Anyone know Orlando guitars?

Subject: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: DougR
Date: 21 Jan 00 - 05:02 PM

I have a classical guitar I have owned since the early 1970s. The label inside reads "Orlando Guitar, Model 305 and Japan. Anyone know anything about these guitars?

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: Áine
Date: 22 Jan 00 - 04:21 PM

Refresh.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: DougR
Date: 22 Jan 00 - 04:59 PM

Thank you, Aine! For the Refresh.

DougR

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: Áine
Date: 23 Jan 00 - 04:18 PM

No problem, DougR. I'm sure someone has the info you're needed, we just need to keep refreshing this thread until they see it.

-- Áine

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 23 Jan 00 - 04:23 PM

I'm checking Doug

Rick

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: DougR
Date: 23 Jan 00 - 07:21 PM

Thank you Aine and Rick. I felt certain that someone on the Mudcat would know something about the the Orlando. I bought it about the time the Goya classical guitar was considered the one to have but I couldn't afford the Goya at the time.

DougR

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 23 Jan 00 - 10:59 PM

Hi Doug. I think Orlando was the name used by whatever distributor handled it in your part of the country. About 3 to 400 brand names came from about 8 guitar building factories in Japan (and later Korea and Taiwan) at that time. Same situation with strings. Many folks thought that every brand of strings was different in some way, but the vast majority were made by Labella, Vinci, or D'merle. I own a very well made rosewood guitar with the brand name "Shero" (inlayed in pearl) on the headstock. Even though I'm pretty experienced in tracking down instruments, I've had no luck at all narrowing it down to under six or seven possibillities. Figure it was made in the same factory as instruments labeled "Morris", but that's just a guess.

Rick

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 23 Jan 00 - 11:09 PM

Thinking of the brand name bit, I can't remember if I have mentioned it before but I saw 2 identical (except for the badge) in a local music shop. I think one was labeled Epiphone and the other Ozark but there was about £100 difference on the price tags. I mentioned it to my friend who had the shop and he agreed that they were the same and checked his prices and they were correct according to his lists... I think it was that manodlin that we then looked for in the Samick catalogue and found what looked to be the same instrument...

Jon

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: DougR
Date: 24 Jan 00 - 05:05 PM

Thanks, Rick. Makes sense to me.

DougR

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Dave W WA USA
Date: 28 Jul 04 - 12:29 AM

I have a model 301.
Got it in 1972 in Covina, CA.
I would like to know more about who made it.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: michaelr
Date: 28 Jul 04 - 03:25 PM

I also have an Orlando (steel string). I call it Tony.

Cheers,
Michael

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Blackcatter
Date: 28 Jul 04 - 04:03 PM

I live in Orlando, but that probably doesn't help.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,me
Date: 10 Oct 04 - 01:20 PM

i have a 12 string orlando

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Oct 04 - 05:45 PM

I own a Orlando nylon classical Model A 583. I tried researching but no luck

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From:
Date: 16 Oct 04 - 01:43 PM

Doug, I have a model 305 Orlando.
Your best source for info, is the veteran guys & gals who service the work bench at any good guitar shop like McCabe's in Santa Monica, California.
The sound of the 305 I found very nice. The annular rings on the front are closely spaced. I don't think the top is made of plywood, rather solid wood (I may be mistaken). The sides and back appear well constructed.
The action has held up pretty well since I have owned it. It came in our family in the early 70's. My sister gave it to me when she got a much more expensive guitar, buy I think it sounds as good the more expensive one.
For its size it has very decent projection.
It stays in tune well with seasoned strings.
It is my learner guitar

Regards,

Joe, Los Angeles, California

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Oct 04 - 01:09 PM

yeah i have an orlando steel double o style acoustic
i call her lucia
she has a wierd adjustable metal bridge
she loves me

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,TCSMFX
Date: 31 Oct 04 - 12:25 PM

I have an Orlando Model 310. Very interesting story to go along with it. But, I have researched the net extensively and found only 2 things and that was today. 1st: there is 1 (one) Orlando on E-bay and 2nd: this Post I just happened to come across. If anyone finds any more info please advise. I am at [e-mail]

Good luck and thanks.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From:
Date: 25 Nov 04 - 02:25 PM

Would you happen to know how much the Orlando 310 is worth; my friend has one and was wondering aboutthe value.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,james in protland ore
Date: 02 Dec 04 - 02:29 AM

I own a very nice acoustic 6 string...have had it since 1980 was used when I gotit....All I know is that they were made in the 70 in japan and I guess they made acoustic and electics

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,james in protland ore
Date: 02 Dec 04 - 02:35 AM

would love to know how much it worth....

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,toyznstuff
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 01:45 PM

a friend of mine had/has an electric Les Paul "custom"copy that was awesome!!! this was back in the early 1970's.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Kathleen M
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 01:50 AM

I have an Orlando guitar model 316 (pint size) it is 40 years old with original strings and it is still in tune and has a beautiful tone.   My husband who plays guitar very well was impressed. Does anyone know what it is worth? My father got it for me when we lived in the San Fernando Valley Mr Finn of Finn's music store (great guy with a terrific family). I was so small that they got me either 1/2 scale or 3/4 scale guitar.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From:
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 10:53 PM

If anyone can give me some follow up information about Orlando guitars and a specific model (305), that would be great.
Thank you.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From:
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 12:37 AM

i have the 315 classical Orlando guitar has amazing tone
and has wonderful harmonics and feel

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,LeeC
Date: 02 Feb 05 - 09:23 PM

I have an Orland 710E or 7101 that I bought around 1970 in L. A. area. Given the time I probably spent less than $200 and maybe more like $100. It says "Guitarra Classica de Espana" on the inside but it also says "Made in Japan". It has a 2" neck at the nut. Much wider than my Fender Jaguar but I was going for a different style and is kind to my fat fingers. Seems to be fretted well and is true up and down the neck thankfully because there is no adjustment at all. It's been through a lot including the '94 earthquake and has held together but I wish it had more volume - although I've always had nylon strings. I just bought a new Gibson banjo and am tempted to buy a new guitar as its mate but the Orlando seems to serve its purpose well enough. Hope this has some value for you.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,j
Date: 03 Feb 05 - 02:30 PM

hi , can u give me some hints for buying a new guitar .
bay :)

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,daisy
Date: 13 Feb 05 - 01:55 PM

I picked up one of those bad boys but it dosent have a model name or any thing just the stock #

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Mark in Pahrump
Date: 02 Mar 05 - 06:50 PM

I have an Orlando 310 that my wife bought in the SFV in the early '70's for cheap. I also have a '61 Goya G10 I bought for $150 from a pawn shop in OC in about '72. I think the Orlando is every bit as good as the Goya, and better in fact, given that my action on the Goya is WAY too high, and can't be adjusted.

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,pstrwldr
Date: 03 Mar 05 - 11:52 AM

I have an older 12 string, Model 337, serial # 0612 (stamped on the inner block). I bought it because it reminded of my friend's Orlando 12 he was given back in 71 or so when we first played together (now 34 years ago). No idea what the age is or the origin.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From:
Date: 03 Mar 05 - 09:43 PM

I own an SG bass copy by Orlando. It doesn't have a serial number anywhere and it is a smaller scale than a regular bass. I bought it in 98 at a store across the street from the Guitar Center in Hollywood,CA. I paid about $250 for it. I wish I had more info though. It's a nice instrument.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 08 Apr 05 - 04:39 PM

I also own an Orlando, Model 305. I purchased it at Montebello Music, in Montebello California around 1969 or 1970. It still sounds great and plays very well. That is all I can tell you. If you find out any additional info, please let me know.

Ed

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From:
Date: 27 May 05 - 09:37 PM

Wow lot's of info here about Orlando guitars but nothing very helpful to me.I found one in an antique shop recently and almodt bought it's a model (336) 6 string acoustic with the cool ajustable bridge and i think mahogony neck very much like an old Crestwood 12 string i owned back in the early eighties.the were asking $108 but after I noticed the raised tail piece I said forget it>It may cost too much to repair it and it looked like it was stored in a barn.It had tons of dust inside of it and what appeared to be bird droppings!The sad thing was it had almost zero fret wear.I may go back and try to get it for $50 later....

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Jake
Date: 28 May 05 - 03:56 PM

I have an Orlando "Custom" Les Paul copy. It's very well made and nice loking guitar. It's very heavy dark wood with white binding and a maple neck. Neck plat says "Made in Japan". I think it's as good as the real thing. I love it. I got it at a garage sale about 14 years ago.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,some kid who wants to sell his guitar
Date: 30 May 05 - 08:32 PM

yeah, I have an orlando model 301 and I just want to sell it. looks like its pretty old. I got it from my friends brother and was hoping it would fetcha high price although it seems im out of luck. oh well I just want to know the price. contact me if you know the price at [e-mail].

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Nov 05 - 02:14 AM

I have two guitars model 302's "japan". My grandfather purchased both in phoenix, but I dont know what year. Both have beautiful rose wood (I think) yellow to red on the front. Both sound great but one has begun to peel back at the bridge. I pulled up Orlando Guitars to find out about them, and saw this question. I know very little about them. sorry

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,orilllynow
Date: 10 May 06 - 07:25 PM

i have a orlando guitar model # 301 made in japan. afriend of mine gave it to me.plays buetiful.just wondering about the year or what its worth.anyone can help me i would apreciate it,thankyou.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: DougR
Date: 11 May 06 - 02:26 PM

Guest, orilllynow: I was a bit shocked to see this thread revived on the Mudcat. I still have my Orlando and when Jed Marum was a guest in my home last year he strummed it a bit and declared, "Decent guitar."

DougR

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,youngblumfeld
Date: 13 May 06 - 12:08 PM

I was just given a Orlando Model 304 by a nice lady i know in boston...have yet to string it up....this may be a 'dead' thread...but that was one model that nobody seemed to have mentioned in this conversation about orlandos...any '304' owners out there?
is the inlay real?
what are the black sections in the lower bouts about?
solid wood or ply?
be well,
yb

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Lid
Date: 08 Jun 06 - 02:46 AM

I have an orlando telecaster copy, where is the model number on these things?
my uncle gave it to me and my grandfather gave it to him many years ago, bought somwhere in socal.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: Mark Ross
Date: 08 Jun 06 - 01:58 PM

I recently bought an Orlando 12 string for 25 dollars. My luthier looked at it and said that it wasn't the usual 12 string neck on a dreadnought body, it's actually braced for the extra tension. It has a zero fret and an adjustable bridge(both of which would not be my 1st choice), but strung with Lead Belly gauge strings and tuned down to B and it's a killer. It's a model 337. For under a C-note (if you figure in the cost of the setup and strings)it wasn't a bad deal, I figure.

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Peterson from Long Beach
Date: 11 Aug 06 - 08:54 PM

I have a steel string model 336 and it sounds wonderful after I put some grovers on it to keep proper tuning. It has a cross motif on the headstock, thin, oblong fret markers, and a guild style pickguard. Spruce top and rosewood sides and back......I was just playing some   fingerstyle Townes Van Zant and was getting lost in the mellow but crisp tone of the guitar. This is the perfect camping or kick around guitar because it's not worth much but sounds better than most guitars out there, including the higher end ones.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Robbie from chippewa falls WI.
Date: 22 Aug 06 - 05:26 AM

I have an orlando rickenbacker copy that I got off of the goodwill auction site.Its an EXACT copy of a 330,except it had crappy "harmony" style pickups and a cheesey vibrato on it(ok I guess it wasnt an EXACT copy but the body,neck,2 layerd pick guard, and truss rod cover were exact).I replaced the pickups with some decent humbuckers,replaced the bridge with a tune-o-matic,and put a trapeze tail piece on it. It has a set neck joint that cracked when my drummer knocked it over.When I had it repaired the fix it guy said that there was about 4 or 5 in. of wood after the fretboard and that it was stuck in the body with some shims and a bunch of glue.He reglued it and sunk 2 screws in the top of the body above the neck pickup securing it to the body(I know I cant spell Im a musician and its 4:17 in the morning).After all that This guitar just SCREAMS.I took off the metal orlando name plate at the top of the headstock and had a friend make some ric style vinyl stick on letters for the truss cover.So now its my WRECKENBACKER.Check out my myspace page to see some pics of it(myspace.com/superbeatle)There are also some pics of it on my bands website(thetwerps.com).Enjoy.Robbie Cadwell.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Aug 06 - 06:17 AM

I know that didnt help at all but guitar players love talking about their guitars.Mabey some day somebody will be able to tell us WHO THE HELL MAKES THESE DAMN THINGS!!!!!!!thank you

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Robbie in chippewa falls WI>
Date: 22 Aug 06 - 06:18 AM

Sorry I blew up;)

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Karl
Date: 22 Aug 06 - 05:31 PM

I had an Orlando Les Paul Custom that my dad bought for me for Xmas 1969 from Finn's Music in Sherman Oaks, CA. It became my first professional guitar as I used it playing in a few bands making a few bucks as a kid. I used it until Xmas of 1975 when I finally got my first real Gibson Les Paul. I then sold the Orlando to a friend who liked it and have regretted it ever since. Luckily, I found an Orlando Les Paul on Ebay, exactly like the one I had and realized they weren't too bad for being a copy. Plus it brought back a ton of good memories. I wish there was more info on the guitar and the company that made them.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Aug 06 - 11:53 PM

got one too...
??????????????????????????

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 01:40 AM

Saw this old thread and wanted thought I'd add to the mystery... got an Orlando Guitar Model 310, Japan as the label inside says... my mom bought it in the San Jose area in the early 70's... other than that, no additional info.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Guest, Kim
Date: 19 Feb 07 - 04:18 PM

I have an Orlando 12 string, model 337, made in Japan, that my parents bought for me in the early 70's in San Diego. I have been interested in selling it and trying to do research online about how much it might be worth. I have been amazed at how little information there is out there about them. I did see a picture of a Kent guitar, also made in japan, that looked exactly like my Orlando.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,jwolfk
Date: 04 Mar 07 - 01:05 AM

Ibanez makes them, early to mid 70s. Copied most of the popular guitars of the era with decent quality, before copyright infringements were inforced.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,jwolfk
Date: 04 Mar 07 - 01:07 AM

wow, thats an old thread.