The first test run of the Martamp Orion prototype at gig volume is now complete :D
I booked myself and Martin a rehearsal room for the evening and we did some testing. We used my Martamp 2x12 with Hot 100 speakers as it's a great neutral sounding cab and in the room we had the following amps:
* The (my!) Orion Prototype
* Martin's own JTM45
* My JTM45/100
* My Laney Klipp (it's been modified to Marshall Plexi spec, with a switchable extra gain stage)
Guitar wise, we had:
* Martin's H-S-S Gibson SG
* My PRS McCarty (mahogany/maple)
* My Jackson Dinky with VHIIs
So I guess you want to know how it sounds eh? ;)
It sounds even better than I hoped it would :D Basically, in our opinion it sounded better than all the other amps we had in the room - and they're not exactly bad amps! :o The differences in the guitars and our playing styles really came though, so the Orion is nice and transparent. The clean sounds are sweet and round, and the channel crunches up really nicely for a smooth bluesy tone. The lead channel has a great classic rock rhythm/lead tone, really balanced with some great 'chewy-ness' and a clear top end. Think classic Marshall-style gain levels with more of a growling character than a shrill screamer. With the boost engaged on the lead channel you get a tighter higher-gain tone, where the pinched harmonics really come to life. The master volume works really well and even at really low volumes it sounds fantastic. What more can you ask for?
You all probably think I'm incredibly biased but this is one SERIOUSLY nice amp, and I've played plenty of other good 'uns - Marshalls (and clones), Fenders, Cornfords, Oranges, Matamps etc. None of the others hit my tone spot like the Orion did, the only thing I can think of that comes close is the Bogner Shiva (which I've never actually played myself, only heard in clips). I guess it's not surprising that I really like it, given that I had some input into the design, but there's something for everyone in it. I'd be incredibly surprised if someone tried it and didn't like it. For the superb price Martin has put it at, there's nothing in the same league in my opinion. Where else can you get a fully hand-wired and warrantied two channel amp (three channels, if you include the boost part) for £1095? Amazing. And you can even have it customised to your spec!
The next step is for Martin to put it into a temporary cabinet for me and I'll continue testing it. I'll be using it at home and at band rehearsals for a month or so to see if there's any minor tweaks to be done to it. After that it will be fitted into a 'proper' cabinet and I'll start gigging it :D
I'll see if Martin is happy to have a couple of pics taken so you can get a sneak peak at it before it's finished.....
