Orange Not Cutting The Mustard...

[MrBump]

My Orange isn't working so well in a band situation...

It's a very dark EL34 amp, very loud, and I'm playing slightly overdriven Tele folk rock type stuff.

I think that I need something lighter and brighter.

Don't have a budget - but what's out there?  I'm thinking of maybe a 2x12 or 2x12 combo with an extension cab, valve based, maybe more of a Fender/bright/sparkly vibe to it.

Been a long time since I was last looking for an amp seriously...

Mark.

[Twinfan]

What about a speaker and/or cab swap?  Might help you out.

What are you using at the moment?

[MDV]

Speakers?

EQ pedal in the loop?

Boost it?

Different vales?

No need to go running to a new amp right off the bat, IMO. Unless, knowing all these things, you do think that the orange is that far from sounding how you want it.

[MrBump]

Fair points.

I'm running a Framus cab with 2xV30s.

The Orange is very dark, but always has been.  Was running through a Marshall 4x12 before, and it was super-dark then...

I think that I want something brighter, more sparkly, and I don't think that 4xEL34 fits that bill (although I'm not sure what does...)

Just to be clear, my GRO100 is single channel, no MV, no clipping.  Just volume and a little EQ...

[Twinfan]

It's dark, even with a Tele????

I'd get it serviced and checked over before doing anything.  It may just be tired valves, or something drifted out of tolerance, or a dodgy mod...

[MrBump]

It's dark, even with a Tele????

I'd get it serviced and checked over before doing anything.  It may just be tired valves, or something drifted out of tolerance, or a dodgy mod...

No, It's a feature of the amp - vintage Orange amps are renowned for that particular flavour - it's not a bad thing, and really suits heavier music - handles gain very well indeed, but lacks a certain amount of chime.

[Twinfan]

If you want another amp off the shelf, then I'd take a look at:

* Marshall JTM45 heads or Bluesbreaker combos
* Fender Bassmans (the nice handwired re-issues)

If you wait a little while, then an MJW built to your spec is obviously a great option...

[hunter]

A bright cap across the legs on the volume pot might make all the difference.

Also that amp screams for Greenbacks or G12Hs (which would both be brighter and more 3D than V30s).

[MrBump]

A bright cap across the legs on the volume pot might make all the difference.

Also that amp screams for Greenbacks or G12Hs (which would both be brighter and more 3D than V30s).

Really?

That might be worth a punt...

Still thinking about a new amp though...  18 months until my 40th birthday, and I'm wondering if I can convince Mrs bump to get me a nice expensive amp or a custom guitar...

[hunter]

Still thinking about a new amp though...  18 months until my 40th birthday, and I'm wondering if I can convince Mrs bump to get me a nice expensive amp or a custom guitar...

Dude that's an awesome idea!

Will be 2011 for me though  :?

[Twinfan]

It's my 5 year wedding anniversary this year.
Wood is the traditional gift.
Amps come in wooden boxes.
Guess what I'm getting  ;)

Back on topic, a bright cap may do something for you if there isn't one there.  V30s are pretty bright, and unless they're absolutely knackered I'd be surprised if a speaker change alone cured your 'problem'...

[Afghan Dave]

A man is indeed lucky if his wife gives him wood after 5 years of marriage ...  :P :lol:

[Lew]

A man is indeed lucky if his wife gives him wood after 5 years of marriage ...  :P :lol:

:lol:

[Cleverjake]

Mark,
Having owned that actual amp once upon a time I would be more than happy to make a trade for it.  :P
That being said if your looking for bright/sparkly I would go Fender or perhaps Rivera, Vox or Traynor. You could also go the ceriatone route. But if it were to be a present from the Wifey I would definetly look at Rivera.

Regards,
Bro-in-Law

[tomjackson]

I'd go for something with a blackface Vibe. The SRRI's are very nice.

Or possibly an MJW Roadstar 36 tweaked to have a fendery vibe with 6V6's.

Or have you Orange modded?