From the launch of their respective brands in the mid-1960s, it took Jim Marshall, Hiwatt’s Dave Reeves and Laney’s Lynton Laney at least a year to achieve what Cliff Cooper did in just six months. Namely, international brand familiarity thanks to endorsement by exactly the right artists. In that short space of time – autumn 1968 to early spring 1969 – Orange grew from what today would be called a newly-established boutique amp maker, into a major brand competing with Vox, Marshall and Fender.
In truth, in spring 1969 Orange was still really a boutique operation with hand-wired amps being built – but built in big numbers – and rigorously tested in the back of a tobacconist/radio repairs shop in Huddersfield’s King Street up north. But by then Orange Amps’ image was way bigger than this.
The move to a small factory facility just outside of town in Cowcliffe took place at the start of 1970. By now, Brand Orange was the choice for many blues-rock and blues artists such as the Father of British Blues, John Mayall, who used a full Orange PA with column speakers and 200 watt amps.
And it was BB King no less who had proved to be a major influencer in this.
On King’s April 1969 UK concert hall tour supported by Fleetwood Mac, he informally endorsed Orange: even though he had his Fender Dual Showman with him he tried out and then preferred to use Mac’s PA throughout the tour. What better PR can there be for a very young and new amp company than to have stage shots taken at London’s Royal Albert Hall of one of the blues greats using an Orange backline… photos which then appear in music papers worldwide the week after?
But of course it was Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac who set off this meteoric rise in Orange’s profile. They took delivery of the six 100 watt Orange Matamps with standalone reverb units, 6 offset 4×12 cabs, 1 8×10 bass cab plus PA speakers on November 3rd whilst gigging in the north of England, at Bradford.
Just two weeks later Mac’s legendary roadie, Dinky Dawson, took this first-ever Orange PA across the North Sea to Denmark and Sweden for a packed one-week tour. On the same bill in Copenhagen was Rory Gallagher’s Taste.
Bass player, Richie McCracken must have been impressed with John McVie’s bass rig that night: he was soon a convert who most notably was then seen with an Orange 200-watt amp head onstage at the 1970 Isle of Wight festival.
So within just one month of the inauspicious and local Bradford debut, musicians and music fans across Scandinavia were ‘Orange aware’. Then two weeks after that the gear was flown across the Atlantic in time for the band’s first gig at New York’s Fillmore East venue on December 6th. A two-month tour right across America followed.
Pennsylvanian blues guitarist, Rick Vito (who was in the late-1980s Behind The Mask Mac lineup) recalled seeing the band for the first time on the tour and immediately noticing and wanting his own Orange amp. Now this begs a marketing question: would Rick Vito have noticed and remembered the name of a new and hitherto unknown UK-made PA if it had been in standard black livery? Cliff Cooper’s marketing finesse in choosing the name of a colour for his products undoubtedly boosted visibility and brand-name recall.
But this crucial Mac-Orange tie-up wasn’t to last overly long.
It’s ironic that (as Mac’s Jeremy Spencer explained in 2006) at the start of that UK ’69 tour whilst BB King was trying out and liking Orange, all three Mac guitarists checked out his Fender Dual Showman and were equally impressed. So much so, that by the end of the summer and with the exception of John McVie, Mac had switched to Fender and mainly Dual Showmans. That said, Peter Green still sometimes took his OR200 and Orange standalone reverb on tour during 1970.
Undoubtedly Mac’s endorsement era was a fruitful time for the company not just in terms of publicity but also product development. The band’s original six 100 watt Orange amps made in October 1968 were powered by a pair of KT88 tubes, and had a 2-tier aluminium chassis with an ‘umbilical’ linking the preamp to output stage. These heads were taller than the subsequent OR100s in order to accommodate the KT88s. It is thought that at most 50 of these were made and as such today they are serious collectors’ items: there have been rumours of one or two still being in existence but no hard proof so far.
The next OR100 development stage was to switch to a single stove-enameled steel chassis and four EL34 tubes. Soon after that, in early 1969 the OR200 was introduced featuring four KT88s with a sleeve that was one inch taller and seven inches deeper than the OR100.
With first-rate endorsement having established Orange as an international brand throughout 1969, Cliff Cooper’s next marketing move was product placement. He did this in two stages: first, he set up Orange Hire which soon saw Orange PA’s onstage at many major summer festivals.
Then, partly thanks to this increased visibility – and just as he was looking to up Orange’s share of the German market – out of the blue he got a phone-call from Mike Leckebusch, producer of the Beat Club German television show. Colour TV was rapidly replacing black & white and Mike thought that the visual appeal of an Orange backline was just right for his weekly show. Cliff was only too pleased to oblige and supply. And so, in the early 1970s the stellar artists seen using Orange on nationwide German television included: Stevie Wonder, Status Quo, Canned Heat, Ike Turner, Muddy Waters, Black Sabbath, Free, Chuck Berry and Alice Cooper.
Sales in Germany soared as a result and so in 1971 Cliff formed a German subsidiary – Orange GMBH – in Frankfurt to meet this demand. One significant outcome of this was that Orange GMBH signed a deal to provide the PA for the 1972 Olympic Games at the Munich Stadium. No surprise then that sales of Orange right across Europe increased as a result.
“The 4 P’s of Marketing” has been a foundation business model for many decades. In order to succeed you have to get four broad marketing decisions just right: these are Product, Price, Promotion and Place. From 1968 onwards Cliff Cooper and Orange clearly got it right …. but they got it right not by formal study but by intuition, learning from mistakes made and adapting to a constantly evolving music business.
We are excited to have partnered up with ‘Unsigned Only’ music competition, get to know the concept & competition via the Q&A below.
• Tell us more about the Unsigned Only Music Competition and why artists should consider entering?
The Unsigned Only Music Competition is open to artists from around the world who are not currently signed to a major record label (indie label artists are eligible!). Our mission is to help artists in all styles and genres of music get more exposure and recognition for their music. Since Unsigned Only launched nine years ago, many winners have gone on to sign record, publishing, licensing deals, and more, making Unsigned Only a leading source for the industry to discover emerging artists.
Previous winners include Ingrid Andress (Warner Nashville) who was nominated for three 2021 Grammys, including Best New Artist, and Faouzia (Atlantic Records) who recently released the single “Minefields,” a duet with the iconic artist John Legend. Other entrants have included Gabby Barrett, Tenille Arts, BélO, Goodbye June, Anna Wolf, Wes Mack, Eric Ethridge, and more. The fact that these artists all entered Unsigned Only is a testament to the value they thought entering the competition would bring to their music careers.
• Can you explain more about the prizes, the partnership with Orange Amps, and extended opportunities that come with entering?
Unsigned Only awards over $150,000 in cash and prizes to our winners, which include First and Second Place winners in each category. Included in the overall prize package are amazing prize offerings from Orange Amps, which include a combo amplifier, guitar cable and endorsement from Orange Amps to overall Grand Prize winner, and one pair of Crest Edition headphones to all First Place winners. Being able to partner with such a cool and established organization like Orange Amps not only adds credibility to the overall competition, but it also allows us to be seen by more artists in all genres of music, including Rock, Blues, etc. Other prizes includes guitars, microphones, drum kits, and much more.
In addition to the prizes, the recognition and exposure we generate for our winners through press and outreach to our partners is invaluable. We are constantly fielding inquiries about our winners – whether that be potential showcase slots, festival performances, licensing opportunities, publishing outreaches, you name it. We are always looking for additional opportunities for our entrants to help them with their music careers.
• How does UO put music in front of key industry?
Every year, Unsigned Only assembles an esteemed panel of judges that includes celebrity recording artists and industry executives. Over the years, judges have included iconic artists such as Iggy Pop, Aimee Mann, Kelly Clarkson, Robert Smith (The Cure), Linda Perry, Cyndi Lauper, Carly Simon, The Killers, Chris Daughtry, Kenny Rogers, Bow Wow, Grouplove, and many more. Industry judges have included reps from Rolling Stone, Yahoo Music, Pandora, Summerfest, JazzTimes, iHeart Radio, Complex, Paradigm Talent Agency, The Breakfast Club, Blues Music Magazine, Guitar Player, and many more.
These judges are exactly the kinds of people that can have a direct impact on an artist’s career. Additionally, our finalists are shared with thousands of A&R, licensing, and publishing executives in an effort to garner more recognition for their music and help them move forward in their careers.
• What kinds of opportunities does UO present to international artists?
Unsigned Only provides artists the opportunity to get more exposure internationally and in the USA. Becoming a winner in the competition is a verified acknowledgement of their talent, and this success is often used to apply for grants and travel visas, whether that be for touring, conference showcases, co-writes, etc. Conversely, with travel being so restrictive at the moment, this is a great opportunity to get more international exposure from the safety and comfort of your own home.
• If you enter Unsigned Only are you ready for the International Songwriting Competition (ISC)?
For those who are not aware, we organize and produce both Unsigned Only and the International Songwriting Competition (ISC). Unsigned Only is looking for talented unsigned artists, whereas ISC is looking for great songs and songwriters. Since the focus of Unsigned Only is on the artist, original music and cover songs are accepted. However, ISC only accepts original music, so all artists who perform their own original music are eligible to enter ISC. A lot of artists enter both competitions, expanding the possibilities of winning prizes, recognition, and furthering their careers. It is so difficult to forge out a career in the music business that it is important for all artists to take advantage of all legitimate opportunities – and entering music and songwriting competitions can definitely be a productive path to help artists achieve their goals.
Fun Fact: Fantastic Negrito, who is currently an Orange artist!, is a former ISC winner. Other notable entrants from our competitions include Bastille, Vance Joy, Tones and I, Meghan Trainor, Illenium, Gotye, Kimbra, Passenger, Gin Wigmore, Amy Shark, Guy Sebastian, Gregory Porter, Lupe Fiasco, Missy Higgins, Kehlani, Faouzia, Gabby Barrett, Caamp, Ruel, Kasey Chambers, R.LUM.R, Lindsey Stirling, Darrell Scott, Tenille Arts, Andrew Bird, Anna Wolf, BélO, Omar Sosa, The Teskey Brothers, and many more.
• Last question – when is the deadline?
Unsigned Only’s 2021 extended deadline is approaching fast on April 28, 2021. This is a great opportunity to enter your songs and get more recognition for your music. To learn more and to enter your songs, please visit https://unsignedonly.com/cp-uo2021-orange
Conversely, ISC 2021 has just started taking entries and if offering an Early Bird discount fee until June 16th. To learn more and to enter your songs, please visit https://songwritingcompetition.com/
Every month we reward one lucky winner with a prize. All you have to do is post your Orange rig to any qualifying social media using the hashtag #OrangeRigOfTheMonth. Please note we are not accepting entries via email.
What’s your name, age, occupation?
Yann Goraguer, 46, Aerodynamics Research Engineer
How’d you first hear about Orange?
I started building my own amp back in 2005 and was looking for some “alternative” inspiration, at least for the aesthetic. Being a Stoner/Doom/Sludge enthusiast, Orange was the obvious choice.
What gear is in this rig?
Orange Rocker 30 combo and Gibson SG. For the pedals : Pharaoh and Rosie Fuzz, Small Stone, Aqua Puss and Reptile delay, DIY Les Lius, Overdriver and power supply. Since I swap a lot between open G for slide and standard/drop tunning for the rest, the Octa-Switch helps me to stay calm during a show. The only thing I bought brand new is my 2005 SG Special (50’s neck with custom pickguard and SD SH-59 set) everything else is second hand or DIY.
If you’ve got any, can you share links where people can go to hear how this sounds?
What do you use your rig for?
Rehearsals, shows and recording with my band : Rancune Ducks.
How often do you update the rig?
More often than I can afford…
What guitar do you use? Why?
Since I’m a lefty, it is difficult to find decent guitars at decent prices, still nowadays. I only play Gibson or Gibson like. Most of the music than inspires me is played on that. The SG is my main guitar, tuned to E standard and drop D. I also have a Les Paul Standard with a Classic 57 set and a Gordon Smith GS1, same tunning. A Custom 77 “China Girl” (French brand, SG like) with P90 and mini-humbucker, tunned to open G for slide. And finally, a reversed Ibanez GAX30 in C standard.
When was the first time you saw an Orange amp?
Early 2000′ at a local show with a Pop Punk band. A full set of sub two minutes, almost identical songs….but a Rocker 30 half-stack on stage with no pedals. I spent the whole gig on the first row….and I bought the combo version a couple of month later.
If you could own any piece of gear, old or new, what would it be and why?
It’s not really a piece of gear but the only thing I do want now is a proper place to play and record music. With Anthony, the other guitar in the band, we became addicted to the recording process a couple of year ago now.
Who is your guitar hero?
I don’t like the “hero” concept, so I would quote bands rather individuals, but it’s easy to find out : The Who, early Black Sabbath, ZZ Top, Black Keys, Kyuss, Sleep and everything with Jack White in the line-up.
During the lockdown, we tried to stay busy by doing videos like this :
Any social handles if you want included?
Twitter : @RancuneDucks
Our annual Wish Granted contest ended with more than $30,000 in Orange product given away to over 100 individual winners. We had 87,219 total wishes come in just to our website. It’s safe to assume there were well over 500,000 additional wishes just through social media.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the items we awarded by type:
Guitar Amps, Cabs, and Pedals – 48 pieces
Bass Gear – 10 pieces
Accessories and Merch – 48 pieces
We granted wishes to people in more than 20 different countries on 6 continents. Without a doubt, this Wish Granted was the crowning achievement of the 7-year-old contest.
We wanted to take a moment to focus on a handful of the people who entered this contest. We’ve been doing Wish Granted since it’s inception (when I created the contest while sitting in traffic driving home on a cold Christmas Eve EVE). In that time we’ve seen the contest grow from less than 50,000 impressions per year to more than 3,000,000. For most people the odds of winning must seem impossible.
For these lucky people, that impossibility has become reality. Let’s focus in on some of the winners and what they had to say about having their wishes granted by “Cliffy Claus.”
Erik Deptuch, Canada, Terror Bass Amp
“I can’t thank Orange Amps for this amazing opportunity, my year has been difficult just like everyone else’s but this definitely has rekindled a spark of hope that no matter how long of a shot that things can, and will get better. Stand strong, stand united, and support those you care about. Hopefully the next few years can be better than ever! Once again thank you Orange Amps!”
Ana Rita Rodrigues, Portugal, Two Stroke Pedal
“I’m a beginner and Two Stroke seems perfect to add more what I already have. For now I’ll be playing with my Squire Hello Kitty Stratocaster Electric Guitar and give nightmares to my neighbors.”
Henning Mesquita Brekke, Norway, Pedal Baby 100
“Been playing several different Orange amps over the years, the Pedal Baby 100 will be super helpful when traveling and playing gigs!”
Alexandra Koroukhov, Israel, Micro Dark Amp
“I wish to expand my gear as I am a guitar beginner. Once I excel in my musical duties more and more, I would love to produce sounds with some additional gear of one of the leading manufacturers.”
Robert Madley, USA, OB1 300 Bass Amp
“I wanted this amp because I needed a bass amp and I could never afford this. You made my Christmas dream come true!”
Juan Pablo Jimenez Bernal, Mexico, T-Shirt
“Even though I was a small child the first time I saw an orange amp, I could feel the power of Rock beckoning me. 2 years ago through hard work I could finally afford a Crush Pro series amp and since then I have played it tirelessly every single day enjoying its might and raw tones. I want to thank everyone at Orange and Cliff for all the wonderful gifts, all the flawless gear you have created and for being part of the history of rock n’ roll. Rock on my fellow brothers and sisters of the world and stay Orange!”
Evan Messenger, USA, AD30 and PPC212 Cabinet
“I wished for this so that I could finally get closer to starting the band that my grandfather and I always fantasized over.”
Jimmy Lewis, England, T-Shirt
“I’ll be wearing it. Externally. Almost certainly on the torso area.”
That last one is my personal favorite.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2020 Wish Granted. 2020 was a dumpster fire, but we’re glad we were able to help add a bit of light into an otherwise dark year. Until next time!
Those of you who have been following us for a while are most likely familiar with our annual “Wish Granted” competition where we give away thousands of pounds / dollars worth of gear every Christmas. Those of haven’t, well, that’s pretty much it but we’ll give you the lowdown anyway. Our Wish Granted competition is run yearly in December, allowing our customers to wish for any Orange product of their choice either via our website, or by making their wish in a comment across our social media channels by including the #WishGranted hashtag. Last year was a particularly shitty year, so we were happy we were able to put some smiles on people’s faces by making their amplifier dreams come true.
Below, you’ll find the top 5 wished for products of website competition entries during 2020’s campaign. Anyone able to guess number one…?
5. AD200
To see our AD200 in the top 5 is hardly a surprise, as it’s quite simply one of the purest valve bass amplifiers ever produced. Designed on the premise that the best tone often comes from the shortest signal path from guitar to speaker, this classic, uncomplicated design features inputs for both active and passive instruments and a simple but effective EQ.
“I’ve tried a few other amps but for me there’s just no comparison; If you wanna play rock ’n’ roll, there’s no amp like the AD200.” – Truls Mörck
4. Crush Pro 120 Combo
Solid state never sounded so good! Taking inspiration from the twin channel circuit in our prestigious Rockerverb series, the Crush Pro range (which comes in both a head and combo, with the combo being in the Wish Granted top 5) has been developed using high grade solid state components. The result? Amplifiers that deliver the warm, rich tonal characteristics that have been our hallmark from the very beginning, coupled with extraordinary levels of versatility and construction to match. The clean channel is a vintage-inspired design, with plenty of sparkle, and the Dirty channel takes its roots from the Rockerverb, with four stages of gain covering a wide range of driven tones.
3. Merch, Merch, Merch
We have an extensive merch range and we’re glad you dig it! Cause let’s be honest, it’s easier sending you a t-shirt or set of headphones than an OBC810. Check our our Global Merch Store here, and our US merch store here.
2. Dark Terror
Picking up where the original Tiny Terror left off, the Dark Terror takes this classic ‘lunchbox amp’ formula and gives it a dark, modern twist. Designed to put high-gain heavy tones first, the 4-stage preamp borrows technology from our flagship amps, packing the best of Orange saturation into a portable, 15 Watt package. Equipped with our all-valve FX Loop and output power switching, the Dark Terror summons not only demonic distortion but also great clean and crunch tones.
1. Rockerverb Series
It might not come as a surprise that our Rockerverb amps were the most sought upon items in the Wish Granted competition. The award winning series, which consists of both a 50W & 100W head as well as a 50W combo have in many ways become our flagship amps since the release of the MKI back in 2004. The Rockerverbs demonstrates better than anything else that a workhorse amp can be a master of all trades, and the original was actually our first ever ‘high gain’ amplifier, with a unique voice that quickly became a firm favourite amongst the heavy crowd. However, its supreme versatility and dependability meant the series has been a mainstay for touring artists and session aces, both on the road and in the studio.
“I’ll never forget the first time I played an orange amplifier The rockerverb was always one that lived somewhere in my mind after the first time I experienced a note through one. Not only is it the coolest looking amp on the planet, but it changes my playing in a way that makes me sound more natural, more organic and more like myself. It sounds massive, but it still manages to let my fingerprint shine through.” – Nick Johnston
Every month we reward one lucky winner with a prize. This month’s winner receives a Terror Stamp. All you have to do is post your Orange rig to any qualifying social media using the hashtag #OrangeRigOfTheMonth. Please note we are not accepting entries via email.
What’s your name, age, occupation?
Douglas Irvin, 57, Singer/Songwriter/Guitars
How’d you first hear about Orange?
A couple years ago, I attended a Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp performance and noticed the tone of the Orange amps. I preferred the Orange Amp sound compared the other amps being used.
What gear is in this rig?
Crush Pro CR60C 60W Guitar Combo Amp (for acoustic clean tone)
Pedal Baby 100 Power amp, PPC112 60W 1×12 Guitar Speaker Cabinet (for my
assorted pedals)
What do you use your rig for?
Live performance and recording.
How often do you update the rig?
I often update my effect pedals based on the gig.
What guitar do you use? Why?
2017 Ernie Ball St. Vincent, because it is lightweight and sounds good clean or through an overdrive/fuzz pedal. I use a Fender Acoustasonic Telecaster for an acoustic and it is extremely versatile.
When was the first time you saw an Orange amp?
The Black Sabbath video for their song Paranoid.
If you could own any piece of gear, old or new, what would it be and why?
I would like to own a vintage 1960’s telecaster with a Bigsby vibrato. I think it is one of the most piercing and full sounds from a guitarist when used on a lead for a song.
Who is your guitar hero?
Jimmy Page
Can you share any links where people can go to hear how this sounds?
https://www.dvicband.com
We are looking for a workshop technician for our UK Head Office in North London.
Your key duties will include:
* Providing Technical Support and dealing with Customer enquiries both via email and telephone.
* Managing the returns process from start to finish this includes, booking in, diagnosis and
repair to component level of both valve and transistor amplifiers, analysis of faults and
servicing of customer/artist stock.
* Ensuring loan stock is maintained and ready to go when required.
* QC of incoming goods.
* Ensuring stock levels in the workshop are managed efficiently.
* Maintaining the workshop to a high standard and take responsibility for Health and Safety as
per the Company Policy.
* Any other duties as requested by your line manager or another senior member of the
Company.
Based on the Orange Music Electronic Company Values we are looking for people to join the team who:
* Have a proven track record of Deliver the Highest Standards and understand what
excellence looks like.
* Have strong communication and influencing skills to develop Partnerships and Teamwork
and to ensure they are positive working relationships to achieve the best outcome.
* Someone who is constantly striving to Improve Performance for themselves, their team and
the Company.
* Are proactive and solution focussed with the mindset to take Ownership and Responsibility
for their own and their team’s part in seeing everything through to the best possible
conclusion.
Key Responsibilities
* Technical Support (First Line).
* Managing the returns process ensuring items are dealt with promptly.
* Inputting systems and procedures to improve the workload.
Skills Required
* Ability to fault find and repair both valve and transistor amplifiers.
* Planning, prioritising and organising tasks and activities, time management, self and team.
* Communication skills, building trust, empathy and mutual understanding.
* Effective use of IT and equipment, esp. communication, planning and reporting systems.
* Managing relationships, inter-department, peers, upwards, obtaining approval for projects,
changes etc.
* Administration; monitoring, maintaining and developing reporting systems.
* Quality awareness.
* Environmental and duty of care awareness and managing according to standards and
procedures.
* Outstanding customer service – external and internal.
* Self-development, self-control, seeking responsibility and personal growth.
Experience
* Minimum 5 Years’ Experience in a similar role within Industry is essential.
* Minimum 5 years’ experience in fault finding and repair (experience must include Valve
Amp repair and service).
* IT skills including outlook, word and excel desirable but not essential.
* Exceptional communication skills and the ability to communicate appropriately at all levels
of the organisation; this includes written and verbal communications.
* Experience of working in a high pressured environment.
* The ability to deliver excellent customer service.
* Brand awareness would be desirable but not essential.
* Experience of meeting deadlines and key performance indicators.
* Preferable you will hold a degree the minimum education requirement for this role is A-
Level.
Please submit your CV with covering letter and salary expectations to [email protected]
Every month we reward one lucky winner with a prize. This month’s winner receives a white Bax Bangeetar Pre-EQ pedal. All you have to do is post your Orange rig to any qualifying social media using the hashtag #OrangeRigOfTheMonth. Please note we are not accepting entries via email.
What’s your name, age, occupation?
Mike Schmalenberg, age 32, Musician and Elementary School Teacher.
How’d you first hear about Orange?
I first heard about Orange by seeing other bands use them on stage. I always loved the sound, whenever I heard an Orange rig.
What do you use your rig for?
I have played in various bands over the years, Mother Night and Sing The Body Electric, seeing the most action; however it is now primarily used for my solo band project.
How much did this rig set you back?
I bought the amps new, but the cabs second hand, so this rig set me back about $3500 CDN.
How often do you update the rig?
I love trying Orange amps out, so while I try to maintain some consistency with the AD30, and Getaway Driver pedal, I’m always bringing in new heads and amps to play around with!
What gear is in this rig?
My current home set up consists of a PPC212, AD30 and a Getaway Driver pedal; with the option to add a PPC412, or a Dark terror for a little higher gain fun!
What guitar do you use? Why?
I primarily play Gibson, with a Les paul Traditional currently claiming the number one spot. They have always just felt right for me, I especially like the way the brustbucker pickups interact with the AD30!
When was the first time you saw an Orange amp?
I’m sure I saw them while watching an old Oasis video or the Black Sabbath Beat Club performance when I was an early teenager, but Orange really came into the forefront of my world when we played a gig with a band (about 10 years ago) that were using Rockerverbs, and I fell in love with the tone.
If you could own any piece of gear, old or new, what would it be and why?
I would love to get my hands on an OR50, or OR120 either vintage or reissue! I love the vintage fuzzy tones of those amps, they just speak to me whenever I heard a demo; I can only image how good it would sound in real life!
Who is your guitar hero?
The two guitar players that have had the largest impact on me would be Zakk Wylde and fellow Canadian, Devin Townsend. More recently, Jared James Nichols has been a great inspiration to watch as well!
Can you share any links where people can go to hear how this sounds?
https://www.instagram.com/mikeschmalenberg/
Every month we reward one lucky winner with a free pair of O-Edition Headphones. All you have to do is post your Orange rig to any qualifying social media using the hashtag #OrangeRigOfTheMonth. Please note we are not accepting entries via email.
What’s your name, age, occupation?
Reno Gooch, 45, musician, actor, hemp farmer, stage hand.
How’d you first hear about Orange?
When I was a child I saw the Beat Club videos of Black Sabbath and their Orange half stacks all around. It was a turning point for me and the Orange stacks were imprinted into my psyche. Just looking at my half stack takes me back to that feeling of being so excited about music.
What do you use your rig for?
My Oranges are used for performing and recording with my psychedelic fuzz band Space Coke.
How much did this rig set you back?
6 magic beans. Seriously though, I traded something for the Terror Stamp locally. I have 4 orange rigs so to speak, the Rockerverb MKiii 50 and PPC412, I have a Micro Terror with the 1×8, a Terror Stamp and an OR15 with a PPC112. I’m happy to be getting the Orange headphones to go with the Micro and Stamp.
How often do you update the rig?
I will never update my Rockerverb MKiii. It’s the best amp ever I truly believe. I may get a second PPC412 to go with it though! I’m updating the Terror Stamp with the Headphones you’re awarding me.
What gear is in this rig?
For my rig of the month it’s a Terror Stamp alongside my Seeker Effects Iommi styled Rangemaster. The tube preamp let’s me use my gig pedals and listen with headphones (which I now will have thanks to the generous Orange team!)
What guitar do you use? Why?
I have 2 Gibson SGs. A white limited edition with Seymour Duncan Whole Lotta Humbuckers. It sounds amazing and has a thicker neck. Its name is Nuit Ma Ahathoor Hecate Sappho Jezebel Lilith Crowley aka “the white witch.” My other is a black Traditional with stock ’61 pickups. It’s a lefty. I’m lefty but play righty. I like using flipped lefty’s because it puts the controls where I like em. I use SGs because of my heroes Iommi and Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
When was the first time you saw an Orange amp?
The Black Sabbath Beat Club videos. Shortly after that Stevie Wonder live in the 70s. Stevie’s whole band had Oranges everywhere. Man that tells you it ain’t just the looks!
If you could own any piece of gear, old or new, what would it be and why?
That’s a very tough question! I’m gonna pick Sister Rosetta’s 3 pickup white SG.
Who is your guitar hero?
Another impossible question! I’m taking the liberty of saying my main influences all together Helios Creed, Paul Leary, Iommi, Zappa and Hendrix.
Can you share any links where people can go to hear how this sounds?
Spacecoke.bandcamp.com. The Terror Stamp in particular will be on our upcoming LP on Forbidden Place Records. Out early 2021. I will also be posting videos soon on our Instagram page.