Orville Thunderbird Bass in Tobacco Burst - Japan 1988

Here is a vintage Orville Thunderbird bass in superb playing condition, a highly regarded example of the Japanese-built Orville series produced by the renowned Terada Factory and FujiGen Gakki. These instruments have earned a strong reputation for build quality and consistency, often rivaling and in some cases exceeding their USA-made counterparts, and have developed a loyal following among players and collectors. The Thunderbird-style basses are notably rarer than the more common Orville Les Paul models and continue to command strong demand in the vintage market.

This example captures everything that has made the Orville Thunderbird line so desirable. It features excellent overall construction quality, with a straight neck, precise intonation, and frets in superb condition, resulting in smooth, fast, and effortless playability across the entire fingerboard.

Tonally, it delivers a powerful and resonant voice through its USA Gibson humbucker pickups, offering a deep, piano-like low end from the bridge pickup and a rich, full-bodied character throughout. It has the bold, authoritative tone expected from the Thunderbird design, with strong clarity and weight in the mix.

Cosmetically, the bass shows light natural finish wear and honest play marks consistent with age and use, adding to its vintage character without detracting from its overall appeal. It retains a strong aesthetic presence, with the classic Thunderbird styling and natural patina giving it a well-worn, authentic feel.

Specifications: 

Year: 1988
Country: Japan
Model: Orville Thunderbird
Finish: Tobacco Sunburst gloss
Body: Mahogany body with plain wood top
Neck: Mahogany neck
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Scale: 25.5"
Pickups: Gibson USA humbuckers (HH configuration)
Controls: Passive electronics (no preamp), standard volume/tone layout
Case: Orville gigbag