Up for sale, a 1992 Orville by Gibson EX Explorer in near-mint, 100% original condition and in perfect working order. Differentiated from the standard Orville-branded instruments, the “Orville by Gibson” guitars represented the highest tier of Japanese construction, outfitted from the factory with USA-made Gibson pickups. Made exclusively for the Japanese market and uncommon outside its country of origin, this Orville is an official Gibson-licensed guitar and a result of a partnership between Gibson USA and their Japanese distributor Yamano Gakki. Named after Gibson’s founder, Orville Gibson, this long-since discontinued Orville model was crafted at the Terada factory.
The 490R humbucker is Gibson’s “Modern PAF” offering a balance of clarity and warmth with an accentuated midrange. The 498T humbucker is a hotly-wound Alnico V magnet pickup with plenty of bite and focused aggression, tailored for high gain. This Explorer has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 10-46 strings, low action, and accurate intonation.
Neck Specs:
-Wood: Mahogany, long tenon
-Shape: 60s-style C, measuring .830” 1st fret, .950” 12th fret
-Fretboard: Rosewood, dot inlay
-Frets: Medium jumbo, no wear
-Scale Length: 24 3/4”
-Nut: 1 11/16”
-Tuners: Gotoh (gold-plated)
-Serialization: G2-prefix, inked
Body Specs:
-Wood: Mahogany
-Pickups: 490R (neck) 7.8k ohms, 498T (bridge) 13.7k
-Harness: Full-size Japanese pots date to 1991 and ‘92
-Hardware: ABR-1 bridge, stopbar (gold-plated)
-Plastics: Gold speed knobs, one-ply bright white pickguard
The gloss Natural finish is extremely well-kept, with wear limited to some minor marks along the lower bout perimeter and just a few additional small dings on the body as a whole. The gloss on the neck profile is flawless.
The original form-fit gigbag is included.