups, veneer tops, etc..

Both are considered very well made guitars.
The Orville/OBG line was eventually renamed Epiphone Japan, then renamed Epiphone elite/elitist. All were made in the same factory.

Personally I think if Gibson would have used the Orville name instead of Epi Elitist, the
Elitist line would get the respect it deserves. The line would have been accepted better and easier. Putting the Epi name on that line has made it a slow acceptance. But, people are coming around and realizing the quality of the Elitists now.

Another note.
Both the Orville brands and Tokai brand usually end up costing more. Mainly because they are the more known replicas.
There are just as nice Japan replicas by Burny/Fernandes, Edwards/ESP, Greco, Ornetts, Bacchaus,
as well as 70's/80's replicas by Ibanez, Yamaha, Aria Pro, and more.

To me Guitargai's prices are high.
Keep an eye on ebay. Many direct Japan dealers. You can save a few bucks.

Also, check out www.tokairegistry.com much info on Tokai and other japan replicas can be learned there.

Kent

Thats good info...if you are looking for a KILLER MIJ guitar for a good price check out www.guitarsjapan.com Andrew is a great guy, and will get you a great deal on a killer axe!