Orville
Since 1988
Established in 1988 through an exclusive partnership between Gibson Guitar Corporation and Japanese distributor Yamano Music, Orville (and its premier tier 'Orville by Gibson') was Gibson's official Japanese domestic brand crafted to defeat unlicensed MIJ lawsuit copies. Manufactured exclusively by Japan's elite Terada and FujiGen factories until 1998, these instruments feature authentic Gibson open-book headstocks, long tenon neck joints, and—on Orville by Gibson models—genuine Gibson USA '57 Classic / Bill Lawrence pickups and thin nitrocellulose lacquer finishes. Today, Orville guitars represent some of the most sought-after golden-era Japanese vintage Gibson investments on the international market.
38
Years in Business
95K+
Guitars Sold
$12M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Orville Guitar Price & Valuation Guide (2026)
Comprehensive market valuation ranges, mint vs used condition pricing, tonewood specs, and historical price trends for Orville guitars.
Orville Price Overview
Orville covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$1,650
+6.8% vs last year
eBay Listings
175
Active listings
Sold This Month
36
+4.5% vs last month
Price Range
$750-$3,200
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Orville Timeline
Gibson & Yamano Launch 'Orville by Gibson'
Named after founder Orville Gibson, the brand launches in Japan at the Terada and FujiGen factories to offer 100% authorized Les Pauls and SGs.
50s Reissue Series Debuts (LPS-59R & 57C)
Introduced premium vintage-correct Reissue models featuring nitrocellulose lacquer finishes, fret edge binding, and Gibson USA '57 Classic pickups.
Standard 'Orville' Line Introduced
Created a more accessible sub-tier with Japanese domestic pickups and thin polyurethane finishes alongside the flagship ObG series.
ObG Line Closes; Standard Continues
The 'Orville by Gibson' marquee is phased out, with all production transitioning to the standalone Orville brand.
Transition to Epiphone Japan
Gibson replaces the Orville branding with Epiphone Japan (and later Epiphone Elitist), concluding a historic 10-year golden era.
Elite Vintage Japanese Gibson Status
Orville by Gibson commands legendary prestige worldwide, frequently outselling modern production Gibson USA Les Pauls.
Complete Orville Product Lineup
Orville by Gibson represents the ultimate Japanese Gibson: authentic Kalamazoo specs, Terada and FujiGen woodworking perfection, and vintage Gibson USA tone.
Orville by Gibson (ObG) Reissues
The pinnacle of Japanese Gibson lutherie: nitrocellulose lacquer, Gibson USA PAF pickups, and fret edge nibs.
Historic 1959 Les Paul Standard replica with carved flame maple top, long tenon joint, and Gibson USA '57 Classics.
1957 Les Paul Standard reissue in Antique Gold with mahogany back and deep neck tenon.
All-mahogany 'Black Beauty' Les Paul Custom featuring multi-ply binding, split-diamond inlay, and gold hardware.
Standard Orville Models
Authorized Gibson open-book headstocks with Japanese-made hardware and high-precision polyurethane finishes.
Les Paul Standard featuring carved maple cap on mahogany, Gotoh tuners, and Japanese PAF humbuckers.
Les Paul Custom in Ebony or Alpine White with rosewood fingerboard and dual Japanese humbuckers.
Double-cutaway solid mahogany SG and semi-hollow dot archtop replicating classic early 1960s specs.
Acoustic & Special Runs
Rare acoustic series built by Terada and Yamano custom limited runs with premium quilted tops.
Terada-built vintage slope-shoulder and square-shoulder Gibson acoustic replicas.
Ultra-rare limited production quilted maple top Les Paul Standards crafted by Terada.
"Orville by Gibson represents the ultimate Japanese Gibson: authentic Kalamazoo specs, Terada and FujiGen woodworking perfection, and vintage Gibson USA tone."
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
The Collector's Grail ($2,200 – $2,950 Used)
Gibson USA '57 Classic Pickups
Factory equipped with genuine USA Gibson humbuckers with patent-applied-for decals and braided wire.
Fret Edge Binding (Nibs)
One of the few Japanese guitars to feature hand-rolled fret nibs over binding, identical to historic Gibson USA Custom Shop.
Deep Long Tenon Joint
Neck tenon extends deep into the front pickup cavity, transferring maximum vibration into the solid mahogany body.
Best Value Japanese Les Paul ($950 – $1,350 Used)
Authorized Gibson Open-Book Headstock
Legitimate Gibson headstock silhouette with pearl Orville script and Les Paul Model gold silkscreen.
FujiGen & Terada Craftsmanship
Impeccable neck pocket tolerances, Gotoh hardware, and dark rosewood fingerboards.
Significant Price Spread
Sells for less than half the price of an ObG while sharing identical body woodworking and neck profiles.