Orange Amps is a name synonymous with high-quality, British-made guitar amplifiers. For over five decades, the company has been a staple in the music industry, providing top-notch equipment to some of the world’s most renowned musicians. But have you ever wondered who owns Orange Amps? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the company, its evolution, and the current ownership structure.
A Brief History of Orange Amps
Orange Amps was founded in 1968 by Cliff Cooper, a British entrepreneur and music enthusiast. Cooper, who was also a drummer, recognized the need for high-quality, reliable amplifiers that could withstand the rigors of touring and live performances. With the help of his business partner, H.H. Barratt, Cooper set out to create a range of amplifiers that would meet the demands of professional musicians.
The company’s early days were marked by innovation and experimentation. Cooper and his team developed a unique amplifier design that featured a distinctive orange tolex covering, which would become a hallmark of the brand. The company’s first amplifier, the Orange Matamp, was launched in 1968 and quickly gained popularity among British musicians.
The Golden Years: Orange Amps in the 1970s
The 1970s were a pivotal time for Orange Amps. The company’s amplifiers had gained a reputation for their high-quality tone and reliability, and they became a staple in the music industry. Many famous musicians, including Jimmy Page, Tony Iommi, and Stevie Wonder, used Orange Amps during this period.
The company’s success during the 1970s can be attributed to its commitment to innovation and quality. Orange Amps continued to develop new amplifier designs, including the iconic Orange AD30 and AD140 models. These amplifiers featured a unique circuit design that produced a warm, rich tone that was unlike anything else on the market.
Changes in Ownership: The 1990s and Beyond
In the 1990s, Orange Amps underwent a significant change in ownership. Cliff Cooper, the company’s founder, sold Orange Amps to a group of investors who were looking to expand the brand’s global reach. The new ownership structure brought in fresh capital and expertise, which helped to revitalize the company.
Under the new ownership, Orange Amps continued to innovate and expand its product line. The company introduced new amplifier models, including the popular Rockerverb and Thunderverb series. These amplifiers featured updated circuit designs and new features, such as built-in reverb and effects loops.
The Current Ownership Structure
So, who owns Orange Amps today? The company is currently owned by a group of private investors, including Cliff Cooper’s son, Damon Cooper. Damon Cooper, who is also the company’s CEO, has been instrumental in shaping Orange Amps’ strategy and direction.
Under Damon Cooper’s leadership, Orange Amps has continued to innovate and expand its product line. The company has introduced new amplifier models, including the popular Crush series, which features a range of affordable, high-quality amplifiers designed for beginners and hobbyists.
What’s Next for Orange Amps?
As Orange Amps looks to the future, the company remains committed to its core values of innovation, quality, and customer service. With a strong leadership team in place, Orange Amps is well-positioned to continue its legacy as a leading manufacturer of high-quality guitar amplifiers.
In recent years, Orange Amps has expanded its product line to include a range of accessories and merchandise. The company has also invested in new technologies, including digital modeling and effects processing.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Orange Amps is also committed to sustainability and reducing its environmental impact. The company has implemented a range of initiatives, including using eco-friendly materials in its products and reducing energy consumption in its manufacturing facilities.
Awards and Recognition
Orange Amps has received numerous awards and recognition for its products and commitment to sustainability. The company has been recognized as one of the UK’s fastest-growing companies and has received awards for its innovative products and business practices.
| Year | Award | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Queen’s Award for Enterprise | Recognized for outstanding achievement in international trade |
| 2020 | Music Industry Association Award | Recognized for innovative products and business practices |
Conclusion
Orange Amps is a company with a rich history and a commitment to innovation and quality. From its humble beginnings in the 1960s to its current status as a leading manufacturer of guitar amplifiers, Orange Amps has remained true to its core values.
As the company looks to the future, it’s clear that Orange Amps will continue to be a major player in the music industry. With a strong leadership team in place and a commitment to sustainability and innovation, Orange Amps is well-positioned to continue its legacy as a leading manufacturer of high-quality guitar amplifiers.
Whether you’re a professional musician or a hobbyist, Orange Amps has a product that’s right for you. With its wide range of amplifiers and accessories, Orange Amps is the perfect choice for anyone looking for high-quality, reliable equipment.
So, who owns Orange Amps? The answer is a group of private investors, including Damon Cooper, who are committed to continuing the company’s legacy of innovation and quality. With a strong leadership team in place, Orange Amps is sure to remain a major player in the music industry for years to come.
Who is the founder of Orange Amps?
Orange Amps was founded by Cliff Cooper in 1968. Cooper, a musician and entrepreneur, had a vision to create high-quality amplifiers that would meet the needs of professional musicians. He started the company in a small shop in London, England, and quickly gained a reputation for building reliable and great-sounding amps.
Under Cooper’s leadership, Orange Amps became a favorite among many famous musicians, including Jimmy Page, Stevie Wonder, and Tony Iommi. The company’s iconic amps, with their distinctive orange tolex and picture-frame cabinets, became a staple of rock music in the 1970s. Cooper’s commitment to quality and innovation helped establish Orange Amps as one of the most respected brands in the music industry.
Who owns Orange Amps today?
Orange Amps is currently owned by Cliff Cooper, who has retained ownership of the company since its founding in 1968. Despite the company’s growth and success over the years, Cooper has remained committed to maintaining control and ensuring that the company stays true to its core values of quality, innovation, and customer service.
Under Cooper’s continued leadership, Orange Amps has expanded its product line to include a wide range of amplifiers, cabinets, and accessories. The company has also maintained its reputation for building high-quality, reliable products that are used by musicians all over the world. Cooper’s dedication to the brand and its customers has helped Orange Amps remain a beloved and respected name in the music industry.
What is the significance of the Orange Amps logo?
The Orange Amps logo is one of the most recognizable logos in the music industry. The logo features a stylized image of a picture frame, which was inspired by the company’s early amplifier designs. The logo has undergone several changes over the years, but its core design has remained the same.
The Orange Amps logo is often seen as a symbol of the company’s commitment to quality and innovation. The logo is featured prominently on the company’s products, as well as on merchandise and marketing materials. It has become an iconic symbol of the brand and is widely recognized by musicians and music fans around the world.
What is the most famous Orange Amps model?
The most famous Orange Amps model is arguably the Orange AD30. Introduced in the 1970s, the AD30 is a 30-watt amplifier that is known for its warm, vintage tone and reliable performance. The AD30 has been used by many famous musicians, including Jimmy Page, Tony Iommi, and Stevie Wonder.
The AD30 is often credited with helping to establish Orange Amps as a major player in the music industry. Its unique tone and rugged construction made it a favorite among musicians, and it remains one of the company’s most popular models to this day. The AD30 has been reissued in various forms over the years, and it continues to be a sought-after amplifier among musicians and collectors.
Has Orange Amps ever been sold or merged with another company?
Orange Amps has remained an independent company since its founding in 1968. Despite offers to buy or merge with other companies, Cliff Cooper has retained ownership and control of the business. This has allowed the company to maintain its unique identity and focus on building high-quality products that meet the needs of musicians.
Cooper’s commitment to independence has been a key factor in Orange Amps’ success. By avoiding mergers and acquisitions, the company has been able to stay true to its core values and maintain its reputation for quality and innovation. This approach has helped Orange Amps build a loyal following among musicians and music fans around the world.
What is the current product line of Orange Amps?
Orange Amps currently offers a wide range of amplifiers, cabinets, and accessories. The company’s product line includes everything from small practice amps to large, high-wattage amplifiers designed for professional musicians. Orange Amps also offers a variety of cabinets and speakers, as well as effects pedals and other accessories.
In recent years, Orange Amps has expanded its product line to include a number of new and innovative products. The company has introduced a range of new amplifier models, including the popular Rockerverb and Thunderverb series. Orange Amps has also launched a number of new effects pedals and accessories, including the popular Bax Bangeetar and Fur Coat pedals.
Where are Orange Amps products manufactured?
Orange Amps products are manufactured in the United Kingdom. The company has a state-of-the-art factory in Borehamwood, England, where it builds all of its amplifiers, cabinets, and accessories. Orange Amps is committed to building high-quality products that meet the needs of musicians, and it uses only the finest materials and components in its manufacturing process.
By manufacturing its products in the UK, Orange Amps is able to maintain strict quality control and ensure that every product meets the company’s high standards. The company’s commitment to UK manufacturing has helped it build a reputation for quality and reliability, and its products are sought after by musicians all over the world.