Extending the Range (1974)

Orange’s 1970s updates included the Pics & Text amp, Custom Reverb Twin with tremolo, and the first Overdrive with master volume.

Adrian Emsley, Orange Technical Director, recalls the Pics & Text Era: “The big difference between the Pics & Text and what came before was that it featured a DC-coupled concertina phase splitter, which gave an improvement in sound.”

This technical update marked a clear shift in Orange amplifier design. The new configuration brought greater clarity and response — qualities that would become associated with the evolving Orange tone throughout the 70s.

The Custom Reverb Twin

Mick Dines, former Orange Production Manager, looks back: “The Reverb Twin was introduced to compete directly with the Fender Twin Reverb. We aimed to reach that same studio and stage market, so we made sure our version was competitively priced.”
Designed by John James, the Orange Custom Reverb Twin was a versatile 50-Watt studio amplifier that came loaded with features: a Hammond spring reverb, tremolo, and a master volume. A 100-Watt version followed shortly after, and both models were supplied with a footswitch.

The amp had two channels. The Normal Channel had two high- and low-gain inputs, bass, treble, and volume controls, and the Brilliant Channel had two high- and low-gain inputs, bass, treble, middle, and volume controls.

The reverb’s intensity was controlled via a depth knob, while the tremolo had independent speed and depth controls. A master volume and presence control worked across both channels.

The Mk1 Reverb Twin combo featured a basketweave front cloth, but very few were made in 1972. The Mk2 model (available as both a combo and a head) came with a black cloth featuring silver flecks.

The First Orange Overdrive

In 1976, Orange launched its first Overdrive model at the Frankfurt Music Trade Fair. Based on the Pics & Text circuitry, it added a master volume, which was something players had been asking for. The HF Drive control was renamed Presence, and the amp featured larger tone control knobs.

This model would set the tone for the next generation of Orange amps, building on the foundation laid by the Pics & Text range with increased gain and flexibility.