Orange Amplification has officially pulled back the curtain on the OR60, a 60-watt, all-valve powerhouse that marks a sophisticated new chapter for the legendary “OR” series. Hand-assembled in the United Kingdom, the OR60 is designed for the guitarist who demands the uncompromising build quality of a boutique head combined with the versatile “meat” of a modern workhorse.
Retailing at £1,999.00, the OR60 represents a departure from the traditional EL34-driven British sound, opting instead for a 6L6-fueled architecture that delivers massive headroom, glassier cleans, and a tighter, more punishing low-end response.
The 6L6 Revolution: Clarity Meets Muscle
While Orange is historically synonymous with the mid-forward “honk” of EL34 valves, the OR60 utilizes a pair of 6L6 power valves. This choice is intentional: 6L6s are renowned for their wide frequency response and “American” chime, providing a high-fidelity foundation that prevents the low end from becoming “mushy,” even at high gain.
Volume Without Compromise
Don’t let the “60-watt” label fool you. In-house testing at Orange has confirmed that the OR60 produces Sound Pressure Levels (SPL) that rival many 100-watt competitors. To make this power usable in various environments, Orange integrated a dual-voltage power scaling switch:
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Full Power (460V): Delivers maximum headroom, punchy transients, and stadium-filling volume.
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Half Power (335V): Induces “gooey” power-tube sag and compression, allowing for rich overdrive at club-friendly levels.
Surgical Tone Shaping: The Controls
The OR60 is a masterclass in “simple yet deep” interface design. It provides players with several layers of sonic tailoring that go far beyond a standard 3-band EQ.
1. The 3-Position Bright Switch
Inherited from the critically acclaimed OR30, this switch is the “secret weapon” for matching the amp to different guitars:
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Left (Fine Treble Boost): Adds a subtle shimmer to darker humbuckers.
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Middle (Neutral): The gold standard for pedal users, providing a flat, uncolored response.
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Right (High-Octane Bite): Unleashes an aggressive, raw top-end reminiscent of vintage 70s “Pics Only” heads.
2. Presence, Resonance, and Negative Feedback
Unlike many single-channel amps, the OR60 offers control over the Power Amp stage. The Presence knob controls the high-frequency “sparkle,” while the Resonance knob tightens or blooms the bass response. Furthermore, a built-in negative feedback loop acts as a safety net for your tone, keeping the signal focused and preventing “unruly” frequencies from muddying the mix.
3. The “Pseudo-Second Channel”
While technically a single-channel amp, the OR60 features a footswitchable secondary volume control. This allows you to set a rhythm level and then kick into a pre-set solo boost, effectively giving you two-channel functionality without the phase issues or complexity of a traditional channel-switcher.
Technical Specifications Table
| Component | Specification |
| Output Power | 60W (Switchable to Half-Power) |
| Power Valves | 2 x 6L6 |
| Preamp Valves | 3 x ECC83/12AX7 |
| FX Loop | Valve-Buffered (12AU7/ECC82) |
| Chassis | Heavy-duty Steel |
| Weight | 18.2 kg (approx.) |
| Input/Output | 1 x Instrument, 1 x Footswitch, 3 x Speaker Outs (8/16 Ohm) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why choose the OR60 over a 100-watt head?
The OR60 is designed for “optimal saturation.” Most 100-watt amps are never pushed to their sweet spot because they are simply too loud. The OR60 hits that harmonic “sweet spot” at volumes that are manageable for modern stages and recording studios, while still feeling as powerful as a 100W unit.
Can I run my time-based effects (reverb/delay) through this amp?
Yes. The OR60 features an ultra-clean, valve-buffered effects loop. Unlike solid-state loops, this uses a vacuum tube to ensure your signal remains purely analog and your high-end remains intact even with long cable runs to your pedalboard.
How does it handle high-gain styles?
While it excels at British chime, the 6L6 valves and Resonance control make it a monster for high-gain. The low end stays exceptionally tight under heavy saturation, making it ideal for modern metal or hard rock when pushed with a boost pedal.
Is it “hand-wired”?
The OR60 is built in the UK using high-grade components and heavy-duty PCB construction designed to withstand decades of touring, mirroring the build standards of Orange’s flagship Custom Shop line.
Guitar Bomb Verdict
The Orange OR60 Valve Amp Head is a rare beast: a high-wattage workhorse that offers the nuance of a studio tool. Whether you are looking for a pristine pedal platform or a roaring, saturated lead machine, its combination of 6L6 power and advanced power-amp shaping makes it one of the most versatile heads in the current Orange lineup.
Price & Availability
At $2499/£1,999, it is a professional-grade investment for players who refuse to compromise on their signature sound.
Available at Andertons, priced £1999 in OrangeÂ
Available at Sweewater, priced at $2499 in Orange or in Black
Available at Thomann, priced at €2399 in Orange or in Black
More Information
#Orange Amplification #OR60
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