Anyone know Orlando guitars?

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Mel
Date: 30 Jul 11 - 05:59 PM

I have Orlando Model 310 Japan. It has a sticker at the back that says: Cunningham Music Center, Santa Monica Calif 1939. If you are interested in buying it, please call me at 310.435.9768.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Mark S. in St. Lou
Date: 09 Jul 11 - 10:01 AM

I recently aquired a 305 classical from the left coast. The seller said it would require a little cleaning. Little was an under statement! The frett board was caked with dirt and the rest pretty filthy. Makes a guy wonder how anyone could let that happen? Anyway, after much labor and a new set of Savarez, I'm go over my Santa and His Six String book by Lisle Crowley, heavy. Which I highly recomend for beginner fingerstylers. Lookin to replace the saddle with bone but it sounds great as it is!!! I've read the thread 2 to 3 times and have enjoyed the stories. This tone would be hard to replace and it looks like this ones' story is gonna end well!!!!! Many years of joyous pickin & strummin to all and may God Bless...

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,atlantis8
Date: 26 Jun 11 - 06:25 PM

I have a Model 306 purchased around 1965 or so. It's still in fantastic condition and plays extremely well. My father bought it new for me to replace my very 1st guitar, which I then gave to him. The tone is very nice. I recently bought an Epiphone Goth LP and love it, but there will always be room in my heart for my Orlando 6 string acoustic. As most have stated in this thread I lived in Southern California at the time of purchase.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,GUEST, Eric
Date: 04 Apr 11 - 03:22 PM

I am so glad to find this string. Have been looking for a long time to figure out about my Orlando model# 312. This is a classical style without a pick guard, has the sticker around the hole. Other than the sticker it has quality rosewood, etc.
Got it as a gift from a friend after I was injured in 2001 and wanted to learn to play. With the wide neck at the nut which helped me tremendously with large fingers. The couple pair of different nylons that I strung both of different styles have played well. The sound is crisp and clear up and down the entire neck.
I lost touch of my friend so I was unable to see where he got it. But we were in the San Fernando Valley at the time where both of us had grown up. (lots of years - over 45) This guitar was really enjoyed by somebody down the line because it not only has fret wear on the learning top three but Very solid wear at 8-14. Still plays great despite the wear.
It has brought me much pleasure and I have no plans on selling it as it would cost me 400-500 to match the sound quality. Thanks to all for sharing their piece of the puzzle. Aria in Japan seems to be the closest clue so far. Will keep posted of any info I find.
Play well!

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Steve
Date: 03 Mar 11 - 11:18 PM

I bought a 301 in 1968 from a local music store here in the provinces of south Calif. I was a college student at the time. I paid about $45 for it, no small change for a student. It's still a nice guitar.

It was last used by my elder daughter when she was in HS 10 years ago, and before my brother lent her his Gibson. She was a quick study and became quite good. She has her own axes, now, of course.

Steve

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,brandon
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 09:38 PM

I bought an orlando 10 or so years ago and never looked in to it. The old lady told me she had it for years in the garage and had got it from somebody who may have been the original owner. She got it in the 60's and he had well before that. With that being said one day I was talking to a fellow collector and I was telling him about a couple rare finds I got my hands on. When I mentioned the orlando and told him the story, he offered me 5 grand without seeing it. I told him it was in good condition and after making clear I would never sell it ( because its sound is priceless ) he told me in good shape its worth 14 to 15 grand depending on the buyer. I've been unable to verify this but he would of handed me cash that day and driven the 40 or so miles to my house, so its gotta be worth something.........but if it really is I wouldn't sell it anyway

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,guest.congo
Date: 31 Jan 11 - 11:51 PM

Give up on searching Orlando and check out Conrad. Not sure about the acoustics but I've had several 6 and one 12-string Orlando 335 copies and can say that they are exactly the same as the Conrads, which actually have a searchable history. All those came out of the same consolidated Japanese factories (different specializations)...heigt, winston, ventura, teisco, conrad, orlando and on and on.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Po' Boy
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 10:43 AM

I've got a great old late 60's Orlando LP copy that I bought in the mid 70's. I've never been able to find out too much about them. I did also own an Orlando steel-string acoustic, I gave it away to a friend who accidentally destroyed it.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Marc at Breedlove
Date: 02 Nov 10 - 10:16 PM

My father had an Orlando 305, he bought it in 1969 from a shop in Seattle by UW. He said he paid $400 for it then, the shop owner was very fond of this particular guitar. He recalled that "Paul Simon played an Orlando..." I haven't verified this, but its a fun story. He said the back and sides are solid Rosewood, I bet the top is too. There are no brand markings on the guitar other than a simple identification sticker visible through the sound hole. He recalled being directed to the small shop by the wife of the pastor who married him and my mom. The pastors wife was apparently a guitar player, and quite good. He bought the guitar from a girl who worked at the shop named Miriam, who "as I recall, was jewish, and a phenomenal guitar player."

My inspection of the guitar shows no flaws, it has some wear from age. The inside is very clean. My dad thought the top was Ash, but I feel it may be spruce... not sure though. The top is a really nice piece of wood. Rosewood fingerboard, peghead overlay with a "zipper" style inlay down the middle of the slotted headstock. The original tuners are silver with white tuning buttons, facing backwards from the front of the headstock. I believe the binding is rosewood as well. The rosette is simple, maybe a decal... but hard to be 100% sure of that, the finish appears to raise only by 100ths of an inch over the inlay/decal. It looks very nice, regardless. The bridge is rosewood with a small amount of inlay decorating it to match the sound hole and peghead.

I'll never sell this guitar. But sometimes it is the story behind the instrument that makes it special. Maybe helpful to someone, maybe not.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Tyler from Springfield Oregon
Date: 26 Oct 10 - 01:08 AM

I have an old Orlando guitar n can't figure out absolutely anything out about it
It was my grandpas n it's a model 311 all I kno besides that is it was madexun Korea
Somebody please help me
I'm desperate

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: Mark Ross
Date: 07 Oct 10 - 10:26 PM

I paid $25 for my Orlando 12 at a flea market.

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Ginny
Date: 07 Oct 10 - 09:35 PM

I have an Orlando 12 string guitar that I purchased in the mid 1970's. Also have a 6 string and don't play the 12 much so I want to sell it but can't find much info out there and don't know the resale value.
Anyone have insight as to where/how to determine this?
Thanks
Ginny

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,DeniseThorpe
Date: 25 Sep 10 - 04:49 PM

I just inherited an Orlando classical guitar from my mother who took up classical guitar because I played. I got a nice Taurus guitar years ago and then gave Mom the Yamaha my parents had bought me in 1966. She played for years and then gave up playing and gave my old Yamaha to my brother. When she passed away, it was a surprise to me that she had this Orlando. It says the model is 317 which I haven't seen in this thread or the other I found. It's a lovely guitar with dark orangish-brown wood on the face. The bridge has obviously been replaced because it's white and the other plastic parts on the guitar are yellow. I wish I could ask Mom where she got it. She wasn't the type to go to garage sales.

I just put strings on it and it sounds so good that I had to try to find out about it. I guess it will remain a mystery, but I love it.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,bman
Date: 24 Aug 10 - 03:59 AM

i also own an orlando twelve string.... best sounding,action, and electronics.... i was playing it a few days after purchase ... heard something in the f holes... it was a slip of paper from the ARIA company seems my little girl was made in 1952 by them yes japan!!! but who could ever put this guitar down? 58 years later and still rockin #0025... bought it for $125 from a (d.a....) and i wouldnt sell it to save my life....

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Jul 10 - 11:55 AM

Maybe they were originally sold by an importer in Southern California. Lots of them in that area.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Jeannine
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 07:47 PM

I was googling Orlando guitars & found this to be the one & only source of info. My parents bought me a used one to learn on in the late 60's. It's been in a hard case & rarely played...I didn't practice & my 2 daughters didn't pick it up. After reading this thread, I'm thinking twice about selling it in a garage sale. It's a 336 & still in beautiful shape.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,duane harnes
Date: 22 Mar 10 - 12:26 AM

I picked up a $125.00 model 336 sn.776 about two years ago in a used book store. It had a large scratch down the front and some other cosmetic damage. Frets were worn down to the nub. the orlando is the best sounding guitar that I have an is and absolute joy to play. Thier value is in the playing. You probobly couldn't get much for one so your better off to play it or gift it to someone who will play it and enjoy. Several "experts" have said that it was an ibenez made guitar so that seems to be the real deal. Mine has the adjustable copper bridge which I have not seen on any other guitars anywhere. If this a knock-off then what was it copied from...Hmmm

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: Mark Ross
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 09:36 AM

Just got my Orlando 12-string setup with a tailpiece(the bridge was pulling up). I have it strung with Lead Belly-gauge(.14-.70)and it's tuned down to B. It's a killer.

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Jesse
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 07:28 AM

Yes, a guitar will sound better over time..unless you store it in a damp room.. I bought an orlando bass looking just like a Gibson SG and I love the sound. I don't plan to sell it, I just wonder what the origin is. Only made me want to know more when I could find no current company.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: tkdo13
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 12:04 PM

A vintage Orlando Classical guitar... nylon strings.... from the early 1970's.

Model 1254

It's priced at $200, does anyone know or can suggest how much should I pay for it now in 2009?

Thank you,
David.

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 01:47 PM

perfect condition. My dad bought it for me around 19670. Still plays well and sounds better every year. Nice to know there are others out there.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,bmc
Date: 27 Nov 09 - 04:04 PM

Had an Orlando archtop in 1968 and just found another on e-bay. Lot of memories. Beautiful shape with sunburst, mop pick guard and selector switch plate. Could it be the same one I had? I'd like to think so due to the rarity and the fact that it was still in the same state, but who knows. Saw another guitar for sale almost exactly like it but with the Aria logo, so I tend to agree with that crossover connection. As an aside I've got a 60s Voxton, similar style but no striking comparisons like Cameron mentioned with the model he saw.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Bill
Date: 20 Nov 09 - 09:22 PM

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,troy
Date: 05 Nov 09 - 04:23 AM

the orlando's are japan made crap! i bought one for ten dollars. a lot of people on here want to know the value of there orlando's??? the only value they can have is their history.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Sep 09 - 09:41 PM

I have a Orlando les paul. I found it years ago at a small swap shop in the country of upstate New York. The old man that owned the shop noticed me looking at all his vintage guitars and amps and that I couldn't afford what he had. He asked me to come back the next day and he would bring some more in he had stashed in his attic at home. I went the next day and he had a few more for me to look at. They're cases were covered with years of dust but inside was a treasure. The one was a beautiful Orlando les paul, black with gold hardware. Semi hollow body, pearl inlays, white and black trim, and in perfect condition. I got it for 65 dollars and it is still the best guitar i have ever played..

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Aug 09 - 09:46 PM

I am not an expert but I have been collecting guitars since 1969. The comments regarding the manufacturing of guitars in Japan circa 1970 appear to have some validity. A buyer would buy a batch of guitars and place a name on the guitars import them to the U.S. and sell them through a number of stores. The same guitars ordered by a second buyer would have a completely different name and be imported to the U.S. and sold through a second shop. Same guitars different names. I bought a "Crown" classical six string through Wallichs Music City in 1969. I am sure the same guitar was sold under several other names. Spruce top, rose wood back and rose wood finger board. Today at a garage sale I bought a six string Orlando, in a cardboard case with three sets of new strings for $12.00. She started the negotiations at $15.00. The edge of the sound hole is painted black so I cannot determine whether the top is solid Spruce. It is not important what your guitar is worth. If you like it and the sound is right, enjoy the heck out of it.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Picklelerner
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 11:31 PM

i think im like most people on this thread, im looking at my late great uncle's guitar and it has the les paul look and says orlando on the tailpiece and that its made in japan, but it seems to appear NOWHERE on the internet. maybe its just special lol beautiful guitar tho

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Emcat
Date: 09 Aug 09 - 06:57 PM

I bought an Orlando acoustic model in the LA area in April of '70. I paid about a hundred and twenty five dollars for something that looked like a D-28. It always sounded and looked great. I did not care for the slightly curved fretboard or the high end action, though, and replaced it with a rare Martin D-21 in 1983. I then gave it to my nephew who still plays it today. Subsequently, I have added a Martin 0018V and a 1966 Martin 0016C to my collection. But I fondly remember the happy hours learning to play on the Orlando.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Aug 09 - 06:47 PM

I bought an acoustic flattop Orlando guitar when I left the Navy in April of 1970. It looked a lot like a D-28. It had great tone, but I didn't like the slightly curved fretboard or the upper action. I paid about a hundred

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Jul 09 - 02:59 PM

I just bought an used Tele copy on Craigslist for $80.00, the add mentioned it needed screws for the pick ups. Somebody totally butchered the body to install some humbuckers who were lose. I took the p/u off and saw they were Gibson T-Top worth around $600.00.....can't wait to get the guitar back from Carruthers. The body is a little thinner than the normal telecaster, a nice cream color, the neck is a three piece neck (maple?)with a rosewood fingerboard.

Love Craigslist....

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Cathleen
Date: 23 May 09 - 03:43 PM

I have a model 305--my mom gave it to me for Christmas 1970. I had been taking lessons for a year by then. I love it. It's still in excellent condition.   I will never sell it!

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Don Chino
Date: 21 May 09 - 09:58 AM

I have a orlando model 301 i have never seen another one I have had it for about 6 years. ORLANDO GUITARS ARE BAD ASS!

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Kim in Oregon
Date: 19 Apr 09 - 01:01 AM

I have an Orlando 12 string acoustic. I've been carrying it around for 35 years. My parents bought it for me in the early 70s. I was thinking about selling it until I saw this thread! It really is a very nice guitar. I've always thought it just as nice to play as my Yamaha 6 string. Hmmm. Maybe they'll be the topic of the Antiques Roadshow someday! haha

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,guitasurfa69
Date: 26 Mar 09 - 04:40 PM

just scored a orlando sg copy looks old plays nice.this site the only place fond any info.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,C.Bryce - NSW. Australia
Date: 21 Feb 09 - 06:12 AM

I have an Orlando Les Paul Custom copy that is really knocked about but sounds great ( modern Asian copies just are not close )and plays very well. It is Old!! and needs a refret.
I took it to an extremely reliable and knowledgeable guitar repairer in Brisbane and he said that it had all the characteristics of the early Ibanez copies from the Hoshino Gakki company in Japan. That is all I've been able to find out about Orlando guitars. He said that it is highly likely that some USA importer just had the Japanese guitars rebadged to sell through his/her particular distribution network. Probably the business people involved are long gone taking their history with them - an interesting thought for some research. I nearly didn't buy it ( in 9/06 when I found it going very cheap ) but now I'm really glad I did.
I hope some guitar lover finds out some more.
Let's hope music brings more people together.
All the Very best - Chris.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Jeff DeMarco
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 06:15 AM

I have a 1959 Orlando Model 333. It is in excellent condition, great wood, superb tone and plays like a dream. I would stack it up, pound for pound against my Taylor or my Martin...

If I ever were to consider selling it,it would only be for one hell of a lot of money...

I truly love this guitar...

Peace,
Jeff DeMarco

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,clabo
Date: 08 Jan 09 - 12:43 AM

I
have an orlando 310 for sale....

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Orlando 310
Date: 19 Dec 08 - 02:00 AM

Im looking to buy a Orlando 310 (replace one I damaged) for a family member.

I will check this site frequently and hope somebody replies.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,oh by the way
Date: 01 Nov 08 - 05:11 PM

By the way it is an acoustic Model #304.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Nov 08 - 05:10 PM

Have a an Orlando Guitar Model #304. The white plastic strip at the end has chipped off causing the first string to sit right on the wood (near where you tune the guitar). Does anyone know where I could get parts for this guitar? It's been in my family since the 1970's; My father got in in the San Fernando Valley somewhere. It has a really nice sound. It is solid wood.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,B Joyce DeNecochea
Date: 16 Jul 08 - 01:04 PM

Hi -- I have an Orlando guitar -- all I know about it is that my husband (boyfriend at the time) bought it for me at a music store in Whittier, CA - about 1969. So that will give you a time frame of how old they are. I agree, it does play beutifully, and I am just now today, going to have mine restrung!!

take care,

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: Goodsonbasinger
Date: 14 Jul 08 - 09:27 AM

I got one at a yard sale 20.00 .It is great , nice woods, good sound , nice action . I am pleased.Made by Ibanez I see.........hmmm. cool!

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Simon Lucas
Date: 04 May 08 - 05:36 PM

I just bought an Orlando at a swap meet. This is a black, 6 string solid body, two pickups. Very well made, I'm looking for some knobs which were missing. Reading the thread, seems Orlando was responsible for both electric and acoustic guitars. I'm no expert on electrics but this one looks like a Les Paul copy. Anyway, it needed help, so I bought it, and it is now part of my collection of assorted stringed musical instruments. For anyone local to Los Angeles, I have found the Pasadena swap meet on the first Sunday of the month always has a few interesting instruments, I seem to find something every month, much to the wife's displeasure!

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Nicole
Date: 10 Jan 08 - 04:39 PM

I'd love to find out something about them. My grandfather gave me an Orlando electric guitar... (and forgive me... I'm such a newb when it comes to anything so if I misname a part...)

But, it's got Orlando inlaid in pearl on the head, two dials for volume, two dials for tone, and a switch for either rhythm or treble. It's 6 strings and the body and neck are made from some really dense dark wood (red in color, mahogany perhaps?). There is no model number anywhere. :(

At any rate, I'd love to find out more about it. The cool thing is that I have a pic of my grandpa playing it in the very early 70's. Awesome pic too. Hee hee.

Anyhow, if anyone finds any information, I'd love to hear it! [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Slainte
Date: 16 Dec 07 - 02:34 PM

I have an Orlando A575 acoustic I'm restoring for my daughter. Seems a nice enough guitar. Anyone know anything about this model? Kind of weird that this thread is so long-lived. Good, but weird.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,jon
Date: 13 Dec 07 - 05:53 PM

purchased an old aria classical A-587 recently, during research came across a pic of an orlando 305, virtually identical! alien like head -rosette-saddle designs-hopethis helps

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,dusty
Date: 09 Dec 07 - 12:36 PM

I just purchased an Orlando Ukelele from an estate sale, it is beautiful, also says Made in Japan on it, by the charachter lines in the finish I guessed it was older than 1970s but I could be wrong, absolutely no info out there on the Ukes.. oh well.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 17 Nov 07 - 03:56 AM

Orlando Guitars - what an act!

The only man to juggle live canaries.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Buddy
Date: 16 Nov 07 - 04:32 AM

I think if your question was, "is it rare?," or "is it worth a lot of money?," that's been answered. I've had mine since June 1969, and I wouldn't sell it even if it were worth a lot because my mother gave it to me. The guitar cost $40.00 in 1969. It's a 303.

Subject: RE: Anyone know Orlando guitars?
From: GUEST,Cameron
Date: 28 Aug 07 - 02:32 AM

Doing research on an Orlando I just got. It is a double cutaway with arch top electric, no 335 style block, but a sound post at the bridge.

I found a picture of a Univox guitar circa 1968 that was a 335 clone that had the exact same pickup selector switch plate and pickups. So I believe these guitars were made by Aria in Japan. hope that helps.

cameron
senior amp tech
torres engineering