1991 Orville by Gibson Thunderbird - Tobacco Burst
$ 1,699.00
You're looking at a very good condition 1991 Orville by Gibson Thunderbird in a Tobacco Burst finish. This bass plays great and sounds great. Everything works perfectly. There is wear on the back that you can't really see in the pictures. Also a few small dings on the headstock (shown in pics).
SPECIFICATIONS
- Serial Number: G112667
- Model: Thunderbird
- Finish: Tobacco Burst
- Manufactured Date: December 1991
- Manufactured Location: Terada, Japan
- Weight: 8lbs 15.1oz
- Neck Width: 1.5" at Nut / 2.16" at 12th Fret
- Neck Depth: .80" at 1st Fret / .91" at 12th Fret
- Case: Original Soft Gig Bag
About The Orville by Gibson Brand
Origin: Orville by Gibson was a brand created by Gibson Guitar Corporation specifically for the Japanese market from 1988 to 1998. The name is a tribute to Gibson's founder, Orville Gibson.
Purpose: The brand was a response to the high-quality, unlicensed copies of Gibson and Fender guitars being produced in Japan during the 1970s and 80s by companies like Tokai, Burny, and Greco. Gibson partnered with the Japanese distributor Yamano Gakki to produce these "official copies" in Japan at a more affordable price than American-made Gibsons, but with superior quality to the Korean-made Epiphone guitars of the time.
Quality: Orville by Gibson guitars are highly regarded by collectors and players. They were made in top-tier Japanese factories, often featuring genuine Gibson USA pickups and nitrocellulose lacquer finishes, giving them a reputation for being on par with or even exceeding the quality of some American-made Gibsons.
Overall, an Orville by Gibson bass is a well-regarded instrument that represents a unique period in Gibson's history. It's often considered a great value, offering vintage Gibson specifications and craftsmanship at a more accessible price point than their American-made counterparts.