Pricing and availability
Average Price: $3,495
High-end/Boutique
$300
$801+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
The Orange OR-120 is a legendary guitar amplifier head that has been revered by musicians for its powerful 120-watt output and distinctive British tone. Perfect for both studio sessions and live performances, this amp head delivers a robust sonic experience that is unmatched in its class. Originating in the 1970s, the OR-120 has become a favorite among rock and metal guitarists seeking a warm, full-bodied sound with plenty of headroom.
Its all-valve design ensures a pure analog signal path, allowing for organic distortion and harmonically rich tones. The OR-120 is equipped with a straightforward control panel, featuring master volume, presence, and three-band EQ controls, enabling precise tonal shaping. The amp's unique construction includes a high-quality transformer and rugged build, guaranteeing reliability and durability for road use.
This amp head is designed to pair seamlessly with a variety of speaker cabinets, making it a versatile choice for any guitarist looking to expand their rig. Whether you're aiming for classic rock grit or smooth, clean tones, the Orange OR-120 is a testament to superior engineering and timeless design.
Key Features:
- 120-watt all-valve design for powerful output
- Classic British tone with exceptional clarity
- Straightforward control layout with master volume, presence, and three-band EQ
- High-quality transformer for consistent performance
- Rugged construction for durability and reliability
- Versatile compatibility with various speaker cabinets
Product specs
| Brand | Orange |
| Model | OR-120 |
| Finish | Orange |
| Year | 1973 |
| Made In | United Kingdom |
| Categories | Guitar Heads |
| Direct Output | No Direct Output |
| Electronics | Tube |
| Impedance | 16 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms |
| Number of Channels | 1 Channel |
| Number of Inputs | 2 Inputs |
| Output Power (Watts) | 120 |
| Power Tube Type | EL34 |
| Reverb | None |
FAQs
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What kind of music genres is the Orange OR-120 amplifier suitable for?
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The Orange OR-120 is renowned for its powerful, classic rock tones, making it ideal for genres like rock, hard rock, and metal. Its robust tube-driven sound can also suit blues and alternative rock, providing a versatile option for guitarists seeking a vintage tone.
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Is the Orange OR-120 amplifier head suitable for live performances?
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Yes, with its 120-watt output, the Orange OR-120 is powerful enough for live performances, even in larger venues. Its single-channel design delivers a consistent, high-quality sound that can cut through a band mix effectively.
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What type of power tubes does the Orange OR-120 use?
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The Orange OR-120 amplifier head uses EL34 power tubes, which are known for delivering a strong midrange punch and smooth high-end, contributing to the amp's signature sound.
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How many inputs does the Orange OR-120 have?
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The Orange OR-120 features two inputs, allowing for flexibility in connecting different instruments or configurations.
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Does the Orange OR-120 amplifier include built-in reverb?
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No, the Orange OR-120 does not have built-in reverb, focusing instead on delivering pure, unadulterated tube tone. Reverb can be added externally through effects pedals if desired.
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What are the impedance options available on the Orange OR-120?
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The Orange OR-120 offers multiple impedance options, including 16 ohms, 8 ohms, and 4 ohms, allowing it to match with a variety of speaker cabinets for optimal performance.
Videos
Does It Doom?
Matamp GT120 vs Orange OR120 Doom Metal Amp Shootout
Matamp GT120 vs Orange OR120 Doom Metal Amp Shootout
Does It Doom?
Orange Overdrive OR120 Master volume (OD120)
2 Guys 1 Amp
Here's Why the Orange OR-120 is an All Time Classic
Obsessed With Guitars
Doom Metal Amps: GT120 VS OR120 Explained
Fuzzlord Effects
Orange OR120 1972 Vintage Amplifier Demo Subscribe for more vintage demos
The Amateur Guitar Guy……with an IPhone
Orange 'Pics Only' OR120 -vs- Marshall Super Lead
Johan Segeborn
Sounds Sick Episode 32: Orange OR 120 F.A.C. ( Vintage 70s )
I Like Old Stuff
Orange OR-120 Vs Marshall Super Lead
Johan Segeborn
Reviews
PROS
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Legendary rock sound associated with iconic bands
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Exceptionally loud with superior tone definition
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Versatile FAC control for customizable crunch tone
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Ideal for recording with its distinct sound profile
CONS
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May be too loud for small venues or home use
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Orange OR-120.
Comparisons
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Matamp GT120 is considered a close match to the early '70s OR120 circuits, especially in achieving the classic "prickly breakup" sound.
Source -
Rockerverb 50 and an EQ pedal can approximate the OR120 sound, offering versatility in tone shaping.
Source -
The OR120's tone stack uses a classic James EQ, contrasting with the Terror Bass's darker, scooped Fender-style tonestack, leading to distinct sound profiles.
Source
Features and functionality
User experience
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The OR120 offers clean tones unless cranked, aligning closer to a vintage Marshall with less gain.
Source -
The amp was reportedly used as an acoustic guitar amp, maintaining its excellent condition despite its age, which surprised the new owner.
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Owners note the OR120's warm, slightly overdriven vintage tone aligns well with flatwound strings, especially on a '78 Mustang Bass.
Source
Mods and upgrades
Use cases and applications
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The OR120 requires external gain boosts like fuzz or treble boosters to achieve heavy distortion, as it inherently has low gain.
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The OR120's presence and distinct "fizz" tone are noted as an acquired taste, appreciated by those who favor a high-presence sound.
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The OR120 is not recommended for bass when paired with a vintage 4x12 guitar cab due to insufficient low-end handling at band volume.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings
275
Great Amp
I used an original OR120 from 1972 to record my band's debut album
Artist usage
Add artist
In the 2005 full performance video of Paramore on YouTube, Jason Bynum is seen using the Orange OR-120 amplifier head. It was initially mistaken for an OD-120, but the absence of one of the knobs confirms it as the OR-120 model.
Shintaro Sakamoto is confirmed to use the Orange OR-120 amplifier, as evidenced by a live performance video of Yura Yura Teikoku from April 26, 2009. According to the Japanese magazine Guitar Magazine, it was purchased around 1994-1995.
Rick Maguire used a rare 90's reissue of the Orange OR-120 guitar amplifier head, which was manufactured by Gibson USA (as seen in photo).
From Orange, that is a very fundamental part of my sound I am using an Orange OR-120 1970 and an Orange Rockerverb 100 which are the very base of my sound and I consider them as a part that I can’t replace.
Saw him use it at Manchester Academy 2 13/4/19
In the web article "Ed Mundell: Gettin’ Ultra Electric" by Kathleen Johnson, published in Vintage Guitar Magazine in September 2013, it is confirmed that guitarist Ed Mundell uses an Orange OR-120 amp head.
What were your main guitars, amps, and pedals on the new album?
For amps, the 1976 Orange 120-watt Overdrive I’ve been using since ’92 through a Marshall Jubilee 1987 cabinet.
You can see this amp behind him in the video.
One of the three amps used to record the "FUN" album alongside a London City DEA100 and a Fender Blackface Princeton Reverb as seen in this studio photo: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=754667144578859&set=a.754666401245600
Used live in early 2014 (picture taken on February 19th, 2014, see also this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QznHF5qYvAY)
In this video, Steve does a shootout between a 1995 Orange OR120 reissue and a Matamp GT120
In this gears talk Hanno states, that he also likes to use the vintage Orange OR120 head because of his fat and warm tone and the minimalistic setup.
In this picture, taken at The Hellacopters show, Kenny can be seen playing on his Orange OR-120 in the background
Album Usage
The Orange OR-120 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 OR-120, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Similar
Add recommendation3 alternative and related items for Orange OR-120, curated by the Equipboard community.
An amplifier built around the same tonestack as the Orange OR-120, with different component values giving it a different character.
$297.34
An analog amp sim pedal, based off vintage Orange circuits such as the OR-120.
The Crazy Tube Circuits Orama pairs an emulation of the Orange OR120 preamp with a clone of the Frantone Peachfuzz.
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