Vintage Orange Matamp 100W Head - UK c.1970

Here is something special: an Orange Matamp 100W Head from c.1970 bought by the current owner in 1982 from Macaris in London - a rare and iconic amplifier, deeply rooted in the history of British rock. A product of the groundbreaking collaboration between Matamp founder Mat Mathias and Orange's Cliff Cooper, this amp was meticulously hand-built in Huddersfield, UK, during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Renowned for its signature British tone and exceptional craftsmanship, it quickly gained legendary status. Notably, this model was famously used by Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin as a go-to amp during the early 1970s, further cementing its place in rock history.

Powered by EL34 tubes, the 100W head delivers a remarkable tonal range, with clean headroom that transitions seamlessly into harmonically rich overdrive when pushed. The simple yet effective controls - depth, drive, bass, treble, boost and volume - allow for precise tonal shaping. Built with hand-wired, point-to-point construction, the amp produces unparalleled dynamics and responsiveness. Adding to its distinctiveness, the original orange tolex has been removed from this particular unit, exposing a striking brown/green velvet finish, making it visually unique while retaining its sonic authenticity. The original tubes have been replaced with Svetlana tubes, but are included in the sale. The amps transformer was re-wired in 2014.

This amp represents the pinnacle of the early Orange-Matamp partnership and remains a coveted piece of music history. Rarely seen on the market, its association with legends like Jimmy Page, combined with its unmistakable tone and unique aesthetic, makes it an exceptional choice for collectors and players alike. Whether for its historical value or its unmatched performance, this 1970 Orange Matamp 100W head is a true gem of vintage British amplification.

Comes with power lead and original tubes.

Features:

Power output: 100 watts

Power tubes: EL34 (4)

Preamp tubes: ECC83/12AX7 (3)

Construction: Hand-wired, point-to-point wiring

Controls: Depth, drive, bass, treble, boost and volume

Inputs: Dual input channels (high and low sensitivity)

Output: 4, 8, and 16-ohm speaker impedance selector

Transformers: High-quality hand-wound transformers

Finish: Brown/green velvet (original orange tolex removed)

Origin: Handcrafted in Huddersfield, UK