United Kingdom · Est. 1968
Orange
London's orange amplifiers. Orange offers a warm, dense and musical tone that has won over players from alternative rock to doom metal.
About the brand
Orange Amplification was founded in 1968 by Clifford Cooper in London's Soho. The brand distinguished itself from the start with its orange-coloured cabinets featuring pictographic panels instead of words — a design intended for musicians who don't speak English. The Orange sound has a very characteristic midrange response, warm and thick, different from Fender's brighter character or Marshall's more aggressive one.
In the 70s, Orange was the amplifier of Fleetwood Mac, Jimmy Page and many British prog rock artists. In the 2000s it experienced a revival through alternative rock and metal: bands like The Black Keys, Mastodon and System of a Down adopted the Orange tone as part of their sonic identity.
The current range includes everything from the classic AD30 and Rockerverb to the Terror Bass for bass and the compact Micro Terror. Orange continues to manufacture its highest-end models in the UK and is a cult brand both in the studio and on stage.
Key facts
- Founded in 1968 in London's Soho by Clifford Cooper
- Pictographic panels instead of text — iconic and instantly recognisable design
- Used by Jimmy Page, The Black Keys and Mastodon
- Warm, dense midrange tone unlike any other brand
Iconic models
OR120
Orange's first iconic head, with its unique preamp circuit and prominent midrange, defined the brand's warm, crunchy sound.
Rockerverb 50
A two-channel valve amp with an integrated spring reverb and Orange's unmistakable voice, a favourite of alternative and indie rock bands for its versatility.
TH30
A 30-watt combo with two channels and Orange's tonal DNA in a convenient format, ideal for rehearsals and medium-sized live shows.
Terror Bass
A hybrid bass head applying Orange's philosophy to electric bass with a valve preamp and solid-state power stage.
Micro Dark
A 20-watt hybrid micro head with an ECC83 valve preamp, designed to deliver Orange's dark and saturated sound in a minimalist format.