Need Your Input on this ObG 335

BNR · Plucker Joined: 23 Jan 2009 Posts: 11

Hi folks this is my first posting on this forum. I have been reading the many post and found valuable insight and information.

I am looking for a MIJ 335 copy. Came across a ObG 335 on e-bay. Be patient it takes awhile to load the 80+ pictures.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Orville-By-Gibson-ES335-Top-Model-CLEAN-ES-335-470_W0QQitemZ180321714568QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item180321714568&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

Can you share with me your thoughts if this is a worthy guitar? I am not looking for a vintage score, but a good sounding, proven, well made 335. I read so much about the great 335 copies that came (or comes) from Japan and the ObG are highly praised. Yes, so are the Tokais and Grecos from what I read.

I noticed a few minor items such as the pitting hardware, separation in the laminate over the headstock, and the strap pins. But the overall guitar looks in descent shape. Frets look to have still long useful life and the neck looks straight. My concerns are the pitting of the hardware. The bridge and saddle look to be chrome plated. Are these originals? I thought they came with nickel plated hardware. Also the slight separation of the strap pin on the side looks a bit wider in the gap then it should be.

Any thoughts?

Thank you

JohnA · Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2009 1:23 pm Post subject:

OBG reissues are top flight guitars, the guitar looks in excellent shape, and the price is really good too, you wouldn't lose money if you came to re-sell.

I thought OBG's had nickel HW too, but could well be mistaken, not a big issue IMO though either way.

BNR · Plucker Joined: 23 Jan 2009 Posts: 11

Hey JohnA:

"OBG reissues are top flight guitars.."

Is this a typo about the reissue? Was there a reissue of a ObG?

marcusnieman · Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2009 3:14 pm Post subject:

BNR · Plucker Joined: 23 Jan 2009 Posts: 11

Thanks Marcus

Any other inputs, opinions, etc. on this guitar?

MIJvintage · Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 7:56 am Post subject:

just a few observations ........

AFA any of the issue you are concerned about, the delam of the head stock face veneer is very curious to me; never seen this & I wonder what the cause is.

No hard case, just a gig bag......

weighs 8.6 lb.

IMO, if you're set on an OBG 335 I would pass on this one, and seek one without some of the small issue, that taken as a whole add up.

I have seen these with OHSC, in better shape, and with a lighter weight, and selling for less:)
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BNR · Plucker Joined: 23 Jan 2009 Posts: 11

MIJvintage:

Thanks for the input.

I looked up on the web, but couldn't find what the abbreviation AFA meant. Please clarify.

I tend to agree with what you wrote. I am very curious as to why the veneer was separating. Aslo the significant pitting on the HW. I am wondering if this is the original HW because I thought these came stock with nickel plated HW, but not 100% sure on that. And that small but obvious gap next to the strap pin along the side seam.

The plus about this guitar is the seller. First off I don't come across too often a ObG 335. Some of the ones I seen (or saw) were on the web. The ones on the web post anywhere from 3 to 6 photos. This seller is willing and able to post 80+ photos, which at least tells me he is doing the full disclosure. I saw on E-bay about a few weeks back a purchase for about $1,100 (or slightly less IIRC). It looked okay but only a handful of photos.

marcusnieman · Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 9:53 am Post subject:

MIJvintage · Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 10:22 am Post subject:

Innadaze

BNR · Plucker Joined: 23 Jan 2009 Posts: 11

Can anyone give me their advice on this ObG 335? This is a different guitar from the original posting. Overall it looks pretty good and no reserve price. I am not familiar with this seller.

Thanks

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260355582710&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1123

leadguitar_323 · Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2009 9:11 pm Post subject:

All i can tell you is that it is a 1989 Terada made G Orville by Gibson MIJ 335.
I have never used the circuit board pickups before but i'm sure someone else will fill in the gaps....

Mick
_________________
so many guitars....so little money...

BNR · Plucker Joined: 23 Jan 2009 Posts: 11

Thanks lead........

Anyone else with input on this 335? Much appreciated.

japanstrat · Guitar God Joined: 23 Sep 2006 Posts: 879

All of the Semi Acoustic and Acoustic Orville by Gibsons and Orvilles were made only by the Terada guitar factory.
Terada have also made most of the Japanese Gretsch Semi Acoustics from the late 80s and most Gretsch players think they are very good guitars.

Terada specialize in making Semi Acoustic and Acoustic guitars and are very highly regarded by most people.

BNR · Plucker Joined: 23 Jan 2009 Posts: 11

Thanks japanstrat.

Do any of you have any input on the circuit board pickups? I never heard of this type of pickup before, and I am wondering what are your thoughts of this pickup.

So I know that this guitar was made in the Terrada factory, but do you see anything good or bad about this specific guitar for sale? He claims to be a 1988 model, but the sticker and serial number punched on the back of the headstock indicate 1989 model.

Anyone familiar with this seller?

Reposting link to avoid confusion with the very first link.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Orville-by-Gibson-1988-ES-335_W0QQitemZ260355582710QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item260355582710&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

Thanks for your time.