Questions about a 1974'ish Orange OR80.

SirJackdeFuzz

SirJackdeFuzz

New member
http://www.theallens.theallens.com/OR80R/image002.gif


Any one have any experience with an early 70's (1974) Orange OR80 ?

I just want to know, if the GAIN knob i see in the link above is actually a Master Vol. style Gain knob ?

Am i correct when i say the HF. Drive is like a Master Vol, and the Gain knob, is, well, a gain knob ?

Can someone also tell me how much they differ in tone to their bigger OR120 brothers.

Any info, very welcome.

;)
 
Re: Questions about a 1974'ish Orange OR80.

Empty Pockets said:
I've always wanted an OR80. Just ****ing buy it.
Click to expand...

IF it sounds anything like this - I WILL.





Already sent the seller an email - his add just said, 'make me an offer'.
 
Re: Questions about a 1974'ish Orange OR80.

Orange ORs are amazing, and they're non-master. The 'gain' knob controls preamp volume / gain while the HF gain is the presence control. The bass and treble EQ are self-explanatory, but the coolest feature IMO is the 'FAC' control which focuses the amp's midrange. It's a 5-position switch; my favorite is the 2nd brightest which gives a crunch like a really grind-y Marshall. If you have it modded for a post phase inverter master it becomes an Orange overdrive which is one the coolest amps I've ever had the priviledge to encounter.

Tone-wise OR80s are very similar to an OR120; in fact it's EXACTLY the same amp with two tube sockets missing. Since it has an OR120 output transformer, you have to set impedence differently on the amp. The taps are labeled 4, 8, and 16 ohms, but due to the difference impedence on the tube side, they're actually 8, 16, and 32 ohms. Some OR80s shipped correctly labeled with only a 8 and 16 ohm tap, but if that amp has all 3 remember to set the impedence to half of what the cab states. ie plug a 16 ohm cab into the 8 ohm jack which is actually 16. The 16 ohm tap wants to see a load of 32 ohms which no commercial cabinet has.
 
Last edited:
Re: Questions about a 1974'ish Orange OR80.

from what I have read or120 is way too loud, for a vintage orange or80 is a little too loud but with an attenuator its the only way to go!!! some do pull or120 tubes though. I would get it over the or50 any day for heavy fuzz rock using fuzz pedals.
 
Re: Questions about a 1974'ish Orange OR80.

everdrone said:
from what I have read or120 is way too loud, for a vintage orange or80 is a little too loud but with an attenuator its the only way to go!!! some do pull or120 tubes though. I would get it over the or50 any day for heavy fuzz rock using fuzz pedals.
Click to expand...

If the amp isn't in collector condition, I'd get the PPIV master mod done. An Orange Overdrive is one of those amps that I'd just love to have if I ever had too much money. I don't know why Orange won't put an FAC control on any of their new amps of even their 'reissues'. Coolest feature of the original ORs IMO.
 
Re: Questions about a 1974'ish Orange OR80.

I would get a pic of the guts and post it in the orange forum and ask for advice. tell em you are a thunderverb owner ;)
 
Re: Questions about a 1974'ish Orange OR80.

dystrust said:
If the amp isn't in collector condition, I'd get the PPIV master mod done. An Orange Overdrive is one of those amps that I'd just love to have if I ever had too much money. I don't know why Orange won't put an FAC control on any of their new amps of even their 'reissues'. Coolest feature of the original ORs IMO.
Click to expand...

I s'pose a high quality attenuator could work too ?

I seriously do not think there is anyone over here that can perform such a mod - for real.

Unless i send it to one of the few booteek amp builder who will most likely charge a PREMIUM try and 'help me out'.
 
Re: Questions about a 1974'ish Orange OR80.

dystrust said:
Orange ORs are amazing, and they're non-master. The 'gain' knob controls preamp volume / gain while the HF gain is the presence control. The bass and treble EQ are self-explanatory, but the coolest feature IMO is the 'FAC' control which focuses the amp's midrange. It's a 5-position switch; my favorite is the 2nd brightest which gives a crunch like a really grind-y Marshall. If you have it modded for a post phase inverter master it becomes an Orange overdrive which is one the coolest amps I've ever had the privilege to encounter.

Tone-wise OR80s are very similar to an OR120; in fact it's EXACTLY the same amp with two tube sockets missing. Since it has an OR120 output transformer, you have to set impedence differently on the amp. The taps are labeled 4, 8, and 16 ohms, but due to the difference impedence on the tube side, they're actually 8, 16, and 32 ohms. Some OR80s shipped correctly labeled with only a 8 and 16 ohm tap, but if that amp has all 3 remember to set the impedence to half of what the cab states. ie plug a 16 ohm cab into the 8 ohm jack which is actually 16. The 16 ohm tap wants to see a load of 32 ohms which no commercial cabinet has.
Click to expand...


GREAT info - thank you very much !
 
Re: Questions about a 1974'ish Orange OR80.

those amps are awesome! let us know if you pick it up
 
Re: Questions about a 1974'ish Orange OR80.

The amp in question



10494971_929565767058809_3088989776573142207_o.jpg
 
Re: Questions about a 1974'ish Orange OR80.

Ohooooohhhoooooo dayum! Nice! About the PPIMV: simple as heck to perform yourself (I'm waiting on parts to add one to my jcm800 build) but I see your point though, not everyone wants to play around in lethal voltage carrying components.

Cool drool-worthy amp man!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Jeffblue
I Was Gifted A Marshall VS15R..............
Replies
3
Views
293
Jeffblue
Jeffblue
J
Is this possible - Mag/Piezo A/B AND Coil Splits
Replies
9
Views
286
ehdwuld
ehdwuld
C
King of Tone, revisited
Replies
4
Views
376
Mincer
Mincer
Aceman
I have finally got my HOLY GRAIL pedal - and it isn't even a pedal!!!
Replies
16
Views
591
Aceman
Aceman
B
P-Rails and Tonewoods
Replies
12
Views
583
Mincer
Mincer
Back
Top