1998 Orville ES-335 - Cherry - Vintage Japanese Guitar.

1998 Orville ES-335 - Cherry - Vintage Japanese Guitar.

The Orville ES-335 is a highly respected, Japanese-made replica of the classic Gibson semi-hollow. Orville (Orville Gibson) was the production name used by the Fuji Gen Gakki factory when Gibson licensed them to produce and market exact replicas of their guitars in Japan. Standard Orville guitars offer stellar playability and punch well above their weight class. 1998 marks the final production year of the Orville line. These guitars are prized for exceptional build quality, rivaling US-made equivalents. Production of the Japanese-market line was officially discontinued so Gibson and their distributor, Yamano Gakki, could shift focus to exporting a broader range of Epiphone Japan models. 

The guitar remains original. It has no cracks, repairs, or structural issues. The neck is straight, and the original frets are in excellent shape, ensuring a smooth, buzz-free playing experience, ready to deliver outstanding tone and playability. Includes a non-original Gibson hard-shell case. 

Key Specs & Details:

• Body Construction: Classic semi-hollow construction with an all-maple body and a solid center block.
• Neck: Mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard.
• Hardware & Electronics: Standard model features Orville-branded Japanese humbuckers and a polyurethane finish. 

Factory and Era Details: Orville and Orville by Gibson guitars were produced in Japan between 1988 and 1998, very high build quality.

• The Manufacturer: Terada is highly regarded for its exceptional craftsmanship, especially on Gibson-style semi-hollow instruments.
• End of Production: 1998 was the very final year of production for the Orville brand before Gibson transitioned its Japanese manufacturing contracts over to the Epiphone Japan Elite/Elitist lines.
• Serial Number Breakdown: Orville guitars were officially licensed by Gibson for the Japanese market. Their "J" prefix serial numbers strictly follow a J Y MM XXX format.
• J: Represents the Terada factory, known for producing high-quality semi-acoustic and hollow-body guitars.
• 8: Represents the last digit of the year, indicating 1998.
• 02: Represents the production month, which is February.
• 032: Represents the specific production number (the 32nd instrument built in that batch).
• "Orville" headstock inlay. The serial number is ink-stamped directly into the wood on the back of the headstock,
• "Orville by Gibson" on the traditional Orange Oval paper sticker inside the f-hole.

Used – Excellent

Price $3,000

+ $300 Shipping