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Description
The Orange Matamp is a revered guitar amplifier head, celebrated for its distinctive British tone and robust build quality. Rooted in the rich heritage of the collaboration between Orange and Matamp, this amplifier head offers a unique sound palette that has been a staple among professional guitarists since the late 1960s. The all-valve configuration produces a warm, organic sound that is both versatile and powerful, making it suitable for a wide range of genres from blues to heavy metal.
Fitted with a straightforward control layout, the Orange Matamp allows musicians to dial in the perfect tone effortlessly. Its classic design incorporates high-quality components, ensuring durability and reliability on stage and in the studio. The amplifier head's power output is ideal for both small venues and large concerts, providing ample volume without sacrificing clarity.
Musicians will appreciate the amplifier's ability to maintain tonal integrity at different volume levels, thanks to its master volume control. This feature ensures that your sound remains consistent, whether you're performing at a low-key rehearsal or on a bustling stage.
Key Features:
- All-valve guitar amplifier head for authentic sound
- Collaborative design by Orange and Matamp
- Simple and intuitive control layout
- Classic British tone suitable for various music styles
- Master volume control for consistent performance at any level
- High-quality components for enhanced durability and reliability
Videos
Johan Segeborn
Orange Matamp Vs Marshall - ORST Vs Plexi
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Orange Matamp.
Comparisons
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The Rockerverb MKIII combines elements of Mesa Dual Rectifier and Soldano for high-gain sounds, while the Matamp GT120MV offers a warmer, cleaner tone similar to the classic Orange OR120.
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The Matamp GT2 offers channel switching and is considered more versatile than the GT120MV, but it might require a budget increase.
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Build quality
Features and functionality
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The Rockerverb MKIII includes built-in reverb and two channels, unlike the single-channel Matamp GT120MV, which also lacks reverb.
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Matamp FX loops pass only 40% of the effect signal, blending it with the dry signal, which might affect pedal integration.
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The Matamp GT150 is a KT88 version of the GT120, offering an additional mid control for tonal shaping.
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Use cases and applications
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Matamps excel in deep, muscular tones ideal for stoner and psych rock, while the Rockerverb is more suited for modern metal, with better FX loops.
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Matamps, when used in conjunction with a Twin Reverb, can complement shoegaze tones by balancing mid and low frequencies with sparkling highs.
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User experience
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Owners have noted that Orange pairs Vintage 30s with their cabs, but alternatives like Creambacks are preferred by some for a less trebly sound.
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Owners report that the texture of modern orange Tolex matches the original, providing a seamless restoration option for vintage amps.
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Owners note that Matamps generally have less headroom compared to Fender amps, impacting their use in high-volume settings.
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Mods and upgrades
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Custom faceplate magnets for Orange amps are available from a Facebook-based store, offering personalized aesthetic upgrades without altering the amp's core design.
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Custom speaker cabinets can be effectively built using 3/4” Birch plywood and 2x12 Celestion Greenbacks, offering a budget-friendly DIY approach with high-quality sound results.
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Matamp can customize a lower gain preamp section for increased headroom, making it more pedal-friendly for shoegaze.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings
Artist usage
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“Custom Built for Jimmy Page”, as displayed on the front panel. According to this May 20, 2009 Music Radar article, it was sold on eBay that year.
Here at MusicRadar we like a bargain, and we also like a slice of rock history. However, despite pooling our collective resources, we found ourselves about $29,937.25 shy of the 30 grand required to open the bidding on what appears to be a bona fide slice of Jimmy Page's backline circa 1971.
A 1971 200-watt Orange Matamp is a rare beast at the best of times, but this example is claimed to have been used onstage on a world tour by one of the most famous guitarists in the history of popular music, in the biggest band of the seventies. In the great rock 'n' roll memorabilia newsagents, we're talking top shelf.
If you are feeling flush, or merely fancy gawking at some pretty hardcore vintage amplifier porn, check out the eBay auction here. Bidding ends on 21 May at 9:02am PDT.
In the video for Iron Man, Geezer is playing an Orange Matamp with matching cabs.
In a 1968 photograph hosted on PhotoBucket, Peter Green is seen using an Orange Matamp guitar amplifier head, highlighting his preference for early Orange and Fender amps during that era.
In this video of the Dolls (especially at 4:04), there is what looks like an Orange Matamp behind Johnny that he's most likely is playing out of.
"He also got a new main amp, a vintage 1967 (?) 200-watt Orange Matamp. However this did not end up on the Blue Album due to its constant fuse popping (later we figured out that it needed a bigger size fuse than what it said on the back).
Later, in 1995, Matt got a second Orange Matamp, which was very similar to the '67, except it was from approximately 1975. It looked almost new, but this was before they started re-issuing them, so we knew it was old.
On 'pinkerton' and on stage for later Weezer and Rentals tours, Matt went back to the GK, with a Sovtek Big Muff pedal for distortion, and used the Orange just for recording clean sounds and for a back-up. Eventually both Oranges were severely damaged - the '67 from the "Rhino Lad" incident during a '97 show in Richmond VA, and the '75 from a bad freight shipping incident. Their whereabouts and current condition are unknown." - Karl Koch, weezer.com
Apparently, one of these amps was auctoned off Ebay in 2010.
in this video, both Paul and Andy can be seen using Orange Matamps. At 3:43, one can clearly see the amp behind Paul.
In the 1970 Beat-Club performance of "Let's Work Together," Alan Wilson of Canned Heat is seen using an Orange Matamp guitar amplifier head, which he played before heading to Woodstock.
Album Usage
The Orange Matamp has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Orange Matamp, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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