The Guitar Gallery Forums - The Guitar Legacy of Matsumoku

Hi,
Not sure if my question belongs here.
I'm looking at an "Orlando" SG copy, and can't find much on Orlando-brand at all.
Good looking guitar - dual humbuckers don't have the solid-looking covers, exposed pickups.
Dot inlays on the neck, not the large rectangle/trapezoid inlays.

Anyone have any experience with Orlando electric guitars and how they play/what is a reasonable price?

Odd toggle switch right in the center of the 4 tone and volume knobs. The lever on the switch is thin metal, no rubber coating.

Any information and opinions appreciated - thanks!

Orlando is difficult to pin down. I know there are some "internet experts" that say they were made by Matsumoku but there is no concrete evidence either way. If these experts are correct Matsumoku also made toasters and hockey sticks. We do our best to be certain before we say.

Most of what I've found indicates early to mid 70s and at that time guitar components were outsourced and the final product assembled afterward. Most Orlandos were copies of American brands as well as acoustic guitars and ukuleles distributed in the 70s.

You don't see many Orlandos around any more and probably a distributor (re-seller) label. About the same as you would Lyle, Bruno or Pan which were also distributor labels.

I did find one expert opinion that Orlando was made by Hondo (problem is Hondo is Korean).

Thanks for the information,
I'm amazed at how little I've been able to find on Orlando!
Usually I think with the internet I can find every scrap of info on everything, but Orlando is an oddity I guess.
This SG is sweet looking, just curious to find someone who has played one of their electrics, and might be able to suggest a legit price range.
Thanks again - appreciate the info!

Are you looking to buy one?

With the older "house brand" Japanese electrics it comes down to "collector's appeal" where the value is determined by the interest of and how deep collector's pockets are. An Aria of the same period would bring much more than the Orlando of a similar model.

With regards to value as an instrument it would not command near as high a price. Something to keep in mind is most were bolt neck with mid output pickups, steel frets and simple covered gear tuners. It would take a little work to bring it up to today's standards.

Do you have pics of the Orlando in question?

Yes, considering buying - always wanted an SG style guitar.
Attached a few pics of the Orlando in question. Thanks!

More pics to follow - having trouble adding multiple pics....

another pic

last one

Looks to be in fairly good shape!

The rounded fingerboard at the high end puts it early 70s as does the open book headstock. Also looks to have upgraded pickups and an added coil cut as well.

What is the asking price?

Asking price is $325 or best offer.
Did you notice the toggle switch centered between the volume and tone knobs? Is that the added coil you referred to? It does look in good shape, just weird how hard it is to get info on the Orlando name...
Thanks for the input - any opinion/thoughts welcome!