The Orange Gibson Years (1993)

Orange reissues by Gibson in the 1990s revived classic models like the OR120 and Overdrive 120 before the brand returned to Cliff Cooper.

Production at Bexleyheath came to an end in 1979 when Orange Music Industries (OMI) was forced to close. This was the direct result of two major overseas distributors going into liquidation within a short space of time. Despite this setback, Cliff Cooper continued to build and sell Orange amplifiers in small numbers throughout the 1980s.

In 1993, Gibson licensed the Orange name to manufacture Orange amps. As the original Bexleyheath factory had long since closed, Gibson chose to have their amplifiers made by Matamp in Huddersfield once again, a nod to the importance of the “Orange – Made in England” identity.

Matamp, Gibson, and the Reissues

Cliff Cooper and Matamp’s founder, Mat Mathias, had remained on good terms since parting ways in the 1970s. Their friendship continued until Mat’s sad and sudden passing in 1989. His sons, Peter and Richard, kept the business going for a couple more years. The Mathias era at Matamp officially ended in 1992 when the company was sold to amplifier enthusiast and former local DJ Jeff Lewis.

The first Gibson-era Orange reissues were launched in 1994. These included the Graphic 120 and Overdrive 120, followed soon after by the Graphic 80 and Overdrive 80.

A Sound of Its Own

Sonically, the reissues differed noticeably from the original 1970s Pics and Text heads. The reason? The capacitors in the EQ section were fitted with Series Two overdrive values. A small number of Orange Super Bass 120 reissues were also made, based on the 1979 Series Two Super Bass circuit.

The 1990s reissues weren’t a major commercial success, and it was mutually agreed not to renew the licence. Gibson handed the Orange name back to Cliff Cooper in February 1997.