My new Laney AOR Pro Tube Lead Head

DrownInk

New member
Ok, I've had this for a few days now and gotten to play with it quite a bit and thought I'd post some opinions and ask for any opinions about this head that some of you may have on it.

Basics. 50 watts.Two inputs, a high and low gain that act as two different channels, but this is only a one channel amp.

The difference between the two is amazing, if not very versatile. The distortion isn't too bad but it really needs to be pushed a bit with a pedal to get anything noteworthy out of it. The clean channel is my favorite part of the amp though, its absolutely...well, clean to pretty high volumes and has alot of head room. It has its own flavor when you compare it to the JCM 800s its suppose to be vaguely modeled after(this amp is Laneys version of the suped up marshall). Which brings me to its weirdest feature. you can boost the bass mid or treble by pulling out the knobs, however you lose almost all control in doing so and its only even somewhat useful when completely cranked(otherwise there are too many volume issues).

I still havent made up my mind on this amp, but it seems pretty solid for what it is. The tubes are about 4 years old so Im guessing it will be alot better in a month or so when I retube it, but for the price these things go for I don't think they can be beat( I traded a 300 dollar guitar for mine)...what are your opinions on this amp?
 
Re: My new Laney AOR Pro Tube Lead Head

Welcome to the club. AORs have a cult following second only to Supergroups from the 70s. Its a very special amp, I love mine. They are a bit noisy by the design, but it can be dealt with. I have decided to get a few of them and have at least one modded and one stock.
 
Re: My new Laney AOR Pro Tube Lead Head

I have a pair of AOR's - a 50 watt head and a 50 watt 1x12 combo. I wish the combo was the 30 version because it weighs a ton.
 
Re: My new Laney AOR Pro Tube Lead Head

My sister plays on a 100 watt AOR that I had to convince her to get. She'll probably end up getting another amp and I'll inherit the AOR since she just doesn't appreciate it the way she should, haha. I totally dig that behemoth.
 
Re: My new Laney AOR Pro Tube Lead Head

Thanks for the tip on the laney posse forum, there is more information than I can even digest in an hour of browsing the boards there.

Before I got it i had no idea what was up with these amps or any inclination that there might be a cult following, but I think its pretty neat that there is and Im always up for joining a new cult...

I really dig this amp. I can't get over how BIG the sound is . The only problem is its a one trick pony, but it really takes pedals well so it's a non issue.

Why the hell are these amps so cheap!????
 
Re: My new Laney AOR Pro Tube Lead Head

Thanks for the tip on the laney posse forum, there is more information than I can even digest in an hour of browsing the boards there.

Before I got it i had no idea what was up with these amps or any inclination that there might be a cult following, but I think its pretty neat that there is and Im always up for joining a new cult...

I really dig this amp. I can't get over how BIG the sound is . The only problem is its a one trick pony, but it really takes pedals well so it's a non issue.

Why the hell are these amps so cheap!????
The greatest AOR slinger is Criss Oliva of Savatage.
http://www.crissoliva.net/
I have an Email from the admin of Savatage website where it says that Criss' tech confirmed that Hall of the Mountain King, Gutter Ballet and Streets albums were all recorded with AORs. http://www.crissoliva.net/
Another user of AORs was Warren DiMartini in the early days of Ratt. George Lynch used the on tour of Tooth and nail I believe but didnt really like them. Ace Frahely used them on first two Comet's albums I think. Vinnie Moore used them on Time of Odessy and the album after that and on the tours for both albums. The singer/guitar player from Sword uses it, and so did the guy from Sleep. Non AOR Pro Tubes and AORs both are popular with the doom crowd. Trace of Voodoo amps knows them very well, as had one and giged with one in the day. He actually had on out of 200 hundred made as the limited Laney 20th anniversary addition. He also moded dozens of them, so if you wanna trim one of these beasts to your needs he is the guy to do it. Vinnie more had that, one stock he recorded with, one modded for gigs. But I dont know yet who modded his. Hope this helps. Why are the cheap? Well you know, because you know you look a lot cooler with a marshal than with a Laney.
 
Re: My new Laney AOR Pro Tube Lead Head

So this is where being a buhdist minded person who cares not for the name of material things begins to benifit me...good deal. I've never really listened to any of those bands(minus ace frehly, and i vaguely remember hearing some savatage before, but never sat down and really listened to them) before, Im gonna have to check them out. Thanks for the Voodoo amps tip, I am going to look into that when I have some extra cash.
 
Back
Top