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Orange OR50H Head £999
Hear this 40th anniversary head provide a new take on a classic theme
Mick Taylor, Tue 29 Jul 2008, 3:28 pm UTC
This amp is not a reissue; it takes inspiration from 1972's 80-watt Graphic Valve Amplifier – in designer Adrian Emsley's opinion, the time that Orange really found its "glam crunch" sound.
The OR50H uses a new circuit, which claims a slightly more realistic 50 watts from its dual EL34 output valves. It also adds a gain stage and includes the intriguing HF Drive knob.
The HF Drive knob controls presence and gain in the power section. Turning it fully clockwise makes the sound brighter, more lively and with maximum attack. Emsley says: "Up to around eight, it's a cross-line presence on the power amp only, between eight and 10, it adds negative feedback as well to really make it scream."
One feature that's not immediately obvious is the switchable master volume. You can switch the master completely out of the circuit, and control everything from the gain knob. We recommend you take care when you do this for the first time – we had a bit of a Back To The Future/Marty McFly moment!
"A Telecaster bridge pickup returns a raunchy rhythm sound that'll suit biting blues, The Stones, Springsteen and beyond."
In terms of build, the OR50H comes in Orange's standard, high quality ply cabinet, but uses a Plexiglass front panel rather than steel which, along with the more bulbous Orange logo, adds extra retro flavour to the visual package.
Inside it's built to a good standard: the circuitry, pots and preamp valves are on a single, main PCB that's secured to the chassis with bolts. Transformers (wound in the UK), power valve sockets and switches are chassis mounted and are hard-wired, while the jacks have little PCBs of their own.
Sounds
Hear Guitarist's Simon Bradley put the OR50H through its paces in the following clip:
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MusicRadar rating
Pros
Looks. Versatility. Straight-up spirited rock tone.
Cons
50-watt power stage compresses too much for conventional metal tones.
Verdict
No-nonsense, single-channel simplicity for rock and blues.
Review Policy
All MusicRadar's reviews are by independent product specialists, who are not aligned to any gear manufacturer or retailer. Our experts also write for renowned magazines such as Guitarist, Total Guitar, Computer Music, Future Music and Rhythm. All are part of Future PLC, the biggest publisher of music making magazines in the world.
Where to buy
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Specification
OR50H Head
- Price:
- £999
- Country of Origin:
- UK
- Additional Features:
- Optional footswitch (£22.95) for master volume defeat. Gain, bass, middle, treble, master volume and high frequency drive controls.
- Description:
- All-valve, single-channel head with solid-state rectification. 3 x ECC83/12AX7 preamp valves, 2 x EL34 power amp.
- Options:
- Matching Orange PPC412 LTD cabinet (£699)
- Power (W):
- 50