Category Archives: Amplification

Orange Amplification, Classic Rock and Jeff Beck

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Orange Amplification is proud to announce they are the headline sponsor for The Classic Rock Roll Of Honour 2011, in association with currencies.co.uk. The awards over its seven year history have attracted and honoured some of the greatest musicians the world has ever seen, and 2011 will be no different.

Damon Waller, Managing Director said ‘sponsoring The Classic Rock Roll Of Honour 2011 represents a perfect partnership which reflects Orange Amplification’s over forty years of  rocking history in the music industry.

In addition to being the headline sponsor, Orange Amplification will also be sponsoring the coveted Living Legend Award, which this year goes to one of the most influential lead guitarists of all time – Jeff Beck. He is the recipient of six Grammy Awards and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, as himself, and also as a member of the Yardbirds. Presenting the award, is the host for the evening, rock god and Kiss frontman, Gene Simmons. This will also be filmed for his Gene Simmons Family Jewels TV Series.

Orange Amplification endorsees Rival Sons and the Black Spiders are nominated, both for the Album of the Year Award, and Rival Sons are also nominated for the Best New Band Award.

You can vote for your favourites at http://awards2011.classicrockmagazine.com/vote.html.

The awards will be held at the renowned Roundhouse in Camden on the 9th November 2011 and Jeff Beck and Rival Sons have been confirmed to play the awards.

To find out more about the Orange gear and their artists nominated for this years awards visit www.orangeamps.com.

Posted in Amplification, Guitar, News

Orange Amps Signs New Endorsee’s Both Sides Of The Atlantic

Posted on September 6, 2011 by Planet-Musician

2011 has been a fantastic year for Orange Amps with top artists from both sides of the Atlantic becoming part of the growing Orange Amp endorsee roster. The great new signings represent some of the finest, award-winning and innovative talent in the industry today, covering all music genres.

Joining the Orange Amps ranks are Tom Peterson of Cheap Trick, a band ranked number twenty five in VH1’s list of 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock. Then we have Earl Slick, guitarist with an incredible history who has worked with David Bowie and is now playing in the critically acclaimed New York Dolls.

Also coming to the Orange Amp roster is Tommy Henriksen the guitarist with the Alice Cooper band – inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2011. In addition there are also Scott Holiday, Robin Everhart from the Rival Sons who are currently nominated for Best New Band and Album of the year at the forthcoming Classic Rock awards.

Further signings include Grammy award winning bands with Mike Shinoda from Linkin Park and Fred Durst with Limp Bizkit. In addition there is also Frankie Poullain with The Darkness, recently reformed and headlined the Download festival this year and James Alexander O’Gorman from the 2011 Ivor Novello nominated band Scouting for Girls.

Finally Orange have signed Maciek Ofstad,  Bjarte Lund Rolland, Vidar Landa from the Norwegian band Kvelertak who were presented with two Spellemann Awards—a prestigious Norwegian music award similar to the American Grammy Award—for Best Newcomer and Best Rock Band.

To see the full list of new artist’s signings which includes over thirty more new bands please visit the Orange website at www.orangeamps.com.

Posted in Amplification, Artists, Guitar, News

Three Days to go for Tornado Victims Fund-raising ‘Music Aid for Joplin’ Auction

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Planet-Musician

The launch by Orange Amps of the fund-raising ‘Music Aid for Joplin’ is only three days away and is set

to raise thousands of pounds to help and support the Joplin community and in particular Glory Days Music Store destroyed by the tornado. The Auction (lots 1 to 30 only) has been running since July 18th and set to finish on Wednesday 24th August when the final live on-line auction begins at 10.30 am Pacific Daylight Time (USA) or 18.30 British Summer Time.

The auction has raised worldwide interest and the media have been widely supportive including a feature on CNN http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/07/29/joplin.tornado.music.store/index.html and coverage from much of the music press.

The live auction event will be handled by Fame Bureau, who are one of the world’s leading experts in music equipment and memorabilia. Highlights from the auction lots include a rare Orange Amps Union Jack half-stack, Sabian cymbals personally signed by RUSH’s Neil Peart and an Orange CR50BXT bass amp, signed by RUSH’s Geddy Lee. Since the launch of the auction support has been coming in from a wide range of companies and artists wanting to support this worthy cause and new lots added to the auction now include:

  • Mastodon signed Drum head and vinyl – Donated by Mastodon
  • Jerry Cantrell Signature Cry Baby Wah Pedal signed by Jerry Cantrell of Alice In Chains – Donated by Dunlop
  • Slash Signature Cry Baby Wah Pedal signed by Slash – Donated by Dunlop
  • Taylor Baby Acoustic Guitar signed by country star Trace Adkins – Donated by Taylor Guitars
  • Theory Of A Deadman Signed Drum Heads, Drum Sticks, Shirts, and copies of their new album “The Truth Is…”
  • David Gravette signed Skateboard, Shoes, and Poster – Donated by C1RCA
  • Guitar Picks from Gearpipe.com
  • Para-Strap Guitar Strap and Solder-Free Pedal Board Kit – Donated by Lava Cable
  • Samsung Series 9 Notebook – Donated by Intel
  • Aria PE Elite Electric Guitar with Duncan Designed Pickups – Donated by Aria Distribution
  • Seymour Duncan 35th Anniversary Commemorative JB/Jazz Humbucker Set – Donated by Aria Distribution

To assist Orange Amps and its fellow manufacturers to help and support Music Aid for Joplin, please go to Fame Bureau’s website or link via www.orangeamps.com  and bid on one of the many items available. There are only three days left to go, so get bidding for these unique items and to help raise funds for this good cause.

Posted in Amplification, Events, Guitar, News

Orange Amps Launches Tornado Victims Fund-raising ‘Music Aid for Joplin’ Auction

Posted on June 20, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Orange Amplifiers, alongside fellow musicians and other people in the music industry, were so very saddened to hear the news about the worst tornado season in more than fifty years in the USA and would like to offer their support. 153 people have been killed in Joplin, Missouri – home of the Glory Days Music Store – and half the town was destroyed including Glory Days itself and the owner’s home.

Orange Amps have decided after hearing the news to set up a fund-raising ‘Music Aid for Joplin’ auction of very special musical equipment from Orange and a number of other manufacturers. CEO Cliff Cooper will be working with Ted Owen, the auction house Fame Bureau‘s Managing Director, who is recognised as one of the world’s leading experts in music equipment and memorabilia.

Orange Amps will donate a rare and valuable (last one of only twenty made) Union Jack half-stack worth at least $6000! Orange have also helped to coordinate support from other musical instrument manufacturers/suppliers and the auction will include a number of very desirable items which are being added to on a daily basis. The list currently includes:

  • Sabian Cymbals money-can’t-buy 14” Paragon Crash personally signed by RUSH’s Neil Peart with the Steampunk logo, personalized with the winner’s name
  • Sabian leather jacket
  • Orange CR50BXT bass amp, signed by RUSH’s Geddy Lee, personalized with the winner’s name
  • Yamaha Gigmaker 5pc drum set with hardware and Paiste 101 cymbals
  • Yamaha New A Series Acoustic/Electric Guitar
  • Sierra Guitars Sierra Sunrise Auditorium Acoustic Guitar
  • Shure Microphones Super 55
  • Guitar World 12-Month Subscription

David Peterson, owner of Glory Days Music Store, commenting on the auction said, ‘On hearing about Orange’s plans to raise proceeds through an auction, I was just floored. I didn’t think for one minute that someone would do something like that for me without asking for it. It’s an incredible gesture.’

‘We have seen the heartbreaking tragedy that has taken place in the USA, particularly in Joplin Missouri, ‘ said Cooper, ‘ and we felt that we would like to do something in the spirit of that special relationship that exists between the USA and the UK. The money raised will help the re-establishment of the Glory Days Music Store.’

The American Red Cross in Joplin is providing emergency assistance at five separate locations. This includes first aid and emergency health services, mental health services, distribution of bulk items such as recovery kits, toiletries and items needed for the clean-up such as gloves, rakes, masks, and vital water supplies and snacks.

To assist Orange Amps and its fellow manufacturers to help and support the Joplin community please go to Fame Bureau’s website and bid on one of the many items available. The auction begins Monday, July 18th at FameBureau.com. Auction ends Wednesday, August 24th.

Any companies wishing to donate to this worthy cause can contact Orange Amps or the Fame Bureau direct via their website www.famebureau.com.

Posted in Amplification, Guitar, News

Maven Peal® Releases The Guitar Amplifier Player’s Guide on Kindle Platform

Posted on June 9, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Strafford, VT—Maven Peal Instruments, Inc. is pleased to announce the release of Dave Zimmerman’s The Guitar Amplifier Player’s Guide—the first do-it-yourself troubleshooting guide for musicians – on amazon.com‘s Kindle platform.

“The Player’s Guide offers a wealth of information… on biasing, impedance matching, speakers, tube saturation, and classic tube amps… this easy-to-understand guide is well worth the investment,” according to Guitar Player magazine’s Art Thompson. (October 2010, p. 30) Vintage Guitar magazine adds, “Zimmerman focuses on how to make them amps sound better, using straightforward mods… There are charts, a glossary of terms, and in-depth discussion of cords and cables, but arguably the best thing is that it offers something for everyone.” (February 2011, p. 132)

“I personally love the feel and experience of real books, but after having my Kindle for about six months, I can’t imagine getting around without it’s convenience and ease of use. With the explosion of ebook sales, we wanted to make sure that The Player’s Guide is available to all guitar players in every situation,” explains Dave Zimmerman, author and Maven Peal’s founder.

The Guitar Amplifier Player’s Guide is available from amazon.com whispernet service for $9.99.

Visit Maven Peal at www.mavenpeal.com.

Posted in Amplification, Guitar

Ampeg Offers Bassists and Guitarists a Chance to Win

Posted on April 6, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Ampeg today announces the Other Side of the Stage Facebook contest to promote their all-new GVT Series All-Tube Guitar Amplifiers.

“We need you Ampeg-obsessed bassists to help us to spread the word about our new GVT Series all-tube guitar amps, coming out this summer,” commented Paul Audi, Ampeg marketing manager. “Spread the word for a chance to win an all-new GVT52-212 Guitar Combo for your guitarist and an all-new PF-350 and PF-210HLF for you.”

To learn more and to enter the contest go to Ampeg’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/AmpegUSA on April 6th, contest ends April 30th.

Visit Ampeg during Musikmesse from April 6-9, 2011 in Frankfurt, Germany in Halle 4.1, Stand E31.  For more information about the new GVT Series Guitar Amps visit www.ampeg.com/GVT.

Posted in Amplification, Bass, Guitar, Special Offers

Frankfurt Musikmesse 2011: Ampeg Brings All-Tube Tone to Guitarists With New GVT™ Series Amps

Posted on April 6, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Comprehensive guitar amp line debuts at Musikmesse in advance of summer launch.

Ampeg today re-enters the world of premium guitar amplification with the announcement of the GVT Series Guitar Amps, due out this summer. Each head, cab and combo offers all-tube guitar tone in a sleek design inspired by classic Ampeg guitar amps from the ‘70s.

“Over the years, Ampeg guitar amps have delivered an alternative to the standard tones of the time,” remarks Ampeg’s Director of Amplification, Pyotr Belov. “The all-new GVT line is no different. It can easily handle a wide range of playing styles, but does so with pure Ampeg guitar tone that easily outshines the leading tube amps.”

The comprehensive line of Ampeg GVT Guitar Amps range from an ultra-compact 5-watt head, all the way up to a gig-friendly 50-watt, 2×12 combo. GVT heads and combos are all-tube by design, including 6V6 and 6L6 power tubes for unmistakable American feel and tone. The tonal palette is wide, featuring Ampeg’s legendary Baxandall EQ circuitry, which provides unmatched flexibility, allowing the guitarist a much wider range of tones than competitive amps. Both GVT extension cabinets feature Celestion® Vintage 30 speakers, while GVT combos use Celestion Original Series speaker designs, perfect for translating the feel of the all-tube GVT amplifiers. Plus, rugged build quality ensure years of use out on the road.

Available later this summer, the Ampeg GVT Series will launch with eight different models: the GVT5H and GVT15H heads, GVT112E and GVT112EW cabinets, plus the GVT5-110, GVT15-112, GVT52-112 and GVT52-212 combos. Ampeg GVT pricing is TBD at this time. Visit Ampeg during Musikmesse from April 6-9, 2011 in Frankfurt, Germany in Halle 4.1, Stand E31.  For more detailed product information, please visit www.ampeg.com. Visit Ampeg’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ampegUSA) for a chance to win Ampeg gear, including an all-new GVT Series amplifier.

Posted in Amplification, Frankfurt Musikmesse, Guitar

Orange Amps Launch Lavish Coffee table Book: “The Book Of Orange”

Posted on April 6, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Orange Amps will be launching their new, full colour coffee-table book at the Frankfurt Musikmesse 2011, celebrating over forty years of their history with a massive, detailed archive of press cuttings, photographs and promotional material. This unique 200-page large-format Flipbook gives the reader a comprehensive, invaluable insight both into Orange Amps the Product and Orange the Brand.

Start the Flipbook from one side and The Book of Orange tells you about the innovation and technology that is an intrinsic part of the Orange story so far. Always at the forefront of the development of amplification, with years spent studying, experimenting and testing in order to improve on the best: in the words of Orange founder and CEO, Cliff Cooper - “The ‘Orange sound’ didn’t just happen, it has taken years to perfect.”  The Book of Orange tells an illustrated story of this quest, showing how Orange Amps truly did become the ‘Voice of the World’.

Turn over, and Building the Brand takes you from the late 1960s when Cliff Cooper established the Orange Recording Studios, Orange Shop and Orange Amplification, through to the present day and the proud launch of the Orange Personal Computer (OPC) designed and developed in-house by Orange.

The history is told using material from the archives: remember the cartoon comic strips, the Orange Amp Crest, the Orange World Tree, and the Orange Amp Log Books? Then there are the pictures – a who’s who of rock and roll. This book is lavishly illustrated with images of the greats using Orange Amps including James Brown, Frank Zappa, Stevie Wonder, John Lennon, Led Zeppelin, Johnny Cash, John Miles, and more recently Monte Pittman (Madonna), Oasis, Geddy Lee, Slipknot, Scissor Sisters, Travis and Manic Street Preachers.

This coffee-table book is a psychedelic nostalgia trip for all those hip baby boomers out there, and it’s a mine of new knowledge for tomorrow’s young guitar stars who love the Orange brand and its heritage. Orange Amps have become a global phenomenon, and they are now justly celebrating the fact in this showcase of their work, and the artists who have used their equipment.

It will sit proudly on any coffee-table, keeping the reader entertained with insightful, thought-provoking memorabilia. The pictures are a feast for the eyes; the commentary is lively and full of warmth and wit – flicking through is a joy.  And there’s an added bonus: it even feels good, as the hardback cover is finished in beautiful velvet… Orange, of course!

Sample pages taken from this unique and wonderful book about the world of Orange Amps will be posted on the Orange website www.orangeamps.com shortly before it is launched at Musikmesse 2011.

To take a look at the new book as well as all the other Orange Amp Products go to Orange Music Booth F60 Hall 4.0.

Posted in Amplification, Books, Guitar

Frankfurt Musikmesse 2011: Orange OPC, Upgraded and now Shipping

Posted on April 4, 2011 by Planet-Musician

The much anticipated Orange OPC, the musician’s personal computer, has been upgraded and is ready for Pre-Order from the new website www.orangeopc.com for delivery within the UK by the end of April and will be shipping outside the UK shortly after.

Fresh from its triumphant demonstration at the CES Show on the INTEL stand, the OPC now features the 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ series i3-2100 CPU (3M Cache, 3.10 GHz). Featuring the very latest Intel technology, the new platform uses less power and has vastly superior integrated graphics and raw power ideal for audio processing. Further improvements announced today include 1 VGA and 2 HDMI interfaces and a precision cut laser aluminium chassis.

The OPC hit the headlines last year when the revolutionary all-in-one hybrid was announced. The first computer of its kind to have built-in high powered speakers, the OPC delivers superb full range studio and authentic vintage guitar sounds. The OPC is designed for musicians and songwriters offering one stop playing, recording, editing and computing capabilities, with premium software pre-installed. The OPC works straight out of the box with no setting up necessary… just plug in, play, record and share!

The OPC comes with well over £700/$1000 of premium software, including the following packages;

  • IK Multimedia Amplitube 3 including Custom Shop Orange Amps – Amp and Effects Modelling Software
  • Presonus Studio One Custom Orange Edition – DAW
  • Acoustica Mixcraft 5 – DAW
  • Toontracks EZdrummer Lite
  • Lick Library Player – Guitar learning and jamming centre for included guitar lessons.

The OPC retail price is £1020 + VAT (£1224 inc) with free delivery and can be ordered from the new website www.orangeopc.com.

Technical Specifications:

  • 500GB Hard Disk Drive
  • 4GB DDR3 1333Mhz RAM
  • OPC Instrument Interface 24bit, 96hz ULTRA low latency
  • 2 independent ¼” jack inputs for guitar, microphone or instrument, switchable and attenuated
  • Optical & Coaxial S/PDIF outputs
  • Intel® Core™ i3-2100 Processor (3M Cache, 3.10 GHz)
  • Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
  • Stereo Amplifier with 2 x JBL 6.5”Dual Concentric drivers

The Orange OPC revolution starts here!

For further information news please see the website www.orangeopc.com or contact info@orangeusa.com.

Posted in Amplification, Computer, Frankfurt Musikmesse, Guitar, Technology

Orange Amps bring you Dark Terror

Posted on April 4, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Dark forces have been stirring at Orange Amps where mysterious alchemy has created the beast to be unleashed. Striding out of the shadows is the new Dark Terror, guitars amps will never be the same again!

Menacingly small, easily recognisable, this aggressive little amp comes with a mind blowing sound which combines the shape control of the Thunder series with the weight and size of the monster Terror family. This Frankenstein like amp has creepy amounts of gain on tap with disturbingly pleasurable responsiveness. It is uncompromisingly brutal, doubtless unhinged, even ferocious!

The Dark Terror rises from the ethereal depths to fulfill the every desire of the Heavy Metal and Rock guitar players. With its characteristic fearless Orange Amp looks, heavy duty construction and portability, guitar players everywhere will quickly become attuned to this scary dark force of nature.

The Dark Terror is highest gain Terror amp ever and comes with:-

  • New High Gain Preamp 3 x ECC83/12AX7
  • Valve Driven FX Loop 1 x ECC81/12AT7
  • Four Stages of Gain
  • 15 Watts Class A, Switchable to 7 Watts
  • Weighs in at only 7kg/15lbs
  • A Gig Bag

The Dark Terror is available from the end on May 2011 and priced at £399 (inc. VAT). Hear its distinctive Orange Amp sound and you will feel this mysteriously attractive force pulling you into the shadow of the Dark Terror. It’s everything you want from a Black Orange Amp. Prepare to ride the Dark Terror storm.

Posted in Amplification, Guitar