Mystery Les Paul copy identification thread

[AE63]

http://jedistar.com/noble-guitars/ - was the one you were looking at mentioning they were imported by Strum and Drum / Ron / Don Noble? It could have been a store special for Strum and Drum.

Nope, found info on http://www.myrareguitars.com/vintage-1968-noble-eg-686-2ht-electric-guitar.
Does Strum & Drum even exist anymore, maybe under a different name? Could well be a S&D store special but a bit odd as we know the Noble name was used up to 1970 but, according to its serial number, this Les Paul is from 1977. Given that it was actually purchased in early 1978, that serial number makes sense. However, seems odd that they would suddenly re-use that name for a one-off batch, unless it maybe had some significance for them.

EDIT: Just found this site: https://www.guitarforums.com/showthread.php?t=45956
According to the OP, Noble was manufactured by Kawai/Teisco. Anything to do with Matsumoku?

 

[Kosh]

Can anyone help with this one? I’m new here, but this one is unusual as it has a totally solid body (see pics)

The only mark is on the neck plate ‘made in Japan.’

I think it’s early 70s... due to the ageing on the pickups etc.

I own an US strat (mid 90s) an amazing guitar, this one sounds just as good - no BS - it’s brilliant!

Any info would be cool

 

[Rafa]

Hi there. My first post, I hope it's the right thread.

This is my 1993 Orville Les Paul. Could anyone help me please to find out more about this guitar? I know it is from Terada factory in Japan. I bought it for about 800$. It weights about 9 pounds, the wood is in excellent condition from what I can see and feel.

 

[GammyBird]

That's an Orville LPC-80F. Made in Fujigen not Terada.

 

[Rafa]

Thanks for your reply. Do you know anything about its specification? To be straigthforward, is it any good?

 

[GammyBird]

That looks more like a QF model than an F. I've had a couple of Orville guitars, there's certainly nothing wrong with them. It has a photo flame finish with poly, long tenon, African mahogany body, maple top. Probably medium profile neck. I upgraded the pups and wiring harness in mine which made a big difference.

 

[Rafa]

Thank you so much for this information. I blind bought it over a year ago so now I know at least what I have.

 

[graham murphy]

Hi

I have a Black Beauty Orville Custom I believe just trying to confirm the year it was manufactured I believe it was in 1997. The serial number on the headstock is 709283


Any experts on here that could confirm? Also is there a Orville catalogue archive available

Thank you
G

 

[GammyBird]

Hey Graham. There are a few Orville/ObG catalugues kicking around but I haven't seen one from '97. That is the year your guitar was manufactured.

Hi

I have a Black Beauty Orville Custom I believe just trying to confirm the year it was manufactured I believe it was in 1997. The serial number on the headstock is 709283


Any experts on here that could confirm? Also is there a Orville catalogue archive available

Thank you
G

 

[NIk Weber]

hey everyone, bass player and (very) amateur bass luthier here, don't know much about guitars except they have weird switches and the strings are too close together. my daughter's boyfriend gave me a LP copy that some friend of his gave him years ago and I'm mostly wondering if it's worth fixing up. no clue what it could be or how old it is but he got it like 8-10 years ago and the pots were pretty sticky so I'd guess over 15 anyway. I'm suspicious it might have been stolen at some point because it looks like there used to be a logo on the headstock that was sanded off. The neck is glued on and there is no inlay on the headstock. Thanks!

 

[NIk Weber]

forgot to mention there are no serial numbers anywhere inside or out and no brands of anything either.

 

[DJGranite]

Now that I relook, the inlay on this one looks to be done differently, could be a totally different guitar.
Yours looks like it was done by Michael J Fox lol.

Well I thought I was all alone on Vintage Island. Anyone ever seen a strat??

I have never seen another and I cant find out a darn thing about it anywhere. Nothing like the current brand.

Well here is a 4th Vintage brand guitar.
Mine has the same logo script as the LP above, but is a Strat




The loaded Pickguard is from a 2000 Fender MiM Strat and so Not original to the guitar.
The original is a 1 ply, loaded with Bar magnet ceramics and smaller pots.
I don't have a pic at the moment, but if it would help I could take one.
Under the Logo in small script it says.... Designed in Japan.
Would love to have some more info on these guitars.
Anyone?

 

[o0mobius0o]

Got a MIJ mystery machine yesterday. Some of you may have seen it on usednet. Good to roll the dice sometimes on something that could be garbage. It's got a 1 piece back and nitro. The neck has a volute much like Heerby, but no scarf joint. Dig that crazy control cover! Pots are CTS and I'm guessing from 1981 rather than 91.

 

[zeneffect]

that control cavity was totally eyeballed and the luthier *almost* nailed it. looks like a great find, no friggin clue as to manufacturer.

 

[Roxy13]

Looks like a fun project! It has FEB.

 

[o0mobius0o]

Thanks. Can't wait to string it up. Waiting on the nut, as the one on there was 4mm short and some shitty plastic. The frets are fretless wonder style, which is strange for a standard. The top carve has that dish feel to it. I'm totally as a loss as to manufacturer as well. Cleaning up nicely though.

 

[GammyBird]

Homemade I'd say.

 

[o0mobius0o]

You may be correct. Even a kit would be more accurate. The neck pickup pocket is skewed, hence the 2 screw holes.

 

[Roxy13]

Are you keeping the funky pinned hollow body bridge?

 

[o0mobius0o]

I was thinking of taking it off, but it's not hurting anything.