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GALLERY: Early Days of Orange

A look into the history of Orange Amps, Orange Records, and Orange Studios and the landmark products along the way.

"Circa 1972 Orange amps are referred to as ""Pics Only"" as they feature only the hieroglyphs and no text on the controls. These amps had the Baxandall EQ first in the circuitry, then Gain, then the phase inverter. Adds Adrian Emsley, ""What's more, the DC-coupled 'concertina' phase inverter used in the first Orange amps was changed to a capacitor-coupled version in the 'Pics Only' models."" This capacitor-coupled type of phase inverter drives the output valves harder, and this creates a more overdriven and crunchy sound. In this way, the Pics Only was the start of the new sound that everybody associates with Orange."""

To read more from The Book of Orange, check out our exclusive excerpt!

We chat with Molly about Sister Rosetta’s “immediately impressive” playing, which blends jazz, gospel, chromaticism, and blues into an early rock ‘n’ roll style that was not only way ahead of its time but was also truly rockin’.

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Featuring the SansAmp section, Reverb/Delay/Roto effects, and OMG overdrive, with new additions like a switchable Pre/Post Boost and Effect Loop. Pre-configured for the RK Killer Wail wah, this pedal offers versatile tones and unmatched flexibility.

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OM-balance and comfort suited for the fingerstylist on a budget.

Comfortably, agreeably playable. Balanced dimensions. Nice fretwork.

Lighter mahogany top looks less classically mahogany-like. Some compressed sounds in heavy-strumming settings.

$299

Guild OM-320
guildguitars.com

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The Premier Guitar crew is spoiled when it comes to hanging out with nice flattops. But while those too-brief encounters with acoustics we can’t afford teach us a lot about the flattop at its most refined, they also underscore a disconnect between the cost and the acoustic guitar’s status as a true folk instrument of the people.

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Featuring vintage tremolos, modern slicer effects, and stereo auto-panners, the update includes clever Rate and Tempo controls for seamless syncing and morphing.

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