Orange Graphic and OR series: every version

Every version, how to tell them apart, how to date one, and what to check before you buy. 3 versions, 1968–1970s.

Orange's classic heads are dated mostly by their front panel. The first amps (1968–71) were built in Huddersfield with an Orange/Matamp logo and Partridge transformers; the Graphic heads launched in 1972 had pictograms instead of words on the panel (“Pics Only”) and introduced the six-position FAC switch; from 1973 the panels carried text as well (“Pics & Text”). Serial numbers and transformers narrow it down further.

The versions, in order

Orange/Matamp heads (1968–1971)

Huddersfield

The first Orange amps, built in Huddersfield and carrying an Orange/Matamp logo.

How to spot one

An Orange/Matamp logo on the panel.
Built in Huddersfield, with Partridge transformers.
Three-digit serial numbers stamped on the metal chassis.
Traffolyte panels on the earliest models.

Graphic “Pics Only” heads (1971–1973)

Graphic

Pictograms instead of words on the panel, four EL34s and the new six-position FAC switch.

What changed from the Orange/Matamp heads

The Matamp name left the logo, the panel switched to pictograms only, and the six-position FAC switch arrived.

How to spot one

The control panel shows pictograms only, with no text labels.
A six-position FAC switch shapes the midrange.
EL34 output valves: four on the 100- and 120-watt heads.
Four-digit serials, or five digits starting 80 or 120 on OR80 and OR120 heads.
Transformers by Parmeko or Ladbroke on London-built amps; Pennine stand-up transformers on amps still built in Huddersfield.

Specs

Power tubes	4 × EL34
Rectifier	Solid-state (silicon diodes)

OR120 and OR80 “Pics & Text” (1973–late 1970s)

OR series

The Graphic circuit with text added to the pictogram panel, named OR120 (120 W) and OR80 (80 W).

What changed from the Graphic “Pics Only” heads

1973: text labels were added to the pictogram panel, and the heads were named by power (OR80, OR120).

How to spot one

Metal panels with both pictograms and text labels.
The six-position FAC switch carries on.
Model OR120 is 120 watts on four EL34s; OR80 is 80 watts on two.
Serials run 10XXX in 1973, 11XXX in 1974 and 12XXX in 1975, continuing upward through the late 1970s.

Specs

Rectifier	Solid-state (silicon diodes)

Orange Graphic buying checklist

Date it

Panel style dates a vintage Orange: Orange/Matamp logo 1968–71, pictograms only 1971–73, pictograms with text from 1973.
Five-digit serials from 10XXX (1973), 11XXX (1974) and 12XXX (1975) continue to 13XXX (1976) and 14XXX (1977).
Partridge transformers point to amps from before 1971; Parmeko or Ladbroke transformers to London-built amps after that.

Check it’s original

Transformers are the key check: they should match the period and the place the amp was built.
Panels and logos have been reproduced; compare the serial number with the panel style.
Output valves and filter capacitors are routinely replaced and don't affect originality the way transformers do.

What usually needs work

Old filter capacitors on a 1970s head need checking or replacing before heavy use.
The FAC rotary switch can get noisy or intermittent; cleaning usually fixes it.
Four EL34s at 120 watts run hot; check the bias and the output valve sockets.

Questions buyers ask

What does “Pics Only” mean?

The early Graphic heads (1971–73) label their controls with pictograms only; from 1973 text was added.

What is the FAC switch?

A six-position switch that shapes the midrange, introduced on the Graphic heads.

How do I tell a Matamp-built Orange?

Amps from 1968–71 carry an Orange/Matamp logo; later Huddersfield-built amps have Pennine stand-up transformers.

More version guides

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